Basic HTML Version
•
Meet with transplant surgeon
•
Meet with anesthesiologist (doctor who prevents
patient from feeling pain during surgery)
•
Surgery
•
Recovery time at hospital
•
Recovery time at home
•
Continued follow up with transplant team
•
Take medicine to avoid rejection of a kidney
Would I have to take time off from work if I need a
transplant?
Yes. It is important to talk with your doctor and
employer about your options. Recovery time can vary
and could possibly last from months to years.
How would a transplant impact my financial situation?
Private insurance and Medicare will cover the cost
of the surgery, clinic check-ups, labs and most of the
medicine. However, if you are under 65, after three
years, you will not be eligible for Medicare anymore.
You will need to plan for private insurance to pay for
these medicines and costs.
Costs can range from hundreds to thousands of
dollars per month. What you will pay depends on your
insurance. In some states, special programs are
available for kidney recipients that will help pay for
drugs and other costs.
Every individual’s insurance is different. It is important
to speak with your insurance company about what they
will and will not cover in terms of a transplant.
5