Radiology Image Transfer
Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic
Children's Physician Access
1 (866)-755-2121 (toll free)
(612) 343-2121 (Twin Cities metro area)
This 24-hour-per-day line allows physicians to access services at Children's - St. Paul and Children's - Minneapolis. You can consult with a primary care physician or specialist; receive information about stabilization or management; or receive information about possible referral and transport of critically ill patients.
Children's - St. Paul and Children's - Minneapolis both provide transport services for any children who are critically ill to the hospitals from any distance in the Upper Midwest. Neonatal and pediatric transport teams are available on a 24-hour basis and can respond by ambulance, helicopter, or airplane. This phone number is for health professionals only.
Admitting to Children's Hospitals
and Clinics of Minnesota
Professional staff members may admit patients to Children's 24 hours a day.
Same day admission:
Please provide the following information by telephone:
patient's name
date of birth
sex
primary care provider's name
referring physician's name
diagnosis, isolation requirements
special needs requirements
anticipated time and means of arrival
request for coverage by the teaching service
The nursing liaison for admissions will coordinate all unscheduled admissions.
Scheduled admissions
In addition to the information listed above, the patient's address, telephone number, and insurance coverage will be requested. Physicians' offices will be responsible for meeting insurance company pre-certification requirements prior to admission.
Urgent or emergency admissions
The emergency room will provide triage for urgent or emergency admissions. The clinical review coordinator will assist with necessary certification.
ECMO services
ECMO services are provided for both neonatal and pediatric patients with severe respiratory and/or cardiac insufficiency that is unresponsive to mechanical ventilation and medical therapy. Staff are available 24 hours a day for professional consultation, patient transport, or provision of ECMO. Available only at Children's - Minneapolis. See ECMO transfer recommendations and criteria.
Children's Hospital admitting numbers
To admit a patient
St. Paul
651-220-7800
Minneapolis
612-813-7800
For urgent or emergency admissions
St. Paul
651-220-7800
Minneapolis
612-813-6117
Utilization Review
St. Paul
651-220-6029
Minneapolis
612-813-5804
To schedule elective surgery
St. Paul
651- 220-6237
Minneapolis
612-813-7229
To schedule patients in Day Surgery
St. Paul
651-241-7874
Minneapolis
612-813-7229
West
952-930-8700
For patient room numbers
St. Paul
651-220-6800
Minneapolis
612-813-6111
ECMO services (Minneapolis only)
Neonatal referral (NICU)
(612) 813-6295
Pediatric referral (PICU)
(612) 813-6266
Meet the Team
Clinic Coordinators and Nursing:
Kristin Kemper, CNP
Cheryl Salter, RN, BSN
Jacqueline Gustafson, CNP
Medical Director:
James Sidman, MD, Medical Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic - Minneapolis and St. Paul
For related information, see Rehabilitation Services.
Support Beyond Medical Care Is Important
We know that it’s helpful for families to know that they are not alone, and that there are resources available to them. We offer a packet of information on cleft lip and palate, including an informational video called “Babies Born with Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate – A Road Well Traveled.”
Many families have found support by talking with other parents who have children with cleft lip and palate. Children’s offer an ongoing parent support group as well as the opportunity to talk individually with other families.
Payment for Care
Your family’s insurance, HMO, PPO, medical assistance, etc., will be billed for services provided by the Cleft Clinic. Some services may include an out-of-pocket cost to the family that is not covered by your insurance. If you have questions about benefits, deductibles, co-payments, or prior authorization, you should contact your insurer’s customer service representative. It is your responsibility to obtain prior authorization if needed. If you have financial concerns, please call the clinic, and we can give you suggestions on how to proceed.
We Work With You, On Behalf of Your Child
Communication is key. That’s why all specialists involved with your child meet, as a team, face to face with your family regularly. During those meetings everyone is updated on the course of treatment. Questions get answered. We also share information with your child’s physician or care provider in a detailed summary of the team’s evaluation and recommendations. We also provide assistance with follow-up during the year.
The format of the cleft clinic allows the family to meet with a variety of specialists at the same time. We are conveniently located on both the Minneapolis and St. Paul hospital campuses to meet your individual needs.
