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Transplant Center
- Thread starter tleigh
- Start date
My decision was easy, just as Piper's was. I went to the best damn TX center in the universe. And I also got lucky and had the best damn surgeon in the universe. Oh, and I was lucky because I live only 50 miles away. If I lived in China, I would've still gone to this center.
And which center is that? What center is the best damn center in the entire universe?
Columbia, baby! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
And which center is that? What center is the best damn center in the entire universe?
Columbia, baby! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
My decision was easy, just as Piper's was. I went to the best damn TX center in the universe. And I also got lucky and had the best damn surgeon in the universe. Oh, and I was lucky because I live only 50 miles away. If I lived in China, I would've still gone to this center.
And which center is that? What center is the best damn center in the entire universe?
Columbia, baby! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
And which center is that? What center is the best damn center in the entire universe?
Columbia, baby! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
My decision was easy, just as Piper's was. I went to the best damn TX center in the universe. And I also got lucky and had the best damn surgeon in the universe. Oh, and I was lucky because I live only 50 miles away. If I lived in China, I would've still gone to this center.
<br />
<br />And which center is that? What center is the best damn center in the entire universe?
<br />
<br />Columbia, baby! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />And which center is that? What center is the best damn center in the entire universe?
<br />
<br />Columbia, baby! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
I didn't have many options. . . but I researched and looked into a lot of centers and you'll find one that fits you! First off, Insurance. I was on medicare, so any center that was a medicare approved hospital was an option. I ended up in Pittsburgh, PA. I am pretty sure they are the largest transplant center in the country and Cleveland is as large or really close. Pittsburgh does 'high risk' transplants like CF/Cepacia.
Everyone's transplant center is an amazing center! I say University of Pittsburgh is the best, but of course I would. The reality is there are amazing hospitals with amazing doctors and brilliant surgeons throughout the country. Find the hospital and surgical 'team' that fits you!
A few good questions to ask about are: how many lung transplant they do in a month. . .a week. . .a year? Also the average wait time for lungs? the requirements of your living near the hospital once listed? If they allow you to be double listed with another hospital to increase your chances of getting lungs? Ask them anything that concerns you or that is on your mind! Don't be afraid to ask them ANYTHING! Also disclose any bacteria you culture because like I said some hospitals do not take on HIGH RISK bacteria.
Best Wishes!
Everyone's transplant center is an amazing center! I say University of Pittsburgh is the best, but of course I would. The reality is there are amazing hospitals with amazing doctors and brilliant surgeons throughout the country. Find the hospital and surgical 'team' that fits you!
A few good questions to ask about are: how many lung transplant they do in a month. . .a week. . .a year? Also the average wait time for lungs? the requirements of your living near the hospital once listed? If they allow you to be double listed with another hospital to increase your chances of getting lungs? Ask them anything that concerns you or that is on your mind! Don't be afraid to ask them ANYTHING! Also disclose any bacteria you culture because like I said some hospitals do not take on HIGH RISK bacteria.
Best Wishes!
I didn't have many options. . . but I researched and looked into a lot of centers and you'll find one that fits you! First off, Insurance. I was on medicare, so any center that was a medicare approved hospital was an option. I ended up in Pittsburgh, PA. I am pretty sure they are the largest transplant center in the country and Cleveland is as large or really close. Pittsburgh does 'high risk' transplants like CF/Cepacia.
Everyone's transplant center is an amazing center! I say University of Pittsburgh is the best, but of course I would. The reality is there are amazing hospitals with amazing doctors and brilliant surgeons throughout the country. Find the hospital and surgical 'team' that fits you!
A few good questions to ask about are: how many lung transplant they do in a month. . .a week. . .a year? Also the average wait time for lungs? the requirements of your living near the hospital once listed? If they allow you to be double listed with another hospital to increase your chances of getting lungs? Ask them anything that concerns you or that is on your mind! Don't be afraid to ask them ANYTHING! Also disclose any bacteria you culture because like I said some hospitals do not take on HIGH RISK bacteria.
Best Wishes!
Everyone's transplant center is an amazing center! I say University of Pittsburgh is the best, but of course I would. The reality is there are amazing hospitals with amazing doctors and brilliant surgeons throughout the country. Find the hospital and surgical 'team' that fits you!
A few good questions to ask about are: how many lung transplant they do in a month. . .a week. . .a year? Also the average wait time for lungs? the requirements of your living near the hospital once listed? If they allow you to be double listed with another hospital to increase your chances of getting lungs? Ask them anything that concerns you or that is on your mind! Don't be afraid to ask them ANYTHING! Also disclose any bacteria you culture because like I said some hospitals do not take on HIGH RISK bacteria.
Best Wishes!
I didn't have many options. . . but I researched and looked into a lot of centers and you'll find one that fits you! First off, Insurance. I was on medicare, so any center that was a medicare approved hospital was an option. I ended up in Pittsburgh, PA. I am pretty sure they are the largest transplant center in the country and Cleveland is as large or really close. Pittsburgh does 'high risk' transplants like CF/Cepacia.
<br />
<br />Everyone's transplant center is an amazing center! I say University of Pittsburgh is the best, but of course I would. The reality is there are amazing hospitals with amazing doctors and brilliant surgeons throughout the country. Find the hospital and surgical 'team' that fits you!
<br />
<br />A few good questions to ask about are: how many lung transplant they do in a month. . .a week. . .a year? Also the average wait time for lungs? the requirements of your living near the hospital once listed? If they allow you to be double listed with another hospital to increase your chances of getting lungs? Ask them anything that concerns you or that is on your mind! Don't be afraid to ask them ANYTHING! Also disclose any bacteria you culture because like I said some hospitals do not take on HIGH RISK bacteria.
<br />
<br />Best Wishes!
<br />
<br />Everyone's transplant center is an amazing center! I say University of Pittsburgh is the best, but of course I would. The reality is there are amazing hospitals with amazing doctors and brilliant surgeons throughout the country. Find the hospital and surgical 'team' that fits you!
<br />
<br />A few good questions to ask about are: how many lung transplant they do in a month. . .a week. . .a year? Also the average wait time for lungs? the requirements of your living near the hospital once listed? If they allow you to be double listed with another hospital to increase your chances of getting lungs? Ask them anything that concerns you or that is on your mind! Don't be afraid to ask them ANYTHING! Also disclose any bacteria you culture because like I said some hospitals do not take on HIGH RISK bacteria.
<br />
<br />Best Wishes!
I also first went by my Insurance companies recommendation. Blue cross has something called centers of distinction which if used by the policy holder they offer incentives ($10,000 stipend for travel and lodging expenses). So I went to Penn first for all the pre testing and was officially listed there. Then the Dr's at Penn due to my blood type AB+ (less than 3+ of Population)and deteriorating condition recommended I multi list at another clinic. Through talking to lex and Piper as well as others I chose Columbia to multi list at. They took almost all of the testing from Penn so it was not too bad. All I had to do was PFT, Walk Test, interviews (including shrink). The day I was to be listed at Columbia I got the call for lungs at Penn and life has been upside down ever since.
I also first went by my Insurance companies recommendation. Blue cross has something called centers of distinction which if used by the policy holder they offer incentives ($10,000 stipend for travel and lodging expenses). So I went to Penn first for all the pre testing and was officially listed there. Then the Dr's at Penn due to my blood type AB+ (less than 3+ of Population)and deteriorating condition recommended I multi list at another clinic. Through talking to lex and Piper as well as others I chose Columbia to multi list at. They took almost all of the testing from Penn so it was not too bad. All I had to do was PFT, Walk Test, interviews (including shrink). The day I was to be listed at Columbia I got the call for lungs at Penn and life has been upside down ever since.
I also first went by my Insurance companies recommendation. Blue cross has something called centers of distinction which if used by the policy holder they offer incentives ($10,000 stipend for travel and lodging expenses). So I went to Penn first for all the pre testing and was officially listed there. Then the Dr's at Penn due to my blood type AB+ (less than 3+ of Population)and deteriorating condition recommended I multi list at another clinic. Through talking to lex and Piper as well as others I chose Columbia to multi list at. They took almost all of the testing from Penn so it was not too bad. All I had to do was PFT, Walk Test, interviews (including shrink). The day I was to be listed at Columbia I got the call for lungs at Penn and life has been upside down ever since.
Arizona is pretty close to Galveston, TX! This is where my doctor ended up after Hurricane Katrina closed his center in New Orleans for a bit. I traveled from New Jersey to New Orleans and lived there for nine months while I waited an recovered. I am now followed by the team at UPenn. I have to say as much as the team at UPenn "calls the shots" I do not do anything without talking to my original transplant doctor. He is an extremely self-less doctor who has checked his ego at the door and has a wonderful team surrounding him. I was looking for the same thing as you. Since I was relocating, I really wanted a team that could become family and they are it.
let me know if you want more info!
let me know if you want more info!
Arizona is pretty close to Galveston, TX! This is where my doctor ended up after Hurricane Katrina closed his center in New Orleans for a bit. I traveled from New Jersey to New Orleans and lived there for nine months while I waited an recovered. I am now followed by the team at UPenn. I have to say as much as the team at UPenn "calls the shots" I do not do anything without talking to my original transplant doctor. He is an extremely self-less doctor who has checked his ego at the door and has a wonderful team surrounding him. I was looking for the same thing as you. Since I was relocating, I really wanted a team that could become family and they are it.
let me know if you want more info!
let me know if you want more info!
Arizona is pretty close to Galveston, TX! This is where my doctor ended up after Hurricane Katrina closed his center in New Orleans for a bit. I traveled from New Jersey to New Orleans and lived there for nine months while I waited an recovered. I am now followed by the team at UPenn. I have to say as much as the team at UPenn "calls the shots" I do not do anything without talking to my original transplant doctor. He is an extremely self-less doctor who has checked his ego at the door and has a wonderful team surrounding him. I was looking for the same thing as you. Since I was relocating, I really wanted a team that could become family and they are it.
<br />
<br />let me know if you want more info!
<br />
<br />let me know if you want more info!
musclemania70
New member
I recently went to UPMC for evaluation.
I can choose between UPMC and Cleveland Clinic.
I picked UPMC because a family member lives nearby.
I then found out that my insurance covers at a higher rate (100% at Cleveland Clinic and 80% at UPMC).
They consider Cleveland Clinic a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE' and that is why there is a higher coverage rate.
My question is, does anyone know HOW they rate these centers and what data they are using to determine that Cleveland is a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE'????
They can't seem to give me the raw data that makes them better than UPMC.
I originally went with UPMC also because my nurse at clinic said that Cleveland waits too long for the sick people to get transplanted and UPMC has shorter wait times.
How do I determine where to go?????????????????????
I can choose between UPMC and Cleveland Clinic.
I picked UPMC because a family member lives nearby.
I then found out that my insurance covers at a higher rate (100% at Cleveland Clinic and 80% at UPMC).
They consider Cleveland Clinic a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE' and that is why there is a higher coverage rate.
My question is, does anyone know HOW they rate these centers and what data they are using to determine that Cleveland is a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE'????
They can't seem to give me the raw data that makes them better than UPMC.
I originally went with UPMC also because my nurse at clinic said that Cleveland waits too long for the sick people to get transplanted and UPMC has shorter wait times.
How do I determine where to go?????????????????????
musclemania70
New member
I recently went to UPMC for evaluation.
I can choose between UPMC and Cleveland Clinic.
I picked UPMC because a family member lives nearby.
I then found out that my insurance covers at a higher rate (100% at Cleveland Clinic and 80% at UPMC).
They consider Cleveland Clinic a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE' and that is why there is a higher coverage rate.
My question is, does anyone know HOW they rate these centers and what data they are using to determine that Cleveland is a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE'????
They can't seem to give me the raw data that makes them better than UPMC.
I originally went with UPMC also because my nurse at clinic said that Cleveland waits too long for the sick people to get transplanted and UPMC has shorter wait times.
How do I determine where to go?????????????????????
I can choose between UPMC and Cleveland Clinic.
I picked UPMC because a family member lives nearby.
I then found out that my insurance covers at a higher rate (100% at Cleveland Clinic and 80% at UPMC).
They consider Cleveland Clinic a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE' and that is why there is a higher coverage rate.
My question is, does anyone know HOW they rate these centers and what data they are using to determine that Cleveland is a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE'????
They can't seem to give me the raw data that makes them better than UPMC.
I originally went with UPMC also because my nurse at clinic said that Cleveland waits too long for the sick people to get transplanted and UPMC has shorter wait times.
How do I determine where to go?????????????????????
musclemania70
New member
I recently went to UPMC for evaluation.
<br />I can choose between UPMC and Cleveland Clinic.
<br />I picked UPMC because a family member lives nearby.
<br />
<br />I then found out that my insurance covers at a higher rate (100% at Cleveland Clinic and 80% at UPMC).
<br />They consider Cleveland Clinic a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE' and that is why there is a higher coverage rate.
<br />
<br />My question is, does anyone know HOW they rate these centers and what data they are using to determine that Cleveland is a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE'????
<br />
<br />They can't seem to give me the raw data that makes them better than UPMC.
<br />I originally went with UPMC also because my nurse at clinic said that Cleveland waits too long for the sick people to get transplanted and UPMC has shorter wait times.
<br />How do I determine where to go?????????????????????
<br />I can choose between UPMC and Cleveland Clinic.
<br />I picked UPMC because a family member lives nearby.
<br />
<br />I then found out that my insurance covers at a higher rate (100% at Cleveland Clinic and 80% at UPMC).
<br />They consider Cleveland Clinic a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE' and that is why there is a higher coverage rate.
<br />
<br />My question is, does anyone know HOW they rate these centers and what data they are using to determine that Cleveland is a 'CENTER OF EXCELLENCE'????
<br />
<br />They can't seem to give me the raw data that makes them better than UPMC.
<br />I originally went with UPMC also because my nurse at clinic said that Cleveland waits too long for the sick people to get transplanted and UPMC has shorter wait times.
<br />How do I determine where to go?????????????????????
musclemania70
New member
I can also choose Columbia if I wanted to but they are not a 'center of excellence' either......