There are several phases of the transplant process. The first phase is considered the pre-transplant evaluation phase. There is an extensive pre-evaluation process where providers and transplant nurse coordinators review your medical information, a patient access services staff person will review your insurance benefits and a financial counselor will review your ability to afford all of the costs associated with transplantation. Your insurance company will need to review 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 simultaneous pancreas-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. You will attend a class that will teach you about transplantation and review information from the pre-transplant packet. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions. During the evaluation, you will have appointments with many specialists in addition to members of the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant team. You will also have lab work and diagnostic tests performed. The tests vary for each person.

Selection process and waitlist

After all the testing and appointments have been completed, your case is presented at the simultaneous pancreas-kidney committee review meeting, which is held once a week. Members of the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant team are present and your case is discussed. It will be decided at this meeting if you meet all the criteria to be a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant candidate.

The team may require additional testing or requirements to be met before you can be put on the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant waitlist. Once all of their recommendations are completed and you are an acceptable candidate, you will be placed on the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant waiting list.