Before you become a transplant candidate, you must have an evaluation. The evaluation includes consultations with transplant team members, physical examinations, studies, and blood work.

The purpose of the evaluation is to decide if transplantation is the best therapy to improve your health -- and whether you have any other health concerns that would limit your recovery or survival.

Evaluation for lung transplantation may occur in the hospital or in outpatient care; it will take several days. The schedule depends on your health and if you are able to tolerate activity. It may also depend on your insurance benefits.

Preparing for the Evaluation

There are several things you should do to prepare for the lung-transplant evaluation:

Choose a Date for the Evaluation

Evaluations take place over two days or five days. It is important to try to keep your appointment as it may take several weeks to reschedule your evaluation. Ten days before your appointment, you will be sent a letter detailing your appointment schedule and any special instructions. You should make necessary travel plans as soon as you choose your date.

Involve Your Family

All patients are required to identify family members who will care for them during the evaluation. Family members provide support during the evaluations and can help you understand and remember everything you are learning during evaluation.

Complete Routine Health Screenings and Vaccinations

It is important that you have all your vaccinations and routine health screenings completed near the time of your evaluation. Before you come to the evaluation, you should make sure you have completed the following:

• Pneumovax
• Tetanus vaccine
• Hepatitis B
• Flu vaccine
• Tuberculosis (TB) skin test within last 12 months
• Colonoscopy if over age 50
• Mammogram within the last 24 months, if over age 40
• Pap smear  results within last 12 months
• Dental exam to verify absence of decay and infection
• Bone density test results within the last 12 months

Your primary care physician can assist you in obtaining or providing records of these screenings and vaccinations.

Plan your Travel

You will need to plan for an overnight stay, meals, and transportation as needed. Some insurance plans provide travel assistance, so contact your insurer to find out about travel benefits.

Plan for Oxygen Needs

If you use oxygen, you must notify your oxygen-supply company about your evaluation. The company should be able to arrange delivery just as it does when you are away from home for other reasons.

Please notify us as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend your evaluation or any appointment as scheduled.