Committing to a lung transplant means making many changes to your life. At the Penn Lung Transplant Program, we’re here for you throughout the process with lung transplant resources tailored for you and your caregivers.
Lung Transplant Support Services: Why Choose Penn Medicine?
Penn is one of the world's largest and most respected lung transplant programs. When you choose us for a lung transplant, you’ll find comprehensive support and lung transplant resources designed to improve your quality of life. We make it easier to get the care you need through:
- Deep experience: We have performed nearly 1,500 lung transplants over the last 30 years. We know what you’re going through and share our knowledge and resources to make everyday life easier.
- Compassionate professionals: Every member of our multidisciplinary team is a respected leader in their field. They’re at your side through every step of your lung transplant journey. Meet our lung transplant team.
- Home away from home: You’ll need to live near the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania while you recover. If you’re from out of town, the Clyde F. Barker Penn Hospitality House offers a comfortable, welcoming place to stay after lung transplant.
Emotional Support
Many emotions and adjustments accompany the lung transplant process. Our transplant psychiatrists listen to your concerns and help you manage these new emotions.
Financial Counseling
Our financial coordinators help you understand and navigate all aspects of financing a lung transplant. These professionals are experts in:
- Health insurance coverage
- Medicare
- Reimbursement options
- Resources to offset the costs of post-transplant medications
State assistance
- Collaborative partnership with local Veteran’s Administration Hospital
Lung Transplant Blog
The Penn Medicine Transplant blog gives helpful information about how to prepare for a lung transplant and life afterward. Patient success stories, how-to articles and provider profiles offer insights on lung transplantation at Penn.
MyChart by myPennMedicine
You and your family can manage your care easily and securely with our online care portal, MyChart by myPennMedicine. You can:
- Access your health information
- Communicate directly with your lung transplant team
- Pay your bill online
- Schedule visits and check in online
- See test results and notes from your doctor
- Visit with your provider through telemedicine
Nutrition Counseling
Proper nutrition can help your body prepare for lung transplant surgery and boost immunity during post-lung transplant recovery. Our dietitians specialize in personalized nutrition plans for patients throughout the lung transplant process.
Social Services
Our social workers are licensed mental health counselors who can help you with the emotional challenges of lung transplantation.
They’re also here to assist with the practical, non-medical aspects of receiving a new lung. These caring professionals spend time with you to understand your needs and connect you with helpful resources, including:
- Disability benefits
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applications, so family members can take time off work to care for you
- Fundraising for transplantation costs
- Insurance benefits
- Temporary housing
Spiritual Care
Lung transplantation can be a stressful time. Our interfaith chaplains offer emotional and spiritual care to you and your caregivers at any point in your lung transplant journey. We listen without judgment and are here to comfort, not persuade. We also welcome your home clergy and will gladly connect you with a local clergy member of any faith.
Support Groups
Sometimes the best sources of support and information are other patients and caregivers. Our ongoing lung transplant support groups are life-affirming places of hope and encouragement where you can connect with people who know firsthand what you’re experiencing. Patients and caregivers in all stages of the lung transplant process are welcome.
Temporary Lung Transplant Housing
Finding a place to live near the hospital while you recover from a lung transplant can be daunting. Our social workers can help you find comfortable, low-cost temporary housing, including:
Request an Appointment for Lung Transplant Support Today
Call 215-662-6200 to speak to one of our lung transplant support specialists and medical experts. You can also request an appointment using our online form.