If you’ve been told your child needs a kidney transplant, our team is here to help.
The first step in the process is a referral to our transplant program. We accept referrals from patients, primary care physicians or kidney specialists.
After the referral process is complete, we’ll begin getting to know your child through the pre-transplant information packet. Once we receive this information, we’ll schedule your child for their initial transplant evaluation.
Before your visit, at least one parent must attend our transplant education sessions. Each class lasts approximately one hour. Both classes take place on the same day.
Our goal is to create a strong long-term relationship with your family and your local health care team.
What to expect during your first visit
The initial evaluation usually takes two-to-three days. During your visit, you’ll have a full schedule of labs, diagnostic testing and consultations.
After your child’s initial evaluation, our team will meet and discuss your child’s case. If your child is ready, we’ll place them on a transplant waiting list. In Nebraska, we have shorter wait times in general than many other states.
Why you should choose Nebraska Medicine
Established in 1970, our kidney transplant program is one of the longest running and most experienced programs in the U.S. We performed the first kidney transplant in the state of Nebraska and have since become widely recognized as one of the most active and innovative kidney transplant centers in the world.
We have a well-established multidisciplinary team. Many members of the team have decades of experience in assisting families through the transplant process.
Your team usually consists of:
- Transplant surgeon
- Transplant nephrologist
- Transplant nurse coordinators
- Anesthesiologist
- Psychiatrist
- Infectious diseases specialist
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Child life specialist
- Dietician
- Social worker
- Financial counselor
We offer 24/7 phone support. If there’s ever something going on with your child, you don’t have to wait to call. And we have an adolescent-to-adult transition program, so you won’t have to get to know a new team as your child ages.
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Refer your patient for transplant
When your patient requires the most innovative and unique transplant services available, Nebraska Medicine provides one of the most successful programs in the country.
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Receive an Organ Transplant
Learn how to become a potential organ transplant patient, find contact information and read about next steps after referral.
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Letter of Medical Necessity Template Downloads
You will need a Letter of Medical Necessity to enter our program. Please download the appropriate form below, and ask your doctor to fill it out.
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The Ronald McDonald House
You may be eligible to stay at Omaha’s Ronald McDonald House throughout your child’s transplant journey.
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The Lane Thomas Foundation
The Lane Thomas Foundation was founded to give honor and light to the life of Lane Thomas Graves. The foundation provides financial support for non-medical expenses to families with children in need of life-saving transplants.
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Transplant financial counseling
Our financial counselors will go over your insurance coverage and if needed, explore other financial assistance options with you at the time of your transplant evaluation.
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The day of your child's kidney transplant
What to bring to the hospital, the steps of a kidney transplant operation and what to expect after the surgery.
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After your child's kidney transplant
In the first several weeks after transplant, your child will be seen weekly.
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External resources our transplant team recommends
Our transplant team also recommends taking a look at these additional helpful resources.
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