Kidney Transplant Surgery
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413-794-2321Adult Kidney Transplant Program
The kidney transplant program at Baystate Medical Center provides care for people with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure).
If you need a kidney transplant, or would like to donate a kidney, our expert multidisciplinary team will provide you with the highest quality of personalized care.
We are here to guide you through your journey from referral to surgery and recovery.
Process for Potential Recipients
1. Start a Referral
To begin an evaluation for kidney transplant, you will need a referral. The referral can be completed by yourself, your primary care physician (PCP) or by your nephrologist (kidney doctor).
If you would like to refer yourself or you are doctor refering a patient, fill out our online referral form. Alternately, you may fax the form to 413-794-2329.
We encourage doctors to use TxAccess, our preferred method for streamlined referrals with real-time updates. Log in to file a referral.
To fast track the referral, make sure your health screenings are up to date.
We follow American cancer society guidelines based on age, such as a colonoscopy, mammogram, pap smear, etc.
2. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Once your referral is received, we will verify that you have appropriate insurance coverage for transplant at our center. We have information available and additional resources in the event your insurance might not cover all costs.
3. Attend a Class & Make Sure Your Health Screenings are Up to Date
The next step is to attend a class at our clinic. We will call you to make an appointment. This class will provide general information on the transplant process and the next steps to begin the evaluation.
After your class, a member of the transplant team will discuss with you what health screenings you need and review any goals that need to be met. Some examples may include smoking cessation and weight loss.
4. Evaluation for Transplant Surgery
Once we have verified that you are up to date on your health screenings all goals have been met, you will be scheduled for a transplant evaluation appointment. At this appointment, you will meet with all members of our multidisciplinary team. You will also complete laboratory testing, an EKG and a chest X-ray. We will also talk with you more about options for living donation.
After this appointment, additional testing or consult appointments may be required as part of your evaluation.
5. Listing on the Transplant Waiting List
Once your evaluation is completed, your case will be reviewed by our multidisciplinary team where it will be determined if you are appropriate to be listed for transplant.
After being listed on the kidney transplant waiting list, you will be seen in our clinic at least once a year, will be asked to keep up to date on health screenings and will continue to follow your individualized care plan. Additional consults and testing may be needed while you are waiting for a transplant to make sure that you remain as healthy as possible.
Who is Eligible for Transplant Surgery?
You may be eligible for a kidney transplant at our center if:
- You are on dialysis or have a Glomerular Filtration Rate (kidney function) equal to or less than 20%
- You are free from severe liver, heart, vascular or lung disease
- You do not have active cancer
- You are not actively abusing alcohol, nicotine or illicit drugs
- You are not overweight (BMI under 40 is recommended)
- You are able to care for the transplant, take medications as directed, have at least one person to provide care to you and have transportation to appointments
Types of Kidney Transplant Surgery
There are two types of kidney transplant surgery:
- Living Donor Kidney Transplant: A living person donates a kidney directly to you or through a paired exchange. Living Donor Kidney Transplant is the fastest and best option because you get a healthy kidney from a living donor.
- Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant: The kidney is received from a deceased donor (individual that has died).
Kidney Transplant Resources
The following websites provide additional information on kidney transplant:
Tips from a Kidney Transplant Patient
If you or a loved one needs a kidney transplant, you don’t need to keep it to yourself for fear of making others feel pressured or uncomfortable. In fact, letting people know you are looking for a donor could be one of the most essential steps in finding a kidney. In this video, Ed, a transplant patient, shares his journey to finding his kidney donor and offers tips for spreading the word.
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