A patient diagnosed with a disease for which hematopoietic cell transplant (bone marrow, PBSC, or cord blood transplant — BMT) is a potential treatment option should be referred to a transplant center for consultation. The transplant center will work in partnership with the referring physician to determine whether and how transplant fits into the patient's treatment plan. Most patients return to the care of their referring physician after consultation.
Factors to consider
The following are factors to consider when selecting a transplant center for patient referral:
- Whether the center has protocols in place for transplanting the patient's disease — protocols and diseases treated vary among centers.
- The center's level of expertise and experience treating the patient's disease.
- The distance of the transplant center from the patient's home — Most allogeneic transplant recipients require ongoing post-transplant care from a physician specialized in transplant.
- Family and caregiver support available at the center — Many centers require patients to have a caregiver, and caregiver support can have a strong influence on survival after allogeneic transplants.
- Financial considerations — Consult with the transplant center regarding insurance coverage or the cost of transplant. In the United States, the patient's insurance company may have a list of centers of excellence in the patient's area.
Finding a transplant center
Be The Match Patient Services can offer assistance in identifying a transplant center for patient referral. Our patient services coordinators are available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.
- Inside the United States, call 1 (888) 999-6743. This call is toll-free in the United States.
- Outside the United States, call 1 (612) 627-8140. This call may have long-distance or international charges.