Community benefit report
We know Georgians are counting on us to make a difference—both in the lives of kids and in the strength of our communities. In 2019, Children's provided $229.5 million in community benefit, serving more than 444,000 children. We serve kids from all 159 counties in Georgia.
Medicaid’s impact on us
A reduction to the Medicaid budget means vital services would be at risk.
In 2019, we provided $120.7 million in care to families who could not cover the costs of their care. Patients who received this care include the uninsured and also children covered by Medicaid, for whom we are reimbursed less than what it costs to provide care.
We receive payment that is less than cost. Children comprise almost 60 percent of the Medicaid enrollment, but make up less than one quarter of spending.
For every 1 percent reduction in Medicaid provider payments, Children's is negatively impacted by approximately $6.3 million.
Our economic impact on the state
Children's directly employs more than 11,000 and serves patients from all 159 counties, making our impact on Georgia’s economy significant.
Our impact on children
Children's operates three hospitals, Marcus Autism Center, Center for Advanced Pediatrics and 19 neighborhood locations, including eight Urgent Care Centers.
In 2019, Children's:
- Saw 444,076 unique patients.
- Managed 26,818 hospital discharges.
- Performed 44,993 surgical procedures (inpatient and outpatient)
When kids need care, most parents turn to our Emergency Department, where in 2019 we had 244,403 visits.
- The Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center at Egleston hospital and Level 2 Pediatric Trauma Center at Scottish Rite hospital give Children’s the only designated pediatric trauma centers in the state.
- In 2019, more than 22,000 children visited our Emergency Departments for trauma care, and we treat about 60 percent of pediatric trauma patients in the state.
Studies show children need specialists.
- Children’s is ranked among the nation’s top pediatric hospitals in all 10 specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020-21 edition of “Best Children's Hospitals.”
- There are a limited number of board-certified pediatric physiatrists in the U.S., and we have three on staff.
- In 2019, we performed more than 44,900 surgical procedures—more than any other children’s hospital in the country.
- Through the use of specialized cameras and live video, our telemedicine specialists provide consultations and evaluations to children who do not have access to a pediatric specialist close to their homes.
- In addition to educating hundreds of trainees through our own research and treatment programs, we are teaching professionals around the world how to diagnose and treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
A 2016 study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation reports that the health of Georgia's children ranks 42nd in the nation. Children's is taking a lead on improving this ranking as part of our dedication to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow.
Children's is an academic, strategic or research partner with Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Medical College of Georgia.