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How Much Does Kidney Transplant Cost in India?
A kidney transplant or renal transplant is the transplant of a kidney into a patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD). It includes pre-transplant check-ups, donor tests, stent removal, transplant surgery, and hospital stays for both patient and donor.
The average cost of a kidney transplant in India ranges from INR 5 lakhs to INR 8 lakhs for Indian patients, while it costs USD 10,500 – USD 15,000 for international patients.
For kidney transplant recipients, this cost includes a one-day hospital stay before the surgery, a surgeon’s fee, OT charges, anaesthesia charges, pre-transplant investigations related to the procedure, and an 11-day hospital stay after the surgery. While for the donor, this cost covers pre transplant investigations related to the procedure and a 5-day stay in the hospital.
However, the prices may vary depending on various factors, including the severity of the condition, the hospital, the doctor’s expertise, etc.
Before the kidney transplant procedure, the patient is required to stay as an outpatient for 15-20 days for the preparation of documentation related to the transplant. Post kidney transplant procedure, the patient has to stay near the hospital for two months with 2-3 weeks stay as an outpatient for follow-ups.
Given these extensive preparations and follow-ups, patients and donors must plan thoroughly to ensure a more successful transplant outcome.
What is a Kidney Transplant?
Kidney failure is a serious and complex medical condition that requires careful management and intervention. People with severe kidney disease or kidney failure who are no longer responding well to other treatments like dialysis may need a kidney transplant.
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace a diseased/injured kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. The donor kidney can come from a living organ donor or sometimes from a deceased donor.
What are the Inclusions and Exclusion of Kidney Transplant Cost Package?
The kidney transplant cost package includes the following:
- Investigations related to the procedure
- Pre-transplant check-up, if required
- Surgeon’s fee
- OT charges
- Anaesthesia charges
- Cost of anti-rejection medications or immunosuppressive drugs before surgery
- Donor tests
- Stent removal (not included in all packages)
- Hospital stay for both patient (1 day before surgery and 11 days post-transplant in the hospital) and donor (5 days)
Exclusions of kidney transplant cost package :
- Extra lab tests performed after surgery
- Care is required if any complications occur
- Blood products, if required
- Consumables
- Apart from kidney transplant surgeon, any other consultant charges, if required during procedure
What are the Factors Affecting Kidney Transplant Cost in India?
The kidney transplant surgery cost in India varies depending on several factors, including the type of surgery, hospital stay, etc. The following factors affect the general cost of kidney transplants in India:
- Prescribed medications: Special medications called anti-rejection medications or immunosuppressive drugs are prescribed during surgery and postoperatively. These medications are expensive. Also, pre-and post-operative medication costs are assessed separately from surgical costs.
- Complications: Complications, if any, can increase the overall cost of the procedure.
- Hospital stay: The recovery period after a kidney transplant may take about 10 to 15 days. The cost of hospital stay could rise if the patient stays past this period.
It is essential to consult the hospital to get accurate and current information about the costs associated with kidney transplant procedures.
What is Included in the Pre-surgical and Post-surgical Investigations of Kidney Transplant Procedures?
The pre-transplant evaluation tests will include, but are not limited to:
- Blood tests
- Antibody tests
- Heart tests (Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, stress test)
- Ultrasound scans
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, ultrasound procedures, biopsies, and dental examinations)
- Pap test, gynaecology evaluation, and a mammogram for women
You will be given a schedule of follow-up visits and check-ups post-kidney transplant surgery to monitor your medical condition on a regular basis. These check-ups may include the following:
- Blood test
- Kidney function test
- Ultrasound
Apart from these, your doctor may suggest other investigations, depending on your health condition.
What is Involved in Post-Kidney Transplant Surgery Care?
Post-kidney transplant care involves medication management, lifestyle changes, regular follow-ups, and monitoring for complications.
- Hospital stay: Lasts 1-2 weeks with close monitoring of vital signs and kidney function. Pain management is provided.
- Medication: It is essential to take immunosuppressants and other prescribed medications to prevent rejection and manage health conditions.
- Diet and nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with low sodium, avoid grapefruit, and stay hydrated.
- Activity and exercise: Gradually increase activity, avoiding heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks.
- Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.
- Regular monitoring and follow-up: Attend frequent check-ups and lab tests to monitor kidney function and overall health.
By following these guidelines and staying in touch with your doctor, you can ensure a healthy recovery and long-term success of your kidney transplant.
Does Health Insurance Cover Kidney Transplant Cost in India?
Yes, health insurance policies cover medical treatments, including kidney transplant procedures. However, the extent of coverage and specific terms can vary depending on the insurance provider and policy details.
It is crucial to verify your policy specifics, as coverage typically includes expenses such as hospital stays, surgeon’s fees, and anaesthesia fees. A detailed understanding of your policy and active communication with your insurance provider can help ensure you receive the maximum possible coverage for these surgeries.