Planning Your Visit to Milwaukee

Planning Your Visit to Milwaukee

Children's Wisconsin is the only hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the care of kids.

Before Your Visit

  • Before your visit, check with your insurance provider to understand what services are covered and whether Children’s Wisconsin is in-network.

Airports

Bus

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)
View the current public transit routes for the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.

Washington County Commuter Express
The Washington Country Commuter Express (WCCE) provides service between Washington and Milwaukee Counties Monday - Friday.

www.ridewcce.com

Car rental/shuttle service

Learn more about car rental and shuttle service from the Milwaukee airport.

MTM

MTM is the State of Wisconsin’s non–emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service. MTM schedules rides for eligible Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members in Wisconsin.

Rides are covered for medical appointments. To get a ride for covered services, call (866) 907–1493 two business days in advance. Ride requests are accepted Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

www.mtm-inc.net/wisconsin/

Taxi

American United Transportation Management provides professional taxicab, medical transport van and single-rider wheelchair van transportation services throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Services always are available. Call central dispatch at (414) 220-5000.

Train

Amtrak provides daily rail service to and from Milwaukee. Call (800) 872-7245 for information and reservations.

Overnight stays in the hospital

One adult (a parent or grandparent) can stay overnight with their child. Most rooms have a sleeper couch for this. Let your child’s nurse know if you plan to stay. Showers are available for parents, but you’ll need to bring your own toiletries and pajamas.

For safety, parents cannot sleep in their child’s bed or with their child on the couch.

Brothers, sisters and other children cannot stay overnight. Please make other plans for their care before coming to the hospital.

Lodging and hotels

If you’re coming from out of town, we have a list of hotels, motels, and other options near Children’s Wisconsin. Many offer discounts for families and patients.

You can also ask about staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Getting Your Child and Family Ready for the Hospital

Start talking to your child a few days before the hospital visit — earlier for older kids. Help them understand what to expect and encourage them to ask questions. Listen carefully and give honest, clear answers. If you don’t know something, tell them you’ll find out together.

Use simple language your child can understand, and let them bring comfort items from home like a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, book or movie.

Remember, it’s normal for children to act differently before, during or after their hospital stay. Our Child Life team is here to support your child during procedures and throughout their visit.

For more tips on how to talk to your child, just ask!

Things To Bring from Home

Bringing familiar items can comfort your child during their hospital stay. You may bring:

  • Special toys (without sharp edges)
  • Movies
  • Pictures, photographs or posters
  • Games and books

Also be sure to bring:

  • Your health insurance or medical card
  • A list of all medicines your child takes
  • The name and phone number of your child’s primary care doctor
  • Your child’s vaccine record

What To Leave at Home

For your child’s safety, please leave these items at home:

  • Toys with sharp edges
  • Small toys with parts that can be swallowed
  • Toys that make sparks
  • Latex balloons
  • Baby walkers
  • Personal items of value
  • Live animals

Remember, you are responsible for the items you bring from home.

Traveling From Out of Town (Access Center)

Our Access Center helps families from out of town plan their visit to Children's Wisconsin. Coordinators collect all the information you need and help schedule appointments. They are your main contact before you arrive.

What to expect:

Intro Call

  • A Coordinator will call you to explain what to expect based on the care your child needs.

Welcome Email

  • You’ll get an email that may include:
    • A form to share medical records
    • How to sign up for MyChart
    • A request for a copy of your insurance card
    • Info about the clinic you’ll visit

Collecting Records

  • The Coordinator will help gather your child’s medical records and images. We may ask you for:
    • A referral letter from your doctor
    • A list of doctors or clinics your child has visited

Insurance Check

  • We’ll make sure your insurance works with Children’s Wisconsin and Medical College of Wisconsin.

Cost Estimate

  • We might give you an estimate of costs, depending on your insurance. You may need to pay part of the cost before you visit.

Scheduling Appointments

  • Once we review all records and images, we’ll schedule your child’s appointments.

Confirmation Email

  • You’ll get a confirmation email with your schedule, helpful info, hotel options and parking directions.

Reminder Call

  • Ten days before your visit, a Coordinator will call to confirm everything.

Help on Arrival

  • On the first day of your visit, a Coordinator will meet you and guide you where to go.

Access Center Request for CTA