What is a kidney transplant?
- Kidney transplants are used to treat people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Kidney failure can be due to a variety of health reasons, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or polycystic kidney disease.
- A new kidney can replace a damaged or failed kidney through organ donation.
- Kidneys are usually provided either from a living donor, such as a relative or volunteer, or from a person who has recently died (brain-dead or cardiac-dead) and whose family consented to organ donation.
What is the process for a kidney transplant?
Before you can be cleared to receive a kidney transplant, you must first undergo medical tests to determine your eligibility. These tests make sure that you’re a good match for a kidney transplant procedure. Your doctor will also assess your heart, lung and liver health, as well as address any infections or cancers that must be treated first.
How do you get on the kidney transplant waitlist?
If you meet the medical, surgical, emotional and financial requirements, you may qualify to join the kidney transplant waitlist or move forward with a living donation. Your financial coordinator will work directly with your insurance provider. Once insurance approval is received, your name will be added to the national waitlist or you’ll begin the living donation process. If your insurance changes, notify your financial coordinator right away.
What type of donors exist for kidney transplants?
Living Donors
- A healthy person can live with one kidney.
- Donors may be family, friends, or unrelated volunteers (must be 18+).
- Living donation often means shorter wait time and better long-term outcomes.
- If your donor isn’t a match, you may join our paired kidney exchange program, which helps connect you with a compatible donor.
Deceased Donors
If no living donor is available, you’ll be placed on the UNOS national waitlist. Deceased-donor kidneys come from people who have passed away and chosen to give the gift of life. Wait times are longer—typically 4–5 years.
What happens while you wait for a kidney transplant?
Your care team must be able to reach you at any time. Please keep your phone number up to date and return calls within one hour if you receive a message from us.
To stay ready for transplant:
- Keep seeing your nephrologist and primary care doctor.
- Follow your treatment plan and take medications as prescribed.
- Inform your transplant team of changes to your:
- Health (hospitalizations, infections, transfusions, immunizations)
- Insurance coverage
- Dialysis location or routine
- Contact information
Remember: The healthier you are before your transplant, the more successful your recovery will be.
How much do kidney transplants cost?
A transplant is a lifelong commitment that includes follow-up care, prescriptions, and regular appointments. Your financial coordinator will help you understand your insurance coverage and prepare for both immediate and long-term expenses.
Typical costs may include:
- Hospital and clinic charges
- Medications and labs
- Parking and transportation
- Lodging, if you travel for care
Our team will also connect you with financial resources if needed.