Kidney Pre-Transplant
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 kidney 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
The evaluation usually requires a 1-2 day stay in Portland if you do not live locally. Your transplant evaluation is usually done on an outpatient basis unless you are critically ill and require hospitalization. During the evaluation you will have appointments with many specialists in addition to members of the kidney transplant team. You will have lab work and diagnostic test performed. These tests vary for each person.
You will also attend a kidney transplant education class. During this class we review information from the pre-transplant packet and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. You can also view the most updated slides here. You may also watch and listen to a previous class presentation video below. Please refer to the updated slides for more current information on patient survival, OHSU waiting times, and OHSU and National transplant numbers.
Below are recordings of the Kidney Pre-Transplant Education Class. The class is split into two videos. Both videos must be watched to receive all of the necessary information. Attached is the Education Class Quiz.
Selection process and waitlist
After all the testing and appointments have been completed, your case is presented at the kidney committee review meeting which is held once a week. Members of the kidney transplant team are present and your case is discussed. It will be decided if you meet all the criteria to be a kidney transplant candidate.
The team may require additional testing or requirements to be met before you can be put on the kidney transplant waitlist. Once all of the recommendations from the team are completed and you are an acceptable candidate, you will be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list.