You will work with a team of health care providers before, during and after your transplant. You may work with any or all of the following.
- Surgeon A surgeon is a specially trained doctor who does the transplant surgery.
- Nephrologist (kidney doctor) Your kidney doctor will be informed about your health.
- Transplant coordinator The transplant coordinator will work with you and the surgeon.
- Primary (regular) doctor Your regular doctor will have access to all of your treatment information. You will keep visiting your regular doctor for your usual health care needs.
- Social worker A social worker may work with you and your family to offer support and information on resources in your community. He or she can answer Medicare or insurance questions.
- Financial specialist A financial specialist can help you with insurance coverage and billing questions. He or she can help determine hospital costs, Medicare coverage and other similar costs.
- Dietitian A dietitian is available if you have any questions or concerns about your diet or nutrition.
- Nurses Nurses will educate, support and guide you. They will help you with your surgery, pain management and/or pain control, and preparing to go home.
- Pharmacist A pharmacist can help answer any of your questions about prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Having all of your prescriptions filled at one pharmacy can help the pharmacist tell if any of your medicines may interfere with each other and/or cause side effects.
Reviewed By: Allina Patient Education experts, including the Transplantation Department of Abbott Northwestern Hospital
First Published: 05/15/2009
Last Reviewed: 05/15/2009