After 8 years of dialysis, my sister offered to donate a kidney to me. I informed my social worker, and asked her to get in touch with the U of Miami unit, our local center. After a week, I asked about developments. The Social worker said she placed the call. After another week I asked again, and was told that my insurance is out of network. I informed my social worker that this was incorrect, and could she please ask them to call my representative at the insurance co.

So weeks pass, and when I ask I get "I left a message,.." Recently the social worker started avoiding me, which I find strange. So I called the transplant unit. and asked to speak to a specific person, was told she'd return in 15, Icalled back after 45 and basically could not get her on the phone.

I'm a kidney failure patient - a great candidate for a transplant due to health status - presenting with a willing family member donor.

The incredible thing is - if it is this hard for me - how hard is it for patients who have problems communicating, or other problems.

Who do I call - where is an advocate.

3 things you can do.
1) Contact your Dr Directly
2) Call your Local Kidney Foundation or National Kidney Foundation
3) Get another Dr.

This is absolutely putrid. Would not stand for this!!!

I Know it is hard to understand but Miami is
a really busy place.But their percentage for
successful transplants is very good.I would
suggest to get the list of times for their
transplant education orientation program it is usual given twice a month once in spanish
and once in english.Your social worker should have this or can get it from them or another social worker.It is a mandatory class for all transplant canidates.
Take your sister with you.It will
tell you everything from a to z.After the class you will have the opportunity to talk
to the coordinadator and they will set up appointments times right than and there for you and your sister or give you a list of tests to have in your area.I have been down to Miami quite a few times and even saw a transplant take place from a living relative.I have been greatly impressed,(and I don"t get impressed over health care easily)but you have to do the leg work for the transplant to show Miami that you really want it.But phone calls are a problem for all of us until your an established patient there.
Also there is translife in Orlando that is
even more into living donars I understand but I am not that familar with their program.