-
Step 1
Understand that if you need a liver transplant, you will be placed on the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list. Your place on the list can change, depending on your medical status. You will be evaluated objectively and treated equally, regardless of wealth, status, sex or race.
-
Step 2
Expect the average waiting time for outpatients with type O or type A blood to be 24 to 36 months; type B, 12 to 24 months; and type AB, 6 to 12 months. Infants generally wait 18 to 24 months. If a patient is hospitalized for severe liver failure, he or she may receive a transplant within weeks or days.
-
Step 3
Rest assured that Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies cover most of the cost of a liver transplant. The average cost is $235,000.
-
Step 4
Understand that patients addicted to drugs or alcohol who need a new liver must enroll in an approved substance-abuse program. They must be clean and sober for 6 to 12 months before becoming eligible for a new liver. During that time, the patient must submit to random drug and alcohol screenings.
-
Step 5
Consider living liver donations. A compatible living donor can give a portion of her liver, generally the right lobe. This living donation is more likely to succeed because the donor is in excellent health, and transfer time is reduced.
-
Step 6
Understand that the survival rate for liver recipients in critical condition in the intensive care unit who get cadaveric organs is 50 percent. The survival rate for patients who receive a living-organ donation is 90 percent.
