Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center (Portland) is the largest pediatric hospital in Northern New England — with Tufts University School of Medicine affiliation and a growing set of pediatric subspecialties. Pediatric nephrology is present but limited; complex cases including transplant evaluation are referred to Boston Children's Hospital (~110 miles south, ~1.75-hour drive). Families in northern and rural Maine may find access particularly challenging. Hand-curated and independently verified.
~37K
Estimated adults with CKD in Maine
1.37M population · ~3.3% CKD prevalence
110 mi
Portland to Boston Children's Hospital — primary complex-care referral (~1.75 hr drive)
Via I-95 South
Largest
Barbara Bush Children's — largest pediatric hospital in Northern New England
Maine Medical Center
MaineCare
Maine Medicaid — maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/mainecare
Maine DHHS
Pediatric Care
Pediatric Kidney Care in Maine
Barbara Bush Children's Hospital is Maine's pediatric hub, with Tufts affiliation and specialist access.
Regions
Accessing Care Across Maine
Northern and rural Maine families face longer travel times. Bangor is ~135 miles from Portland (Barbara Bush) and ~250 miles from Boston Children's. Presque Isle and the Aroostook County region are significantly more remote. Families from these areas may need to plan overnight stays for specialty appointments.
Southern Maine (Portland / Biddeford)
Best in-state access — Barbara Bush Children's Hospital is in Portland. Multiple pediatric specialty clinics. Boston Children's is ~1.75 hours south.
Central Maine (Augusta / Lewiston)
MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta; Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. Specialty care via referral to Portland or Boston.
Eastern Maine (Bangor / Ellsworth)
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Bangor — general pediatrics, not subspecialty nephrology. Referral to Portland (~2 hr) or Boston (~3.5 hr).
Northern Maine (Aroostook County)
Cary Medical Center (Caribou) — most remote. Boston and Portland both require multi-hour travel. Plan for overnight stays and advance scheduling.
Complex Care
Boston Referral for Complex Cases
For complex nephrology, transplant, or dialysis: Boston Children's Hospital is the primary referral (~110 miles from Portland, ~1.75-hour drive). Dartmouth Health Children's CHaD (Lebanon, NH — ~2.5 hours from Portland) is an alternative for select families, particularly those in western Maine. Confirm with your Maine nephrologist which Boston or regional center is coordinating your child's care.
For Adults
Adult Nephrology
Support
Support Organizations
Financial Help
Financial Assistance
Education
Kidney Explorers in Maine
Request Kidney Explorers for Your School
Our interactive kidney education module is designed for elementary and middle school students. Ask your school to bring it into the classroom.
If this is a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
For acute kidney emergencies, go to Barbara Bush Children's Hospital ER (Portland) or your nearest emergency room. After stabilization, contact your nephrology team for guidance on next steps.
nephraware