Is a Kidney Transplant Right for Me? Network 8
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Is a Kidney Transplant
Right for Me
Network 8
1 2
How does a kidney transplant work
Introduction What do singer Natalie Cole actor Ken Howard funny men Tracy Morgan and George Lopez and fashion reporter Steven Cojocaru have in common They all have some form of kidney disease and they have all had a kidney transplant When you find out that your kidneys are failing one of the first things you might ask yourself is whether you qualify for a kidney transplant and whether a transplant is the right option for you Everyone is different and what is right for one person is not always right for another It is best to learn all of the facts about transplantation and how it might affect you before making your choice And remember a transplant is NOT a cure It is a treatment just like hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and it does not make all of your problems go away In fact you will have to take medicines every day for the rest of your life and these medicines can bring a whole new set of problems But a kidney transplant gives some people more freedom and a less restrictive life
Is a transplant a better option than hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by taking out excess fluid minerals and wastes They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy When your kidneys fail harmful wastes build up in your body your blood pressure may rise and your body may retain extra fluid and not make enough red blood cells When this happens you need treatment to replace the work of your
1
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by taking out excess fluidminerals and wastes They also make hormones that keepyour bones strong and your blood healthy When yourkidneys fail harmful wastes build up in your body yourblood pressure may rise and your body may retain extrafluid and not make enough red blood cells When thishappens you need treatment to replace the work of your
What do singer Natalie Coleactor Ken Howard funnymen Tracy Morgan andGeorge Lopez and fashionreporter Steven Cojocaruhave in common They allhave some form of kidneydisease and they have allhad a kidney transplant When you find out that yourkidneys are failing one of the first things you might askyourself is whether you qualify for a kidney transplant andwhether a transplant is the right option for you Everyoneis different and what is right for one person is not alwaysright for another It is best to learn all of the facts abouttransplantation and how it might affect you before makingyour choice And remember a transplant is NOT a cure Itis a treatment just like hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysisand it does not make all of your problems go away In factyou will have to take medicines every day for the rest ofyour life and these medicines can bring a whole new set ofproblems But a kidney transplant gives some peoplemore freedom and a less restrictive life
1 2
Introduction
Is a transplant a better option than hemodialysisor peritoneal dialysis
failed kidneys There are several types of treatment for kidney failure but transplantation is the only treatment that will work 24 hours a day just like your own kidneys More frequent and longer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis options are now available and many of these are much better options than the traditional 4 hours 3 times a week therapy But transplantation still offers the most effective treatment Keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for a transplant Your doctor may tell you that you have a condition that would make transplantation dangerous or unlikely to succeed You may also be told that you need to lose weight or have your heart checked out before you qualify Many people have lived long and active lives on dialysis so if you do not qualify for a transplant or do not choose to have one you can find a dialysis treatment that will fit your lifestyle and your activities
How does a kidney transplant work A kidney transplant is a surgery done in some patients with kidney disease During the surgery a healthy donor organ is transplanted into the patient with kidney disease Only one kidney is transplanted A person can live a healthy life with only one working kidney Doctors examine a person to determine if they will be a good candidate for a kidney transplant A patient must be healthy enough to have the surgery and then take immunosuppressive drugs Immunosuppressive drugs help They must be taken for the remainder of the patientrsquos life (or the life of the organ)
2
How do you find a donor
What is the Surgery Like
After the surgery the patient is put ondrugs to prevent rejection of the donororgan Medical staff will keep an eye onthe patient to make sure that the newkidney is working correctly Sometimes apatient will need to be put on dialysis fora few days while the new kidney starts tofunction properly
3 4
Each region has a separate list so a person who has theability to travel longer distances can be listed on severalwait lists at the same time
Once a donor kidney is availabledoctors run more tests to confirmthe organ is compatible (will beaccepted) with the recipient Oncecompatibility is verified thepatient is taken to surgery Thesurgery takes approximately 2 to 4hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidneyis attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It isplaced in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are leftin place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infectedor too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You willfeel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant Thething that you will probably remember the most is that youreally need to urinate especially if you have stopped makingurine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney startsproducing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always veryexciting for the recipient
What Happens After the Surgery
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased (non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family member or a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes from a person who has passed away but has a healthy kidney There is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donors because there are more people in need of kidneys than there are kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidney comes from a living or deceased donor it still must meet certain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood and tissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (the recipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potential donors to determine if the kidney would be compatible When patients are placed on a waiting list their blood and tissue types are listed in their file
What is The Waiting List
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor the surgery can happen once the preparation for surgery is complete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will be put on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available The average waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years or longer and can depend on several factors including blood and tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list and the area of the country in which you live When a donor organ becomes available the person who is the best match with the organ is chosen to receive the transplant Transplants must happen very soon after the kidney becomes available Medical staff calls the person to let them know that a kidney is available The person who is given a beeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately go to the hospital once they are notified A person can be on more than one waiting list
3
How do you find a donor
What is The Waiting List
3 4
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased(non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family memberor a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes froma person who has passed away but has a healthy kidneyThere is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donorsbecause there are more people in need of kidneys than thereare kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidneycomes from a living or deceased donor it still must meetcertain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood andtissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (therecipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potentialdonors to determine if the kidney would be compatibleWhen patients are placed on a waiting list their blood andtissue types are listed in their file
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor thesurgery can happen once the preparation for surgery iscomplete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will beput on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available Theaverage waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years orlonger and can depend on several factors including bloodand tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list andthe area of the country in which you live When a donororgan becomes available the person who is the best matchwith the organ is chosen to receive the transplantTransplants must happen very soon after the kidneybecomes available Medical staff calls the person to let themknow that a kidney is available The person who is given abeeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately goto the hospital once they are notified A person can be onmore than one waiting list
Each region has a separate list so a person who has the ability to travel longer distances can be listed on several wait lists at the same time
What is the Surgery Like Once a donor kidney is available doctors run more tests to confirm the organ is compatible (will be accepted) with the recipient Once compatibility is verified the patient is taken to surgery The surgery takes approximately 2 to 4
is attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It is placed in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are left in place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infected or too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You will feel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant The thing that you will probably remember the most is that you really need to urinate especially if you have stopped making urine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney starts producing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always very exciting for the recipient
hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidney
What Happens After the Surgery After the surgery the patient is put on drugs to prevent rejection of the donor organ Medical staff will keep an eye on the patient to make sure that the new kidney is working correctly Sometimes a patient will need to be put on dialysis for a few days while the new kidney starts to function properly
4
Having a kidney transplant is expensivebut both Medicare and privateinsurances will normally cover thatcost If your Medicare is primary it willpay 80 and your private insurance willpay 20 of the cost and vice-versaMedicare will cover 100 of the livingdonorrsquos hospital costs along with anypre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the costof the immunosuppressive medications each month Again ifyou have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocketexpenses should be small However if you have Medicarecoverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabledfor any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years afteryour transplantation At that time you will need to haveanother insurance in place Many of the pharmaceuticalcompanies that manufacture the immunosuppressivemedications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist tohelp you pay for your medications There are also manygeneric medications that might work for you But this issomething you will need to discuss with your physician Sometransplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not onlyhave a plan in place for paying for medications but an actualreserve account so that they can make sure the first months ofmedications are paid for One of the biggest problems causingrejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patientcannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventuallyhas to resume dialysis
5 6
How Much Does a KidneyTransplant Cost
After the kidney begins to work and the patient is healthy they can go home Some patients go home in as little as 5 days after surgery A recipient of a donor kidney will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their life (or for the life of the transplanted organ) It is very important that the patient regularly goes back to the doctor for checkups in order to catch any problems early Rejection of the kidney is always possible although the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems are discovered the better the chance that they can be treated Immunosuppressive medications do weaken your immune system as we stated earlier and this can lead to infections Some drugs can also change your appearance Your face may get rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facial hair Not all patients have these problems though and diet and exercise can help The medications can also cause you to develop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high blood pressure andor bone disease One possible major complication of immunosuppressive medication is the risk over time of developing cancer People who are on immunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanning beds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysis diet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid You will probably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generally live a pretty normal life
5
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
1 2
How does a kidney transplant work
Introduction What do singer Natalie Cole actor Ken Howard funny men Tracy Morgan and George Lopez and fashion reporter Steven Cojocaru have in common They all have some form of kidney disease and they have all had a kidney transplant When you find out that your kidneys are failing one of the first things you might ask yourself is whether you qualify for a kidney transplant and whether a transplant is the right option for you Everyone is different and what is right for one person is not always right for another It is best to learn all of the facts about transplantation and how it might affect you before making your choice And remember a transplant is NOT a cure It is a treatment just like hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and it does not make all of your problems go away In fact you will have to take medicines every day for the rest of your life and these medicines can bring a whole new set of problems But a kidney transplant gives some people more freedom and a less restrictive life
Is a transplant a better option than hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by taking out excess fluid minerals and wastes They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy When your kidneys fail harmful wastes build up in your body your blood pressure may rise and your body may retain extra fluid and not make enough red blood cells When this happens you need treatment to replace the work of your
1
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by taking out excess fluidminerals and wastes They also make hormones that keepyour bones strong and your blood healthy When yourkidneys fail harmful wastes build up in your body yourblood pressure may rise and your body may retain extrafluid and not make enough red blood cells When thishappens you need treatment to replace the work of your
What do singer Natalie Coleactor Ken Howard funnymen Tracy Morgan andGeorge Lopez and fashionreporter Steven Cojocaruhave in common They allhave some form of kidneydisease and they have allhad a kidney transplant When you find out that yourkidneys are failing one of the first things you might askyourself is whether you qualify for a kidney transplant andwhether a transplant is the right option for you Everyoneis different and what is right for one person is not alwaysright for another It is best to learn all of the facts abouttransplantation and how it might affect you before makingyour choice And remember a transplant is NOT a cure Itis a treatment just like hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysisand it does not make all of your problems go away In factyou will have to take medicines every day for the rest ofyour life and these medicines can bring a whole new set ofproblems But a kidney transplant gives some peoplemore freedom and a less restrictive life
1 2
Introduction
Is a transplant a better option than hemodialysisor peritoneal dialysis
failed kidneys There are several types of treatment for kidney failure but transplantation is the only treatment that will work 24 hours a day just like your own kidneys More frequent and longer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis options are now available and many of these are much better options than the traditional 4 hours 3 times a week therapy But transplantation still offers the most effective treatment Keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for a transplant Your doctor may tell you that you have a condition that would make transplantation dangerous or unlikely to succeed You may also be told that you need to lose weight or have your heart checked out before you qualify Many people have lived long and active lives on dialysis so if you do not qualify for a transplant or do not choose to have one you can find a dialysis treatment that will fit your lifestyle and your activities
How does a kidney transplant work A kidney transplant is a surgery done in some patients with kidney disease During the surgery a healthy donor organ is transplanted into the patient with kidney disease Only one kidney is transplanted A person can live a healthy life with only one working kidney Doctors examine a person to determine if they will be a good candidate for a kidney transplant A patient must be healthy enough to have the surgery and then take immunosuppressive drugs Immunosuppressive drugs help They must be taken for the remainder of the patientrsquos life (or the life of the organ)
2
How do you find a donor
What is the Surgery Like
After the surgery the patient is put ondrugs to prevent rejection of the donororgan Medical staff will keep an eye onthe patient to make sure that the newkidney is working correctly Sometimes apatient will need to be put on dialysis fora few days while the new kidney starts tofunction properly
3 4
Each region has a separate list so a person who has theability to travel longer distances can be listed on severalwait lists at the same time
Once a donor kidney is availabledoctors run more tests to confirmthe organ is compatible (will beaccepted) with the recipient Oncecompatibility is verified thepatient is taken to surgery Thesurgery takes approximately 2 to 4hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidneyis attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It isplaced in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are leftin place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infectedor too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You willfeel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant Thething that you will probably remember the most is that youreally need to urinate especially if you have stopped makingurine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney startsproducing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always veryexciting for the recipient
What Happens After the Surgery
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased (non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family member or a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes from a person who has passed away but has a healthy kidney There is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donors because there are more people in need of kidneys than there are kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidney comes from a living or deceased donor it still must meet certain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood and tissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (the recipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potential donors to determine if the kidney would be compatible When patients are placed on a waiting list their blood and tissue types are listed in their file
What is The Waiting List
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor the surgery can happen once the preparation for surgery is complete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will be put on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available The average waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years or longer and can depend on several factors including blood and tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list and the area of the country in which you live When a donor organ becomes available the person who is the best match with the organ is chosen to receive the transplant Transplants must happen very soon after the kidney becomes available Medical staff calls the person to let them know that a kidney is available The person who is given a beeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately go to the hospital once they are notified A person can be on more than one waiting list
3
How do you find a donor
What is The Waiting List
3 4
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased(non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family memberor a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes froma person who has passed away but has a healthy kidneyThere is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donorsbecause there are more people in need of kidneys than thereare kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidneycomes from a living or deceased donor it still must meetcertain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood andtissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (therecipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potentialdonors to determine if the kidney would be compatibleWhen patients are placed on a waiting list their blood andtissue types are listed in their file
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor thesurgery can happen once the preparation for surgery iscomplete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will beput on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available Theaverage waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years orlonger and can depend on several factors including bloodand tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list andthe area of the country in which you live When a donororgan becomes available the person who is the best matchwith the organ is chosen to receive the transplantTransplants must happen very soon after the kidneybecomes available Medical staff calls the person to let themknow that a kidney is available The person who is given abeeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately goto the hospital once they are notified A person can be onmore than one waiting list
Each region has a separate list so a person who has the ability to travel longer distances can be listed on several wait lists at the same time
What is the Surgery Like Once a donor kidney is available doctors run more tests to confirm the organ is compatible (will be accepted) with the recipient Once compatibility is verified the patient is taken to surgery The surgery takes approximately 2 to 4
is attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It is placed in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are left in place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infected or too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You will feel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant The thing that you will probably remember the most is that you really need to urinate especially if you have stopped making urine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney starts producing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always very exciting for the recipient
hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidney
What Happens After the Surgery After the surgery the patient is put on drugs to prevent rejection of the donor organ Medical staff will keep an eye on the patient to make sure that the new kidney is working correctly Sometimes a patient will need to be put on dialysis for a few days while the new kidney starts to function properly
4
Having a kidney transplant is expensivebut both Medicare and privateinsurances will normally cover thatcost If your Medicare is primary it willpay 80 and your private insurance willpay 20 of the cost and vice-versaMedicare will cover 100 of the livingdonorrsquos hospital costs along with anypre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the costof the immunosuppressive medications each month Again ifyou have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocketexpenses should be small However if you have Medicarecoverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabledfor any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years afteryour transplantation At that time you will need to haveanother insurance in place Many of the pharmaceuticalcompanies that manufacture the immunosuppressivemedications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist tohelp you pay for your medications There are also manygeneric medications that might work for you But this issomething you will need to discuss with your physician Sometransplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not onlyhave a plan in place for paying for medications but an actualreserve account so that they can make sure the first months ofmedications are paid for One of the biggest problems causingrejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patientcannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventuallyhas to resume dialysis
5 6
How Much Does a KidneyTransplant Cost
After the kidney begins to work and the patient is healthy they can go home Some patients go home in as little as 5 days after surgery A recipient of a donor kidney will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their life (or for the life of the transplanted organ) It is very important that the patient regularly goes back to the doctor for checkups in order to catch any problems early Rejection of the kidney is always possible although the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems are discovered the better the chance that they can be treated Immunosuppressive medications do weaken your immune system as we stated earlier and this can lead to infections Some drugs can also change your appearance Your face may get rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facial hair Not all patients have these problems though and diet and exercise can help The medications can also cause you to develop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high blood pressure andor bone disease One possible major complication of immunosuppressive medication is the risk over time of developing cancer People who are on immunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanning beds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysis diet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid You will probably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generally live a pretty normal life
5
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
Healthy kidneys clean your blood by taking out excess fluidminerals and wastes They also make hormones that keepyour bones strong and your blood healthy When yourkidneys fail harmful wastes build up in your body yourblood pressure may rise and your body may retain extrafluid and not make enough red blood cells When thishappens you need treatment to replace the work of your
What do singer Natalie Coleactor Ken Howard funnymen Tracy Morgan andGeorge Lopez and fashionreporter Steven Cojocaruhave in common They allhave some form of kidneydisease and they have allhad a kidney transplant When you find out that yourkidneys are failing one of the first things you might askyourself is whether you qualify for a kidney transplant andwhether a transplant is the right option for you Everyoneis different and what is right for one person is not alwaysright for another It is best to learn all of the facts abouttransplantation and how it might affect you before makingyour choice And remember a transplant is NOT a cure Itis a treatment just like hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysisand it does not make all of your problems go away In factyou will have to take medicines every day for the rest ofyour life and these medicines can bring a whole new set ofproblems But a kidney transplant gives some peoplemore freedom and a less restrictive life
1 2
Introduction
Is a transplant a better option than hemodialysisor peritoneal dialysis
failed kidneys There are several types of treatment for kidney failure but transplantation is the only treatment that will work 24 hours a day just like your own kidneys More frequent and longer hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis options are now available and many of these are much better options than the traditional 4 hours 3 times a week therapy But transplantation still offers the most effective treatment Keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for a transplant Your doctor may tell you that you have a condition that would make transplantation dangerous or unlikely to succeed You may also be told that you need to lose weight or have your heart checked out before you qualify Many people have lived long and active lives on dialysis so if you do not qualify for a transplant or do not choose to have one you can find a dialysis treatment that will fit your lifestyle and your activities
How does a kidney transplant work A kidney transplant is a surgery done in some patients with kidney disease During the surgery a healthy donor organ is transplanted into the patient with kidney disease Only one kidney is transplanted A person can live a healthy life with only one working kidney Doctors examine a person to determine if they will be a good candidate for a kidney transplant A patient must be healthy enough to have the surgery and then take immunosuppressive drugs Immunosuppressive drugs help They must be taken for the remainder of the patientrsquos life (or the life of the organ)
2
How do you find a donor
What is the Surgery Like
After the surgery the patient is put ondrugs to prevent rejection of the donororgan Medical staff will keep an eye onthe patient to make sure that the newkidney is working correctly Sometimes apatient will need to be put on dialysis fora few days while the new kidney starts tofunction properly
3 4
Each region has a separate list so a person who has theability to travel longer distances can be listed on severalwait lists at the same time
Once a donor kidney is availabledoctors run more tests to confirmthe organ is compatible (will beaccepted) with the recipient Oncecompatibility is verified thepatient is taken to surgery Thesurgery takes approximately 2 to 4hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidneyis attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It isplaced in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are leftin place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infectedor too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You willfeel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant Thething that you will probably remember the most is that youreally need to urinate especially if you have stopped makingurine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney startsproducing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always veryexciting for the recipient
What Happens After the Surgery
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased (non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family member or a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes from a person who has passed away but has a healthy kidney There is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donors because there are more people in need of kidneys than there are kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidney comes from a living or deceased donor it still must meet certain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood and tissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (the recipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potential donors to determine if the kidney would be compatible When patients are placed on a waiting list their blood and tissue types are listed in their file
What is The Waiting List
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor the surgery can happen once the preparation for surgery is complete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will be put on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available The average waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years or longer and can depend on several factors including blood and tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list and the area of the country in which you live When a donor organ becomes available the person who is the best match with the organ is chosen to receive the transplant Transplants must happen very soon after the kidney becomes available Medical staff calls the person to let them know that a kidney is available The person who is given a beeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately go to the hospital once they are notified A person can be on more than one waiting list
3
How do you find a donor
What is The Waiting List
3 4
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased(non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family memberor a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes froma person who has passed away but has a healthy kidneyThere is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donorsbecause there are more people in need of kidneys than thereare kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidneycomes from a living or deceased donor it still must meetcertain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood andtissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (therecipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potentialdonors to determine if the kidney would be compatibleWhen patients are placed on a waiting list their blood andtissue types are listed in their file
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor thesurgery can happen once the preparation for surgery iscomplete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will beput on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available Theaverage waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years orlonger and can depend on several factors including bloodand tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list andthe area of the country in which you live When a donororgan becomes available the person who is the best matchwith the organ is chosen to receive the transplantTransplants must happen very soon after the kidneybecomes available Medical staff calls the person to let themknow that a kidney is available The person who is given abeeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately goto the hospital once they are notified A person can be onmore than one waiting list
Each region has a separate list so a person who has the ability to travel longer distances can be listed on several wait lists at the same time
What is the Surgery Like Once a donor kidney is available doctors run more tests to confirm the organ is compatible (will be accepted) with the recipient Once compatibility is verified the patient is taken to surgery The surgery takes approximately 2 to 4
is attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It is placed in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are left in place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infected or too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You will feel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant The thing that you will probably remember the most is that you really need to urinate especially if you have stopped making urine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney starts producing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always very exciting for the recipient
hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidney
What Happens After the Surgery After the surgery the patient is put on drugs to prevent rejection of the donor organ Medical staff will keep an eye on the patient to make sure that the new kidney is working correctly Sometimes a patient will need to be put on dialysis for a few days while the new kidney starts to function properly
4
Having a kidney transplant is expensivebut both Medicare and privateinsurances will normally cover thatcost If your Medicare is primary it willpay 80 and your private insurance willpay 20 of the cost and vice-versaMedicare will cover 100 of the livingdonorrsquos hospital costs along with anypre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the costof the immunosuppressive medications each month Again ifyou have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocketexpenses should be small However if you have Medicarecoverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabledfor any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years afteryour transplantation At that time you will need to haveanother insurance in place Many of the pharmaceuticalcompanies that manufacture the immunosuppressivemedications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist tohelp you pay for your medications There are also manygeneric medications that might work for you But this issomething you will need to discuss with your physician Sometransplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not onlyhave a plan in place for paying for medications but an actualreserve account so that they can make sure the first months ofmedications are paid for One of the biggest problems causingrejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patientcannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventuallyhas to resume dialysis
5 6
How Much Does a KidneyTransplant Cost
After the kidney begins to work and the patient is healthy they can go home Some patients go home in as little as 5 days after surgery A recipient of a donor kidney will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their life (or for the life of the transplanted organ) It is very important that the patient regularly goes back to the doctor for checkups in order to catch any problems early Rejection of the kidney is always possible although the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems are discovered the better the chance that they can be treated Immunosuppressive medications do weaken your immune system as we stated earlier and this can lead to infections Some drugs can also change your appearance Your face may get rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facial hair Not all patients have these problems though and diet and exercise can help The medications can also cause you to develop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high blood pressure andor bone disease One possible major complication of immunosuppressive medication is the risk over time of developing cancer People who are on immunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanning beds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysis diet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid You will probably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generally live a pretty normal life
5
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
How do you find a donor
What is the Surgery Like
After the surgery the patient is put ondrugs to prevent rejection of the donororgan Medical staff will keep an eye onthe patient to make sure that the newkidney is working correctly Sometimes apatient will need to be put on dialysis fora few days while the new kidney starts tofunction properly
3 4
Each region has a separate list so a person who has theability to travel longer distances can be listed on severalwait lists at the same time
Once a donor kidney is availabledoctors run more tests to confirmthe organ is compatible (will beaccepted) with the recipient Oncecompatibility is verified thepatient is taken to surgery Thesurgery takes approximately 2 to 4hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidneyis attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It isplaced in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are leftin place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infectedor too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You willfeel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant Thething that you will probably remember the most is that youreally need to urinate especially if you have stopped makingurine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney startsproducing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always veryexciting for the recipient
What Happens After the Surgery
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased (non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family member or a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes from a person who has passed away but has a healthy kidney There is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donors because there are more people in need of kidneys than there are kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidney comes from a living or deceased donor it still must meet certain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood and tissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (the recipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potential donors to determine if the kidney would be compatible When patients are placed on a waiting list their blood and tissue types are listed in their file
What is The Waiting List
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor the surgery can happen once the preparation for surgery is complete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will be put on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available The average waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years or longer and can depend on several factors including blood and tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list and the area of the country in which you live When a donor organ becomes available the person who is the best match with the organ is chosen to receive the transplant Transplants must happen very soon after the kidney becomes available Medical staff calls the person to let them know that a kidney is available The person who is given a beeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately go to the hospital once they are notified A person can be on more than one waiting list
3
How do you find a donor
What is The Waiting List
3 4
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased(non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family memberor a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes froma person who has passed away but has a healthy kidneyThere is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donorsbecause there are more people in need of kidneys than thereare kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidneycomes from a living or deceased donor it still must meetcertain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood andtissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (therecipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potentialdonors to determine if the kidney would be compatibleWhen patients are placed on a waiting list their blood andtissue types are listed in their file
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor thesurgery can happen once the preparation for surgery iscomplete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will beput on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available Theaverage waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years orlonger and can depend on several factors including bloodand tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list andthe area of the country in which you live When a donororgan becomes available the person who is the best matchwith the organ is chosen to receive the transplantTransplants must happen very soon after the kidneybecomes available Medical staff calls the person to let themknow that a kidney is available The person who is given abeeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately goto the hospital once they are notified A person can be onmore than one waiting list
Each region has a separate list so a person who has the ability to travel longer distances can be listed on several wait lists at the same time
What is the Surgery Like Once a donor kidney is available doctors run more tests to confirm the organ is compatible (will be accepted) with the recipient Once compatibility is verified the patient is taken to surgery The surgery takes approximately 2 to 4
is attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It is placed in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are left in place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infected or too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You will feel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant The thing that you will probably remember the most is that you really need to urinate especially if you have stopped making urine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney starts producing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always very exciting for the recipient
hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidney
What Happens After the Surgery After the surgery the patient is put on drugs to prevent rejection of the donor organ Medical staff will keep an eye on the patient to make sure that the new kidney is working correctly Sometimes a patient will need to be put on dialysis for a few days while the new kidney starts to function properly
4
Having a kidney transplant is expensivebut both Medicare and privateinsurances will normally cover thatcost If your Medicare is primary it willpay 80 and your private insurance willpay 20 of the cost and vice-versaMedicare will cover 100 of the livingdonorrsquos hospital costs along with anypre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the costof the immunosuppressive medications each month Again ifyou have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocketexpenses should be small However if you have Medicarecoverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabledfor any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years afteryour transplantation At that time you will need to haveanother insurance in place Many of the pharmaceuticalcompanies that manufacture the immunosuppressivemedications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist tohelp you pay for your medications There are also manygeneric medications that might work for you But this issomething you will need to discuss with your physician Sometransplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not onlyhave a plan in place for paying for medications but an actualreserve account so that they can make sure the first months ofmedications are paid for One of the biggest problems causingrejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patientcannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventuallyhas to resume dialysis
5 6
How Much Does a KidneyTransplant Cost
After the kidney begins to work and the patient is healthy they can go home Some patients go home in as little as 5 days after surgery A recipient of a donor kidney will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their life (or for the life of the transplanted organ) It is very important that the patient regularly goes back to the doctor for checkups in order to catch any problems early Rejection of the kidney is always possible although the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems are discovered the better the chance that they can be treated Immunosuppressive medications do weaken your immune system as we stated earlier and this can lead to infections Some drugs can also change your appearance Your face may get rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facial hair Not all patients have these problems though and diet and exercise can help The medications can also cause you to develop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high blood pressure andor bone disease One possible major complication of immunosuppressive medication is the risk over time of developing cancer People who are on immunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanning beds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysis diet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid You will probably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generally live a pretty normal life
5
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
How do you find a donor
What is The Waiting List
3 4
There are two types of donors a living donor and a deceased(non-living) donor A living donor is usually a family memberor a close friend A kidney from a deceased donor comes froma person who has passed away but has a healthy kidneyThere is a waiting list for kidneys from deceased donorsbecause there are more people in need of kidneys than thereare kidneys available for donation Whether a donor kidneycomes from a living or deceased donor it still must meetcertain criteria The donor kidney must match the blood andtissue types of the person who is to receive the kidney (therecipient) Medical tests are done on patients and potentialdonors to determine if the kidney would be compatibleWhen patients are placed on a waiting list their blood andtissue types are listed in their file
If you are going to receive a kidney from a living donor thesurgery can happen once the preparation for surgery iscomplete If you need a deceased donor kidney you will beput on a waiting list until a suitable organ is available Theaverage waiting time for a donor kidney is 3 to 5 years orlonger and can depend on several factors including bloodand tissue type medical urgency time on the waiting list andthe area of the country in which you live When a donororgan becomes available the person who is the best matchwith the organ is chosen to receive the transplantTransplants must happen very soon after the kidneybecomes available Medical staff calls the person to let themknow that a kidney is available The person who is given abeeper when placed on the waiting list must immediately goto the hospital once they are notified A person can be onmore than one waiting list
Each region has a separate list so a person who has the ability to travel longer distances can be listed on several wait lists at the same time
What is the Surgery Like Once a donor kidney is available doctors run more tests to confirm the organ is compatible (will be accepted) with the recipient Once compatibility is verified the patient is taken to surgery The surgery takes approximately 2 to 4
is attached to blood vessels and drains into the bladder It is placed in the lower abdomen Usually the old kidneys are left in place They are only removed if the old kidneys are infected or too large to allow the placement of the new kidney You will feel sore and groggy when you wake up after a transplant The thing that you will probably remember the most is that you really need to urinate especially if you have stopped making urine while you are on dialysis In most cases the kidney starts producing urine as soon as it is hooked up This is always very exciting for the recipient
hours and is done under general anesthesia The donor kidney
What Happens After the Surgery After the surgery the patient is put on drugs to prevent rejection of the donor organ Medical staff will keep an eye on the patient to make sure that the new kidney is working correctly Sometimes a patient will need to be put on dialysis for a few days while the new kidney starts to function properly
4
Having a kidney transplant is expensivebut both Medicare and privateinsurances will normally cover thatcost If your Medicare is primary it willpay 80 and your private insurance willpay 20 of the cost and vice-versaMedicare will cover 100 of the livingdonorrsquos hospital costs along with anypre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the costof the immunosuppressive medications each month Again ifyou have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocketexpenses should be small However if you have Medicarecoverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabledfor any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years afteryour transplantation At that time you will need to haveanother insurance in place Many of the pharmaceuticalcompanies that manufacture the immunosuppressivemedications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist tohelp you pay for your medications There are also manygeneric medications that might work for you But this issomething you will need to discuss with your physician Sometransplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not onlyhave a plan in place for paying for medications but an actualreserve account so that they can make sure the first months ofmedications are paid for One of the biggest problems causingrejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patientcannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventuallyhas to resume dialysis
5 6
How Much Does a KidneyTransplant Cost
After the kidney begins to work and the patient is healthy they can go home Some patients go home in as little as 5 days after surgery A recipient of a donor kidney will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their life (or for the life of the transplanted organ) It is very important that the patient regularly goes back to the doctor for checkups in order to catch any problems early Rejection of the kidney is always possible although the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems are discovered the better the chance that they can be treated Immunosuppressive medications do weaken your immune system as we stated earlier and this can lead to infections Some drugs can also change your appearance Your face may get rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facial hair Not all patients have these problems though and diet and exercise can help The medications can also cause you to develop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high blood pressure andor bone disease One possible major complication of immunosuppressive medication is the risk over time of developing cancer People who are on immunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanning beds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysis diet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid You will probably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generally live a pretty normal life
5
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
Having a kidney transplant is expensivebut both Medicare and privateinsurances will normally cover thatcost If your Medicare is primary it willpay 80 and your private insurance willpay 20 of the cost and vice-versaMedicare will cover 100 of the livingdonorrsquos hospital costs along with anypre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the costof the immunosuppressive medications each month Again ifyou have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocketexpenses should be small However if you have Medicarecoverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabledfor any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years afteryour transplantation At that time you will need to haveanother insurance in place Many of the pharmaceuticalcompanies that manufacture the immunosuppressivemedications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist tohelp you pay for your medications There are also manygeneric medications that might work for you But this issomething you will need to discuss with your physician Sometransplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not onlyhave a plan in place for paying for medications but an actualreserve account so that they can make sure the first months ofmedications are paid for One of the biggest problems causingrejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patientcannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventuallyhas to resume dialysis
5 6
How Much Does a KidneyTransplant Cost
After the kidney begins to work and the patient is healthy they can go home Some patients go home in as little as 5 days after surgery A recipient of a donor kidney will have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the remainder of their life (or for the life of the transplanted organ) It is very important that the patient regularly goes back to the doctor for checkups in order to catch any problems early Rejection of the kidney is always possible although the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems are discovered the better the chance that they can be treated Immunosuppressive medications do weaken your immune system as we stated earlier and this can lead to infections Some drugs can also change your appearance Your face may get rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facial hair Not all patients have these problems though and diet and exercise can help The medications can also cause you to develop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high blood pressure andor bone disease One possible major complication of immunosuppressive medication is the risk over time of developing cancer People who are on immunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanning beds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysis diet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits and vegetables you were previously told to avoid You will probably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weight too quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high blood pressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generally live a pretty normal life
5
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
After the kidney begins to work and thepatient is healthy they can go homeSome patients go home in as little as 5days after surgery A recipient of a donorkidney will have to takeimmunosuppressive drugs for theremainder of their life (or for the life ofthe transplanted organ) It is veryimportant that the patient regularly goesback to the doctor for checkups in order to catch anyproblems early Rejection of the kidney is always possiblealthough the risks decrease after a few months from surgery
The earlier the rejection or other health problems arediscovered the better the chance that they can be treatedImmunosuppressive medications do weaken your immunesystem as we stated earlier and this can lead to infectionsSome drugs can also change your appearance Your face mayget rounder You may gain weight or develop acne or facialhair Not all patients have these problems though and dietand exercise can help The medications can also cause you todevelop cataracts diabetes extra stomach acid high bloodpressure andor bone disease One possible majorcomplication of immunosuppressive medication is the riskover time of developing cancer People who are onimmunosuppressants should never sunbathe or go to tanningbeds because of the risks for skin cancer
Your post-transplant diet is much less strict than a dialysisdiet You can drink more fluids and eat many of the fruits andvegetables you were previously told to avoid You willprobably gain some weight but be careful not to gain weighttoo quickly and avoid salty foods that can lead to high bloodpressure Other than follow-up care the patient can generallylive a pretty normal life
5 6
How Much Does a Kidney Transplant Cost Having a kidney transplant is expensive but both Medicare and private insurances will normally cover that cost If your Medicare is primary it will pay 80 and your private insurance will pay 20 of the cost and vice-versa Medicare will cover 100 of the living donorrsquos hospital costs along with any pre-transplant work-ups
Another consideration that some patients overlook is the cost of the immunosuppressive medications each month Again if you have Medicare and a private insurance your out-of-pocket expenses should be small However if you have Medicare coverage only because of kidney failure and are not disabled for any other reason then Medicare will stop 3 years after your transplantation At that time you will need to have another insurance in place Many of the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the immunosuppressive medications will work with your doctor and your pharmacist to help you pay for your medications There are also many generic medications that might work for you But this is something you will need to discuss with your physician Some transplant centers make sure that kidney recipients not only have a plan in place for paying for medications but an actual reserve account so that they can make sure the first months of medications are paid for One of the biggest problems causing rejection of a transplanted kidney happens when the patient cannot pay for medications stops taking them and eventually has to resume dialysis
6
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage yourcare before and after thesurgeryTransplant Unit Staff NursesThe staff nurses workclosely with you while youare in the hospital Theytake care of you and explainyour tests medicationsand follow-up care Some units will assign you a primarycare nurse who will coordinate your care while you areon the unitFinancial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helpsyou with financial matters and hospital billing related toyour transplant The financial coordinator works withother members of the transplant team insurers andadministrative personnel to coordinate the financialaspects of your care before during and after yourtransplant They will help you determine how you canbest pay for your transplantSocial Worker ndash A social worker is a professional whocan help you and your family understand and cope witha variety of problems associated with your illness Thesocial worker may also handle some of the duties of thefinancial coordinatorFamily Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndashAny of these physicians can coordinate medical carewith your transplant team especially if you have totravel a long distance to have your transplantPharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now includethe transplant pharmacist as a member of the teamThe pharmacist will go over your medications with youmake sure you know what you a taking and make surethat you have all of your prescriptions
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Team and What Do They Do Many people will be working to make your transplant as successful as possible This is your transplant team It is important that you know the people on your team and what they will be doing to help you through your transplant You need to feel comfortable talking with them and asking them questions Each team member is an expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of the team because you know your body best Before the transplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplant candidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called a ldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant team will include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types of transplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinators are responsible for managing and evaluating a deceased donorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution of these organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsible for the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-up care Transplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are the doctors who perform transplant surgeries They have received special training to perform transplants Transplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndash These are the doctors at the transplant center who manage your medical care tests and medications They do not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
Many people will be working tomake your transplant assuccessful as possible This isyour transplant team It isimportant that you know thepeople on your team and whatthey will be doing to help youthrough your transplant Youneed to feel comfortable talkingwith them and asking them questions Each team member isan expert in a different area of transplantation
As the patient YOU are the most important member of theteam because you know your body best Before thetransplant takes place you will be called a ldquotransplantcandidaterdquo After the transplant operation you will be called aldquotransplant recipientrdquo Along with you your transplant teamwill include all or some of the following health professionals
Transplant Coordinator ndash There are two types oftransplant coordinators (1) Procurement Coordinatorsare responsible for managing and evaluating a deceaseddonorrsquos organs as well as recovery and distribution ofthese organs (2) Clinical Coordinators are responsiblefor the recipientsrsquo evaluation treatment and follow-upcareTransplant Surgeon ndash Transplant surgeons are thedoctors who perform transplant surgeries They havereceived special training to perform transplantsTransplant physician (or Transplant Nephrologist) ndashThese are the doctors at the transplant center whomanage your medical care tests and medications Theydo not perform surgery Transplant physicians work
7 8
Who Are The Members of the Transplant Teamand What Do They Do
closely with the clinical coordinators to manage your care before and after the surgery Transplant Unit Staff Nurses The staff nurses work closely with you while you are in the hospital They take care of you and explain your tests medications and follow-up care Some units will assign you a primary care nurse who will coordinate your care while you are on the unit Financial Coordinator ndash This is a professional who helps you with financial matters and hospital billing related to your transplant The financial coordinator works with other members of the transplant team insurers and administrative personnel to coordinate the financial aspects of your care before during and after your transplant They will help you determine how you can best pay for your transplant Social Worker ndash A social worker is a professional who can help you and your family understand and cope with a variety of problems associated with your illness The social worker may also handle some of the duties of the financial coordinator Family Doctor Specialist or Primary Care Physician ndash Any of these physicians can coordinate medical care with your transplant team especially if you have to travel a long distance to have your transplant Pharmacist ndash Many transplant programs now include the transplant pharmacist as a member of the team The pharmacist will go over your medications with you make sure you know what you a taking and make sure that you have all of your prescriptions
8
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physicianperformed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantagefor me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific somequestions are patient specidfic and some questions havemore than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALLquestions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Goodluck on your transplant journey
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization undercontract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patientsand their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee TheNetwork office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
9 10
This publication is a product of the Network 8 TransplantCommittee
Hopefully we have covered many of the questions that you have regarding transplantation but we are sure you have many more Some more specific questions that you may need to ask your transplant team can include
What does the evaluation process include at this center
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am put on the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at this hospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidney transplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andor surgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates for kidney transplants at this hospital and how does it compare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not to accept a kidney for a patient ndash do they accept ldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidney transplants and will there be someone available to perform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain this procedure to me What are the pros and cons
9
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
Hopefully we have coveredmany of the questions that youhave regarding transplantationbut we are sure you have manymore Some more specificquestions that you may need toask your transplant team caninclude
What does the evaluation process include at thiscenter
How will the evaluation affect whether or not I am puton the waiting list
How will I know I am definitely on the waiting list How long do most patients with my blood type and
organ type (kidney) wait for a transplant at thishospital
How long has this hospital been doing kidneytransplants
How many kidney transplants do this hospital andorsurgeon perform each year
What are the organ and patient survival rates forkidney transplants at this hospital and how does itcompare to other hospitals
How does this medical team decide whether or not toaccept a kidney for a patient ndash do they acceptldquomarginalrdquo (not perfect) donor organs
How many surgeons at this hospital perform kidneytransplants and will there be someone available toperform the surgery if an organ is offered to me
Does this hospital perform living donor transplants For the living kidney donor does the surgeon use the
laparoscopic surgery and who can explain thisprocedure to me What are the pros and cons
9 10
How many laparoscopic surgeries has this physician performed
Can I tour the transplant center Can I meet other transplant recipients How long do kidney recipients normally stay at this
hospital after the transplant Will I be asked to take part in any research studies I am a diabetic ndash does this hospital perform pancreas
kidney transplants and what would be the advantage for me to consider this
As you can see some questions are facility specific some questions are patient specidfic and some questions have more than one answer Do not be afraid to ask ALL questions And please feel free to call Network 8 at 877-936-9260 with any other questions that you might have Good luck on your transplant journey
This publication is a product of the Network 8 Transplant Committee
Network 8 Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under contract with Medicare to provide services to kidney patients and their providers in Alabama Mississippi and Tennessee The Network office is located in Jackson Mississippi
This publication was produced under CMS Contract number 500-2010-NW008C and the contents may not represent CMS policy
10
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
Network 8
1755 Lelia Drive Suite 400 Jackson MS 39216
Phone 1-877-936-9260
wwwesrdnetwork8org
Related Documents
