Planning Your Visit to Milwaukee

Planning Your Visit to Milwaukee

Children's Wisconsin is the only hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the care of kids.

Before Your Visit

Getting Your Child and Family Ready for the Hospital

Start talking to your child a few days before the hospital visit — earlier for older kids. Help them understand what to expect and encourage them to ask questions. Listen carefully and give honest, clear answers. If you don’t know something, tell them you’ll find out together.

Use simple language your child can understand, and let them bring comfort items from home like a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, book or movie.

Remember, it’s normal for children to act differently before, during or after their hospital stay. Our Child Life team is here to support your child during procedures and throughout their visit.

For more tips on how to talk to your child, just ask!

Things To Bring from Home

Bringing familiar items can comfort your child during their hospital stay. You may bring:

  • Special toys (without sharp edges)
  • Movies
  • Pictures, photographs or posters
  • Games and books

Also be sure to bring:

  • Your health insurance or medical card
  • A list of all medicines your child takes
  • The name and phone number of your child’s primary care doctor
  • Your child’s vaccine record

Children’s Wisconsin no longer accepts cash payments. We accept:

  • All major credit and debit cards
  • Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay)

What To Leave at Home

For your child’s safety, please leave these items at home:

  • Toys with sharp edges
  • Small toys with parts that can be swallowed
  • Toys that make sparks
  • Latex balloons
  • Baby walkers
  • Personal items of value
  • Live animals

Remember, you are responsible for the items you bring from home.

Traveling From Out of Town

Our Access Center helps families from out of town plan their visit to Children's Wisconsin. Coordinators collect all the information you need and help schedule appointments. They are your main contact before you arrive.

What to expect:

Intro Call

  • A Coordinator will call you to explain what to expect based on the care your child needs.

Welcome Email

  • You’ll get an email that may include:
    • A form to share medical records
    • How to sign up for MyChart
    • A request for a copy of your insurance card
    • Info about the clinic you’ll visit

Collecting Records

  • The Coordinator will help gather your child’s medical records and images. We may ask you for:
    • A referral letter from your doctor
    • A list of doctors or clinics your child has visited

Insurance Check

  • We’ll make sure your insurance works with Children’s Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin.

Cost Estimate

  • We might give you an estimate of costs, depending on your insurance. You may need to pay part of the cost before you visit.

Scheduling Appointments

  • Once we review all records and images, we'll schedule your child's appointments.

Confirmation Email

  • You'll get a confirmation email with your schedule, helpful info, hotel options and parking directions.

Reminder Call

  • Ten days before your visit, a Coordinator will call to confirm everything.

Help on Arrival

  • On the first day of your visit, a Coordinator will meet you and guide you where to go.

Access Center Request