Choosing a kidney transplant center is a serious decision, and you will likely have numerous factors to consider as you attempt to make the best choice. You may consider the experience of the medical personnel, the number of transplant surgeries that have been performed at the center, and the percentage of people who survive for at least three years following surgery at the center. The cost of care, the benefits your insurance will provide at a particular facility, and the center’s location may figure prominently as well.
One of the most important things to consider when you are trying to choose the best kidney transplant center is the experience levels of the surgeons. With something as serious as a kidney transplant, you will usually want to be in the hands of experienced and reputable doctors. You may do well to compile a list of the transplant centers you are considering and rank them according to the experience of the surgeons and medical staff as well as the number of transplants performed at the facility.
When you are trying to choose the best kidney transplant center, you may do well to consider not only how many procedures a center has performed, but also the number it has performed successfully. You may also consider the survival rates of the patients who have undergone kidney transplants at the facility. A higher percentage of people who have survived for three years or more following a kidney transplant is a good sign.
The cost of undergoing a kidney transplant may vary from center to center. As such, your process for choosing the best kidney transplant center may include cost as a consideration. You may compare centers based on the cost of the procedure as well as the amounts charged for pre- and post-operative care. While you may not choose to make your decision based solely on which center offers the lowest prices, you may use cost as one of the factors in your decision. Additionally, you may consider the benefits your insurance company will pay when considering kidney transplant centers.
Location may also prove to be an important consideration as you attempt to choose the best kidney transplant center. You may prefer a transplant center that is within reasonable driving distance of your home. If you are willing to travel a long distance, however, you may consider not only your transportation cost and travel time, but also the expense of travel for friends and family members you will want or need after the surgery.