The
On-Site Visit
After the potential recipient has been approved for an on-site visit, an
appointment for an on-site visit will be made for the veteran by the VA Iowa City Health Care System Transplant Nurse Coordinator.
What happens during an on-site visit?
During the three to five day visit, the members of the Transplant Team,
including the Transplant Coordinator, the Transplant Surgeon, the Transplant Nephrologist, and the Transplant Social Worker will schedule the veteran and the
potential donor (if applicable) for further in-depth evaluations, including tissue typing and baseline labs. The veteran, the donor (if applicable), and the
support person(s) receive a program orientation and a tour of the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center facilities.
Who goes with me on the on-site visit?
The veteran and his/her designated support person travel to the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center
in Iowa
City, Iowa. The referring VAMC provides round-trip transportation and the VA Central Office provides lodging for the veteran and one designated support
person. If a living donor is under consideration, the potential donor and the
donor's designated support person also will have their round-trip
transportation and lodging provided by the referring VA facility and the VA Central Office, respectively. Meals are not provided.
Who is a support person?
The support person may be a friend or relative 18 years of age or older. The
support person is expected to go to the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center
with the patient for the
on-site evaluation and later for the transplant surgery. The support person
provides post-transplant support, accompanies the patient to follow-up
appointments, assists with medications, ensures compliance, and offers general
assistance. Having a support person is a requirement of the VA transplant
program.
How will my dialysis needs be met during the on-site visit?
If you require dialysis during your on-site visit, the Transplant Nurse
Coordinator will make any necessary arrangements in coordination with your local
dialysis unit.
What happens after all of the tests and evaluations are completed?
The results of the on-site visit will be formally presented to the combined VAICHCS/University of Iowa Transplant Team. The team decides
if the veteran:
- needs to meet additional requirements prior to approval
- is not a candidate for transplant surgery
- is a candidate for transplantation
The team's decision is forwarded to the referring VA which will notify the
veteran of the decision. If the veteran is determined to be a candidate for transplantation and there is
no suitable donor, the veteran's name will be placed on the United Network
for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list. If there is an identified donor, transplant
surgery will be scheduled. If the veteran is not a candidate for
transplantation, then renal care will continue through the veteran's primary VAMC.
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