Massachusetts General Hospital | Transplant Center

for referring physicians

We welcome the opportunity to evaluate your patient for organ transplantation and are available to answer questions about our selection criteria or the transplant process.

To refer a patient, contact one of our transplant programs:

• Heart Transplant Program: 866-MGH-(644) 8910
• Kidney Transplant Program: 877-MGH-(644) 2860
• Liver Transplant Program: 877-MGH-(644) 2860
• Lung Transplant Program: 800-876-LUNG (5864)
• Pancreas/Islet Transplant Program: 877-MGH-(644) 2860

Beginning the Transplant Evaluation Process

If you are experiencing organ failure, transplantation may be a potential treatment option for your care. Transplantation may not be the best treatment for every patient, so it is important that you speak with your physician about your options and your eligibility for a referral to the Mass General Transplant Center for an organ transplant evaluation.

Pre-Transplant Evaluation: Your First Appointment

To determine if you are a candidate, you must first undergo a comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation that includes medical and surgical consultations, laboratory tests and specialized procedures.

During your first evaluation, we will explain what you can expect during each phase of the evaluation process, as well as educational information on your current medical condition and how it may affect your health over time.

We will introduce you to a number of our specialists, which may include:

• Physicians
• Surgeons
• Social workers
• Nutritionists
• Financial coordinators

At this time, you will also be assigned a nurse coordinator to teach you about the transplant process, coordinate your care and compile your test results. You will also complete health maintenance requirements, including:

• PPD (tuberculin skin test) or a blood test that assesses tuberculosis infection
• Dental clearance letter stating you are clear of any infections or decayed teeth
• Colonoscopy (for patients older than 50 years)
• PSA (prostate specific antigen test for men older than 40 years)
• PAP smear (for women older than 20 years)
• Mammogram (for women older than 40 years)

Download a list of questions to ask your transplant team at your evaluation (PDF)

Financial Information

You will have an opportunity to talk to our financial coordinator who will explain transplant-related costs and medical insurance coverage for each phase of the transplant process. Our financial coordinator will also work with you and your health insurance company to authorize your treatment.

Before your initial transplant evaluation, you should contact your health insurance company to learn about the benefits and limitations to your specific policy. We require coverage for inpatient care, outpatient visits, physician fees and prescriptions expenses during all phases of the transplant process.

If your current policy does not cover all expenses, you may need to obtain secondary insurance. Our transplant financial coordinator will also be there to help guide you through the process of obtaining appropriate insurance.

After Your Evaluation

After your initial transplant evaluation appointment, you may undergo additional testing and physician consultations, depending on the type of transplant that you require. We will discuss this with you at your initial evaluation visit. These additional appointments are critical in determining your eligibility for transplant.

Once all of your required testing is complete and it is determined that you are a transplant candidate, your name will be added to the UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) transplant waiting list.

The Transplant Waiting List

While you wait for an organ to become available, your local physicians and specialists will continue to coordinate with your Mass General physicians to care for you.

It is important to ensure that you continue to meet transplant requirements once you are on the waiting list. In order to maintain your listing status, you must complete regular re-evaluation appointments and update some of your tests while you wait, depending on the type of transplant you need. Should a health problem arise, your doctor and your Mass General transplant team will work together to address your health concerns.