Kidney Transplant Center in Austin and Central Texas
The Kidney Transplant Center at St. David's North Austin Medical Center provides patients who have kidney disease with an alternative to a lifetime of dialysis: kidney transplantation. Our center features a collaborative team of surgeons, physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians and other transplant specialists. These specialists are able to provide comprehensive care and support to transplant recipients, living kidney donors and their families.
For more information about our kidney transplant services, please call (512) 901-2880.
Benefits of kidney transplantation
The goal of kidney transplantation is to restore energy and well-being to patients who have end-stage renal disease. Additional benefits of kidney transplantation rather than dialysis include:
- Greater life expectancy
- Improved quality of life
- Less restrictive dietary limitations
If you are already on dialysis, studies have shown the sooner you receive a kidney transplant, the better your chances are for successful long-term function of the transplanted kidney.
Types of kidney transplant
Kidney transplantation has two sources: deceased donors and living donors. Deceased donor kidneys are graciously provided by families or individuals who have agreed to organ donation, which is performed at the time of death. Living kidney donors are most commonly provided by relatives, spouses or friends who have been evaluated and found to be suitable donors.
Paired kidney exchange
Another source of living donor kidneys comes from a process known as "paired kidney exchange." This process involves matching incompatible donor recipient pairs to other incompatible pairs who may live locally or in other parts of the state or country. Testing is completed to see if the donor from one incompatible pair would be compatible with the recipient of another incompatible pair and vice versa. The donor from each pair can then donate their kidney to the recipient of the other pair.
Kidney transplant evaluation
The first step to getting a kidney transplant is to get an evaluation. To begin the evaluation process for kidney transplantation, contact the Kidney Transplant Center at St. David's North Austin. You do not need to be referred by a physician. Simply call (512) 901-2880 and one of our team members will ask you some basic questions to get you started.
Kidney transplant cost
Typically, insurance covers the majority of costs associated with transplant surgery, post-transplant follow-up and medications. Members of our team will meet with you and your donor individually to discuss your specific insurance coverage.
Cost assistance for kidney transplants
For donors who need assistance, there are programs available to help cover some of the non-medical costs for donation. Some of these costs may include food, lodging or plane travel. Social workers are on site to help donors apply for this assistance if they qualify.
Living Kidney Donor Program
We know making the decision to donate a kidney is a serious one, for both the donor and the recipient. St. David’s Living Kidney Donor Program offers an opportunity for donors to end the wait for prospective recipients and save lives.
Learn more about living donation and how you can help someone in need.
Our quick, online health questionnaire lets our team know more about you and your interest to become a living donor. You can get started today.
