University of Virginia Health System

Heart Transplantation

Transplant Referral and Evaluation

Evaluating the suitability of transplant for a patient requires an extensive review of health and of other factors that might affect the success of transplantation. The process begins with a referral from the physician (or from the patient) to the transplant office. To contact the transplant office, call (434) 982-4456. 

The referral is followed by a telephone consultation with a financial counselor for a preliminary review of insurance coverage, to begin to identify potential resources and to answer financial questions. The clinical evaluation follows. This part of the process varies with the severity of heart failure, but usually is conducted in two to four outpatient visits.

The Transplant Team and the Patient: A Health Partnership

An initial visit to the heart failure clinic begins a process drawing the patient and UVa's health professionals into a close medical relationship. The clinical evaluation includes interviews with the transplant cardiologist and nurse practitioner; other specialists will be brought in during the evaluation period as necessary. Extensive medical testing is completed and may include:

•  cardiac catheterization,
•  heart biopsy,
•  exercise EKG / ECG testing,
•  lung function testing,
•  echocardiogram,
•  abdominal ultrasound,
•  blood tests,
•  urine test,
•  vascular studies,
•  CT or MRI scan, and
•  aortagram.

A psychosocial evaluation will also be completed, covering medical and social history, insurance coverage, financial resources and the family/friend support system. A reliable support system is a necessity throughout the transplant process for emotional encouragement, help with transportation to appointments and assistance during the recovery period.

After the evaluation is complete, the transplant team reviews the test results with the patient and discusses the outcome of the transplant evaluation. The test results may show that a transplant is not the best option at the time of the evaluation. If this is the case, follow-up visits may be required, allowing the heart failure/ transplant team to monitor heart symptoms. If transplant is necessary and if the transplant selection committee feels that the patient is an appropriate transplant candidate, we will contact the patient’s insurance company for financial authorization to perform the transplant. Once insurance authorization is received and if the patient is in agreement, the transplant candidate’s name is placed on the transplant list.