A) General Statement

The transplant program offers a comprehensive system of support services to meet the special needs of transplant patients and their families during the pre-and-post-transplant period. These services are provided through a referral from the transplant program to a specific medical center department during the patient's pre-transplant work-up and post-transplant check-ups.

The services include:

• Psychiatric/psychological services
• Respiratory therapy
• Renal dialysis
• Nutritional counseling
• Chaplain services

B) Transplant Out-Patient Support Group

The Rush University Transplant Program offers a Resource Support Group for renal and pancreas pre-and-post-transplant patients. This group meets monthly and is hosted by a transplant nurse, transplant social worker, transplant financial liaison, and relevant guest speakers.

The purpose of the support group is to:

• Introduce transplant patients to available resources for medications, bills, housing, etc.
• Provide patient education regarding health related questions
• Give emotional support for issues facing transplant patients including going back to work, handling stress, etc.

C) Transplant Social Worker

The Transplant Social Worker is a vital member of the transplant team. She/he consults with patients and family members to provide assistance in the following areas:

• Travel plans and temporary housing accommodations
• Emotional support
• Identifying and accessing outside resources available for transplant patients
• Providing information helpful during the transplant process

The patient and family may meet with the Transplant Social Worker prior to transplantation or during the hospital stay. In addition, the Transplant Social Worker facilitates support groups and works closely with the transplant team's nurse coordinator.

D) The Transplant Patient Services Liaison

The Transplant Patient Services Liaison consults with patients and their family on financial arrangements, and is available to answer questions on insurance coverage and pre-certification requirements for transplant evaluation. It is often necessary for the Liaison to visit the patient and their family during the hospital stay to offer assistance.

The Patient Services Liaison offers assistance on:

• Insurance and financial issues relating to transplantation
• Filling out financial applications
• General insurance issues including managed care, private payer, Medicare and public aid
• Arrangements for Cobra payments and other financial resources