Providence Kidney Transplant

Our transplant coordinators schedule your education, evaluation tests and appointments with nephrologists and surgeons.

During your evaluation, you’ll complete several assessments. The transplant program covers lab, radiology and cardiac tests, but not dental evaluations or cancer screenings that may be required based on your age and risk.

After reviewing your results and kidney health, our specialists determine whether a transplant is recommended. If you’re eligible, our coordinators will guide you through the next steps.

Your doctor and care team will evaluate your condition to determine whether a kidney transplant is appropriate and safe. Providence transplant specialists consider many factors and criteria when evaluating if a transplant is recommended.

To be considered for a kidney transplant, patients must generally meet the following criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Absence of certain health conditions, like active cancer, liver or heart disease
• Diagnosis of end-stage renal disease
• Evidence of being socially responsible, willing and able to comply with medical treatment
• Have irreversible kidney failure with 20% or less of normal kidney function, requiring or close to requiring dialysis
• Of fair health, no active infections or other major medical problems

To ensure your safety and the success of your kidney transplant, our transplant team have certain health and safety criteria, including:

• Having a weight with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 38
• Mental health conditions must be well managed with an active established care plan that includes routine psychology or psychiatry follow-up
• No current cancer or cancer with a high chance of recurrence
• If you’ve had cancer, a period of observation is required after treatment
• No nicotine usage and no active usage of recreational or illicit drugs, including marijuana
• No severe disease or other unmanaged medical problems, including:
  • Blood vessel disease
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease

For the best transplant outcome, patients should have:

• A strong support system of family, friends or other loved ones
• The ability to manage post-transplant care, including lifelong medications, lab work and follow-up visits, with help from a caregiver if needed
• A record of following medical instructions, including attending dialysis, appointments and evaluation visits
• A primary care or diabetes doctor for post-transplant care
• Insurance coverage for the transplant, medications, visits and lab testing
• Someone available after surgery to provide transportation, attend appointments and help with recovery
• This includes loved ones who can help take you to and from all appointments and evaluations as well as assist with home care needs.

Providence accepts kidney transplant referrals from doctors throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, as well as doctors from outside of those states. We also accept self-referrals.

To be considered for kidney transplant surgery, contact our transplant team using the phone number above.

Kidney Transplant Referral Form