Preparing for Your Stay at Doernbecher Children's Hospital
Contact us
Checking in
Visit the concierge desk in the main lobby at Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
Weekdays: 5:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Weekends: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location and parking
Before you arrive
When your doctor schedules you for a procedure or admission at OHSU Doernbecher, we try to contact you prior to your scheduled visit to obtain current demographic and insurance information. If you are having a surgical procedure, you may also be scheduled for an appointment in our Pre-Admit Testing clinic. During this visit you will be directed to the Admitting desk where an Admitting Representative will pre-register you for your surgery.
If you are being admitted for a hospital visit and would like to pre-register in person, you may do so at the OHSU Main Admitting Office Patient Access Services, located on the ninth floor of the main OHSU Hospital. You can also call to pre-register at 503-494-2443 and leave a message on the pre-registration answering service.
Please ask your doctor for your specific check-in time.
Arriving for your hospital stay
Arrange to have someone bring you to the hospital when you arrive for your stay. Your driver may park for free in the designated parking area for Doernbecher on the day of admission and on the day of discharge. You may choose to use alternative transportation such as a TriMet bus or a local cab.
Doernbecher map, driving directions, parking information
If you need help, call the OHSU Doernbecher operator at 503-494-8811.
What to bring with you
- Money for any insurance co-pay or deductible that your plan requires
- Toiletries
- Robe and slippers
- Insurance billing information
- List of child's current health care providers, medications and dosages
What to leave at home
- Valuables, including items such as money (other than money that may be asked for co-pay or deductible), billfold/wallet, purse, credit cards and jewelry
- Electrically operated appliances
- Medications (unless your doctor asks you to bring them)
- Excess clothing (free laundry facilities are available at Doernbecher)
Patient rooms
Your child's Doernbecher room will have a telephone, TV, bathroom and shower. (Shower facilities in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit are at the entrance to the unit across from the family waiting room.) Each room accommodates 1-2 parents to sleep in the room with the child. Please note that siblings cannot spend the night, so please make plans for your other children.
Each unit has a family lounge, play area and public phones.
Laundry facilities
A washer and dryer are located on the ninth floor of Doernbecher for your convenience. Free soap is available.
Financial matters
If you have medical insurance, an Insurance Verification Specialist (IVS) will confirm authorizations and/or PCP (primary care provider) referrals (if required) to financially secure your admission.
If you are non-sponsored or under-sponsored, an IVS representative will determine whether you are eligible for hospital financial assistance.
If you are ineligible for hospital assistance, the IVS representative will discuss with you deposit requirements. If you are eligible for a hospital assistance, the IVS representative will discuss you the amount of discount. If you appear to be eligible for the Oregon Health Plan or another Medicaid program, and IVS representative will refer you to Finance and Medicaid Services (F&MS). A F&MS representative will assist you with the application process.
Visit OHSU Billing and Insurance for more information.