Where are you right now? · Step 9 of 9
Aftercare
“I am home. Still worried.”
What is care like after a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant is a treatment for kidney failure, not a cure. You will take medicines every day so your body does not reject the new kidney.1 At first you will have regular checkups and blood tests. Over time you will have fewer.1
Write down your questions between visits and bring them with you.
How often will I see the transplant team after surgery?
NIH says you will need regular check-ups and blood tests at first, then fewer check-ups over time.1
Ask your center for your visit and blood-test schedule before you leave the hospital.
Why do anti-rejection medicines matter after a kidney transplant?
Anti-rejection medicines help keep your immune system from attacking your new kidney.1
Ask your team to explain each medicine and what to do if you cannot take it.
What if I can’t pay for my kidney transplant medicines?
NIH advises you to talk with your transplant social worker about help paying for your transplant.1
Tell the team before you run out. Ask who will help you make a plan.
When does Medicare end after a kidney transplant?
As of October 2026, Medicare coverage ends 36 months after a successful kidney transplant if you have Medicare only because of end-stage renal disease.2
Ask a benefits counselor to check your health plan and what you can keep.
What is Medicare Part B-ID, and what doesn’t it cover?
Part B-ID is Medicare’s benefit for anti-rejection drugs for people who meet its rules. It covers no other items or services.2
You may qualify if you had Medicare due to kidney failure when you had your transplant and do not have certain other health coverage.2
Ask a benefits counselor to check the full rules and current costs on the official page below.
What should make me call my transplant team right away?
NIH says to call your transplant team right away if you feel unwell or have a fever, drainage from your surgical scar, burning when you pass urine, or a cold or cough that won't go away.1
Ask your team for its full symptom list and a way to reach someone after hours.
What happens if my kidney transplant stops working?
If your body rejects the kidney, NIH says you may need dialysis and may go back on the waiting list for another kidney.1
Ask your team to explain the cause and your care options.
Questions to bring to your team
- What will my care look like after surgery?
- When is my next visit?
- Where should I get blood tests?
- Who can help me pay for medicines?
- When could my health coverage change?
- What signs should make me call?
- How do I reach the team after hours?
- What temperature should make me call?
Sources
- NIH / NIDDK. Kidney Transplant. Kidney Transplant (opening paragraphs). How do I know my new kidney is working? How will I feel after my transplant? Paying for medicines. Seek medical care right away. What are the symptoms of transplant rejection? Checked October 31, 2026.
- Medicare. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). What’s the Immunosuppressive Drug benefit? Checked October 30, 2026.
Page facts
Written by the TransplantCheck team.
Facts checked against official sources between October 30 and October 31, 2026.
Changes
- October 30, 2026: first version, as After a transplant.
- November 2, 2026: became step 9, with the aftercare answer from The kidney care journey.