Considering a Kidney Transplant
Is Kidney Transplantation an Option?
Treatment Options for Kidney Failure
If you are facing kidney failure, you may be frightened. Please know that our expertly trained team is here to help you explore your options. We will base our mutual decision on your medical history, health status and personal situation.
Considering a Kidney Transplant
When the kidneys can no longer perform their functions, there are three treatment options:
- Dialysis — a technique that removes waste using tubes or machines.
- Living Donor Kidney Transplant — a kidney from a living donor is surgically placed.
- Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant — a kidney from a deceased donor is surgically placed.
It's important to note that kidney transplants typically offer improved quality of life when compared to long-term treatment with dialysis. In addition, living donor kidneys generally offer better organ longevity than those from deceased donors.
Would You Benefit From a Kidney Transplant Evaluation?
Our team will conduct a detailed pretransplant evaluation to determine if transplant is the best option for you. We will help you determine if you are healthy enough for a transplant. Patients who are not good candidates for a kidney transplant include those who have:
- Malignancy other than skin cell carcinomas
- Active infections
- HIV infection
- Active immunological diseases
- Advanced cardiac disease
- Advanced primary pulmonary or thoracic disease
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Untreated psychological disorder
- Evidence of poor compliance
- Absence of appropriate insurance or funding
- Untreated, ongoing drug, alcohol or tobacco abuse
- Lack of caregiver support
Financial Considerations
- It is important to have sufficient insurance for the necessary coverage of transplant evaluations, testing, surgery, postoperative medications and treatments.
- Patients should also have sufficient income to cover basic living expenses, medical expenses, and your post-transplant care.
- Medicare or a single private insurance alone may not be enough to cover all aspects of a transplant procedure. Secondary or supplemental insurance may be required. Prescription drug coverage is also incredibly important.
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