Kidney Surgery &
Transplant Care.
From minimally invasive stone removal to complex kidney transplants, American Hospitals' Nephrology Center offers the most advanced kidney care in South Florida with a 97.8% one-year graft survival rate.
97.8%
1-Year Graft Survival
1,800+
Annual Procedures
22
Nephrologists
Complete Kidney Care Solutions
From stone removal to transplantation, our nephrology team provides comprehensive kidney care with minimally invasive techniques and industry-leading outcomes.
97.8%
1-Year Graft Survival
Living Donor Kidney Transplant
Living donor transplants offer the best outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease. American Hospitals coordinates the complete evaluation, matching, and surgical process for both donor and recipient. Our transplant team has performed over 600 living donor procedures with a 97.8% one-year graft survival rate — significantly above the national average of 95.1%.
Recovery
4–6 weeks
Insurance
Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial plans
96.5%
Success Rate
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Removal of a diseased or cancerous kidney through 3–4 small incisions using a laparoscope. This minimally invasive approach results in significantly less pain, shorter hospital stay (2–3 days vs. 5–7 days for open surgery), faster return to normal activities, and lower complication rates than traditional open nephrectomy.
Recovery
3–5 weeks
Insurance
Covered by most plans
94.2%
Stone-Free Rate
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is the gold standard for removing large kidney stones (>2cm) that cannot be treated with shock wave lithotripsy. A small tract is created through the skin directly into the kidney to remove stones with specialized instruments. Most patients are stone-free after a single procedure and go home within 2–3 days.
Recovery
1–2 weeks
Insurance
Covered by most plans
96.0%
Success Rate
Robotic Pyeloplasty (UPJ Obstruction)
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction blocks urine flow from the kidney to the ureter. Robotic pyeloplasty reconstructs the blocked area through tiny incisions using the da Vinci system. This approach preserves kidney function, has a 96% success rate, and allows patients to return to work in 2–3 weeks.
Recovery
2–3 weeks
Insurance
Most plans covered
Expert Kidney Specialists
Our nephrology and transplant team combines decades of clinical experience with the most advanced minimally invasive techniques available in South Florida.
Dr. James Okafor, MD, FACS
Chief of Transplant Surgery
20 years
Experience
3,600+
Procedures
Specialization
Kidney Transplant, Living Donor, Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
University of Michigan · UCSF Transplant Fellowship
Dr. Linda Vasquez, MD
Nephrologist & Transplant Specialist
16 years
Experience
2,400+
Procedures
Specialization
Dialysis Transition, Transplant Evaluation, CKD Management
Stanford Medical School · UCSF Nephrology Fellowship
Dr. Ryan Nakamura, MD
Urological Surgeon
12 years
Experience
1,900+
Procedures
Specialization
PCNL, Robotic Pyeloplasty, Kidney Stone Management
Duke University · Memorial Sloan Kettering Fellowship
Kidney Surgery
Coverage Guide.
Kidney surgery and transplantation are among the most comprehensively covered procedures in the US healthcare system. Our financial counselors will verify your benefits and explain every cost before your procedure.
Medicare Part A & B
Covers transplant surgery and post-op immunosuppressants
Medicaid (Florida)
Full coverage for ESRD patients meeting income criteria
TRICARE / VA
Full coverage for eligible military veterans and dependents
Private Insurance
Pre-authorization required — our team handles this for you
Frequently Asked Insurance Questions
Does Medicare cover kidney transplants?
Yes. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital costs for kidney transplants. Medicare also covers 80% of the cost of immunosuppressive drugs for 36 months post-transplant. Some Medicare Advantage plans extend this coverage indefinitely.
Is dialysis covered while waiting for a transplant?
Yes. Medicare covers dialysis treatments for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), regardless of age. Most commercial insurance plans also cover dialysis as a medically necessary treatment.
What does self-pay kidney surgery cost?
A kidney transplant without insurance typically costs $150,000–$300,000 including pre-op evaluation, surgery, and 90-day follow-up. Laparoscopic nephrectomy ranges $25,000–$55,000. American Hospitals offers financing and charity care programs.
Does insurance cover the living kidney donor?
Yes. The recipient's insurance typically covers all medical costs for the living donor, including evaluation, surgery, and follow-up care. Donors are not responsible for any medical bills related to the donation.
Speak with a Kidney Surgery Specialist
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Your Health Can't Wait.
Neither Can We.
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