Kidney Transplant Evaluation

The Penn kidney transplant team performs an extensive evaluation to determine if transplant is the right option for our patients. The evaluation is usually completed in one day, although additional consultation or testing may be required at a later time. The evaluation day allows patients and their families to meet members of the kidney transplant team and obtain information about transplantation.

During this initial visit, patients and their families meet with a nurse coordinator and receive detailed information about transplant preparation, health management during the waiting period, immunosuppressive medications and an overview of the transplantation process. Patients also meet with a transplant nephrologist – and possibly a transplant surgeon – to discuss their medical history and receive a physical examination.

The kidney transplant team explores the possibility of living-related or living-unrelated donation with patients and their families. They also meet with one a financial coordinator to ensure the patient has adequate insurance coverage for the procedure and medications. Other members of the kidney transplant team may meet with patients and their families as well.

Tests and procedures performed during the evaluation include*:

*Depending on a patient’s age and gender, additional tests may be required.

The kidney transplant team meets to evaluate the candidacy of every patient and determine if kidney transplant is the best treatment. After this meeting, a member of the transplant team contacts the patient with the results of this discussion. Once patients are approved by the transplant team and has financial clearance, they are placed on the active waiting list.

For more information, please view our patient guide.

Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

Request an Appointment

Kidney Transplant Clinical Trials

Kidney Patient Guide