How does a patient become a candidate for transplantation?
After a nephrologist (a doctor specializing in kidney disorders) refers the patient to Piedmont’s transplant center, the transplant team reviews the patient’s medical history and current condition, his/her ability to comply with specific medical instructions, and the emotional support available from the patient’s family and friends. Most transplant centers require patients to have a medical insurance or other financial assistance to ensure that the patient is able to pay for his/her medications after the surgery. If this is a problem, the Georgia Transplant Foundation can help the patient with fundraising and possibly provide other financial assistance. If the medical team approves the patient for transplantation, the patient is placed on the transplant waiting list, administered by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Once a patient is on the list, the surgery can take place immediately, or the wait for a compatible kidney can be indefinite. If the patient has a relative, spou
