Understanding transplant center quality, volume, and how to evaluate a center's performance
A good transplant center has experienced surgeons, good survival rates, reasonable wait times, and comprehensive support services. Use our Data Assistant to compare survival rates, wait times, and volume at different centers. Consider visiting centers and meeting the team.
Transplant volume varies by center. High-volume centers (50+ transplants per year) often have better outcomes due to experience. Use our Data Assistant to check transplant volumes at different centers.
Ask: "How many transplants does Cleveland Clinic do per year?"
SRTR monitors transplant programs and flags centers with concerning outcomes. Some centers may have flags for specific issues like survival rates, wait times, or other quality metrics.
The gaming score is an SRTR metric that identifies centers potentially 'gaming' the system by selectively accepting patients to improve their statistics. Higher scores indicate more potential gaming behavior. This is just one metric to consider when choosing a center.
Some centers may selectively accept patients who are less sick to maintain better survival statistics. This is reflected in metrics like the percentage of high-MELD patients they transplant. Centers that accept sicker patients may have lower survival rates but provide access to those who have few other options.
Experience matters in transplant surgery. High-volume centers typically have more experienced surgical teams. You can ask centers about their surgeons' experience, including the number of transplants performed and any fellowship training.
High-volume centers perform more transplants annually and often have better outcomes. Low-volume centers may have longer wait times but could be closer to your home. Use our Data Assistant to compare transplant volumes.
Red flags include: significantly below-average survival rates, long wait times with high volume, gaming flags, low transplant volumes, or frequent regulatory violations. Research multiple sources when evaluating a center.
Comparing centers involves looking at survival rates, wait times, transplant volumes, distance from your home, and your personal comfort with the team. Our Data Assistant can help you compare metrics across multiple centers.
Centers may have specialties such as living donor programs, pediatric transplant, HCC exception expertise, or research programs. Ask centers about their specific strengths and whether they align with your needs.
Patient satisfaction varies by center and can be influenced by communication, wait times, staff responsiveness, and overall experience. While formal ratings aren't always available, you can ask current or former patients about their experiences or check online reviews.
Not all transplant centers have living donor programs. If you're considering living donor transplantation, verify that your center offers this option and ask about their program requirements, success rates, and donor evaluation process.
Teaching hospitals often have access to the latest research and techniques. However, this doesn't necessarily mean better or worse outcomes. Teaching hospitals may have residents involved in care.
Insurance acceptance varies by center. Most centers accept major insurance plans, but some may not participate in certain networks. Always verify that your insurance is accepted before beginning evaluation to avoid unexpected costs.
Distance is an important factor when choosing a center. You'll need to travel for evaluations, surgery, and follow-up appointments. Consider whether you're willing to travel long distances, especially in emergencies when an organ becomes available.