What makes a good transplant candidate?

Many people with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end stage kidney disease (ESKD) can be good candidates for a kidney transplant, and every person has the right to a transplant center referral.

People of different shapes, sizes, ages, races and health are able to receive a kidney transplant.

In order to get on and stay on the kidney transplant waitlist, here are some common guidelines from transplant centers:

  • Younger than 80-years-old
  • Not too overweight
  • In decent health overall
  • In a permanent residence
  • Responsible as a patient
  • Connected to a support system
  • Healthy heart
  • Close to a transplant center
Each transplant center has its own guidelines on who can get a transplant. If one center doesn't accept you, another one might.

Work with your kidney doctor (nephrologist) and care team to see how you can stay transplant ready.

Take a Deeper Look at Treatment & Services

Dialysis Treatments

Get an overview about different dialysis treatments and how they help people continue a productive life.

Home Dialysis

Understand the benefits of home dialysis, whether it’s peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD).

Insurance Coverage for Dialysis

When you are diagnosed with kidney disease and need dialysis or a transplant, you’ll want to understand your insurance options, how to receive financial assistance and more.

Prescription Management

Understand how to keep track of your prescribed medications.

Travel Support

From tips to helping set up treatments when you travel, DaVita has resources to keep you on the move.

Emergency Services

When you need emergency support or dialysis placement, look no further than DaVita® Guest Services.

Quality Programs

See how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized many DaVita centers with top marks in its Five-Star Quality Rating program.

Better Care with DaVita

With a kidney disease diagnosis, what do you do next? Find your way to better care in 3 steps.