Shriners Children's in South Minneapolis: Orthopedic Care – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

Shriners Children’s in South Minneapolis stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and compassionate care for children facing complex orthopedic conditions. As one of the nation’s premier pediatric orthopedic centers, it delivers world-class treatment without ever charging families for care. Rooted in a century-old mission of service, Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis has transformed the lives of tens of thousands of children and their families through cutting-edge medicine, multidisciplinary teams, and a deep commitment to accessibility. This article serves as your definitive guide to understanding the institution’s legacy, its unique care model, and how to connect with its official customer support and toll-free helpline for inquiries, referrals, and assistance. Whether you’re a parent seeking treatment, a healthcare professional coordinating care, or a donor wanting to learn more, this resource provides all the essential information you need — including verified contact details, global access options, and frequently asked questions — all structured for clarity, trust, and SEO excellence.

Why Shriners Children's in South Minneapolis: Orthopedic Care – Official Customer Support is Unique

Shriners Children’s in South Minneapolis is not just another pediatric hospital — it is a revolutionary model of healthcare delivery that defies conventional norms. What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, specialized orthopedic care completely free of charge to every child who qualifies, regardless of a family’s financial status, insurance coverage, or geographic origin. This principle, established by the Shriners International fraternal organization in 1922, remains the cornerstone of its mission today.

Unlike most pediatric orthopedic centers that operate within insurance-driven frameworks, Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis functions as a nonprofit charity hospital. Every service — from initial consultations and diagnostic imaging to surgeries, physical therapy, prosthetics, and long-term follow-up care — is funded through donations, endowments, and community support. Families never receive a bill. This model removes one of the most significant barriers to specialized pediatric care: cost.

The center also distinguishes itself through its multidisciplinary approach. A child with a complex condition like cerebral palsy, scoliosis, limb deformity, or a rare bone disorder doesn’t see one specialist in isolation. Instead, they are evaluated and treated by a coordinated team that includes orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, geneticists, psychologists, social workers, and nutritionists. This holistic model ensures that treatment addresses not just the physical condition but the child’s emotional, developmental, and social needs.

Additionally, Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis is a national leader in research and innovation. Its clinicians actively participate in clinical trials, publish peer-reviewed studies, and pioneer surgical techniques that are adopted worldwide. The center is home to one of the largest pediatric gait analysis laboratories in the United States, enabling precise biomechanical assessments that guide personalized treatment plans. It also leads in the use of 3D printing for custom orthotics and surgical guides, robotic-assisted surgeries, and minimally invasive techniques that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.

The facility itself is designed with children in mind — bright, welcoming, and free of clinical sterility. Playrooms, sensory-friendly waiting areas, and family-centered care suites make the hospital experience less intimidating for young patients. Staff are specially trained in pediatric psychology and trauma-informed care, ensuring that every interaction is gentle, respectful, and empowering.

Finally, the connection to Shriners International — a global network of over 1.8 million members — provides a unique advantage. Local Shriners chapters actively volunteer, fundraise, and advocate for the hospital. This grassroots support creates a powerful community bond that sustains the hospital’s mission far beyond what traditional funding models can achieve.

Shriners Children's in South Minneapolis: Orthopedic Care – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

If you are seeking information about treatment options, scheduling an appointment, verifying eligibility, or need assistance with travel or lodging arrangements for your child’s care, Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis offers dedicated, compassionate customer support services. The official toll-free number for all patient and family inquiries is:

1-800-237-5066

This number connects you directly to the Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis Patient Services and Referral Center. Trained specialists are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time, to answer questions about orthopedic conditions, insurance (or lack thereof), transportation logistics, interpreter services, and more. Calls are confidential, free of charge, and answered by real people — never automated systems.

In addition to the toll-free line, families may also reach out via the following official channels:

• International Inquiries: +1-612-813-5300 (for callers outside the U.S. and Canada)
• TTY/TDD for the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-237-5066 (same number, compatible with relay services)
• Email Support: patient.services@shrinerchildrens.org
• Online Referral Portal: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/location/minneapolis/referrals

It is important to note that Shriners Children’s does not use third-party call centers or outsourced customer service. All calls to the toll-free number are answered by staff employed directly by Shriners Children’s in South Minneapolis. This ensures accuracy, continuity of care, and compliance with HIPAA regulations. Beware of unofficial websites or phone numbers claiming to represent Shriners Children’s — only the numbers listed above are verified and secure.

For urgent medical questions after hours, families already receiving care at the facility are provided with a direct on-call physician line. New families should call the main toll-free number, and an operator will connect them to the appropriate on-call clinician if the matter is time-sensitive.

How to Reach Shriners Children's in South Minneapolis: Orthopedic Care – Official Customer Support Support

Connecting with Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis customer support is designed to be simple, accessible, and responsive. Whether you prefer to speak by phone, send an email, visit in person, or use the online portal, multiple pathways are available to ensure no family is left without assistance.

By Phone

The most direct and recommended method is calling the toll-free number: 1-800-237-5066. When you call, you’ll be greeted by a patient services coordinator who will ask for basic information: the child’s name, age, primary diagnosis (if known), and your contact details. They will then assess eligibility, explain the referral process, and schedule a preliminary consultation — often within days. No referral from a primary care physician is required to initiate contact, though one may be helpful.

By Email

For non-urgent inquiries — such as requesting brochures, verifying accreditation, or asking about research participation — email is a convenient option. Send your message to patient.services@shrinerchildrens.org. Include your full name, phone number, and a detailed description of your question. Responses are typically provided within 1–3 business days. For security reasons, do not include medical records or personal health information in emails.

Online Referral Form

Shriners Children’s offers a secure, user-friendly online referral portal at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/location/minneapolis/referrals. This form is ideal for healthcare providers, schools, or families who wish to submit clinical documentation digitally. The portal allows you to upload imaging, past medical records, and physician notes. Once submitted, a care coordinator will review the case within 48 hours and contact you to discuss next steps.

In Person

Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis is located at:

Shriners Children’s

2300 4th Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55404

United States

Visitors are welcome during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday). A patient services desk is located in the main lobby, staffed by multilingual coordinators who can assist with registration, parking, interpreter services, and orientation. Parking is free for all families receiving care. The facility is fully ADA-compliant and offers valet service upon request.

Mail

For formal correspondence, such as donation inquiries, legal documents, or written appeals, send mail to:

Shriners Children’s – South Minneapolis

Attn: Patient Services Department

2300 4th Avenue South

Minneapolis, MN 55404

All mail is processed within 5–7 business days.

Virtual Consultations

For families who live outside the Minneapolis area or are unable to travel, Shriners Children’s offers telehealth consultations. After an initial referral is submitted, a virtual appointment can be scheduled with a specialist via secure video platform. These consultations are ideal for initial evaluations, follow-ups, and second opinions. All telehealth services are provided at no cost to families.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

Shriners Children’s operates 22 hospitals across North America, each serving as a regional hub for pediatric orthopedic, burn, and spinal cord care. While Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis specializes in orthopedics, families from around the world may be referred to other locations based on their specific condition. Below is the official worldwide helpline directory for all Shriners Children’s facilities. All numbers are toll-free within the U.S. and Canada.

Shriners Children’s Network – Official Contact Numbers

• Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis (Orthopedics) – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Boston – 1-800-237-5066 (same number; redirects to appropriate location)
• Shriners Children’s Chicago – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Cincinnati – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Erie – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Galveston (Burn Care) – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Greenville – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Houston – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Louisiana (Shreveport) – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Northern California (Sacramento) – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Philadelphia – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Portland (Oregon) – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Tampa – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Washington, D.C. – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s Canada (Montreal) – 1-800-237-5066
• Shriners Children’s International Inquiries (Non-U.S./Canada) – +1-612-813-5300

Regardless of which location you are contacting, the same toll-free number connects you to the central referral system. The team will route your inquiry to the most appropriate facility based on your child’s condition, location, and availability. For international families, the +1-612-813-5300 number is the best point of contact to begin the referral process, coordinate travel, and arrange accommodations through Shriners’ global hospitality program.

Shriners Children’s also partners with international medical missions and global health organizations. Families from over 80 countries have received care at Shriners facilities. If you are located outside North America and wish to inquire about treatment, please call the international number and ask for the International Patient Coordinator.

About Shriners Children's in South Minneapolis: Orthopedic Care – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis is a leader in pediatric orthopedics, serving as a national and international model for excellence in clinical care, research, education, and advocacy. Its impact spans multiple industries — from medical technology and biomedical engineering to public health policy and nonprofit philanthropy.

Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

The orthopedic department at Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis is among the most advanced in the world. It specializes in treating conditions such as:

• Cerebral palsy and spasticity
• Clubfoot and other congenital foot deformities
• Scoliosis and spinal deformities
• Limb length discrepancies
• Fracture care and trauma reconstruction
• Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy)
• Hereditary skeletal dysplasias
• Post-polio syndrome

The center performs over 1,500 orthopedic procedures annually, including complex osteotomies, spinal fusions, and tendon transfers. Its gait analysis lab — equipped with motion capture cameras, force plates, and EMG sensors — provides data-driven insights that guide surgical planning with unprecedented precision.

Research and Innovation

Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis is a designated Clinical Research Center by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Its researchers have contributed to landmark studies in pediatric bone growth, robotic-assisted limb correction, and the use of stem cells in tissue regeneration. In 2023, the center published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics and The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Its Innovation Lab partners with universities and tech firms to develop custom orthotic devices using 3D scanning and printing. Children with rare conditions can now receive personalized braces and prosthetics designed specifically for their anatomy — reducing discomfort and improving mobility.

Education and Training

The hospital is a primary teaching site for the University of Minnesota Medical School and hosts pediatric orthopedic fellows from across the country. Each year, it trains over 50 residents, interns, and specialists in advanced pediatric surgical techniques. Faculty members regularly lecture at national and international conferences, shaping the future of pediatric orthopedic care.

Public Health and Advocacy

Shriners Children’s actively influences public policy through its advocacy arm, which works with state and federal agencies to expand access to pediatric orthopedic services. It has played a key role in legislation that mandates insurance coverage for pediatric physical therapy and supports early intervention programs for children with developmental delays.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Since opening in 1924, the South Minneapolis location has treated over 120,000 children. Nearly 100% of patients receive care at no cost. The hospital relies on over $60 million in annual donations to sustain its operations — funds raised through community events, corporate partnerships, and the tireless efforts of Shriners members. In 2023 alone, the facility received more than 12,000 new referrals from all 50 U.S. states and 32 countries.

Awards and Accreditations

• U.S. News & World Report — Ranked among the Top 10 Pediatric Orthopedic Hospitals in the Nation
• Joint Commission — Gold Seal of Approval for Pediatric Specialty Care
• American Academy of Pediatrics — Center of Excellence in Pediatric Orthopedics
• Child Life Council — Certified Child Life Program
• NCQA — Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition

Global Service Access

Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis is not confined by borders. Its mission to serve children regardless of nationality, income, or location has led to the development of a robust global access program. Families from every continent have traveled to Minneapolis for life-changing orthopedic care — often after being told no other facility could help their child.

International families are supported through a dedicated International Patient Services team. This team assists with:

• Visa and immigration documentation
• International flight and ground transportation coordination
• Free lodging through the Shriners Family House (on-site housing for families)
• Language interpretation services (over 50 languages supported)
• Customized care plans that account for cultural and religious needs
• Post-treatment follow-up via telehealth

Shriners Children’s also partners with global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the International Society for Child and Adolescent Orthopedics to provide training, equipment, and surgical missions in underserved regions. In 2022, a team from South Minneapolis traveled to Ghana to perform 47 free surgeries and train local surgeons in pediatric limb reconstruction techniques.

For families outside the U.S. and Canada, the referral process begins with the international helpline: +1-612-813-5300. A coordinator will guide you through submitting medical records, arranging a virtual consultation, and planning travel. Most international families are able to receive care within 6–10 weeks of initial contact.

Shriners Children’s does not charge for international referrals, travel, or care. All expenses — including airfare, lodging, meals, and local transportation — are covered by the hospital’s charitable funds. This makes it one of the few truly global, no-cost pediatric orthopedic care systems in the world.

FAQs

Is treatment at Shriners Children’s in South Minneapolis really free?

Yes. All treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, imaging, braces, prosthetics, and follow-up care, is provided at no cost to families. This is made possible by donations from Shriners International and the public. No insurance is required, and no family is ever billed.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to get care?

No. Families can contact Shriners Children’s directly via phone or the online referral form. However, providing prior medical records and imaging can speed up the evaluation process.

What conditions does Shriners Children’s South Minneapolis treat?

The center specializes in pediatric orthopedic conditions, including cerebral palsy, scoliosis, clubfoot, limb length differences, neuromuscular disorders, complex fractures, and congenital skeletal anomalies.

Can international families receive care?

Yes. Shriners Children’s treats children from over 80 countries. International families receive free travel, lodging, and care. Contact +1-612-813-5300 to begin the process.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Most new referrals are scheduled for an initial consultation within 1–3 weeks. Urgent cases are prioritized and seen within days.

Are telehealth visits available?

Yes. Virtual consultations are available for initial evaluations, follow-ups, and second opinions. These are free and conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

Can I donate to support Shriners Children’s?

Yes. Donations can be made online at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/donate or by calling the toll-free number. All contributions directly fund patient care.

Is there housing for families?

Yes. The Shriners Family House, located adjacent to the hospital, offers free, fully furnished apartments for families traveling for care. It includes kitchens, laundry, play areas, and 24-hour support.

What if my child needs long-term care?

Shriners Children’s provides lifelong follow-up care. Many patients return for check-ups throughout childhood and adolescence. The center maintains records for decades to ensure continuity.

Are Shriners Children’s staff licensed and qualified?

Yes. All physicians are board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Therapists, nurses, and support staff hold national certifications and undergo rigorous training in pediatric care.

How is Shriners Children’s funded?

Shriners Children’s is funded entirely by charitable donations — primarily from Shriners International members, corporate sponsors, foundations, and individual donors. It receives no federal or state funding for patient care.

Conclusion

Shriners Children’s in South Minneapolis represents the highest standard of pediatric orthopedic care — not because of its technology or facilities alone, but because of its unwavering commitment to compassion, accessibility, and innovation. For over a century, it has stood as a sanctuary for children with complex conditions, offering not just treatment, but hope. The fact that every child receives care at no cost — regardless of background, income, or nationality — is a testament to the power of philanthropy and community.

For families navigating the challenges of pediatric orthopedic conditions, the toll-free number — 1-800-237-5066 — is more than a contact line. It is a lifeline. It connects you to experts who understand your child’s needs, to coordinators who ease the burden of logistics, and to a system that believes no child should be denied care because of their family’s financial situation.

Whether you’re calling from Minneapolis, Manila, or Montreal, the message is the same: You are not alone. Help is available. And it is free.

If you or someone you know has a child with an orthopedic condition, do not wait. Call today. Visit the website. Submit a referral. And take the first step toward a future where mobility, dignity, and joy are within reach.