Intestinal and Multi-Visceral Transplantation

Medicare covers intestinal and multi-visceral transplantation for patients with irreversible intestinal failure who have failed total parenteral nutrition as defined by specific clinical criteria (TPN-induced liver failure, central venous thrombosis, recurrent line sepsis, single severe line-related events, or refractory dehydration), and only when performed at approved centers meeting minimum volume (>=10/year) and 1-year actuarial survival (>=65%) thresholds. All other indications are nationally non-covered; the policy does not impose an age-based exclusion.

"Irreversible intestinal failure defined as loss of small-bowel absorptive capacity from severe primary gastrointestinal disease or surgically induced short-bowel syndrome."

Sign up to see full coverage criteria, indications, and limitations.