In trying to compare RUSH Vs. UW for a kidney transplant at first I sought the approval of CIGNA. Caryl did the research and got back to me that UW would be covered by insurance for a transplant as an in-network provider. For a living donor transplant it was my choice, once the donor was approved, where I wanted the surgery done. Here are some of the main considerations in favor of UW over RUSH:
1. Experience: UW has done (5x) more number of living donor kidney transplants (Source: www.srtr.org)
2. Second Opinion: Both Rajesh and have had extensive conversation with nephrologists and the opinion was if we had a choice UW would be preferred for the following reasons:
UW is an older center with longer-term experience
There are risks to the donor in this transplant and UW does a lot more, per period (once again 'experience')
3. Follow-up practices: UW would require me to follow-up in Madison two times within the first 6 weeks in Madison. All future follow-ups would be in Rockford, approximately half the distance to Madison. With UW, I can have all my labs drawn at Quest which is a 1 min drive. for RUSH the follow-up plan would require me to go to RUSH (1h each way) twice a week for the first 5-6 weeks for blood draws and drug adjustments.
4. Convenience: We have close friends and their established network ever-willing to support us prior to, during and after the surgery. This is a very significant benefit, considering the time it would take to go from home (Aurora, IL) to Chicago. This times the number of friends and family members who would want to visit the hospital.
Once the venue was final Rajesh and I agreed upon the date (we were given a choice of dates on the UW calendar) and we started to plan the logistics.
1. Experience: UW has done (5x) more number of living donor kidney transplants (Source: www.srtr.org)
2. Second Opinion: Both Rajesh and have had extensive conversation with nephrologists and the opinion was if we had a choice UW would be preferred for the following reasons:
UW is an older center with longer-term experience
There are risks to the donor in this transplant and UW does a lot more, per period (once again 'experience')
3. Follow-up practices: UW would require me to follow-up in Madison two times within the first 6 weeks in Madison. All future follow-ups would be in Rockford, approximately half the distance to Madison. With UW, I can have all my labs drawn at Quest which is a 1 min drive. for RUSH the follow-up plan would require me to go to RUSH (1h each way) twice a week for the first 5-6 weeks for blood draws and drug adjustments.
4. Convenience: We have close friends and their established network ever-willing to support us prior to, during and after the surgery. This is a very significant benefit, considering the time it would take to go from home (Aurora, IL) to Chicago. This times the number of friends and family members who would want to visit the hospital.
Once the venue was final Rajesh and I agreed upon the date (we were given a choice of dates on the UW calendar) and we started to plan the logistics.
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