Where are you right now? · Step 5 of 9
Transplant conversations
“Can we talk about it again?”
How does the kidney transplant conversation start?
NIH says the first step is to talk with your doctor to find out whether you can have a transplant. If you are on dialysis, your dialysis team is part of this too.1
Federal rules say your dialysis team must assess whether you are suitable for a transplant referral, using the transplant center’s criteria.2
You can ask about a transplant at any visit. If the answer is not yet, ask what would change it.
Living donationLiving kidney donation and paired exchange
Who can refer me for a kidney transplant?
Your doctor can refer you for a kidney transplant evaluation.3
How do I get referred to a kidney transplant center? (Choosing a center)
Does my dialysis unit have to talk with me about a transplant?
Your dialysis team must assess whether to refer you for a transplant.2
Ask your social worker to go over the next step with you.
Questions to bring to your team
- Can you refer me for a transplant evaluation?
- Who will send my referral?
- Has the center received it?
Sources
- NIH / NIDDK. Kidney Transplant. Talk with your doctor. Checked October 31, 2026.
- eCFR. § 494.80 Condition: Patient assessment. 42 CFR 494.80(a)(10). Checked October 31, 2026.
- HRSA / OPTN. Multiple Listing. How am I listed for a transplant? Checked October 30, 2026.
Page facts
Written by the TransplantCheck team.
Facts checked against official sources between October 30 and October 31, 2026.
Changes
- November 2, 2026: first version, with answers from The kidney care journey and Referral and evaluation.