Going Home
Getting ready for your child's return home after a hospital stay can bring feelings of relief, excitement and stress.
We understand that you may even feel overwhelmed. We will continue to support your whole family with resources as you continue to care for your child.
Your child's care team will give you plenty of time to plan before your child is ready to go home. Your child's doctor or nurse will talk with you about any special instructions for your child's care at home, such as:
- Medications
- Special diet
- Medical equipment
- At-home care services
If your child will need equipment or services, the nurse or doctor will contact a member of the Clinical Services and Care Coordination Department. Someone from this department will work with you to set up everything you need to care for your child at home.
Arranging Homecare Services
Nationwide Children's Hospital Homecare is the only homecare service in the area operated by pediatric experts at the hospital.
We provide a variety of health services at your home. Our staff works closely with your family and your child's doctor to provide a cost-effective alternative to being in the hospital.
Contact us at (614) 355-1100 or (800) 466-2727. Learn more about Nationwide Children's Hospital Homecare Services.
Our pharmacies accept a variety of insurance plans. Be sure to ask the staff for details.
If your child needs follow-up tests or therapy after leaving the hospital, we have several locations available.
Nationwide Children's Hospital provides services at its main campus and at convenient Close To HomeSM centers.
Nationwide Children's Hospital reminds you to bring your child's car seat for the trip home from the hospital. Ohio law says that every child must ride in a car seat:
- Until at least age 4
- Until a weight of at least 40 pounds
Nationwide Children's recommends that children older than 4 years and weighing more than 40 pounds use a booster seat until they properly fit into an adult safety belt. This is usually at age 8 and a height of 4 feet, 9 inches.
We accept debit cards and credit cards, including:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover Card
Working with Your Insurance Company
We work with most health insurance companies, and we will bill your insurance company for you. We also can help with financial assistance applications, such as:
- Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps
- Medicaid
Many insurance companies want you to tell them when your child goes to the hospital. If you do not tell them, they may not pay your bill. This means you will be responsible for the entire cost of your child's medical care. To avoid such problems, please check with your insurance company about their requirements.
When your child is admitted to the hospital, we usually:
- Verify your insurance benefits
- Estimate the amount you will owe
We do this so that when you do receive a bill, it is not a surprise.
Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Sometimes, it is not possible to pay the full amount of a bill all at once. If you need to set up a payment plan, our Patient Access Department can help. You can visit or call the Patient Access Department:
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Phone: (614) 722-2055
- Located in the main lobby of the hospital, just past the information desk
If you need financial assistance, Nationwide Children's Hospital can connect you with many different programs and agencies. These groups provide plans for families, children under age 19 and pregnant women. Learn more about financial assistance options.
Don't Have Insurance? Don't Worry.
Sign up for HealthyStart Plus, Franklin County's children's health insurance program. It covers:
- General healthcare
- Dental care
- Eye care
- Hospital stays
- Prescriptions
Coverage is provided for:
- Infants
- Toddlers
- Children
- Teens under age 19
With HealthyStart Plus, you can choose your child's doctors. That means that your Close-To-Home Physician Care Center doctor or Primary Care Center doctor at Nationwide Children's Hospital is included in the health plan.
Have questions about signing up? The Patient Access Department can help. You can visit or call the Patient Access Department:
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Phone: (614) 722-2055
- Located in the main lobby of the hospital, just past the information desk
You may call Security at (614) 722-2128 to help you with lost or found items. Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for lost items.
To avoid losing items we recommend:
- Label any items that you bring to the hospital for your child.
- Do not bring large amounts of cash.
- Do not bring valuables.
- Use lockers if provided.
Lockers are available in:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit waiting area
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit waiting area
- In some patient rooms
When you let us know your opinions about the care and service your child received at Nationwide Children's Hospital, you help us keep our standards high. We want to know how we did.
If you receive a survey in the mail about your time with us, please complete it. This is your opportunity to tell us about your child's stay.
Nationwide Children's Hospital management will use your comments to improve the quality of services we provide.
Questions? Contact Patient Relations at (614) 722-6593.
We appreciate your donations to Nationwide Children's Hospital. Learn about giving to Nationwide Children's.