Recipient selection

Lung transplantation has come of age. It is not an investigational procedure, and it is a covered benefit under many medical insurance and health plans with transplant provisions. However, there is currently no diagnosis-related group and no reimbursement under Medicare, and Medicaid policies vary among the states. The demand for lung transplantation has already exceeded the available supply of cadaveric donor organs, and this disparity will likely worsen during the next few years. Although lung transplantation is now an option to be considered for many patients with end- stage lung disease, it can be a reality for only a few. Hence, recipient selection will play an increasingly important role in lung transplantation in the future.