Questions about transplant
“Is transplant something we should discuss now?” “Who can refer me or explain self-referral?”
For patients and caregivers
Know your transplant options. Know what happens next.
Transplant may be one option among several. This page helps you understand the stages and prepare a question for your kidney-care or transplant team.
Still neon
A program decides eligibility.
Starting dialysis, asking for a referral, or contacting a transplant program does not automatically put you on a waiting list. A transplant program evaluates you and explains its decision. HRSA: Kidney evaluation and listing
What Transplant Check can do
Help you name your stage, prepare questions, and identify who can confirm the next step. It cannot diagnose, determine candidacy, submit a referral, place you on a waiting list, or confirm your status.
Your treatment choices deserve a clear conversation.
Ask your care team to explain the choices that apply to you, including in-center dialysis, home dialysis, conservative care, and transplant. The right choice depends on your health, priorities, support, and the advice of your clinicians. NIDDK explains treatment choices.
Questions about daily life
“How would each option affect work, travel, caregiving, or time at home?” “Who can help me plan?”
Find the stage you recognize.
First conversation
Referral or contact
Ask whether a program received your information and what it needs next.
Try: “Who can confirm whether the referral arrived?”
Learning what applies
Evaluation
A program may request visits, tests, and records. Ask which tasks apply to you and who owns each one.
Try: “When and how will I hear the decision?”
A program decision
Waitlisting
The transplant program confirms whether you are listed and explains your current status.
Try: “Am I active or inactive, and what should I do next?”
Another possible path
Living donation
Ask the transplant team how recipient and donor evaluation work. No potential donor should feel pressured.
Try: “Who can explain the donor process independently?”
Caregivers can help with the next step.
Invite the people you choose to join a conversation, take notes, plan travel, or help track questions. Tell the team what support is realistic and when the plan changes.
Social workers, coordinators, and financial coordinators may have different roles. Ask the team who can explain practical support and costs. HRSA: The transplant team
Use the right source for urgent needs.
This site is general education. For new or urgent symptoms, follow your clinician’s instructions or contact local emergency services. Your care team is the source for your medical plan, test results, eligibility, and listing status.
Sources checked September 12, 2026. Information is for the U.S. transplant process and may change.