Apr 26, 2024 Welcome back to UHC’s House Call on WDTV. Maura Mullen BSN, RN, Critical Care Supervisor and Educator at United Hospital Center, is here to discuss what is a living donation.
1). Will a living donor be in the hospital for an extended period of time after surgery?
A kidney donor will be hospitalized on average for 1 to 2 nights. A liver donor will be hospitalized on average for 4 to 7 nights. Liver donors may spend at least 1 night in the ICU for monitoring. A donor will have some follow-up appointments after hospital discharge.2). Who pays for the medical expenses related to living donation?
The costs for the medical testing, surgery and post-operative care are covered by the transplant hospital or recipient’s health insurance. However, the living donor is responsible for the cost of routine health screens and treatment of any medical issues discovered during the evaluation. The cost of treatment of future issues that result from the donation, may be covered. Medical costs that are not covered include post-surgical routine health maintenance. Employed living donors should learn about their company’s paid sick leave, disability and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) policies if applicable.3). Will the living donor have any out-of-pocket expenses?
Yes. It varies case by case and could include lost wages, travel expenses, childcare costs, etc. The National Organ Transplant Act allows for organ recipients to pay their living donors’ travel and housing in connection with the donation. The transplant hospital financial coordinator will check with the insurance company of the intended recipient as the policy may provide a travel benefit. There are organizations that provide financial resources to living donors for uncovered costs depending on need.This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.
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