Many diseases can destroy organs or other necessary body parts. Vital organs, such as hearts, lungs, livers, and kidneys, must be replaced for a person to live.
Tissues can help someone return to a normal life.
For example, cornea transplants help a blind person see again. Patients go on the national transplant waiting list if they meet medical, psychological and financial requirements. Medicare pays for all kidney transplants and some heart and liver transplants. Some, but not all, insurance companies pay for transplants. Waiting Depending on how sick a patient is, he or she may have to wait from one day to many years for an organ.