Intro and a Question

CalinAZ · August 2013

Hi Everyone,

As DH and I are halfway through month 13 of actively TTC, it seems like it's time to make my way over to this board

. My name is Cal, and I've been married to DH for just over 3 years. We both are pretty darn healthy (though I am a little overweight (about 15 lbs), I'm working on losing weight, and have very good stats in terms of blood sugar and blood pressure). I've always had a touch long, but pretty regular cycles (32-36 days), with consistent ovulation (based on CBEFM and temping). DH did sperm analysis testing back at 6 months because he had some indication of issues, but tested fine. So, we're not sure why we are having trouble yet, and are ready to start testing.

I've started contacting fertility offices to find out about their insurance coverages and see which place we should choose. Is that the way most of you found REs? I was also wondering about how to choose an office. My insurance covers fertility testing but not any procedures. The facilities that seem to take insurance are fairly limited. Would it make sense to choose a place (with slightly lower reviews) that will cover the testing, and then move to a better rated facility? Will those test results usually be taken by another place, or does each fertility place usually want to do its own tests? I am feeling a little lost on how to proceed.

Thanks so much! I'm hoping to learn a lot from this board

ronniesgirl1981 · August 2013

Welcome and sorry you find yourself over here.

My RE clinic is literally across the street from where I work. That's the primary reason I chose it. It also happens to have the best stats locally (there are probably 3 RE clinics I could have chosen from). And it takes my insurance.

I'd say to get the biggest bang for your buck however you can. I think the worst case scenario is that the higher rated clinic wouldn't be satisfied with how a test was performed and request a repeat. From what I have read this is especially true if you have abnormal results.

Also, I'd suggest calling the clinic that you want to go to and double-check the insurance situation.

Milagros315 · August 2013

Hi! I'm sorry that you have to be here, but welcome to the board!

I was referred to my RE both by a friend and by my OBGYN and I liked him at our first meeting, so that part was easy for me.

Finances are a big concern for us. Luckily, I was able to have all of my testing covered. I think we probably saved a few thousand dollars. I would be really tempted to start with the doctor that accepts your insurance. I don't really have any experience with this (only had CD3 blood work with my GYN) but I'm pretty sure other ladies here have switched doctors so hopefully someone else will have better advice for you about how that works!

sinnedambition · August 2013

I was recommended to the RE from my GYN. My GYN did a lot of tests (which luckily were all covered), this includes ultrasounds, blood work, HSG. The RE accepted the HSG, but wanted her own blood work, ultrasound, pap, etc.

So, if you want to take your chances on getting the tests done where covered, just understand you may be pushed back a few cycles to re-test. Based on what my GYN told us (and our test results), we were supposed to start IUI in June. Because of re-testing we will be lucky if we start in Sept.

DreadGamerWife · August 2013

I was also referred to our RE by my GYN after she exhausted her testing capabilities/procedures. The GYN also coded the tests differently than the RE, so insurance covered it under general women’s health - not infertility related. The RE accepted the most test results but did want to redo the day 3 tests and added the infectious disease panel for both of us. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Welcome to the board.

Twinkie0612 · August 2013

Here's how I found my RE.

First I looked at my insurance, to see which doctors accepted my insurance. I don't have any infertility coverage, but since if I do get pregnant, I will have at least one u/s so I wanted an office where I would have some coverage. Then I asked my OB/GYN for a referral. MY insurance doesn't require it, but I wanted to know who they send their patients too. Then I started researching REs. I looked at websites and looked at patient reveiews. I even checked out SART IVF success rates. Finally I picked a RE and made an appointment. It took 6 weeks to get a consult.

We went to our consult and I didn't care for our RE at all. She came off as a complete scatter brain and her treatment plan for us was unmonitored clomid + IUI. I went back to the drawing board and found a different RE that took my insurance and came highly recommended by a friend of my sister. It took 2 weeks to get in for a consult and both DH and I loved him. So my advice is do your research and don't be afraid to switch doctors if you aren't happy.

ETA: I jumped right into answering your question and I forgot to say welcome to the board.

Allison7 · August 2013

Sorry you have to be here, but welcome to the board!

So like you, my insurance covered testing but not procedures. I had some testing done with my PCP(my thyroid, lupus, and some other things), so that was done during my 6 week wait to see the RE. The cycle testing was done at the RE, but since they take my insurance it was covered.

I chose my RE based on research of success rates and the vibe I got from them. There are three places in my area. Two of them are in hospitals and one is independent. My insurance was better with the one hospital and the independent one and ultimately I went with the independent one. They offered a lot of additional services, did not have to charge the hospital's rates for things like ultrasound, and were all female doctors. My ob/gyn is a man and I like him a lot, but for this I wanted a woman.

kw0612 · August 2013

My GYN was my first step in finding an RE. They recommended 2, I did my research and chose the one with better results. All of my testing was covered there, and I was initially told my IUIs were covered there as well. After 4 cycles and 3 IUIs there, I found out my insurance only covers fertility at one location...so I am going to have to switch REs and am not happy about it because I really like mine.

The costs can add up quickly so for initial testing, you might be best going somewhere that accepts your insurance. If after all the initial testing is done, you're not happy with that doctor, you can always switch.

Good luck to you with your initial testing!

CalinAZ · August 2013

Thanks so much for the advice and the welcome, everyone! It definitely helps to get lots of perspective from others who've gone through it. As we just moved a year ago, I've only seen my PCP once, and she did my gyn check-up. When she referred me to other doctors (for some other health issues), they were all complete duds so I don't really trust her opinion.

What you've all said reaffirms that if I can, testing at the RE probably makes the most sense. I heard back from a few today via email, so hopefully I can get some more info

.

Thank you again!

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