There are several phases of the transplant process. The first phase is considered the pre-transplant evaluation phase. This phase is an extensive pre-evaluation process in which providers and transplant nurse coordinators review your medical information, a patient access services staff person reviews your insurance benefits, and a financial counselor reviews your ability to afford all of the costs associated with transplantation. Your insurance company will need to go over your case and give authorization for the costs associated with transplant. Many forms and tests need to be completed before you can be added to the heart transplant waitlist.

Once we receive authorization from your insurance company and hospital administration, and it has been determined you are medically acceptable, you will move to the next phase.

Evaluation

Your transplant evaluation is usually done on an outpatient basis unless you are critically ill and require hospitalization. You will receive education about transplantation and have the opportunity to ask questions. During the evaluation, you will have appointments with many specialists in addition to members of the heart transplant team. You will also have lab work and diagnostic tests performed. The tests vary for each person.

During the evaluation you may be considered for alternative therapies, including VAD.

Selection process and waitlist

After all the testing and appointments have been completed, your case is presented at our team's Heart Committee Review Meeting which is held once a week. Members of the heart transplant team are present and your case is discussed. It will be decided if you meet all the criteria to be a heart transplant candidate.

The Heart Committee Review team may require additional testing or requirements to be met before you can be put on the heart transplant waitlist. Once all of the recommendations from the team are completed and you are an acceptable candidate, you will be placed on the heart transplant waiting list.