Living Donor Facts

• All medical costs related to the donor’s evaluation, testing & surgery are covered by the recipient’s insurance
• Donor’s evaluation and test results are confidential and not shared with the recipient.
• Travel and Lodging expenses can be covered by the recipient or by Kidney Organizations
• Some Kidney Organizations offer to cover lost wages during the recovery period
• Donor surgery is typically done Laparoscopically which is “minimally invasive” using several small incisions
• Donors experience less pain, shorter recovery time & less scaring with laparoscopic surgery
• Donor is usually hospitalized for 1-2 days and recovery is expected to last on average 2-4 weeks
• Donor is assigned his/her own Transplant Coordinator and Patient Advocate separate from the recipient
• Donor is able to return to a normal life after a few weeks after surgery
• Medically eligible donors can participate in the Paired Exchange Program on behalf of their recipient should they not be a perfect match