International Patients: What to Expect

The idea of seeking care in the U.S. can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Global Health team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles helps you navigate every step of your child’s care journey.

Before Your Arrival

Before you leave home, we start arranging services that help you have a seamless experience. Care coordinators work with clinical teams to ensure timely access to specialists, tests and treatments.

During Your Stay

Our patient- and family-centered care approach benefits all patients and caregivers. We treat you with dignity and respect, and we empower you with information that enables you to actively participate in your child’s care.

International patient services include:

Care coordination and management

International case coordinators greet you upon your arrival at CHLA. Some are fluent in Spanish and Korean. Interpreters who speak other languages are also available.

Coordinators get your family’s visit off to a great start by:

• Escorting you to your child’s first appointment
• Reviewing the treatment plan and appointment schedule
• Coordinating interpreter services throughout your stay, such as during appointments and family conferences
• Answering questions
• Advocating for your family to ensure you receive services consistent with your child’s care goals and family’s cultural beliefs
• Explaining how to get to local hotels, restaurants, banks, grocery stores and other points of interest

Throughout your child’s stay, nurse care managers will ensure your child has timely access to the care they need.

Additional services for Middle East patients and families

Dedicated consultants work closely with embassies and families from the Middle East to oversee their experience. Offerings also include on-site Arabic interpreters and an around-the-clock concierge service.

Support for international patients

From reducing stress to assisting with practical matters and keeping your child busy, our offerings lead to an excellent experience. Children can participate in art and music sessions, attend story times and relax with their families in our healing and meditation garden. Spiritual care and Child Life services are also available.

Living in Los Angeles

It’s easy to feel welcome in Los Angeles because it is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Residents represent more than 140 nationalities and 200 languages. Neighborhoods and restaurants reflecting this diversity are just a short drive from CHLA.

Nearby tourist attractions include:

• Amusement parks, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm
• Griffith Observatory
• Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and Warner Brothers, which offer behind-the-scenes tours
• Professional sports teams, including baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and American football

Going Home

Prior to discharge, case coordinators provide copies of your child’s medical records and prescriptions. You also receive aftercare instructions and a schedule for follow-up appointments, if necessary. A financial specialist is available to review your final bill and answer questions.

After returning home, our team continues to help you if there are any ongoing needs. Assistance may include coordinating communication with your child’s care team. You can reach out to us any time you have questions.

Your Questions Answered

If you would like to get more information about our international patient services, read answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Contact Us

To learn more about our Center for Global Health, email us at internationalpatientreferrals@chla.usc.edu.

You can also get started by completing our intake form. We typically respond within one business day.