Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals, or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.
U.S. patients
Online requests
Telephone requests
Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
- 800-344-6296 (toll-free)
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mountain time
- Monday through Friday
Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida
- 904-956-3309
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Eastern time
- Monday through Friday
Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota
- 866-227-7501 (toll-free)
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Central time
- Monday through Friday
Mayo Clinic's liver transplant doctors and surgeons use proven innovations to successfully treat people with liver failure and other complications of liver conditions. Their expertise with living-donor transplant, a fast-track recovery process and multiorgan transplants are part of why people turn to the Mayo Clinic Liver Transplant Program.
As part of a three-site institution, Mayo Clinic surgeons perform more than 500 liver transplants a year, including for people with very challenging health situations who need specialized solutions and surgeries.
Mayo Clinic's liver transplant experts focus on your needs, bringing to your situation the strength of their:
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Experience. As a three-site institution, Mayo Clinic has one of the largest liver transplant programs in the United States. Its liver transplant team is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in comprehensive specialty treatment for people with serious liver conditions.
Mayo Clinic's extensive experience is reflected in the high quality of care and above-average survival rates for liver transplant patients. In 2014, Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix, Arizona, was identified as having the highest one-year patient survival rate in the United States for adult liver transplantation.
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Teamwork. By working together, your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and other health professionals take care of you before, during and after transplant. They provide quality care focused on the needs of you and your family.
These experts collaborate with you and a multidisciplinary team of doctors in digestive diseases (gastroenterology and hepatology), radiology, pathology, infectious disease management and other specialties to provide exactly the care you need.
- Advanced technology. The innovations and technology of Mayo Clinic's liver transplant team make transplants available to more people. Our doctors and surgeons offer specialized procedures available at only a small number of institutions. These services include heart-liver transplants, treatment for bile duct cancer and treating obese patients who need a liver transplant with weight loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy).
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Innovative research. Mayo Clinic researchers study how to limit immune system rejection after a liver transplant, how to use cell therapies to improve outcomes and many other aspects of transplant that affect patients' experiences.
At Mayo Clinic, you may have access to ongoing clinical trials and new treatments.
Every day the Transplant Research Center brings together surgeons, hepatologists, hematologists, experts in human cell therapy and scientists from many other fields and institutions to collaborate. For example, Mayo Clinic is a leader in developing a bioartificial liver and a new approach to treating obese people who need a liver transplant.
Mayo Clinic surgeons perform liver transplants at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Liver transplant in children is provided at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Mayo Clinic's campus in Arizona partners with Phoenix Children's Hospital to treat children who may need liver transplants.
Services
Mayo Clinic liver doctors and surgeons have expertise treating people in many areas of liver transplant, including those listed below. Not all services are available at each of Mayo Clinic's three campuses, in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Please confirm when you call for an appointment.
Mayo Clinic liver transplant physicians and surgeons have extensive experience treating people with serious liver disease. You may come to Mayo Clinic on your own or with a referral from your doctor. Doctors will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Mayo Clinic provides services for liver disease caused by many diseases, including but not limited to those listed below. All services may not be available at each location. Please confirm when you call for an appointment.
Find conditions treated by this department:
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery.
Find doctors and medical staff:
Arizona doctors by specialty
Liver transplant specialists
- Bashar A. Aqel, M.D., medical director, Liver Transplant
- Vijayan Balan, M.D.
- Thomas J. Byrne, M.D.
- Elizabeth J. Carey, M.D.
- David D. Douglas, M.D., enterprise transplant chair
- M. Edwyn Harrison, M.D.
- Hugo E. Vargas, M.D.
Abdominal (kidney, pancreas and liver) transplant surgeons
- Paul E. Andrews, M.D.
- Winston R. Hewitt Jr., M.D.
- Amit K. Mathur, M.D.
- Adyr A. Moss, M.D., surgical director, Liver Transplant
- Kunam S. Reddy, M.B.B.S.
- Andrew L. Singer, M.D., Ph.D.
Florida doctors by specialty
Critical care specialists
- Juan M. Canabal, M.D.
- Pablo Moreno Franco, M.D.
Liver specialists
- Denise M. Harnois, D.O.
- Andrew P. Keaveny, M.D.
- Nicole M. Loo, M.D.
- Tushar C. Patel, M.B., Ch.B.
- Surakit Pungpapong, M.D.
- Barry G. Rosser Jr., M.D.
- Raj Satyanarayana, M.D.
- Liu Yang, M.B.B.S., medical director, Liver Transplant
- Maria L. Yataco, M.D.
Transplant surgeons
- Justin M. Burns, M.D.
- Jacob N. Clendenon, M.D.
- Kristopher P. Croome, M.D.
- Shennen A. Mao, M.D.
- Justin H. Nguyen, M.D.
- Dana K. Perry, M.D. ,surgical director, Liver Transplant
- C. Burcin Taner, M.D., chair, Transplantation
Minnesota doctors by specialty
Liver specialists
- Alina M. Allen, M.D.
- Gregory J. Gores, M.D., dean of research
- Robert C. Huebert, M.D.
- Patrick S. Kamath, M.D.
- Michael D. Leise, M.D.
- Harmeet Malhi, M.B.B.S.
- Sumera H. Rizvi, M.D.
- William Sanchez, M.D.
- Vijay Shah, M.D., chair, Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Doug A. Simonetto, M.D.
- Jayant A. Talwalkar, M.D.
- Kymberly D. Watt, M.D., medical director, Liver Transplant
- Russell H. Wiesner, M.D.
Pediatric liver specialists
- Samar H. Ibrahim, M.B., Ch.B.
Transplant surgeons
- Julie K. Heimbach, M.D., surgical director, Liver Transplant
- Scott L. Nyberg, M.D., Ph.D.
- Charles B. Rosen, M.D., director, Transplant Center-Minnesota
- Timucin Taner, M.D., Ph.D.
Each year Mayo's doctors and surgeons diagnose and treat thousands of people who have liver disease. Mayo Clinic's three-site Liver Transplant Program is one of the largest and most experienced in the country. And the liver transplant teams in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota are leaders and innovators, improving techniques and conducting groundbreaking research, such as:
- Preclinical work on bioartificial livers and biliary stem cells
- Active trials on the optimal use of anti-rejection drugs that help ensure positive outcomes
People with challenging health situations come to Mayo Clinic for help because our doctors and surgeons are experts in specialized liver transplant options, such as those listed below. The experience, expertise and unique multidisciplinary approach at Mayo Clinic ensure that all options are considered to deliver the most individualized care for every patient. And Mayo has one of the largest living-donor programs in the United States. Living-donor transplant is an option that, for many people, reduces time on the waiting list for a donor liver and improves outcomes.
- Multiorgan transplants, such as heart-liver and liver-kidney
- Liver transplant for children
- Living-donor liver transplant
- Transplantation in people who are hepatitis C positive
- Specialized treatment for patients with immune-mediated liver disease, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Specialized treatment for obese people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who need a liver transplant
- Specialized treatment for people with a type of bile duct cancer called hilar cholangiocarcinoma
- Domino liver transplant
- Novel strategies to prevent the immune system from rejecting donated tissue
- Optimized use of extended criteria organ donors, which helps people on a waiting list get transplanted sooner
Nationally ranked
Mayo Clinic's Liver Transplant Program was established in 1985. Since then Mayo Clinic has completed more than 10,200 liver transplants in children and adults. In 2016, Mayo Clinic's Florida campus completed its 3,000th liver transplant, a milestone that very few centers nationwide have achieved. And Mayo Clinic's Arizona campus completed its 1,000th liver transplant.
Liver transplant outcomes compare favorably with the national average.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2023–2024 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.
Learn more about Mayo Clinic's quality rankings.
The Village at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, offers low-cost housing for transplant patients and their caregivers.
The Gabriel House of Care in Jacksonville, Florida, offers low-cost housing for transplant patients and their caregivers.
The Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, Minnesota, offers low-cost housing for transplant patients and their caregivers.
Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.
For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:
Mayo Clinic scientists, doctors and surgeons develop liver transplant insights and innovations that make transplants safer and available to more people. They conduct laboratory studies, clinical trials and other research on many aspects of conditions related to liver transplantation, such as:
- Bioartificial liver. This innovation helps patients cope as they await a donor liver. Developed by Mayo Clinic doctors and researchers, new bioartificial livers use living cells from pig livers to filter a patient's blood in a process similar to that of kidney dialysis. The device is being tested before it becomes available in clinics and hospitals.
- Pulmonary complications of liver disease. Research into the causes and possible treatments of pulmonary artery high blood pressure may allow safe liver transplant in some people.
- Magnetic resonance elastography. This innovative technology was developed by Mayo Clinic doctors and researchers as a noninvasive way to test for liver scarring. Someday it may reduce the need for liver biopsies in people with liver disease.
- Immunosuppressive medications. One of many studies in this area examines the effect of antibody-mediated injury in liver-kidney transplants and how doing a multiorgan transplant may actually result in better outcomes. Mayo Clinic is also working with Transplant Genomics Inc. to develop, validate and commercialize diagnostic tests enabling personalized immunosuppression for solid organ transplant recipients.
- Maximizing organ donors. Mayo transplant surgeons found that liver cancer patients have the same beneficial outcomes using organs donated by patients who died of cardiac death rather than brain death.
- Cell therapies for liver disease. This research offers potential new treatments for several liver diseases and may improve the success of liver transplantation.
- Triage system. Mayo Clinic researchers originally proposed, designed and tested the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD). This system prioritizes people waiting for a transplant based on the severity of their condition and how urgently they may need a transplant.
Mayo Clinic's researchers often collaborate with colleagues throughout the United States and internationally who are committed to improving outcomes and care for people with liver disease.
You may have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. Read more about the many liver transplant research studies supported by the Transplant Research Center.
Liver subspecialty laboratories
Liver pathobiology
Liver regeneration
Publications
See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic authors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced. See the stories of Mayo Clinic transplant patients.
Liver transplant costs and insurance information
Mayo Clinic has dedicated transplant financial services representatives and social workers who can assist you with insurance and financial questions regarding your transplant.
Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. Many insurance companies require you to get preapproval authorization prior to transplant services.
Insurance information
Before your transplant, it's important that you work closely with your insurance company to understand your benefit plan. You'll be responsible for any of your transplant and medical care costs not covered by your insurance company.
You may want to ask your insurance company several questions regarding your transplant expenses, such as:
- What is the specific coverage of my plan? What are my deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, lifetime maximum amount and annual maximum amounts for both medical care and transplant services?
- Does my plan have a pre-existing or waiting period clause? If so, what is the time frame? Can this be waived?
- Does my plan include pharmacy coverage? If so, will my plan cover my current medications and immunosuppressant medications?
- Does my plan require any special approvals for evaluation or transplant? How long does the approval process take once submitted to insurance?
- Does my plan cover my transportation and lodging expenses during my transplant care?
- Does my current insurance require enrollment in Medicare when eligible?
- Does my insurance follow Medicare Coordination of Benefits guidelines?
- How will my current coverage change after enrolling in Medicare? Will my plan become a supplemental or secondary plan?
If your plan is a Medicare supplement, ask questions including:
- Does my plan follow Medicare guidelines?
- Does my plan cover Medicare Part A and B deductible and coinsurance?
- Does my plan have a pre-existing or waiting period? If so, what is the time frame?
- Does my plan offer an option for Medicare Part D coverage?
Other expenses
Please plan for other expenses that may occur related to your transplant, which may include follow-up medical appointments, long-term medications, caregiver expenses, travel, parking, lodging and other expenses.
For international patients
Mayo Clinic has dedicated international patient account representatives who can assist you with questions regarding your costs and insurance. Read more about international financial services.
Case managers
Mayo Clinic financial staff will work closely with your case managers from your insurance company. Your case manager, who is assigned to you, is available to answer questions and calls related to your insurance costs.
Mayo Clinic doctors' experience and integrated team approach result in transplant outcomes that compare favorably with national averages. Teams work with transplant recipients before, during and after surgery to ensure the greatest likelihood of superior results.
Volumes and statistics are maintained separately for each Mayo Clinic location. Taken together or separately, transplant patients at Mayo Clinic enjoy excellent results.
Volumes
Arizona
A total of 284 liver transplants were performed at Mayo Clinic in Arizona in 2023. More than 2,400 have been performed since the program began in 1999.
Florida
A total of 176 liver transplants were performed at Mayo Clinic in Florida in 2023. Mayo Clinic in Florida has performed more than 4,200 liver transplants in people ages 15 and older, since its program began in 1998.
Minnesota
Surgeons at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota performed 141 liver transplants in 2023, including 10 living donor liver transplants. Nearly 3,600 transplants have been performed in children and adults since the program began in 1985.
Outcomes
Each of the links below connects to an external site, the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, which provides many metrics gathered from transplant programs across the United States.
Liver Transplant — Adult
Liver Transplant — Children
Often, a liver transplant is the best solution for people with liver failure, especially if other approaches, such as medication or surgery, haven't helped them.
Your transplant team will evaluate you to determine whether a liver transplant may be safe and beneficial for you. Your comprehensive evaluation includes blood tests, imaging studies and other tests. Doctors will check your heart-lung function. And they'll test you for other serious conditions, including chronic infections, cancer, and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.
Most people who are evaluated are determined to be eligible for a liver transplant. Your doctors and transplant team will work with you to promote wellness, lower your risks and improve your outcome after liver transplant. A care team member will talk with you about the importance of taking your immunosuppressant (anti-rejection) medications to keep your body from rejecting your liver.