General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I can't believe this: To get on Heart Transplant list, one needs to be nicotine free 6 months. [View all]pnwmom
(108,955 posts)And it is possible to get yourself on more than one transplant list. Someone should investigate different transplant centers, and find one, if possible, that doesn't require non-use for six months. Then apply on the list for that center.
http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/about/transplantation/transplantProcess.asp
As an informed participant, it is important that transplant candidates know their treatment options. Some patients choose to list at hospitals in different parts of the country, change hospitals, and transfer their waiting time to a different center or receive a transplant from a living donor.
Multiple Listing: Sometimes patients choose to register for a transplant at more than one hospital. When a patient lists at a transplant hospital, they are generally considered for organs from a donor in that local area first. If a patient is put on the list at more than one transplant hospital, they will be considered for donor organs that become available in more than one local area.
National transplant policy allows a patient to register for a transplant at more than one transplant hospital. However, each hospital may have its own rules for allowing its patients to be on the list at another hospital. Patients should ask each hospital whether it allows its patients to list at more than one transplant hospital. Being listed in more than one area does not guarantee an organ will become available faster than for patients registered at only one transplant hospital. Generally, each transplant center will require the patient to go through a separate evaluation, even if the patient is already listed at another hospital.
Transferring Waiting Time: Patients may switch to a different transplant hospital and transfer their waiting time to that hospital. Waiting time from the original center is added to the time collected at the new hospital.
The transplant teams at the first hospital and the new hospital will be responsible for coordinating the exchange of information and notifying UNOS of the transfer of waiting time. Patients should ask each hospital if transferred waiting time will be accepted.
Variability among Transplant Centers: Hospitals can vary widely in the number of transplants they perform and the characteristics of the donor and recipient pool. Organ procurement organizations can vary widely in the number and types of donors they receive each year.