Kidney Transplant Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I wait?
The average waiting time varies according to different blood types and can range from six months to two years. Waiting time differs from transplant center to transplant center.
Can I be on more than one waiting list?
The average waiting time varies according to different blood types and can range from six months to two years. Waiting time differs from transplant center to transplant center.
Can I be on more than one waiting list?
Yes. Getting on the waiting list at more than one center may decrease the time you wait for a transplant.
Is there a weight restriction?
Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but generally we require a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or less.
Do you transplant children?
Yes, we have a pediatric transplant program.
Is there an age limit?
Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but it is uncommon to offer transplantation to patients who are older than 75 years of age.
If I want to donate my kidney or someone I know wants to donate a kidney, what should I do?
The first step in becoming a live kidney donor is to have a telephone interview with one of our transplant coordinators. They will discuss the acceptance criteria and the risks. They will then proceed with the work up process if the donor's medical history is appropriate.
Is there a weight restriction?
Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but generally we require a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or less.
Do you transplant children?
Yes, we have a pediatric transplant program.
Is there an age limit?
Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but it is uncommon to offer transplantation to patients who are older than 75 years of age.
If I want to donate my kidney or someone I know wants to donate a kidney, what should I do?
The first step in becoming a live kidney donor is to have a telephone interview with one of our transplant coordinators. They will discuss the acceptance criteria and the risks. They will then proceed with the work up process if the donor's medical history is appropriate.
How much will my medications cost and does insurance cover the cost?
Medication after transplant can be very costly and you need to check with your insurance company to determine your prescription benefit. After contacting your insurance company, if you still have questions, you may call (608) 263-1503 and ask for one of our transplant financial counselors to assist you. Or, you may talk with one of our transplant social workers to determine what other assistance programs you may qualify for.
How long will I have to take the medications?
You will need to take the anti-rejection medications for the duration of the success of your transplanted kidney.
Will my insurance cover my transplant? How much?
UW Health has contracts with many insurance providers, Medicare and Wisconsin Medicaid. You need to contact your insurance company to find out your coverage for the costs of your transplant surgery. After contacting your insurance company, if you still have questions, you may call (608) 263-1503 and ask for one of our transplant financial counselors to assist you.
How long will my kidney last?
Each kidney transplant is different but the overall success rates of kidney transplant are very good.
How do I set up a kidney transplant evaluation?
You can either call (608) 263-9531 for an appointment or have your primary physician refer you to our center. You will be assigned to a pre-transplant coordinator who will guide you through the evaluation phase.
Medication after transplant can be very costly and you need to check with your insurance company to determine your prescription benefit. After contacting your insurance company, if you still have questions, you may call (608) 263-1503 and ask for one of our transplant financial counselors to assist you. Or, you may talk with one of our transplant social workers to determine what other assistance programs you may qualify for.
How long will I have to take the medications?
You will need to take the anti-rejection medications for the duration of the success of your transplanted kidney.
Will my insurance cover my transplant? How much?
UW Health has contracts with many insurance providers, Medicare and Wisconsin Medicaid. You need to contact your insurance company to find out your coverage for the costs of your transplant surgery. After contacting your insurance company, if you still have questions, you may call (608) 263-1503 and ask for one of our transplant financial counselors to assist you.
How long will my kidney last?
Each kidney transplant is different but the overall success rates of kidney transplant are very good.
How do I set up a kidney transplant evaluation?
You can either call (608) 263-9531 for an appointment or have your primary physician refer you to our center. You will be assigned to a pre-transplant coordinator who will guide you through the evaluation phase.