Potential Living DOnor Database FAQs
What is the Potential Living Donor Database?
The Potential Living Donor Database is a pilot program which connects those interested in living donation with profiles of potential organ recipients who are searching for a donor. It aims to help and support those interested in living donation navigate the first steps of the complex, nationwide organ transplant system.
What does it cost?
The Database is completely free. Mentee profiles that we send you are also free for transplant recipients to put up. We are grateful to our sponsors and donors for making this program available to anyone in the United States.
What happens if I sign up for the Database?
You will receive an automated email with basic information about the first steps of living donation and a phone call from an American Transplant Foundation staff member to discuss options for your individual transplant journey.
Are there different types of living donation?
There are three main types of donation: directed, non-directed, and chain donation. Please click here to learn more.
Why should I go through the Database instead of going directly to a transplant center?
Our Database provides one-on-one support to potential donors who would like to identify someone whose story connects with them. If you would like to be a non-directed donor, we will direct you to the public list of transplant centers in your area for testing and connect you with a 1+1=LIFE Mentor at no cost to you.
What do you do with my information?
We collect your basic contact information and living donation preferences to better direct and support you. Your personal information will not be shared with any other organization, transplant centers, potential recipients, or other donors. It will remain strictly confidential.
What obligation am I under if I sign up for the Database?
You are under no obligation to become a living donor when signing up for the Potential Living Donor Database. The Database is meant to be a resource for those looking for help and support navigating the transplant system and find the stories of those in need of an organ.
If I sign up for the Database will I be matched directly with someone in need of an organ?
Our Database does not directly match potential donors with potential recipients. We provide the stories of those in need of an organ for potential donors to read through and decide if they would like to get tested for that particular individual, as well as other information and resources.
If I sign up for the Database am I guaranteed to be matched with someone?
We cannot guarantee you will be able to donate or that you will be a match for one of our Mentees. Potential donors will need to undergo medical testing for living donation and only the medical team at the transplant center or hospital can determine if you are a match or able to donate to others.
Is there any assistance available as a donor for expenses?
A new rule effective October 2020 expands the scope of qualified reimbursable expenses incurred by living organ donors to include travel, lodging, meals, and now subsistence expenses such as lost wages, child-care and elder-care expenses.
What services will the recipient's insurance cover?
All medical services related to organ donation are submitted to the recipient's insurance. Your recipient's insurance typically covers all medical services related to your organ donation, including your evaluation, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up care and treatment of any surgical complications.
What services could be billed to my insurance?
If you have medical services that aren't considered part of the standard donor evaluation or if you receive further tests or treatment for any condition found during the evaluation, a claim will be submitted to your insurance. You'll be responsible for paying for any tests or treatments that aren't related to a standard donor evaluation or treatment. Staff will recommend that you obtain insurance prior to evaluation and surgery if you don't currently have insurance.
What if I don't have insurance?
Services that aren't considered part of the standard donor evaluation or treatment of any condition found during the evaluation require a pre-service deposit. These arrangements can be made at any one of the business office locations.
How will being a living donor affect my current insurance or getting new or additional insurance?
Please contact your insurance provider or your employer's human resources representative for your specific plan information. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act makes it illegal for insurance companies to deny health insurance coverage or charge you more due to a pre-existing condition.
What donor information is released to the recipient's insurance?
Your recipient's case manager will be notified regarding your medical approval as a living donor.
If you have any questions about the Potential Living Donor Database, please contact us at Support@AmericanTransplantFoundation.org or at 303-757-0959.
