SHA Facility Accreditation: Levels, Rights and Red Flags

You arrive at the hospital. You give your ID. They tell you they don't accept SHA.

Now what?

Here's how to check if a facility is SHA-accredited BEFORE you get there.

Table of Contents

• What Is SHA Accreditation?
• Why Accreditation Matters
  • For Patients
  • For Facilities
• Types of Accredited Facilities
  • By Level
  • By Ownership
• How to Check Accreditation
  • Method 1: SHA Super App
  • Method 2: SHA Website
  • Method 3: Call SHA
  • Method 4: Call the Facility
  • Method 5: Visit and Ask
  • What to Check Beyond Accreditation
  • Services Offered
  • Your Specific Needs
• Finding Accredited Facilities Near You
  • By Location
  • By Service Type
  • By Name
• What If Your Preferred Hospital Isn't Accredited?
  • Your Options
  • Reality Check
• Public vs Private Accredited Facilities
  • Public Facilities
  • Private Accredited Facilities
• Verifying Accreditation at the Facility
  • What to Do
  • Red Flags
• Emergency Situations
  • What to Do
  • After Emergency
• Keeping Track of Accredited Facilities
  • Build Your List
  • Save in Your Phone
• If You're Denied Service at Accredited Facility
  • What to Do
  • Common Reasons for Denial
• The Bottom Line
• Next Steps

What Is SHA Accreditation?

SHA accreditation means a healthcare facility has been approved by the Social Health Authority to provide services under the SHA scheme.

Key point: Only accredited facilities can serve you using your SHA coverage.

Why Accreditation Matters

For Patients

For Facilities

Types of Accredited Facilities

By Level

By Ownership

How to Check Accreditation

Method 1: SHA Super App

1. Open SHA Super App
2. Login (or browse as guest if available)
3. Go to "Find Facility"
4. Enter location or facility name
5. Filtered results show accredited facilities only
6. Tap facility for details

Method 2: SHA Website

1. Visit official SHA website
2. Look for "Accredited Facilities" or similar
3. Search by county, name, or services
4. Download or view facility list

Method 3: Call SHA

1. Call SHA helpline
2. Ask if specific facility is accredited
3. Get confirmation
4. Note the date you confirmed

Method 4: Call the Facility

1. Call the hospital/clinic directly
2. Ask: "Are you SHA accredited?"
3. Ask: "What SHA services do you provide?"
4. Confirm before visiting

Method 5: Visit and Ask

At the facility:

1. Go to reception/billing
2. Ask about SHA accreditation
3. Verify they can process your coverage
4. Don't assume — confirm

What to Check Beyond Accreditation

Services Offered

Not all accredited facilities offer all services.

Your Specific Needs

Finding Accredited Facilities Near You

If you are in Nairobi, we already keep a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood list of accredited hospitals: SHA Accredited Hospitals in Nairobi. Use that to find a facility; use the steps below to confirm one anywhere else in the country.

By Location

1. Open SHA app
2. Enable location services
3. View nearest accredited facilities
4. Sort by distance

By Service Type

1. Filter by service needed (outpatient, inpatient, etc.)
2. Filter by specialty if needed
3. View options

By Name

1. Search specific facility name
2. Verify it appears in accredited list
3. If not found, may not be accredited

What If Your Preferred Hospital Isn't Accredited?

Your Options

Reality Check

If your favorite hospital isn't accredited:

• They chose not to apply, or
• They didn't meet standards, or
• Application is pending

You can ask them why. But you'll still need to choose:

• Use them and pay out of pocket, OR
• Use an accredited facility for SHA coverage

Public vs Private Accredited Facilities

Public Facilities

Private Accredited Facilities

Understanding co-payments: Some private facilities charge more than SHA rates. You pay the difference.

Verifying Accreditation at the Facility

When you arrive:

What to Do

1. Present your ID
2. Ask them to verify your SHA status
3. Confirm they are SHA accredited
4. Ask about any co-payments before treatment
5. Get clarification on what's covered

Red Flags

Emergency Situations

In emergencies, you may not have time to verify accreditation.

What to Do

1. Go to nearest emergency facility (life first)
2. Get treatment (don't delay for insurance issues)
3. Sort out coverage later (after stabilization)
4. SHA should cover emergencies even at non-standard facilities

After Emergency

1. Get all documentation
2. Contact SHA about coverage
3. Submit claim if needed
4. Follow up

Keeping Track of Accredited Facilities

Build Your List

Save in Your Phone

• Favorite 3–5 facilities in SHA app
• Save contact numbers
• Know locations
• Have backup options

If You're Denied Service at Accredited Facility

What to Do

1. Ask why — Get specific reason
2. Check your status — Are you active?
3. Ask to speak with manager — Escalate
4. Document everything — Names, times, what was said
5. File complaint — With SHA

Common Reasons for Denial

The Bottom Line

Before visiting any healthcare facility:

1. Check accreditation (app, website, phone)
2. Verify services offered (they have what you need)
3. Understand costs (co-payments if any)
4. Confirm your status (SHA active)
5. Have backup options (if first choice unavailable)

Don't assume. Verify. It saves time, money, and frustration.

Next Steps

1. Download SHA Super App
2. Search accredited facilities near you
3. Save 3–5 favorites
4. Note emergency facilities
5. Read: SHA Benefits Guide
6. Learn: How to Use SHA Super App