Preparing for Your First Appointment
Considering a kidney transplant is a big step. Take these steps to get started on the process.
- Make an appointment.
Call the Downstate Transplant Office at (718) 270-3169 for an appointment to meet the Surgeons, Nephrologists and Coordinators who will be with you on this journey. We will discuss your medical condition with you and help you decide on transplantation as an option.
Before you arrive, we'll ask your dialysis unit to share copies of your medical information for review during your visit.
- Gather your information.
Bring a list of your medications and your insurance card(s). We'll copy and return them immediately.
- Get a referral (if you're with an HMO).
If you are insured by a health maintenance organization (HMO), such as HIP or Oxford, you must provide a referral from your primary care physician. (This also applies if you have Medicare or Medicaid provided by an HMO)
- Bring proof of residency, if you weren't born in the U.S.
Accepted documents include a birth certificate, passport, or green card. We will copy the document and return it immediately.
These are some of the questions people ask us.
At 8 AM, you'll come to Clinic C, on the first floor of the hospital building. Eat a full breakfast and take your regular medications. You'll be at the hospital until noon.
Once you register at the reception desk, we'll draw your blood twice. The first draw identifies your blood type. The second confirms your blood type, tests for viruses such as hepatitis, and determines your tissue type.
Tissue typing identifies genetic markers that determine whether your body will accept or reject a new organ. These markers help us identify matches with potential donors.
After your blood has been drawn, a nurse will check your vital signs. You will then join a small group and meet our Transplant Coordinator. The coordinator will give a presentation about the kidney transplantation process and answer any questions you may have.
After the class, you will meet individually with Downstate's Transplant Surgeons, Transplant Nephrologists, Social Workers, Financial Counselor and Dietician. The doctors may ask you to complete some additional tests to be certain that you are able to receive a transplant. These tests can be done by your dialysis unit, a physician of your choice, or a Downstate specialist. We'll be happy to help you make the arrangements.
Our Transplant Selection Committee will review your test results and determine whether you are medically able to receive a transplant. The committee will send a letter to you and your dialysis unit explaining the decision.
Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will cover the cost of your procedure. You'll need to plan ahead to cover the cost of the medication you'll need afterward, though. Most people cannot afford to pay for these medications without help.
Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost of anti-rejection medications for three years following surgery. After that, the percentage covered drops dramatically. You'll work closely with our financial counselor to consider your options.
The amount of time varies, but the wait is typically between five to seven years. Once you're placed on the deceased donor waiting list, we need to wait until a suitable kidney is available for you. Some people wait far less time than others; we'll do our best to identify a good match as quickly as possible. While you are on the list, we'll invite you to see the team every year and ensure you are ready for transplant whenever a kidney becomes available for you.