We know that the transplant evaluation process can be overwhelming, but everyone on our team is dedicated to helping ease the stress it can cause.
Refer to the video for a quick break down of the evaluation steps and feel free to share this with patients!
The transplant evaluation process is divided into 5 sections.
- Initiating a referral and appointment scheduling
During this time, the financial coordinator will review insurance and obtain authorization if needed. You will also be scheduled for your first visit and receive a phone call from our intake coordinator.
- Transplant Education Day
One this day, you will receive a lot of information. It can be the most overwhelming part of the evaluation and we recommend bringing someone along for support. You will receive education from our nurses and meet all the members of the transplant team. Individually, they will discuss their role in transplant, how it affects the patient, and how they will be available to help them. You will also meet physicians and complete lab work.
Once your visit is complete, you will leave having a general idea of your initial candidacy for transplant and what additional testing is required.
- Evaluation testing
Every patient’s case will be different, but some basic required testing are things such as: colonoscopies, pap smears, mammograms, cardiac clearance, and radiology testing. The medical assistant will work with you to schedule these tests and it is very important that you keep them. No showing or cancelling delays the process and could result in your chart being closed for non-compliance.
After each test, if anything additional is required you will be notified.
- Conference decision
Once all testing is complete, your case will be brought to conference. All testing will be discussed with the team. Everyone on the team has a voice regarding the transplant decision and all disciplines are considered. This will include social work, pharmacy, financial, and nurse coordinators. If you are closed, a letter will be mailed out to you explaining the decision. If you are deferred, you usually have an issue that requires time to resolve. After 6 months if the issue can’t be corrected, you will be closed, but are always eligible for re-referral if the issue resolves at a later time.
If there are no issues with your case, you will be listed. A letter will be sent to you about what to expect once on the waitlist.
- Waitlist
We will cover this topic more thoroughly in a later newsletter, but patients should expect regular follow-up with nurse coordinators regarding their care and remember to remain compliant with appointments and medications.
Transplant is always here to answer questions and help patients navigate the process. Contact your coordinator or call 318-212-4275 to be directed to the appropriate person to handle your questions.