Upstate Cancer Center & Golisano Children's Hospital

Upstate University Hospital is the region's most comprehensive resource for cancer care and offers the most advanced outpatient treatment, clinical research studies, and support services all in one convenient location.

Location and Contact

Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital
One Children's Circle
Syracuse, NY  13210
T: (315) 464-5437 / (866) 543-5437 (toll-free)
Website: www.upstate.edu/gch/

Helpful Phone Numbers

• Appointments for New Patients: (315) 464-5437 / (866) 543-5437 (toll-free)
• Reach a Patient: (315) 464-5158
• Visiting Hours: On arrival to the unit, visitors should check at the nursing unit to learn if any restrictions apply to the patient they wish to visit.
• Request Medical Records: (315) 464-7832
• Billing Questions: (315) 464-4813

Cancers Treated

The Water's Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders is the sole provider of care to infants, children, adolescents and young adults affected by cancer and blood disorders in Central New York. We provide state-of-the-art care based upon protocols developed nationally and internationally. Our goal is to provide not only the best medical care possible to our families, but to help support them through all the challenges that can arise from having a child who becomes seriously ill.

Adult

• Breast Cancer Program
• Colorectal Oncology Program
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Head and Neck Cancer Program
• Liver, Gallbladder and Pancreas Cancer Program
• Neuro Oncology Program
• Prostate Cancer Program
• Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant Program
• Thoracic Oncology Program
• Thyroid Cancer Program

Pediatric

• Anemia [thalassemia, spherocytosis, sickle trait]
• Bleeding disorders [hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease]
• Brain and Spine tumors
• Childhood cancers [leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumor]
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Ewing tumor [bone]
• Histiocytosis
• Osteosarcoma [malignant bone cancer]
• Rhabdomyosarcoma [cancer of connective tissues]
• Sickle cell disease

For questions or additional details contact (315) 464-5294.

Directions

Driving

Flying

Airports

Syracuse Hancock International Airport

The main airport in Cleveland. Located approximately 23 minutes (16 miles) from Cleveland Clinic.

Location & Contact
1000 Col Eileen Collins Blvd
Syracuse, NY 13212
T: (315) 454-4330

Getting Around Syracuse

Ground Transportation

Gas

There are several gas stations on Erie Boulevard East and South Salina Street.

Getting Around Campus

You can view a map of campus or find specific directions.

Shuttle

Upstate's free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes (more frequently during busy hours) from 6:05 am to 8:15 pm, travelling from Madison-Irving Medical Center garage to:

• Main Entrance of University Hospital
• Jacobsen Hall
• 550 Harrison Center
• University Health Care Center
• Weiskotten Hall

Parking

Department of Parking Services

The SUNY Upstate Medical University Parking Office is charged with the operation and administration of the parking program established by the University. The SUNY Upstate Medical University's objective is to provide parking for its patients, visitors, students, and staff.

Location & Contact
Upstate University Hospital - Downtown Campus
Rm. 1801, 750 East Adams Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 464-4801
F: (315) 464-5074
Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / after hours call (315) 464-5073

Main Campus Parking

Daily Public Parking is available for the Upstate University Hospital Downtown Campus in Upstate Parking Garage East via either the Sarah Loguen or Elizabeth Blackwell entrances. A bridge connects the garage with the hospital.   

Daily Parking Rates

The Upstate Parking Garage East rates are as follows:

• 0 to .5 hours = $0
• .5 to 1 hour = $2
• 1 to 2 hours = $4
• 2 to 3 hours = $6
• 3 to 4 hours = $8
• 4 to 5 hours = $11
• 5 to 24 hours = $14
• Lost Ticket = $14

NOTE: Rates reset at midnight.

Valet Service

Valet parking is provided in the Hospital circle Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to accept incoming cars.  Valet service is available until 9 PM to retrieve parked cars.   The cost of the service is $5.00 plus daily parking rates.  There is no valet service on the following holidays:  New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Oversize Vehicle Parking

There is a vehicle height restriction in place for the Upstate Medical Garage East, maximum allowed height is 8 feet 2 inches. If you have a vehicle taller than 8 feet 2 inches, please contact the parking office for information on where to park at (315) 464-4801

Weekly Visitor Parking

Parking is available in the SUNY Upstate Parking Garage East for visitors who have a long-term (in the hospital a week or more) patient in the hospital. Upstate Parking Garage East can be accessed by either Sarah Loguen or Elizabeth Blackwell Streets.

• The fee is $32.40 (tax included) for up to seven (7) consecutive days.  
• A $10 deposit on a proximity card is required for all visitor issues. This card will enable the parker to use the Upstate Medical University Parking Garage East 24 hours a day, for the time frame they have paid.
• Deposit is refundable upon the return of the card.

A yellow tag will be issued in place of a permanent sticker and must be displayed on the rear view mirror facing outward, whenever the car is parked in the garage. Visitors not displaying this tag may be ticketed and/or towed.

The return of the proximity card (for refund of the deposit) may be made in person or by mail. If the return is made in person, visitors who are paid for the current day should park in the garage and arrangements will be made for their exit. If returning the proximity card by mail, a money order will be sent upon receipt of the proximity card. Those individuals should contact the Parking Office.

Reduced Patient Rates

Reduced rates are available for patients and their immediate family members. Please contact the Parking Office at (315) 464-4801, UH 1801 or see the courtesy desk in the main lobby of Upstate Medical Hospital for more information.

Ambassador Services

If you are in need of assistance to and from your car, please contact Ambassador Services at (315) 464-5030 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Ambassadors are a trained, uniformed staff who provide wheelchair and escort services in the hospital.

Public Safety

Public Safety is available 24 hours a day to provide an escort to the garage. You should allow approximately twenty minutes for Public Safety to arrange your escort.

Call boxes are located throughout the garages. The boxes can be located by the blue lights on top and have buttons for general assistance or for emergencies.

Attention for all Patients and Visitors to University Hospital: For your safety we have a security process for patients and visitors of University Hospital. All patients and visitors will sign in and receive a pass for the day. Please bring a driver's license or other photo ID. If you need to see Registration, they will give you your pass when you register. FastPas patients will receive their visitor pass at the FastPas desk.

If you have any questions, please call the Ambassadors at (315) 464-5030.

Directions to Public Parking Garage East and Garage West

From the West

• NYS Thruway (I-90) Exit 39 (Syracuse)
• 690 East to 81 South to Adams/Harrison exit (#18)
• Keep left off exit ramp. (Almond Street, under Rt. 81)
• Left at second light (E. Adams Street)
• University Hospital will be on right
• Turn left on Sarah Lougen Street
• Enter 'Garage East' on right or 'Garage West' on left

From the East

• Thruway Exit 34A (Rte. 481)
• 481 South to 690 West to the Downtown/Townsend St. exit (#13)
• Left off the ramp onto Townsend St.
• Left at 6th light (Adams Street)
• University Hospital will be on right.
• Turn left on Sarah Lougen Street
• Enter 'Garage East' on right or 'Garage West' on left

From the North

• Route 81 South to Adams/Harrison exit (#18) Keep left.
• You will go under Rt. 81. Left at second light (Adams Street)
• University Hospital will be on right.
• Turn left on Sarah Lougen Street
• Enter 'Garage East' on right or 'Garage West' on left

From the South

• Route 81 North to Adams/Harrison exit (#18)
• Right on Adams Street
• University Hospital will be on right.
• Turn left on Sarah Lougen Street to enter 'Garage East' on right
• or 'Garage West' on left

Accessible Parking

• SUNY Upstate Medical University Garage East
  From Adams Street, the Visitor's garage is on the left, across from the Hospital. Enter from either Sarah Loguen Street or Elizabeth Blackwell Street.
• SUNY Upstate Medical University Garage West
  From Adams Street, the Visitor's garage is on the left, across from the Hospital. Enter from either Sarah Loguen Street or Harrison Street.
• I Lot
  Corner of S. McBride Street and Washington Street
• Library Lot (L Lot)
  On the south side of Weiskotten Hall. Entrance is from Irving Ave.
  Accessible parking in the Library lot is by pay meter only and is open to public parking. Posted rates apply for all Accessible usage.
• All off-campus surface lots

Vehicles not displaying valid Accessible identification will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense.

Lodging

Lodging Options

Ronald McDonald House of CNY

The Ronald McDonald House of CNY is located less than a mile away from the hospital. A referral from an Upstate social worker is required. Parents/guardians should call (315) 464-6161 to be connected with a social worker.

Location & Contact
1100 East Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 476-1027
F: (315) 476-5022

Sarah House

Sarah House is located two miles from the hospital. A $20 donation per person, per day is recommended. Transportation by volunteers depending on availability.

Location & Contact
100 Roberts Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 475-1747

Candlewood Suites

Candlewood Suites is located 6.3 miles from the hospital. Rate for a studio suite is $89 per night. Rate for a one bedroom suite is $99 per night. 

Location & Contact
5414 South Bay Road
North Syracuse, NY 13212
T: (315) 454-8999
F: (315) 455-1173

Comfort Inn

Comfort Inn is located 4.6 miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $79 per night, plus tax. Room options include two double beds, one queen, one king, or one king with a sleeper sofa. Cots are also available for $10 per day. 

Location & Contact
6701 Buckley Rd.
N. Syracuse, NY 13212
T: (315) 457-4000
F: (315) 453-7877

Cresthill Suites

Cresthill Suites is located seven miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $109 per night.

Location & Contact
6410 New Venture Gear Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057
T: (315) 432-5595

Crowne Plaza Hotel

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located less than one mile from the hospital. Rates starting at $94 per night.

Location & Contact
701 E. Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 479-7000
F: (315) 703-1996

Days Inn

Days Inn is located 6.3 miles from the hospital. Winter rates run from November 1 to April 30. Winter rates start at $55 per night (plus tax) or $395 per week. Summer rates run from May 1 to October 31. Summer rates start at $60 per night (plus tax) or $405 per week. 

Location & Contact
6609 Thompson Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206
T: (315) 437-7292

Econolodge Downtown

Econolodge Downtown is located one mile from the hospital. Free parking and continental breakfast. Rates can be found online. There is a 10% discount for hospital guests. 

Location & Contact
454 James St.
Syracuse, NY 13203
T: (315) 425-0015

Genesee Grande Hotel

Genesee Grande Hotel is located less than one mile from the hospital. Free parking. Call for special rates and availability.

Location & Contact
1060 E. Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 476-4212
F: (315) 701-4316

Hotel Skyler

Hotel Skyler is located less than one mine from the hospital. Free parking. Call for special rates and availability. 

Location & Contact
601 S. Crouse Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (800) 365-4663 (toll-free)

Howard Johnson

Howard Johnson is located 6.3 miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $59 per night, plus tax. Room options include two double beds or one queen. Cots available for $10 per day. No shuttle service. 

Location & Contact
6590 Thompson Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206
T: (315) 463-0202
F: (315) 463-9270

Jefferson Clinton Hotel

Jefferson Clinton Hotel is located one mile from the hospital. Rates starting at $119 per night. 

Location & Contact
Corner Jefferson and Clinton Sts.
Syracuse, NY 13202
T: (315) 425-0500
F: (315) 472-4976

Maplewood Inn

Maplewood Inn is located 4.5 miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $69 per night. Shuttle service runs from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is based on availability. 

Location & Contact
400 7th North Street
Liverpool, NY 13088
T: (315) 451-1511
F: (315) 457-6897

Motel 6

Motel 6 is located seven miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $43.99 per night. No form needed. 

Location & Contact
6577 Baptist Way
East Syracuse, NY 13057
T: (315) 433-1300
F: (315) 437-2094

Parkview Hotel

Parkview Hotel is located less than a mile from the hospital. Complimentary breakfast and parking. Call for special rates and availability. 

Location & Contact
713 E. Genesee St.
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 849-4867 / (855) 876-6922 (toll-free)
F: (315) 471-4663

Quality Inn

Quality Inn is located 4.6 miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $69 per night.

Location & Contact
401 7th North Street
Liverpool, NY 13088
T: (315) 451-6000
F: (315) 451-0193

Sheraton University

Sheraton University is located less than one mile from the hospital. Rates starting at $93 per night.

Location & Contact
801 University Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13210
T: (315) 475-3000
F: (315) 477-8220

Super 8 Motel

Super 8 Motel is located 4.6 miles from the hospital. Rates starting at $55 per night, plus tax. Room options include two double beds or one king. Cots available for $10 per day. No shuttle service.

Location & Contact
421 7th North St.
Liverpool, NY 13088
T: (315) 451-8888
F: (315) 451-0043

Your First Appointment

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and provide you with some information about what you can expect during your first visit.

What to Expect

Please allow at least 1 1/2 hours for your first appointment, which is usually a consultation. You will meet with a physician and other members of your treatment team to discuss the best treatment options available for you and determine the recommended course of treatment. For your convenience, we will request radiology and laboratory results and other information from your referring physician prior to your visit. This information will be reviewed by your Upstate Cancer Center physician before you arrive.

What to Bring with You

In order to serve you better, please bring the following information with you on your first visit:

• Download the Medical History Form .  Please complete the form and bring it with you on the day of your appointment.
• Insurance cards
• Employer's name, address and phone number, if you are covered under your employer's insurance program
• Advance Directives ("living will") if you have one
• Referring physician's name, address and phone number
• List of medications you currently take (including over-the-counter medicines)
• Parking ticket for validation

What to Do

• It is helpful for you to research the type of cancer you have before your appointment. We have put together information about the types of cancer we treat and lists of additional resources in the Cancer Types section. Being informed will help you to make choices about your treatment options.
• Write down any questions you may have and bring them with you.
• You can find out more about your physician by going to Find a Doctor.
• We encourage you to bring a family member or friend with you to help listen and take notes during your appointment.
• If you need translation services or interpretation for the hearing impaired, just let the appointment scheduling staff know when you call. We'll be happy to accommodate you.

We hope this information is helpful in preparing for your visit. Each member of the Upstate Cancer Center team is committed to providing you with the highest quality of medical care in a supportive environment to help you through your treatment experience.

If you have any questions about these materials or your upcoming appointment, please call (315) 464-HOPE (4673) to speak to a member of our team.

Insurance

This institution accepts many insurance plans.

Our Community Mission

As part of our mission to the community, we will serve your needs regardless of your ability to pay for the care you receive.

Many of our patients have some form of insurance provided through Federal or State programs or a private insurance company. However, should you not have coverage through one of these programs, our Financial Resource Center is available to discuss community resources for which you may be eligible.

Private Insurances

SUNY Upstate University Hospital and its health care providers participate with a number of commercial and HMO insurance plans. Participation status may change with these plans, so please contact your carrier to verify your coverage, determine our participation status and to determine if authorization is required.

Managed care programs may dictate where their members receive care and they often require preauthorization for specialized services. If the plan does not authorize treatment at University Hospital, you will be billed for the care you receive.

It is also important for you to know that the professional services you receive in the hospital are not included in the hospital's charges. Providers (physicians and other practitioners) who provide services at the hospital may be independent voluntary physicians or they may be employed by the hospital. Providers bill for their services separately and may or may not participate in the same health plans as the hospital. You should check with the provider arranging your hospital services to determine if they participate in your specific insurance product. University Hospital has affiliations or contracts with a number of provider groups, such as anesthesiologists, radiologists and pathologists, to provide services at the hospital. You should contact these groups directly to find out if they participate with your specific insurance product.

Check with the provider arranging for your hospital services to determine if other providers will be required for your care. Your provider can give you the name, practice name, mailing address and telephone number of any provider whose services may be needed, such as anesthesiologists, radiologists and pathologists. You should contact these groups directly to find out if they participate with your specific insurance product.

If you do not have health insurance, you may be eligible for assistance in paying your hospital bills. Information about financial assistance is available online or you may contact our Financial Assistance Office at (315) 464-5026.

SUNY Upstate Medical University Participating Insurance List

It is the responsibility of the patient to know their specific plan benefit. Some health plans use smaller networks for certain products they offer so it is important to check whether your plan includes University Hospital in their network.

Health Insurances and Affordable Care Act

New York State of Health, NY's Official Health Plan Marketplace  makes it easier and more affordable to get health insurance coverage. NY State of Health is where individuals and families shop for, compare and buy health insurance coverage. It's the only place to get financial assistance to reduce the cost of coverage. Everyone should come to the Marketplace to see what is has to offer.

Billing

Few things about health care are more daunting than the bill. One of the more common points of confusion is recieving two bills from different sources for one test. This occurs because a service (like an X-ray) is broken down into two components:

• A facility fee to pay for the equipment and technologist to perform the test
• A professional fee for the doctor's interpretation of the test

In some settings, the facilty and the doctor are separate buisness entities. In others, the facilty is owned by the physician so there may be one comprehensive bill. It becomes more complicated if you come to the hospital for a surgery.

Find out if your insurance carrier participates with each of these entities and how payment for the services will be covered under your policy. Do not be afraid to ask the provider and your insurance carrier in advance of a procedure. Ask your doctor to identify all professional services that might be required to assist with your care so that there are no surprises afterwards. One common scenario is one where your surgeon and hospital are covered by your insurace company, but the anesthesiologist may not be. 

Deductibles, Co-pays and Provider Participation

Preauthorization

Conclusions

• Review your policy to familiarize yourself with the details of your plan.
• Call member services or visit the web site of your insurance company to obtain participating providers and hospitals.
• Each of our services contains links listing participating insurance carriers you may use as a guide.
• Call your insurance carrier for coverage details to be absolutely certain about your policy coverage and get their word in writing particularly for procedures and non-routine imaging such as MRI and CT scans.

Services and Amenities

Dining

• University Hospital Cafeteria: Located on the second floor across from the main elevators. Hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Vending machines available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Weiskotten Hall Cafeteria: Located on the ninth floor. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Espress Oasis Coffee Bar: Located in the University Hospital Main Lobby. Offers sandwiches, soups, gourmet coffees, and pastries. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Off Campus: Numerous eating establishments (pizza, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Indian, vegan, etc) can also be found in and around nearby Marshall Street. Marshal Street is on the Syracuse University campus, two blocks east of the hospital.

ATMS

There are automatic teller machines in the lobby of University Hospital, in the Physician's Office Building, 725 Irving Ave., and in nearby banks.

Gift Shop

Advocates Gift Shop

University Hospital's gift shop, managed by Advocates of Upstate Medical University, is located on the first floor of the hospital in the Main Lobby. The shop is open to all and contains a wide variety of cards, balloons, gift items, stuffed animals, spiritual gifts, beverages and food items.

Hours for the Downtown Campus are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours for the Community Campus are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Support for Families

• The Family Advisory Council: A committee of parents of long term, chronically ill childlren, specifically selected by the medical community to work as the liaison between hospital and medical staff and the families and children. The council has created a series of handbooks which are distributed to all inpatient families.
• The Family Resource Center (FRC): The FRC is a rich, and rare, resource for families and the community providing health information materials, computer-based resources and support, staffed by the professional librarians and a Nurse Educator.
• Pediatric Spiritual Care: Our chaplains offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support to people from all faith traditions, conduct special religious rituals such as baptism and prayer services, provide helpful literature, education about faith, issues and religious traditions, and offer pastoral support at the end of life.
• Social Work Services: Our social workers help families address social problems such as adjusting to illness, crisis intervention, placements and out-patient referrals, family violence, decision making regarding health care proxies and advanced directives, and grief and loss issues.

Why choose us?

Upstate Cancer Center

Hope's New Home

Upstate University Hospital is the region's most comprehensive resource for cancer care and offers the most advanced outpatient treatment, clinical research studies, and support services all in one convenient location.

Cancer treatments, cancer research, education, and prevention provides hope and inspiration. The Cancer Center has received strong support from patients, families, caregivers and the community.

Benefits for patients:

Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

Welcome to the Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

The Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital is the signature piece of the East Tower vertical expansion at University Hospital. Housed on the top two floors of the expansion, the new children's hospital provides over 87,000 square feet of space devoted to patient and family friendly amenities.

The dedicated "Tree House" entrance welcomes patients and visitors with an atmosphere made just for kids. The new facility operates as a hospital-within-a-hospital and enhances the pediatric education and research missions that are integral to University Hospital, as well as continues to serve as a vocal advocate for regional children's health issues.

The Golisano Children's Hospital is dedicated to meeting the needs of children and their families and is committed to providing the best possible care for all we serve.

We truly believe that 'Children are not just small adults'!

Services

Golisano Children's Hospital offers a full spectrum of primary and specialized medical care for pediatric patients. Our dedicated pediatric staff care for patients, in an inpatient setting, that consists of General Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgical Unit, hematology/oncology, the only pediatric intensive care unit in a 17-county referral area, and the only dedicated pediatric Emergency Department between Rochester and Vermont.

As the region's only Level I trauma and burn center, Upstate offers a complete range of health care services for children from birth to 19 years of age.

What makes us special:

• Our World-Class Pediatric Team
• Patient and Family Centered Care
• Child Friendly Atmosphere
• Support for Families

Mission

Vision