If you are an external provider or facility:To Request a Transfer or Admission
Call the Hospital Main Line at 858-576-1700, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and ask for the Transfer Center. Our team coordinates all transfer requests, including scheduled and non-emergency admissions.For Emergency Critical Care Transport (CHET)
Referring providers requesting emergency transport by our CHET team may call the appropriate line directly:
Call the Hospital Main Line at 858-576-1700, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and ask for the Transfer Center. Our team coordinates all transfer requests, including scheduled and non-emergency admissions.For Emergency Critical Care Transport (CHET)
Referring providers requesting emergency transport by our CHET team may call the appropriate line directly:
- Neonatal patients — NICU Emergency CHET Line: 858-966-5888
- Pediatric patients — PICU Emergency CHET Line: 858-576-1700 and request the PICU CHET Line
See what information to have ready before you call.
If you are a family member or parent/guardian and you would like to transfer your child to Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, please contact your child’s primary care provider to discuss. If a transfer is appropriate, your child’s provider can contact our Transfer Center.If you are a Rady physician, please refer to the intranet website.
About the Transfer Center
The Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego Transfer Center provides a single point of contact for coordinating patient transfers and admissions to Rady Children’s Hospital. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our team helps streamline communication, coordinate patient placement and support a smooth transfer process for referring providers and healthcare facilities.
Our Transfer Center collaborates with a growing network of specialty services, including Hospital Medicine, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Behavioral Health, Case Management and International Patient Services.
Meet the Team
Transfer Center Operations Team
Core team members who coordinate patient placement and transfer center operations, 24/7.Patient Placement Coordinators (PPCs)
Our Patient Placement Coordinators are experienced nurses who provide 24/7 support for patient transfers and admissions. They coordinate inpatient bed placement and serve as a key connection between referring providers, hospitals and care teams.House Supervisors
Our House Supervisors are nursing leaders who oversee hospital operations and inpatient resources. They work closely with care teams and Patient Placement Coordinators to support safe, efficient patient flow and high-quality care throughout the hospital.Hospital Unit Clerks (HUCs)
Hospital Unit Clerks are trained within the Transfer Center to serve as a resource to Patient Placement Coordinators. They assist in documenting patient intake, creating patient charts, and communicating with facilities and families regarding patient bed assignments. Behavioral health intakes begin with our Transfer Center HUCs, who partner with our Behavioral Health team.
Our Patient Placement Coordinators are experienced nurses who provide 24/7 support for patient transfers and admissions. They coordinate inpatient bed placement and serve as a key connection between referring providers, hospitals and care teams.House Supervisors
Our House Supervisors are nursing leaders who oversee hospital operations and inpatient resources. They work closely with care teams and Patient Placement Coordinators to support safe, efficient patient flow and high-quality care throughout the hospital.Hospital Unit Clerks (HUCs)
Hospital Unit Clerks are trained within the Transfer Center to serve as a resource to Patient Placement Coordinators. They assist in documenting patient intake, creating patient charts, and communicating with facilities and families regarding patient bed assignments. Behavioral health intakes begin with our Transfer Center HUCs, who partner with our Behavioral Health team.
Collaborative Care Partners
Partner teams that provide expertise and additional coordination throughout the transfer process.Case Management
Case Managers are registered nurses who specialize in care coordination and navigating insurance and managed care requirements. They help facilitate non-emergency transfers, collaborate with referring and accepting teams, and support patients and families throughout hospitalization and discharge planning.Destination Health (formerly International Team)
Our Destination Health team is comprised of International Specialty Care Navigators who are available 24/7 to assist with transfer requests. Our team provides comprehensive coordination for families traveling from outside the region, working closely with departments across the hospital to support every stage of your child’s healthcare journey.Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health intakes begin with our Transfer Center HUCs, who partner with our Behavioral Health team, comprised of nurses and doctors. This team will review charts and contact the appropriate facility for care coordination and transfer. This team will manage all transfers from decline or acceptance to arrival.
Case Managers are registered nurses who specialize in care coordination and navigating insurance and managed care requirements. They help facilitate non-emergency transfers, collaborate with referring and accepting teams, and support patients and families throughout hospitalization and discharge planning.Destination Health (formerly International Team)
Our Destination Health team is comprised of International Specialty Care Navigators who are available 24/7 to assist with transfer requests. Our team provides comprehensive coordination for families traveling from outside the region, working closely with departments across the hospital to support every stage of your child’s healthcare journey.Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health intakes begin with our Transfer Center HUCs, who partner with our Behavioral Health team, comprised of nurses and doctors. This team will review charts and contact the appropriate facility for care coordination and transfer. This team will manage all transfers from decline or acceptance to arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I request a patient transfer?
Call our main line at 858-576-1700 and ask for the Transfer Center. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with transfer requests.
As a provider, what will I be asked for when I call the Transfer Center?
Please have the following information available: patient name, date of birth, initial diagnosis, referring physician and facility, callback number, and vitals. For more information, please see our Info for Referring Providers page.
Who can request a transfer?
Transfer requests are typically initiated by healthcare providers, hospitals, emergency departments, clinics and other healthcare facilities seeking to transfer a patient to Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.
Is the Transfer Center available after normal business hours?
Yes. The Transfer Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
Who coordinates non-emergency transfers?
Our Case Management team helps coordinate non-emergency transfers by working with referring facilities, accepting providers, insurance partners, transportation services and hospital care teams.
Do you accept patients from out of state or outside the country?
Yes. Our international patient services team helps coordinate healthcare and medical services for families traveling from outside the San Diego region. Please call 858-966-8291, or if outside the United States, 001-858-966-8291.
Does the Transfer Center assist families directly?
At this time, the Transfer Center primarily works with healthcare providers and referring facilities to coordinate patient transfers. Families with questions about an existing transfer can speak with their care team or call the main hospital line for guidance. See Info for Parents & Families for more.
Who do I contact if my child hasn’t been accepted?
Please contact your child’s primary care physician, or present to the nearest urgent care or emergency room for your child’s immediate needs.
Who should I contact the day of my child’s admission?
Please call the main hospital line at 858-966-1700 and ask for the Transfer Center. A Transfer Center team member will assist you.