Children are typically referred to CHONC from NICU, PICU, or ICU wards of regional hospitals post-surgery. Typical acute stays at CHONC are 30 days, although longer stays may be medically necessary for some patients. Children are referred to CHONC by major hospitals throughout Northern California, including Lucille Packard Women & Children’s Hospital, Stanford University Medical Center, UC Davis Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Valley Children’s Hospital, and hospitals that belong to the Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Healthcare systems, among others. CHONC accepts most insurance coverage, including Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal managed care, private pay, and commercial coverage.

CHONC Pediatric Hospital also provides Respite Care & Overnight Services. You can learn more on our Respite Program page.

CHONC employs Licensed Social Workers who can help guide families through the admission process, and help prepare them for long-term care of their children. CHONC helps parents learn the skills necessary to safely bring their child home, or can refer families to the appropriate level of post-acute care. When needed, CHONC staff can help arrange for nearby lodging. CHONCs clinical care team provides extraordinary care in a warm, supportive, and peaceful environment that is tailored to the needs of our medically fragile children.

CHONC works closely with referring hospitals to ensure that the children entrusted to us receive timely and appropriate care in an evidence-based environment. Our patient-care programs are designed to eliminate re-admissions by implementing care programs that keep children healthy and stable, and our policies and procedures are closely aligned with referring partners to reduce costly and dangerous re-admissions.