Financial Considerations

Abstract

Financial risks are a concern for living kidney donors. Donors want to be able to help their recipients without causing financial hardship for themselves. A proactive and thorough financial assessment can be of great use to minimize risk associated with lost wages, debt, and future issues concerning insurability. If concerns are identified, there are resources available to assist the potential donor. Living donors can be reimbursed for transportation, meals, lodging, and lost wages associated with the donation and recovery. It is possible that a financial hardship may be too great. In efforts to protect the living donor, the transplant professionals may choose to not proceed due to the high financial risk. The informed consent process should continuously educate the patient on potential financial burdens and allow the donor to withdraw from evaluation without prejudice.