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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 8 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated

US organ transplant system variations

Overview

The United States organ transplant system is characterized by significant variations among hospitals, which can impact patient waiting times and outcomes. While approximately 100,000 people are on the national transplant list at any given time, the criteria for accepting patients and organ offers vary by institution.

Individual cases, such as that of Katherine Screws, illustrate how hospital-specific decisions regarding organ offers can lead to extended waiting periods. Experts note that differences in surgeon experience and specific donor profiles contribute to these institutional variations.

To navigate these complexities, medical professionals suggest that patients utilize publicly available data, such as the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database, to research hospital performance and transplant volumes. Although the U.S. performed over 49,000 transplants last year due to increased deceased donations, demand continues to outpace the available supply.

Entities

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital · Health Resources and Services Administration · NYU Langone Health · UCLA Health · Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    US organ transplant system features significant variation

    Variation in U.S. transplant center criteria and waiting times means patients can improve their chances by using tools like the SRTR database to research hospital outcomes and acceptance policies.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Arizona woman's transplant journey highlights US organ system complexities

    The three-year wait for an intestine transplant experienced by Katherine Screws underscores systemic variations in how US hospitals accept organ offers and manage patient waiting lists.

Sources

econoTimes.com · kaaltv.com · kstp.com · newsday.com · sentinelcolorado.com · thebusinessjournal.com · winnipegfreepress.com · wtop.com