Give the gift of life

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant with less waiting. Learn how our transplant program can help.

Whether you’re just starting to discuss a transplant with your doctor or you’ve already received a new kidney, our experienced, compassionate transplant team will create a personalized care plan built around you.

Your kidneys are small organs that play a big role in your body’s functioning, including:

• Removing toxins and waste from your blood
• Regulating your blood pressure
• Maintaining your body’s supply of red blood cells
• Keeping your bones healthy

If you need a kidney transplant, you don’t have to travel far. Since 1981, our team has performed more than 1,500 kidney transplants for people from across Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Our transplant coordinators will guide you during the entire process — from helping you get on the waiting list to monitoring your progress after you receive your new kidney.

Our goal is to help you find a donor as soon as possible.

A whole transplant team working together

Our entire team partners with you throughout your transplant. We'll make sure all your questions are answered, every step along the way.

Your transplant surgery care team will include:

• Transplant surgeon: Your transplant surgeon will perform your kidney transplant procedure.
• Transplant nephrologist: A transplant nephrologist, or kidney doctor, will work with you to develop a plan to manage your kidney disease before you receive your kidney transplant.
• Transplant coordinator: Think of your transplant coordinator as your cheerleader. They’ll get you on the waiting list, help you find a donor and work with you and your family throughout the entire transplant process.
• Transplant social worker: There to address your mental and physical needs, your social worker will provide the care you need as you navigate your transplant. They’ll also develop a plan for follow-up care after you’re discharged from the hospital.
• Transplant pharmacist: Your pharmacist will work with the transplant team to help guide your medication plan after your transplant and will monitor side effects. They’re on hand to answer any questions you have.
• Nurse practitioner: Your nurse practitioner will be there to help care for you after you receive your new kidney.
  Transplant dietitian: Diet plays a big role in kidney health. You’ll work with a dietitian before and after your transplant to help you develop a nutrition plan to feel your best.

Options for a kidney transplant

While you wait for your kidney transplant, your doctor will work with you to develop a plan to manage your symptoms and lifestyle. And when a donor kidney becomes available, we’ll call you to begin the process. With options for a kidney transplant, we can help you get your new kidney sooner, so you can get back to doing the things you love.

Living donor program

The new kidney you receive may be from a living donor — a person who chooses to donate a kidney. If you know someone who might want to donate to you, they can get tested to see if they are a match. If they are, you can begin the transplant process with them.

If they’re not a match with you, they can donate to someone else on the transplant waiting list or participate in the living donor kidney transplant exchange program. This program pairs a donor with a match and finds a new match for you. Through this innovative program, donors can help two or more patients get a new kidney.

Donation is done through a minimally invasive procedure. That means less discomfort. And less down time. Donors usually go home the next day.

Interested in becoming a living donor? Apply now.

Multiple wait listing for kidney transplants

You may also choose to get on the waiting list with two or more transplant centers. You can even transfer your waiting time from one program to another. This means that, if Geisinger seems like a good fit for you, you can get on our list without losing your waiting time with another program.