Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to many of our frequently asked questions. If you do not see your question here or would like to speak with someone directly, please get in touch using the contact info below.

Phone: 214-947-4400

Email: HERE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Are the Transplant Institute and The Liver Institute the same thing?

Yes, both of these institutes work together for the management of: liver diseases (hepatology), kidney diseases (nephrology), pancreatic diseases (gastroenterology), and hepatobiliary diseases as well as liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation under the Methodist Dallas Medical umbrella.

How do i make an appointment?

You can use this link: Request Appointment or contact us using the information listed above.

Do I need a referral?

Depending on your insurance, you may need a referral to be seen by one of our physicians. Typically, patients with an HMO plan will need a referral. Call our staff to see if a referral is necessary before scheduling.

What insurance policies are accepted?

We accept most major insurance payors. (Example: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth, Humana, etc.) Please contact us for specific insurance coverage questions.

Can I fill out my paperwork online?

Yes, our new patient paperwork is available online here.

How do I get to the liver institute at methodist dallas? Where should i park?

Our address is 1411 N. Beckley Ave. Pavilion III, Suite 268 Dallas, TX 752033.

We encourage our patients to park in the lot next to the Pavilion III building OR in the Pavilion II parking garage. If using the garage, bring your parking ticket with you for validation. There is a covered walkway to enter the Pavilion III building. From the lobby, take the elevator to the 2nd floor, looking for signs for Suite 268.

Do all of the physicians practice at all of the locations?

No, please visit our Locations page and choose an office location to see available physicians.

What transplant procedures does Methodist Transplant Specialists perform?

Our team of specialists perform liver, kidney, pancreas and kidney/pancreas transplantations.

I don't live in the DFW area, can I still become a patient?

Yes, we see patients from all over Texas, the U.S. and beyond. Check our Locations page to see our 14 Texas locations and 2 Puerto Rico locations.

How will I know what I need to bring to my appointment?

Our administrative staff will assist you with understanding what is needed for each of your appointments.

What is the best way to communicate with my doctor, nurse or administrative staff?

The fastest way to get in touch is to use MyChart, our secure online portal. You may also call or email us using the info above.

How can I request a prescription refill?

To request a prescription refill, use MyChart.

I forgot when my next appointment is, where can I find that information?

MyChart has all your past and upcoming appointments listed for your convenience.

Where can I see my test results?

Your test results will be uploaded to MyChart as soon as they are available. Depending on the situation, you may also receive a call from someone on your care team.

Liver DISEASE & TRANSPLANTATION

What liver conditions do we treat?

• Fatty liver
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
  • Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH),
  • Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MAFLD)
  • Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
• Liver cancer
• Hepatitis (all forms)
• Cirrhosis & its complications
• Autoimmune & genetic liver diseases (ex: Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) & Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC))

How can I keep my liver healthy?

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Eat a balanced diet that supports liver health
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid toxins (chemicals, highly processed foods, pesticides, pollutants, etc.)
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
• Avoid using illicit drugs
• Avoid contaminated needles
• Practice safe sex
• Don't share personal hygiene items
• Consult with your doctor before you start any medications, vitamins or supplements

I have liver disease and still drink alcohol, can i become a patient?

Yes, our hepatologists will evaluate you for treatment if you have a liver disease and consume alcohol.

do you offer any substance or alcohol abuse support?

We offer weekly recovery meetings that provide a safe and welcoming space for patients, families, and friends facing addiction. Learn more by visiting our Substance Abuse Programs and Resources page.

is there a vaccine for hepatitis?

Currently, there are only vaccines for Hepatitis A and B. These are typically given in early childhood, but can be administered at any time. Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine, but can be cured in over 95% of cases with early diagnosis and treatment.

If I have liver disease, is a liver transplant my only option?

No, a liver transplant is not necessarily your only option if you have liver disease; it is typically considered only for advanced cases of liver failure where other treatments are not effective, and a specialist will discuss all available options based on the severity of your condition.

How do I get a referral for liver transplant?

The first step is to be seen by one of our hepatologists. Your insurance company may require a referral for this. Once you have been seen by one of our hepatologists, they will discuss if transplant is right for you and talk about the next steps.

How do I know if a liver transplant is right for me?

There will be many conversations with transplant team members about this during your transplant evaluation process and the decision to pursue a transplant is up to you.

I was previously denied a liver transplantation by another transplant center, can I still be evaluated?

Our Transplant Committee makes approval decisions based on the results of our thorough transplant evaluation process.

I have/had liver cancer, can I still be evaluated for transplant?

Yes, you can still be evaluated and possibly approved for a liver transplant.

How long is the wait for a liver transplant?

There are multiple factors that go into how long a person will have to wait for a liver transplant. For more information about wait times, please visit the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

How can I find out if my insurance company covers a liver transplant?

The best way to do this is to contact your insurance company and inquire. Additionally, our financial coordinators are able to work with patients to check on insurance benefits once they have been seen by one of our hepatologists and recommended for transplant evaluation.

How does the liver transplant waitlist work?

In order to be placed on the waitlist, you must undergo a transplant evaluation and be approved by the Transplant Committee.

What does the follow up care look like after transplant?

After you leave the hospital, you will see your transplant surgeon once a week and have lab work done twice a week for the first 30 days. If your recovery is going well, visits and lab work will become less frequent over the next 2 months. After 90 days, your care transfers back to your hepatologist, who will oversee your care going forward.

Kidney / Pancreas Transplantation

Do I have to start dialysis to begin the transplantation process?

No, the evaluation process can begin prior to starting dialysis. You are eligible to be listed when your creatinine clearance is 20 or less.

Will a kidney transplant cure my kidney disease?

A kidney transplant is a treatment for kidney failure using a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor that can help you live a longer, more normal life than dialysis treatment.

What is a living donation? Do you offer living donation?

Living kidney donation is when a living person donates one of their kidneys for transplantation to another person.

Does a living donor need to be biologically related to the recipient?

No, living donation can be from a family member, friend, co-worker, stranger or even anonymously.

What is a paired donation?

Paired donation, also known as paired exchange or a donor swap, is when a living donor is not compatible with their intended transplant candidate, but does match with a transplant candidate of another living donor-candidate set. It may be possible to pair the two sets and swap donors.

Is it better to receive a living donor kidney or a deceased donor kidney?

We always encourage living donation because the wait time will be shorter and data shows that living donor kidneys function longer.

I’m diabetic and in kidney failure, should I get a kidney/pancreas transplant?

While each patient scenario is unique, it could be beneficial for you to receive both organs to prevent further damage from diabetes. Patients must meet certain criteria to be considered for this procedure. Your transplant care team can answer questions more specifically.

Will a pancreas transplant reverse the effects of diabetes?

No, but it can improve some of the complications caused by diabetes, help slow down the effects of the damage and may prevent any further damage.

Do you have a transplant support group?

Yes! We have a monthly transplant support group that meets in-person at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and online via Zoom. Please visit our Transplant Support Group page for more information.

Are there any age restrictions on kidney transplantation at The Methodist Transplant Institute?

No, we do not have any age limitations for kidney transplantation.