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Infertility treatment can be emotionally, physically, and financially stressful. The staff of Huntington Reproductive realizes this and makes every effort to help patients cope. We have fertility specialists, nurses, psychologists, patient advocates, and financial counselors all dedicated to making infertility treatment as pleasant as possible.
Oftentimes couples have the impression that they cannot afford the cost of infertility treatments. This is because the mass media usually reports on the most advanced, and expensive, treatments. The majority of couples will become pregnant using less expensive technologies such as intrauterine insemination or through medical treatment of conditions such as ovulatory disorders. IVF is actually required by a small percentage of patients.
It is also true that most managed care organizations do not provide coverage for infertility. Benefits are provided in states that have mandated coverage but even then they are limited. One of the most important steps patients can take is to obtain a copy of their actual insurance policy. Our counselors closely review this information with each couple to legally maximize any benefits that are available.
Some managed care providers cover many diagnostic procedures, and some treatments. This might include the diagnostic laparoscopy, which might also be done for treatment of conditions such as endometriosis.
Studies demonstrate that treatment by a fertility specialist / reproductive endocrinologist is the most cost effective means of diagnosing and treating infertility. Our specialized staff has years of experience and always employs the level of technology needed to achieve pregnancy while considering factors such as cost and personal circumstances.
Tragically, we sometimes see patients who have had months of Clomid therapy even though studies clearly demonstrate there is no advantage to using the drug for more than 3-6 ovulatory cycles. We also see women who have been treated with no evaluation of the male. Treatment of the female cannot be successful in the absence of viable sperm. The most expensive treatment is one that cannot work.
Additionally, infertile women in their thirties must see a reproductive endocrinologist as soon as possible. Fertility can decline very rapidly in this age group and the appropriate treatment must begin as soon as possible.
We provide financial counseling for our couples as they progress through treatment. One of our goals is to make sure patients are fully informed about cost and therapy options.
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