Seeing RE vs. nurse staff only?

georgiagirl1212 · January 2010

In a typical IUI/medicated TI cycle, how often do you see your RE? I'm asking because I saw my RE every time I went in during my diagnostic phase, but now that my treatment cycle has started, it's only the nurses who are there following instructions he's left in my chart. For instance, today was my second monotoring appointment, I had 2 follies, and the nurse called in a trigger shot for me and called later to tell me later that the Dr. had given me the go-ahead to use it tonight. I know that the nurses are taking good care of me, but I guess I expected to see the doctor more now that we're actively doing treatment.

ashlyrose · January 2010

I will occasionally see the nurse for my follicle appts. I'm TI also. In the beginning it was the nurse ALL the time & would take my chart with u/s pics & call me later. It's all depending if 1 RE is out in surgery & if the other is out of the office/out of town. I don't mind seeing the nurse because I know my RE will see the chart but I like him there to ask any ?s

Sue&Pasquale · January 2010

nope. its the nurses. I never see my RE. I did a couple of times and that was it.

how my practice works is they get my results go over it with my doctor or the one on call there and then the nurses call me and tell me what to do.

but when I had my retrieval it was the doctor who was doing the retrievals/transfers that day and then when I went for the transfer it was my doctor. but that was because he was the doctor that day.

njdcgirl · January 2010

Even in my IVF cycles at my last clinic (which was pretty large), I didn't see the RE that often during monitoring. The nurses also made all the update calls to me. I'm sure they are reviewing the results of your u/s and b/w and actually making the decisions, with the nurse passing them along to you. I'd say if you have specific questions, ask to speak to the RE (either while you are there, or get a call back.) You shouldn't be hesitant to ask if you want more clarification on anything.

On the other hand, my new clinic is very small, and the RE is hands-on everything. He's done all my u/s, been at every appt. The nurses in this place just draw blood, and assist with notes during the u/s or assist during procedures. So, it really varies.

Good luck to you!!

madelyn07 · January 2010

During a typical medicated IUI cycle I don't see my RE at all. She is always at her main office, which is 2.5 hours (one way) from where I live. I do everything (monitoring, video conferences, IUIs, ect.) at her satellite office, which is 45 minutes (one way) from my house.

The NP at the satellite office does all of my u/s and my IUIs. Truth be told, I prefer her. Not that I don't like my RE, I really do, but my NP is just really awesome and I know her better than I know my RE.

I've only talked with my RE in person a handful of times..our initial appointment, my HSG, my surgery and one day she happened to be the satelitte office..I really think that is it.. we do have very regular video conferences with her though.

kthappy76 · January 2010

Based on my experience at my old RE, this is normal. Once the plan is laid out the dr. consults with staff/chart while in treatment, but we had no contact.

floridakat · January 2010

I don't even see an IVF nurse every time I'm in there. The phlebotomists take my blood, and the u/s techs do my monitoring. I talk to the nurses on the phone a lot, though! I didn't actually see my RE until retrieval/transfer.

yodasmistress · January 2010

During my last two IVF cycles I only ever saw the nurses at every single appointment.

sweetky_06 · January 2010

The only time I don't see my RE is if I have to have an appointment on a Wednesday AM, since that is when he is in surgery.

It's a small practice though - just one RE, some nurses, and the rotating residents from the medical school and hospital up the road.

Bride2Be2008PA · January 2010

During monitoring and TI, I always just saw the nurses. He was in the office, but we'd just say hi in passing if I saw him. I love his staff and am fine with just seeing the nurses. At times where things have changed after he looked over my chart, they have been great about calling and explaining. He's very through and quick to review things. Now that we've moved on to IVF I've seen him a little more for our WTF appt, he performed my hysterscopy and my mock transfer.

gymnst1013 · January 2010

I didn't see my RE at all on our last IUI cycle. I had nurses draw blood, u/s tech did the monitoring, RN did the IUI and if I had questions I talked to my coordinator. I only saw the RE at my initial appointment, during my baseline cycle once and after my m/c.

I think since procedures are so repetitive (every IUI is pretty much the same for everyone, KWIM?) that the staff handles that unless there is a problem. And the doctor does the diagnosing and looking at abnormalities.

Dragonfly1226 · January 2010

This is how it works with my RE. I have the most contact with my nurse. The RE did the actual IUI and the ER and ET for my IVF cycle. After my monitoring appointments it's always my nurse who calls. I love my nurse so I'm okay with this set up.

roselln2 · January 2010

I met my RE for 5 minutes at my first appointment... asked many questions in those 5 minutes. Saw him at my ER and then again at my ET. It has all been the nurses playing intermediary. I honestly don't care, though, because the clinic's stats are super great (61.5% in 2008 for fresh IVFs under 35 years old) and because the nurses are knowledgeable and patient.

liberty09 · January 2010

I rarely see my RE - only for "important" visits - ER,ET,Protocol etc.

MichelleL1118 · January 2010

Chiming in late, but I see my RE at every appointment, unless they have me come in on a Saturday or Sunday for monitoring - then I see an u/s tech and the on-call nurse.

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