How to Prepare for Your Transplant
You and your family can cope more effectively with the transplant process by understanding your insurance benefit coverage before the procedure. Please consider the following questions as you prepare for your transplant:
- Is Stanford a participating transplant center with your insurance?
- How will your transplant be funded? Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
- For what portion of your treatment are you financially responsible? You need to know your policy deductibles, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum and policy maximum(s).
- What medical services require prior authorizations by your insurance company?
- Does your insurance policy cover prescription drugs? Transplantation requires the use of many prescription medications, some of which can be expensive.
- Do you know where you can get medications filled close to Stanford Hospital and Clinics?
By researching the details of your insurance policy prior to treatment you can maximize your coverage and plan accordingly. We have experienced BMT Financial Coordinators who will work with you throughout the process. If you have questions or concerns about your insurance coverage, please contact our Financial Coordinators through our main number, 650-723-0822.
In addition to financial considerations, you must also consider other practical issues such as:
- Who will be your caregiver?
- Where will you stay during the outpatient portion of your treatment?
- How will you get back and forth to your visits at Stanford?
- Who will take care of your children?
- Who will take care of household maintenance?
You will need to have a family member and/or friend act as your caregiver throughout the entire transplant procedure, usually 1-4 months. During the outpatient portion of the transplant your caregiver must be with you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. These caregivers are needed to help you with your medication monitoring, care of your central venous catheter, tracking your food and fluid intake, food preparation, grocery shopping, errands, housekeeping, transportation and companionship. You will be unable to drive during most of your treatment.
You are required to stay near Stanford during the majority of your transplant process. If needed, a BMT Social Worker will help you locate appropriate housing during your transplant. Your Social Worker will provide you with more information or you may contact a BMT Social Worker through our main number, 650-723-0822.
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