Transplant Evaluation

To become eligible for a transplant, you will need to undergo more medical tests. The transplant team needs to know about your physical condition to determine if you have other health issues. Not all additional medical conditions, such as diabetes, are disqualifying, but some will be. Some centers don’t transplant after a certain age or if you have HIV. Other centers do accept those patients. You will need to find out about the center you are considering. Some centers may disqualify candidates that another center might accept. If you are denied at one center, consider registering at another.

The Evaluation

During your evaluation, you will likely meet with a social worker, a psychologist, surgeons, nurses, financial coordinators, and others. Going through a transplant evaluation can be extremely stressful. Most people want to involve their caregiver in this process. Bring your questions, so they can be answered. You will have numerous blood tests, scans, cardiac, and pulmonary tests. Certain patients need additional tests. If you have been a substance abuser, your transplant center may require testing and counseling to be sure you have given up those activities.

Financing

At the point you are being evaluated for a transplant, you will meet with a financial coordinator who will review your insurance status. You will need to understand thoroughly what your coverage will provide in terms of testing, surgery, hospital stay and medications, and, of course, follow-up care. Some policies have limits on where you may receive care, tests, and surgery. Know what your policy offers. If you need to supplement your current insurance, there are resources a counselor or social worker can assist in identifying.