Texas doctors perform thousands of successful transplant surgeries each year. In North Texas, a prominent regional transplant institute performs these life-saving operations for people in Texas and beyond.

A North Texas patient can easily find a highly qualified, Irving, Texas, transplant surgeon if they should ever face certain organ failure. However, just because someone needs an organ, it does not mean they will automatically get on a transplant list.

Due to high demand, every person with a severely diseased or damaged organ will not receive one, and doctors must consider many factors to qualify a patient as a transplant candidate. A surgeon does not make this decision alone, but a committee at a transplant center, following strict guidelines, makes the final decision.

Specific organ recipient qualifications vary according to which organ he or she needs, but basic rules apply for all situations. For example, doctors must see evidence that the patient has a strong support network of family or friends willing to help them in the crucial recovery stage after surgery. This may also include counseling for families and classes to educate everyone involved on what to expect.

Transplant doctors must consider the patient’s other health issues, besides the diseased organ. If the evaluation physical reveals another advanced disease, such as cancer, this could exclude them as a candidate. On the other hand, tests may show the patient’s organ is not diseased enough to warrant the operation yet.

The team will also order a psychological evaluation to assure the patient’s mental stability. Any untreated mental condition or disease may hinder the applicant from making proper healthcare decisions before and after surgery.

The potential candidate must demonstrate an interest in his or her own health and a willingness to cooperate with doctors. They should follow all recommended treatment and refrain from any unhealthy behavior, such as drug or alcohol use. If substance abuse was an issue in the past, the patient must remain "clean" for a specified length of time before their possible placement on the list.

A transplant can pose a major financial burden. Therefore, a family’s financial situation plays a part in the decision. A financial counselor works with the patient and family to determine if they can cover the operation and all related expenses, such as aftercare and medication. If they lack proper insurance coverage, the financial counselor and social workers also help the family seek financial alternatives, such as Medicaid or other charities.

These basic guidelines and requirements ensure proper and fair organ allocation for all potential recipients.