When do you deem it reasonable to transition outpatient management of a kidney transplant patient to general nephrology?  

Many transplant centers have different views on when to transition patients. In our program, we transition patients after a year post-transplant and alternate visits between the transplant center and the referring nephrologist until year 3 when we ask the patient to see their nephrologist quarterly ...

I agree with Dr. @Pastan on many points. A couple of my own observations:  Some transplant centers which have close-knit relationships with a particular general nephrology group (many who have transplant-trained nephrologists on staff) start transitioning post-patients back at 3 months with ...

Transfer after a year...

At University of Washington, patients are transferred after 6 months with longer care for those required. We feel confident as general nephrologist to take care of such patients and that we can reach transplant team if needed.

At UCSF, we follow the patients indefinitely. Monthly from 3-12 months post transplant, quarterly years 2-3 or so, every 6 months years 4-5, then annually. Ideally we co- manage with their Nephrologist but we maintain immunosuppression management.