The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently designated UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco a Pediatric Heart Transplant Center. This recognizes UCSF as a premier provider that helps all children with advanced heart failure in the United States receive world-class care.
The CMS title certifies that the hospital's Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant Program meets the highest standards for patient outcomes, survival rates, data reporting and staff expertise. "UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco's pediatric heart transplant survival rates exceed the national average at one and three years post-transplantation, and the breadth of its whole-child approach is unusual," said Dr. Othman Aljohani, the program's medical director. "Our cohesive team approach means families receive unwavering support from initial consultations to postoperative care."
A team-based approach
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco's program includes a dedicated social worker, pharmacists, dietitians, financial counselors and psychologists working alongside advanced practice providers, nurse coordinators and doctors.
Teams meet weekly to review and optimize every child's care. By integrating medical expertise with emotional and financial support, UCSF ensures that families can benefit from a holistic plan tailored to their needs. Moreover, the pediatric program collaborates with the adult transplant program to facilitate smooth transitions for patients moving from childhood into adulthood.
