The Transplant Center at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center - Houston, TX

Eligibility depends on the organ and your overall health. Each transplant program has specific criteria, but in general, you must have a serious organ condition, be healthy enough for surgery and be able to follow a care plan after transplant. Your transplant team will evaluate your medical history, test results and other factors to see if transplant is the right option for you.

Learn more about the transplant criteria

The transplant evaluation is a thorough medical and psychological assessment to determine if you’re a good candidate for transplant. It typically includes lab tests, imaging, consultations with doctors and specialists, and a review of your medical history. You may also meet with a social worker, dietitian and financial counselor. The goal is to make sure transplant is safe for you and likely to succeed. After the evaluation, the transplant team will review all the information and decide if you can be placed on the transplant waiting list.

Post-transplant, you'll be prescribed immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, along with other medications to manage side effects and prevent infections. Your transplant team will provide a detailed medication plan tailored to your needs.

Yes, programs like RxAssist and NeedyMeds offer assistance with medication expenses. Our financial counselors can help you explore these options

Explore financial assistance

We recommend the following resources:

• Donate Life America
• UNOS
• Living Donor Assistance
• LifeGift

These organizations provide comprehensive information on organ donation, transplantation processes and support for donors and recipients.

Transplants involve both short-term and long-term costs, including the procedure, medications, follow-up visits and regular testing. Planning ahead is important. Our financial counselors can help you understand your insurance, explore financial assistance options and prepare for the costs ahead.

Call your assigned financial counselor before your evaluation if you:

• Have questions about your insurance
• Don’t have insurance or transplant coverage
• Were denied coverage
• Want to learn about other financial help options

You can reach a Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center Transplant Representative at:

• Phone: (832) 355-9494

• Toll-Free: (877) 685-0361

• International Patients: (832) 355-3350

For specific programs:

• Heart transplant: (832) 355-2285

• Kidney transplant: (832) 355-3128

• Liver transplant: (832) 355-6461

• Lung transplant: (832) 355-2285

• LVAD program: (832) 355-2285

Our team is available to answer your questions and guide you through the transplant process.