During an outpatient clinic evaluation visit, our goal is to have all the pre-transplant initial testing, lab work (including tissue typing) and clinical testing, education, social work consultation and surgeon interview completed in one day.
You will take part in a comprehensive education program that details the surgical procedure, medications, recovery and rehabilitation associated with the transplant process.
Every patient being evaluated for kidney-pancreas transplant will have a psychosocial assessment with a social worker to help determine if a transplant candidate has the psychological stability, motivation and personal support to meet the challenges of transplantation. Before the appointment, you will complete a psychosocial survey that will be reviewed during the evaluation.
After the psychosocial evaluation is complete, a report is sent to the transplant team with a recommendation about your suitability for transplant from a psychosocial perspective.
It is preferred that these tests be completed at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, but depending on your geographic location or payer preference, they may be completed closer to your home.
All patients must meet the chemical dependency requirements of the Ohio Solid Organ Transplantation Consortium. The use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs is carefully examined. Patients who meet criteria for alcohol or drug dependence must undergo at least three months of rehabilitation and demonstrate three months of abstinence before listing.
The transplant team evaluates the information gathered and determines whether transplantation is appropriate. We will also determine what additional information is needed prior to placing you on the transplant list.
We will send follow-up letters to the referring physician or dialysis center summarizing the pre-transplant clinic visit and asking for any additional information required. A letter and a copy of the pre-transplant patient chart are sent to your insurance company, requesting precertification of the transplant procedure.
You could be transferred, admitted or scheduled for a clinic visit within several days or three to four months. A referral could be made to cardiology, pulmonary, infectious disease or other services as warranted.
