Start Your Transplant Journey With UMass Memorial Health

Take the First Step

Use these links to reach out to us and begin your transplant journey:

I need a kidney or liver transplant I’m interested in living organ donation

What to Expect: The Transplant Process

Our liver and kidney transplantation experts are by your side at every step. Here’s what to expect at each stage:

1. Referral and medical records review: Your transplant journey may begin when your physician refers you to our transplant team or when you self-refer. We review your medical records, health history and test results to understand your needs and determine next steps.
2. Insurance review and scheduling: We review your insurance coverage and help schedule your evaluation and testing appointments.
3. Comprehensive evaluation: You meet with our transplant specialists for a full evaluation. Your assessment may include testing, imaging and conversations about your health, support system and treatment goals. We explain transplant logistics and answer your questions.
4. Personalized care plan and waitlist placement: If transplant is right for you, we create a personalized care plan. Depending on your needs, we may place you on the national transplant waitlist or explore living donation.
5. Preparing for transplant: While you wait for an organ to become available, your care team helps you stay as healthy and strong as possible. We monitor your health, adjust treatment as needed and support you and your loved ones.
6. Transplant surgery: When a donor organ becomes available, our transplant team moves quickly. We guide you through the transplant surgery process and provide expert care.
7. Recovery and lifelong follow-up care: Your transplant is the start of a new chapter in your life. We continue to care for you with follow-up visits, medication management and long-term support to protect your health for years to come.

A Transplant Team Devoted to You

Your UMass Memorial transplant team cares for your physical health, mental health and overall well-being. We spend time getting to know you, your preferences and what makes you unique. Our patients and their caregivers often tell us that their transplant team feels like part of the family.

Your transplant team includes:

• Transplant coordinator: Your transplant coordinator is your main point of contact and a supportive person you can rely on throughout the process. They help schedule appointments, answer questions and guide you through each step.
• Surgeons: Your transplant surgeons specialize in complex liver and kidney transplant procedures. They work closely with the rest of your care team before, during and after surgery.
• Specialists: Your team coordinates your care with other specialists based on your health needs.
• Social workers: They help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges of transplant. Social workers can connect you and your family with helpful resources and support services.
• Financial coordinators: They review your insurance coverage and help explain transplant-related costs. Financial coordinators also help guide you through financial questions and coverage concerns.
• Dietitians: Your dietary needs may change. Dietitians help you maintain proper nutrition before and after transplant. They provide guidance tailored to your condition, medications and recovery goals.
• Mental health specialists: Transplant can feel emotionally overwhelming at times. Mental health care provides support for stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges throughout your journey.
• Addiction medicine specialists: These specialists support people managing alcohol or substance use disorders. Your team works with you to support your long-term health and transplant goals.

Specialty Care That Supports You

Many people waiting for or recovering from a transplant need care for other health conditions. Your transplant team works closely with specialists across UMass Memorial to help keep your care connected. We provide seamless care that’s easier to navigate for you and your family.

You have access to coordinated UMass Memorial services, including:

• Cancer care: Multidisciplinary care for liver cancer and other complex cancers
• Cardiology: Evaluation and treatment for heart and vascular conditions
• Diabetes and endocrinology: Care for diabetes, metabolic conditions and hormone-related disorders
• Gastroenterology: Diagnosis and treatment for digestive and gastrointestinal conditions
• Liver disease care: Advanced care for liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver cancer
• Weight management and bariatric services: Support for weight loss and overall health before and after transplant

Support Beyond Surgery

The transplant journey affects many parts of your life. Your team is here for you and your caregivers throughout your journey. You can expect:

• Financial guidance: Financial coordinators review your insurance coverage, explain transplant-related costs and help answer financial questions. If your insurance limits where you can receive care, they help you understand your options.
• Education and preparation: We help you understand what to expect before, during and after transplant. Your team provides guidance about medications, appointments, recovery and long-term transplant health.
• Recovery and wellness support: Your care team helps you manage nutrition, emotional health and lifestyle changes throughout recovery. We work with you to support your long-term health after transplant.
• Support groups: We offer free transplant education and support meetings for patients and caregivers. These sessions provide practical tips, encouragement and opportunities to connect with others going through similar experiences.

Planning Your Visit

We want your visit to feel as smooth and stress-free as possible. Your transplant team helps you understand where to go, what to bring and what to expect before you arrive.

Our transplant program is located at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. We’re the only organ transplant center in Central Massachusetts, making care more convenient for patients and families throughout the region.

Before your appointment, your team helps you prepare so you can feel more confident and comfortable when you arrive.

• Parking and arrival: Plenty of free parking is available on site. Your care team can help answer questions about parking and finding the transplant clinic.
• What to bring: Bring your insurance information, medication list, photo ID and any requested medical records or test results.
• Bring a support person: Family members, caregivers and loved ones can attend appointments with you. Many patients find it helpful to have someone there to ask questions and take notes.
• Help navigating your visit: We understand that hospitals can feel overwhelming, especially when you're feeling stressed. Your transplant team guides you through each appointment and ensures you know what's next.