How To Prepare For An In Vitro Fertilization Consultation

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Vitro Fertilization Consultation

Are you preparing to schedule a consultation to find out about your options regarding in vitro fertilization? That first meeting can be powerful – this is your chance to ask the questions you have been waiting so patiently to ask, to move forward toward the goals you have been waiting so patiently to accomplish. This quick guide will help you prepare.

Research and Preliminary Preparation

The best thing you can do to prepare for your in vitro fertilization consultation is to continue
researching and asking questions. The more you know about the process, the more active of a role you can take. Seek support and information through professional counseling, online support groups, or even friends and family who have taken the same journey. The support is important but the fresh insights are invaluable.

Use your experiences to create a running tab of questions you would like to ask your IVF specialist at your consultation. Go beyond the paperwork. The rest of this guide will focus on the medical documentation and necessary financial preparation, but the emotional and intellectual needs of you and your family should be your first priority.

Gather and Send Medical Documentation

Full medical records, including family health records, will serve as the foundation of your IVF process. Pay extra attention to sexual and obstetrical history by making note of any personal observations not recorded on your medical records. Collect the records from any previous fertility treatments and exams so your physician can gain a more accurate insight into progress.

Don’t forget about your past: have you ever had a blood transfusion, been in a serious accident, or suffered a serious illness? Have you ever worked around x-rays or chemicals on the job or as part of a hobby? Any information you can provide is helpful.

Many fertility treatment centers recommend faxing or delivering your medical documentation prior to your consultation. Begin collecting your documents as soon as possible – obtaining medical records and information about family health history can take a long time. You will also need this information in order to establish financing with your insurance company, but we will discuss that part next. If you are seeking treatment with a partner who is providing the sperm, he will need to provide the same depth of documentation.

Confirmation of Financing and Insurance

The financing situation is always tricky. Though applicable coverage was once practically nonexistent, more and more insurance companies are beginning to integrate coverage for in vitro fertilization into their family policies.

Many fertility clinics require written confirmation from your insurance company before granting a consultation, some ask about financing during the consultation, and some wait until after the initial meeting before discussing money issues. Some clinics offer financing options for IVF, (the New York IVF specialists as Genesis are a good example) and others can refer you to the applicable charity or community groups.

The IVF consultation is just one small step on the road to meeting your goals. It is never too early to start preparing.