What is the wait time for transplant testing?

Posted by W. Bradford Bernadt @bbernadt, Feb 21 9:11am

How long is the current wait time from the time of the initial intake call until one’s first appointment for testing ahead of surgery? Post testing: what is the wait time for surgery assuming good testing results?

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W. Bradford Bernadt | @bbernadt | Mar 3 11:29pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "@bbernadt, how was your appointment? How are you doing?" + (show)

@colleenyoung it went well. They’re reviewing my medical records to see if they can accept my case.

stolson1 | @stolson1 | Mar 5 8:43am

I was diagnosed with Alpha 1 and needed a liver transplant. I was tested and was approved at the end of January and my transplant was March 27th. I had my transplant at the University of Minnesota. Great care I have known many that have went to the Mayo Clinic here but the University was closer and where I was referred. It will be 7 years this month. I still get teary eyed when I think of my donor and how I was blessed. What an incredible gift from,her and her family.

shacquie | @shacquie | Mar 21 11:18pm

In reply to @craigcraig "Not exactly sure if this is what you want. Also every case may be different ?..." + (show)

@craigcraig but did you end up getting a new liver yet? How long have you been waiting? Does insurance cover it? I am so thankful to have found this chat, its the only place I've seen anyone talking and giving advice. Im brand to here.

craigcraig | @craigcraig | Mar 22 12:15am

In reply to @shacquie "@craigcraig but did you end up getting a new liver yet? How long have you been..." + (show)

@shacquie Hi. Yes I was very lucky (blessed) to have gotten a full liver transplant mid 2024. I was also very lucky for me it only took 18 days once I was added to the list. But there was months of testing before I made it to the list. And for most folks it takes months or even years for them to match with the right liver. They go off a "meld" score that measures the urgentness of your need I believe. My insurance covered most of it but I am an old guy and my insurance is tied to Medicare. I have talked to folks and the financial part has varied. When I was in AZ there were 6 liver transplant folks at the same hotel. My wife has stayed in contact through a group text they have and 5 of the 6 of us are doing well and glad they went through the process 2 years later. Colleen Young @ colleenyoung is on this thread and seems to often have helpful information on questions like these. Very best of luck to you. (---:

shacquie | @shacquie | Mar 22 1:36pm

In reply to @craigcraig "@shacquie Hi. Yes I was very lucky (blessed) to have gotten a full liver transplant mid..." + (show)

@craigcraig do you think if I drove to mayo in Phoenix to the ER. They'd have specialists to drain fluids and take images? Or just send us home ?

craigcraig | @craigcraig | Mar 22 2:16pm

In reply to @shacquie "@craigcraig do you think if I drove to mayo in Phoenix to the ER. They'd have..." + (show)

Hi. I will reply in your other thread. Thx.

cromme50 | @cromme50 | Mar 22 2:22pm

In reply to @shacquie "@craigcraig do you think if I drove to mayo in Phoenix to the ER. They'd have..." + (show)

@shacquie What medical insurance does your mom have? if Medicare, is it the regular Medicare or Medicare Advantage? I ask because Mayo in Phoenix does not take Medicare Advantage but yes to the regular Medicare. Whether she has coverage that Mayo takes or not is essential to know before you bring her over to the ER - which BTW I think is a very good idea - IF she is covered. I had my liver transplant 27 years ago, due to damage from HCV but treatment was not available yet - however I was treated in 2014 for HCV and remain cured of it. Ascites is not uncommon with advanced liver disease, most of us have had it. Keep asking questions, you are at a crossroad right now and need to make some important decisions. Mayo in Phoenix is a full hospital that can do any testing or procedure necessary.

shacquie | @shacquie | Mar 22 2:53pm

In reply to @cromme50 "@shacquie What medical insurance does your mom have? if Medicare, is it the regular Medicare or..." + (show)

@cromme50 she has Medicare but only part b, And Medicaid for the rest. Its not the best because she didnt work enough credits when she was young to get the 10 credits for full coverage.

cromme50 | @cromme50 | Mar 22 5:25pm

In reply to @shacquie "@cromme50 she has Medicare but only part b, And Medicaid for the rest. Its not the..." + (show)

@shacquie Insurance coverage can be an obstacle, you need to get informed as soon as possible. It is common for people from New Mexico to come to Phoenix for medical care.
I have known some over the years. Also be aware that Mayo is just one of the transplant centers in Phoenix, there also is Banner University and Dignity Health St Joseph Hospital. There is University of Arizona in Tucson too. Each have different insurance requirements and the Emergency Room is often an easier/quicker way to get your foot in the door.

Here is a "cut and paste" from @rosemaria in 2021 about Mayo that might be helpful:

Mayo does work with multiple insurances. It does get complicated and as a patient, I want to share some information that you can use to get answers for your question about possible costs and Medicare coverage.

Here is a section in the Transplant Department Center about costs and insurances.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/transplant-center/sections/costs-insurance/ptc-20203904
To Call or email Mayo to talk with a care team member.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/transplant-center/contact-us/occ-20209784
There is no easy way to take care of your mom right now. The level of medical care she needs is probably not available in New Mexico. You need to think outside the box and it will not be easy for you two to just show up at an ER while in need of specialized care. You will need to stay for a few days for a proper diagnosis and then see where the diagnosis takes her/you. Keep researching, right now Google is your best friend. I am sorry that you are going through this,
pls accept a hug of support for your journey ahead.

shacquie | @shacquie | Mar 23 2:00pm

In reply to @cromme50 "@shacquie Insurance coverage can be an obstacle, you need to get informed as soon as possible...." + (show)

@cromme50 thank you for your message, its very useful to me. In your opinion where do I start for being informed about her medical insurance? She had medicare/medicaid. I worry that won't be accepted anywhere.