RE referral question

dirtyvegas · July 2014

I've seen a number people post about the difficulties of seeing an RE, and was just hoping to understand it better. I hope this doesn't come off as being overly naive or unknowingly insensitive. What's the reasoning for your doctor not wanting to give you a referral to see an RE? Is it because they think they can treat you on their own? It just seems that so many of you have well-documented infertility issues and/or trying for over 12 months. Why would they hesitate to refer you? Does it just depend on your insurance? It just seems so clear cut that a specialist would be beneficial since they would deal with the issues, testing, etc. all the time. I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.

My doctor referred me fairly easily. (I apologize if that part seems insensitive to mention since that's been at least one part of this whole journey that's been simple and I know it isn't for everyone.) But maybe that's because he's my PCP (I see him for everything), and he doesn't really deal with IF at all? Or, the fertility center I go to is actually part of a hospital that my PCP is a part of, so maybe it was just easy for him?

daytonflyer · July 2014

So far I have been lucky to not need a referral. My Ob doesn't even know I am going. I was not happy with her answer, which was for her nurse to call and tell me to call back next cycle so they could call a clomid prescription in, when all we have done is basic blood work. I searched out a fertility center. It is an hour away from me, but they will let me do labs/monitoring here in my town.

BunnyBerry · July 2014

When I first brought up that we'd been TTCing without luck (I think it was 1.5 years at that time, since we'd been living abroad) the GYN told me she'd refer me to a specialist. And repeated that until the most recent annual and Pap, when I told her I was seeing an RE (the practice she had mentioned, but the doctor I preferred). She was always pushing me (gently) to get help, but we weren't ready yet. She never brought up whether or not I had insurance.

cupcake122 · July 2014

I got referred to an RE very quickly. I initially approached my obgyn that I hadn't gotten a period since ending BC. She put me on progesterone, I got my period once, and when it didn't come again they sent me to an RE.

I also don't get why so many Obs won't refer! I am grateful to have an OB who knows when her expertise has been exhausted. Maybe trends are different in different areas of the country? I live outside NYC. I can't imagine having gone through everything I have without an RE managing me. I hope all you ladies waiting for a referral get one very soon!!!

KT416 · July 2014

I went to an OB first because I didn't even know what an RE was at that point and my regular physician mentioned that would be the next step at the one year mark.

I'm glad I saw an OB first because the process was overwhelming to me, and she did some testing right on the spot at my first and only appointment. She then referred me to her colleague in the same office who was an RE.

However, I don't think I needed a referral, I believe I could have just gone to a clinic but I don't need referrals with my insurance.

Everyone is different and it really depends on insurances and location too. I have a lot of options in my city, but in other parts the nearest RE may be hours away.

emmuffy · July 2014

I got a referral very easily from my family doctor, but I'm in Canada and the referral process seems much simpler compared to what other women on this board have gone through.

BethKate2 · July 2014

I also got a referral pretty easily. I didn't go through my OB, though. I haven't seen him since after my loss last year. I called my PCP and left a message with the nurse saying that I needed a referral to Dr. such-and-such, and they made the referral for me.

cupcake122 · July 2014

Oy @iPutKetchupOnKetchup‌ that sounds like a nightmarish system

dirtyvegas · July 2014

Thanks for the knowledge share ladies! It's kind of crazy how everyone has such different experiences with it. It's no wonder that navigating the medical maze is so complicated and headache-inducing. I'm constantly checking my health coverage for fear that there's going to be a "gotcha" and I'm going to end up with some insane bill (well, more insane than it is right now) because somethings going to change, I interpreted something incorrectly, or that an answer that I got on the phone was wrong.

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