While financial barriers to transplantation have been recognized, limited data exists on the total non-reimbursed expense associated with live donation. Furthermore, donor costs have not been characterized by category and timing within the transplant evaluation, donation, and recovery periods.

METHODS: We interviewed 42 LKD at our institution between January-November 2015 to assess non-reimbursed costs during evaluation and donation.

RESULTS: Most LKD interviewed were female (69%), Caucasian (80.5%), college-educated (59.5%), and employed full-time (64.3%). While 14.6% felt that donation was a financial burden, all LKD felt that the potential financial burden did not strongly affect their decision to donate. No LKD worried that time taken off from work threatened their job security. In those who reported costs, the greatest costs for LKD were from lost pay [median (IQR) $1,600 ($600-3,500)], lodging [$450 ($236-1,290)], and having friends or family accompany them to their evaluation or donation [companion cost $650 ($100-$1,700)]. Patients who were working often used vacation days [6 (4-8.5)]. For those who lost pay, the median loss was $1,750 ($250-2,950). Median total reported non-reimbursed cost was $1,850 (range $40-21,698).

Table 1. Reported Non-Reimbursed Costs of Live Kidney Donation

Figure 1. Total costs associated with (A) evaluation and (B) donation surgery

CONCLUSION: Donor costs vary greatly, with some patients spending several thousand dollars out-of-pocket for live donation. The greatest costs are from missed work, lodging, and costs to their companions. Patients who are working often use vacation days to minimize pay loss. The current reimbursement system for live donors does not make donation financially neutral, and there are significant financial costs for LKD.

CITATION INFORMATION: Moore J, Leanza J, Massie A, Dagher N, Segev D. Live Kidney Donors Have Significant Out-of-Pocket Costs Associated with Donation. Am J Transplant. 2016;16 (suppl 3).

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