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Visiting us

Whether you’re reaching out to us for an appointment or second opinion, we’ll work with you and your family to develop a customized treatment plan and be here to guide you through the decision-making process. Each patient’s care plan includes educational resources and mental- and emotional-health support.

Family members are a vital component of the care team and we welcome you on patient care units. Family members may call any time to speak with a nurse. We also offer a variety of parent-to-parent and patient-to-patient mentoring programs.

7 questions parents should ask a pediatric heart center

Many heart defects can be detected and treated before your baby is even born. Bring this PDF printout with you the next time you visit your pediatric heart center.

Download the PDF
Paper cutouts of hearts

Types of visits and procedures

We will notify you ahead of time about which type of appointment your child will need. Our staff can also answer any questions you may have. 

For more information on any type of patient admission, please call us at 617-355-4278.

Outpatient procedures

For outpatient procedures, your child will usually go home the same day, without needing an overnight stay.

Inpatient procedures

For inpatient procedures, your child will be admitted to the hospital a few days before their procedure. Check out our Welcome Guide for more information about inpatient visits:

Same-day admissions

For same-day admissions, your child will be admitted to the hospital after the procedure but will not need to stay in the hospital the night before surgery. Any tests needed before the procedure will be done during a clinic visit a few days before surgery.

Spending time in the CICU

After a heart surgery or other heart procedure, your child will be taken to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Watching one of our videos about the CICU experience can to help you feel more comfortable and know what to expect.

Financial services

If your child is being admitted to Boston Children's and you are not sure of your health insurance benefits, please call the number on the back of your insurance card, and they will give you the details of your plan.

  • Adding a new child to your insurance: If you are the insurance guarantor (the person financially responsible) for a newborn, you must add your new child's name to your insurance within 30 days of birth.
  • Elective procedures: All patients electively scheduled will be referred to the Patient Access Center (PAC) for insurance authorization. If we are unable to obtain insurance authorization, your elective admission may be postponed.
  • Long-term hospitalizations: If your child is in the hospital for more than a calendar month, your child may be entitled to SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Disability. Speak to your social worker for additional insurance opportunities.

International patients

For families residing outside of the United States, please contact Boston Children's Benderson Family Heart Center at +01-617-355-4278 or heart@childrens.harvard.edu.

Financial assistance and billing

For questions about patient billing, call 617-355-3397. If you do not have insurance, or if you need financial assistance, call 617-355-7201.