Heart transplant eligibility and evaluation
Beginning the heart transplant journey together
Careful evaluation of potential heart transplant candidates is essential for successful results. At Penn Medicine’s heart transplant program, we have experience with over 1,500 heart transplants since 1987. We know how to decide if a heart transplant is the right next step for you—even if you’ve been turned away by another program or are a candidate for a dual-organ transplant.
We understand that starting this process can be stressful. We’re here throughout your evaluation to answer your questions and offer support.
Heart transplant criteria
We evaluate you individually to determine if you meet the heart transplant candidate requirements. It’s essential that you follow through with the required testing and attend all your appointments.
Even if you think you may not qualify, we encourage you to apply. We look at each person’s case and may be able to work with you and your health-care providers to help you become eligible.
Heart transplant criteria we use to determine eligibility include:
You should be under the age of 70.
You must have health insurance. If you’re uninsured, we can help you obtain coverage.
If you have active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, or current alcohol or drug abuse, you may not qualify for a transplant. We may also advise you to go through the evaluation process again if your health improves.
Heart transplant recovery is a long process, and you’ll need help. We help you create a plan to get the support you need during recovery.
Heart transplant evaluation process
Heart transplant evaluation usually takes 30 to 90 days. If you’re critically ill and hospitalized, we can do the process in five to seven days.
The steps of the evaluation process include:
Referral
Evaluation begins with a referral from your heart failure specialist. If your current doctor isn’t in our health system, you’ll see a specialist from the Penn Medicine Heart Failure program who sends us a referral.
Education
We make sure you understand what transplant is and what to expect after surgery. Only then can you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
You’ll attend a general information session and each specialist you meet with shares important information about the heart transplant process. Our team members are always available to answer your questions.
Medical tests
During your evaluation you meet with a medical team of nurse practitioners, heart failure and transplant physicians, and transplant surgeons. Together they take a careful look at your health and condition and decide if a transplant is a good option for you.
As part of this process, you receive a range of laboratory and medical imaging tests. For your convenience, we aim to complete all your testing in two days.
Meetings with specialists
A heart transplant affects all aspects of your life, so the evaluation process aims to ensure you have the support you need. In addition to medical providers, you’ll also meet with:
- Financial coordinator: reviews your insurance and finances and makes sure you understand the financial responsibilities and impacts of transplant
- Nutritionist: discusses the role nutrition plays in heart health
- Pharmacist: explains the medications you’ll take after transplant
- Social worker: assesses your background, social support system, substance use, and mental health history to make sure you’re set up for success through your recovery
Results of the evaluation process
When all testing is done and you’ve met with every member of our team, we meet to review your results and discuss your options. We make one of three determinations:
- Approval: You can move forward to the heart transplant waiting list.
- Denial: You aren’t eligible for a heart transplant.
- Not eligible at this time: You may need to complete additional testing or address concerns that may make a heart transplant unsuccessful.
If you aren’t eligible, we help you understand your options and assist with your next steps.