Steve, I was lucky to only live 1-1/2 hours from Hershey Medical Center but I had to drive up and back often for check-ups until they had a kidney for me. When they got one, a cadaver, I had to get there ASAP. After the operation, I only stayed for 4 or 5 days and then came home. Had to go back every couple of days for the first few months for tests and then it was once a week for 6 months, then once every 2 weeks for 6 mo., then once a month for 2 years. Now I only have to go back once a year but I still have to get bloodwork at our family physicians office every 3 months and he sends a copy to Hershey.
I guess they want you near for at least the first 3 months before and after to keep a close check on you. If you have a family doctor that can do some of the tests they need, send the results to them and keep in touch with them like I did, you might be able to cut the time down. Or if a local Hospital will run the tests for you. Doesn't hurt to ask.
Hope that this helps.
Jim
Main WIP:
On the Bench: Artesania Latina (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II
I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.