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VA Transplant Brochures - Frequently Asked Questions What happens if I need a transplant?
There are several stages to getting a transplant:
Stage One:
If your local VA physician thinks you have may be a transplant candidate, you will be scheduled for specific tests. Two reasons for these tests: (1) To determine if there are any hidden conditions that would prevent you from getting a transplant; and (2) To determine if your body is able to tolerate the demands of a transplant.
What sort of tests do I have to get done?
There are some tests all potential transplant candidates must have. You will be scheduled for labs, a chest x-ray, EKG, pulmonary function test (breathing test), stress thallium (evaluates your heart), PPD (or TB skin test), Hepatitis, HIV, etc. You will also be scheduled to meet with dental, social work, and mental health providers. There are also specific tests that will be scheduled depending on the type of transplant you need.
Note: It is very important that you do not miss or reschedule any appointments. This could delay your evaluation and assignment to a VA transplant center.
For more information, please click VA Transplant Program Brochure
Referral Process - How Do I Get a Transplant?
The transplant referral process has several steps and begins at the primary VA medical center where the patient is enrolled and eligibility is determined. If the Veteran is determined to be a potential transplant candidate by the local VA medical center, a transplant referral packet is prepared locally and submitted to the VA Program located in Washington, DC. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the VA Program at 202-461-7130.
Over 109,000 men, women, and children are currently listed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) national waiting list. Those Veterans listed through the VA Transplant Centers are part of that same waiting list.
Support Person - Who Goes With Me?
The VA National Transplant Program requires that a transplant candidate have a support person. The support person is a relative or friend who is committed to helping you, the transplant candidate, throughout the workup process, and in the months before and after your transplant. The VA also encourages transplant candidates to have a backup support person, in case your primary support person is unavailable due to illness or other reasons.
For more information, please click one of the two brochures below |
