To find the best transplant health center, you need specific information, including what type of transplant is required, the state of the patient and the specialized care the patient needs. Most centers specialize in some area of transplantation, some specialize in several.

Do extensive research on each transplant medical center based on individual needs. All statistics for each center are available to study. Doctor information, education and histories are also available through the center. When choosing organ transplant centers, consider these areas:

1. Choose a medical transplant center located close enough to the patient for fast results, usually within an hour's commute.

2. Select transplant centers offering the latest technology and advances in transplant science.

3. Seek out specialized transplant hospitals whenever possible for extensive experience, such as specific organ facilities or those catering specifically to children.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate a hospital transplant center specializing in the type of transplant needed

Some centers specialize in a few types of transplantation. These are often leading medical providers in that field. This includes centers such as bone marrow transplant centers, intestinal transplant centers and heart transplant centers.

I recommend: Contact an organ transplant medical center that specializes in intestinal transplants such as UCLA Transplant Services. It is one of the few specializing in this field. Some centers are known for their extensive study and success rate for transplantations. The Cleveland Clinic is the foremost authority in heart transplants. The Coleman Foundation Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Center at the Rush University Medical Center specializes in bone marrow transplantation.

Use the services of specialized pediatric transplant centers

Pediatric organ transplant centers provide specialized care to children. These centers provide for the emotional and physical aspects of transplantation in children, which is different from that of adults.

I recommend: Call on local transplant centers for pediatric care. On the East Coast, leading provider Children's Hospital Boston offers extensive programs for pediatric transplants. Look for centers known for their extensive transplant programs for children, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Keep an open mind about transplant hospitals that offer new technology and advanced procedures

Some of the most innovative surgeries available from a medical transplant center include living donation and artificial transplants.

I recommend: Investigate opportunities for kidney transplant centers offering living donations such as The University of Pennsylvania Health System's Penn Transplant Center. Liver transplant centers also offer living donation transplants. The Vanderbilt Medical Center specializes in this area. Artificial transplant surgeries often are a bridge to live organ transplants not available at this time. Heart transplants are the most common bridge, such as those offered by the California Pacific Medical Center.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact transplant centers with trusted doctors who dedicate their lives to transplantation. This specialization allows only the best to be working on the patient