Hospitals: Transplant Programs
Background check applications for all users
To prepare for the transition to the new DHS DQA Provider Portal, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) will not accept any new background check applications for entity operators, non-client residents, or other required individuals for new or renewing entity license/certification applications, or for rehabilitation review applicants as of November 22, 2025.
DQA will resume accepting background check applications on December 15, 2025, through the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage. Caregiver background checks completed by entities for employees and contractors are not affected by this transition.
Transplant programs at hospitals provide people with organ transplants. This includes heart, liver, lungs, kidney, pancreas, or intestine.
Transplant programs are allowed only at hospitals with a Medicare provider agreement. The hospital also must follow:
- Code of Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 482 Conditions Of Participation For Hospitals
- Hospital conditions of participation described in 42 CFR 482.1 through 42 CFR 482.57.
- Transplant conditions of participation described in 42 CFR 482.68 through 42 CFR 482.104.
- Federal regulations described in the State Operations Manual Appendix X (PDF).
How to apply
To apply for Medicare certification for a transplant program, contact Thomas Rylander:
- Email thomas.rylander@dhs.wisconsin.gov
- Call 608-266-7297
Note: A hospital must already be Medicare certified with the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA).
Then, the hospital should complete the following:
- A CMS-855 form submitted to the Medicare administrative contractor. The form should show a new transplant program "practice location." Once approved, the Medicare administrative contractor will send it to the Wisconsin state survey agency.
- A letter from the hospital containing the information listed in QSO-19-11-Transplant (PDF), Attachment A: Required Information for all Applications for Medicare Approval of Transplant Programs. Submit this letter to Thomas Rylander.
- Email thomas.rylander@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Mailing address
DQA Bureau of Health Services201 E. Washington Ave., Room E300Madison, WI 53703
Submit the following information to the Organ Procurement Transplant Network (42 CFR § 482.80):
- Patient data
- Clinical experience
- Outcome requirements
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) will review this information. They will send results to the Wisconsin state survey agency.
Refer to QSO-19-11-Transplant (PDF) for more information on:
- Initial survey certification for transplant programs.
- Recertification process for transplant programs.
Reporting program changes
Report changes to a transplant program in writing to thomas.rylander@dhs.wisconsin.gov. Relevant changes include changes to:
- The primary surgeon or physician for a given organ.
- The contact person for the transplant program.
Wisconsin transplant programs
The following is a list of Wisconsin hospitals that provide transplant services. The list is alphabetized by city.
University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
Program types and year each program began:
- Adult heart (1991)
- Adult kidney (1977)
- Adult liver (1990)
- Adult lung (1995)
- Adult pancreas (1966)
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Program types and year each program began:
- Adult heart (1990)
- Adult kidney (2000)
- Adult liver (2004)
- Adult pancreas (1966)
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Program types and year each program began:
- Pediatric heart (2015)
- Pediatric kidney (1987)
- Pediatric liver (2013)
Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Program types and year each program began:
- Adult heart (2018)
- Adult kidney (1979)
- Adult liver (1995)
- Adult lung (2013)
- Adult pancreas (1983)
Contact us
Licensing, certification, and program changes
Thomas Rylander, thomas.rylander@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 608-266-7297
Transplant program rules and regulations
Denise Balboa, denise.balboa@dhs.wisconsin.gov, 920-979-6437