Kidney Transplant Program - Referral Process

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) ensures equal access to transplants. Since 1961, approximately 8,000 veterans have received kidney transplants through the VA referral system.

Who is eligible for a kidney transplant?

All veterans enrolled for care in the VA system are eligible for consideration for transplant services.

How do I start the process?

The request for transplant must originate from the veteran's primary VA medical center where the veteran is enrolled. The VA staff physician from that primary center completes a referral packet, which includes the VA Transplant Referral Form and all required documentation (Attachment A and Attachment B). The original referral packet and three copies are mailed to the VA National Transplant Office in Washington, D.C.

What are the steps in the process?

First, the VA National Transplant Office assigns two members of the Transplant Review Board to review the packet. Board members are transplant physicians located throughout the U.S. This board will recommend whether the packet can be forwarded to a regional VA transplant center for in-depth review.

Second, if approved by the Board, the referral packet will be assigned to one of four VA transplant centers.

Third, if assigned to Portland, the veteran will be scheduled to come for an on-site evaluation. The veteran will attend a half day class led by a nurse coordinator in which you will learn all about the pre-transplant process and what to expect post-transplant.  A nephrologist and surgeon will examine you and discuss transplantation with you. VA staff will then run a number of tests to ensure that you are a good candidate for a transplant.  Their evaluation is formally presented to the VAMC/Oregon Health and Science University committee and an assessment will be made as to your candidacy for transplant and if there is any need for further testing. 

If at any point the veteran is determined not to be a candidate for transplantation, then renal care will continue through the veteran's primary VA medical center.