Can I do virtual care visits for my transplant evaluation visits?
Yes, it is possible for some of your transplant evaluation visits to be virtual. Some transplant centers – but not all – now offer a hybrid model of virtual and in-person transplant evaluation visits.
Ask your transplant provider if your transplant center offers virtual visits.
What happens at a virtual visit?
Before your visit, a transplant coordinator may call you to:
- Make sure you have the right equipment (like web camera and microphone)
- Make sure your equipment is working
- Teach you how to use their website platform or app so your visit can go smoothly
During your visit, you and your transplant provider will review your medical information to see if you are a good candidate for a kidney transplant.
You will also learn about:
- The transplant process
- The risks of transplants
- If any conditions you have can affect the outcome of a kidney transplant
After your visit, your transplant provider will tell you what labs and tests you will need. You may be able to do many tests with your local primary care or kidney doctor, rather than having to travel to the transplant center for all of your testing.
What are the benefits of a virtual visit?
Some of the benefits of a virtual transplant evaluation visit are:
- Not having to travel to an in-person visit and pay travel costs (such as gas, parking, or a bus ticket)
- Less time off from work
- Your family members or other support people can be there with you
- It can shorten the time between evaluation and being placed on the transplant waitlist
How do I prepare for a virtual visit?
To prepare for a virtual visit, you can:
- Avoid scheduling things directly after the visit. The first visit is often long, so you want to make sure you are flexible if the visit goes over the scheduled time.
- Test your equipment (like your web camera, microphone, and internet) to make sure it works
- Make sure you can log on and use the platform for the visit
- Have a family member or friend join the visit to help you take notes and remember information, as well as give you moral support
- Have the visit in a well-lit area that feels safe and comfortable to answer private questions
- Have a list of questions you want to ask
- Have a pencil or pen and notepad to write down notes
- Prepare a list of your current medicines and your pharmacy information
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