Treating Lung Disease With Lung Transplant Surgery
We are celebrating 25 years University of Utah Health. Our experienced lung transplant team provides exceptional care for patients in the Mountain West—from evaluation through transplant surgery and recovery. Our program is the only one in the region that serves adult patients with advanced lung disease.
Our team will be by your side to help you navigate the complex process of:
- being listed for a transplant,
- receiving a donor lung, and
- recovering from surgery.
Our Lung Transplant Patients
Lala Juarez
At 24 years old, Lala Juarez was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. With medication, she was able to keep her symptoms from worsening, but a lung transplant was the only cure for her condition. At the time of her diagnosis, she was considered too healthy to qualify for a lung transplant. Six years later, she was finally eligible to get a double lung transplant at U of U Health.
Tim Sanders
When he retired, Tim Sanders was looking forward to spending his time indulging in his hobbies, but his health was declining rapidly. Tim was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease that led to scarring in the lungs and he needed a lung transplant.
After extensive evaluations and a long waiting period, University of Utah Health was able to find Tim a match and give him a second chance at life.
Expert Care From Our Team
At U of U Health, our caring team of lung transplant providers knows what it's like for patients dealing with advanced lung disease. We are here to provide empathy, support and hope. Our team includes:
- pulmonary medicine doctors,
- transplant surgeons,
- transplant coordinators and other nurses,
- pharmacists,
- social workers,
- registered dietitians,
- financial specialists, and
- pulmonary rehabilitation therapists.
Our Lung Transplant Team
"It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to be able to breathe. People take it for granted, but it is a miracle. I really liked the transplant team at the University of Utah, they were great with my dad and treated him really well."
Making an Appointment
Depending on your insurance plan, you may need a referral from your doctor. Before scheduling your appointment, our team will request medical records from your pulmonologist or your primary care physician to help plan your visit.
To make an appointment with one of our transplant pulmonologists, call 801-585-3697.
Resources
Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage, contracts, and payment may be subject to changes beyond the control of University of Utah Health. The University of Utah Transplant Department will contact your insurance and verify that your insurance is contracted with our facility and providers.
If your insurance is not contracted, we will attempt a single-case-agreement for transplant services to be performed at the University of Utah. Ultimately the patient is responsible for payment related to all services.
