Have questions? You're not alone. We've compiled answers to the questions we hear most often to help you better understand the transplant process.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Qualifications include chronic irreversible kidney disease and being on dialysis or close to needing it. Ineligibility factors may include other life-threatening diseases, a history of substance abuse, or serious psychiatric disorders.
That's okay! Each center has different acceptance criteria, and Transplant Coach allows applying to multiple centers simultaneously, increasing chances of acceptance.
Transplant Coach identifies transplant centers with shorter wait and helps patients apply to be considered for a transplant.
Yes, UNOS (the United Network for Organ Sharing) manages a national waiting list, but organ allocation is mainly handled regionally by 58 organ procurement organizations (OPOs) before broader allocation consideration.
Theoretically, up to 58, but we suggest starting with up to three, with the option to add more later. There are about 20 transplant centers with waiting times under two years across the country.
Yes, non-U.S. residents can receive organ transplants in the United States. However, there are several factors and considerations to discuss after applying including; Insurance coverage, cost, visa requirements, and post-transplant care.
Blood type can impact waiting time; our map and grid on the Transplant Coach homepage show estimated wait times based on specific blood types so you'll know the average wait time before applying.
Another factor, a Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA) affects your waiting time. PRA measures donor compatibility, with high PRA patients potentially waiting longer due to a higher likelihood of incompatible matches, ranging from 0% to 99%. For example, if your PRA is 80%, you are estimated to accept 20 of 100 donor offers. Listing at a high volume transplant center is advisable.
Good quality deceased donor kidneys (KDPI < 20%) are comparable to living donor kidneys, while medium and lower quality deceased donor kidneys do not last quite as long, according to OPTN data.
Before the transplant, the patient will be put under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to place the donated kidney inside, connecting it to the recipient's blood vessels and bladder. The patient’s original kidneys are usually left in place unless there is a medical reason to remove them. The operation usually takes three to five hours. Kidney transplantation is a common surgical procedure, with over 20,000 performed in the United States every year, boasting a high success rate and low complication rate.
Most kidney transplant recipients stay in the hospital for two to seven days and can typically return to normal activities within four to eight weeks after surgery.
Medicaid coverage varies by state, but patients have options like relocating temporarily or enrolling in private insurance to afford the surgery. The 1972 Medicare Act covers dialysis and transplant costs, with many transplant patients signing up for Medicare coverage when eligible. Consult your transplant team and insurance provider for details on coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Costs vary based on factors like the transplant center and insurance coverage. On average, estimated billed charges for a kidney transplant, including pre- and post-transplant care, total around $414,800. Most, if not all, of these costs are typically covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider and healthcare team for specifics.
