Where Choice Moms find support, insight and resources

Know your insurance benefits prior to your appointment with your infertility doctor. Why? Two reasons: 1) the doctor you choose may not be contracted with your insurance company. If your doctor orders blood tests but is not contracted with your insurance company, you could get stuck with the bill. And 2) Your doctor is contracted with your insurance company, but you don’t have coverage for that specific fertility evaluation. Result? Yet again, you might get stuck with the bill. Rule of thumb: If you are dealing with a new doctor, new treatment, or new insurance company, take the time to understand your benefits before making any trips to the doctor.
Bring all medical records to your first appointment. Why? It will save you time (and money!) to have everything with you at your first appointment. First appointments often include a plethora of questions like "Have you had a hysterosalpingogram? If yes, please name and date all appoints and clinics. Please include all lab work performed at the clinic as well - along with dates and physicians attending…" Quickly your 30 minute appointment turns into a q&a session without ever discussing why you’re actually there. Rule of thumb: If you’re attending a first appointment, don’t assume that your records will get to your doctor’s office. Have paper copies for yourself so that if records don’t make it where they need to, you still have records to be reviewed.
Shop around and talk to all fertility clinics in your area. Why? The price for treatments can vary from clinic to clinic within the same area. If a clinic is offering a treatment or financial package that you like but you don’t necessarily like that clinic - go elsewhere. Once you find a clinic you like, explain the plan or financial package that you liked elsewhere and see how the clinic can match. Rule of thumb: Never stop at one clinic or reference unless it’s a perfect match. Shopping around can save you time, money, and help you avoid below par clinic experiences.
Price match medications. Why? Medications are expensive. However, medication prices can vary by pharmacy. First, ask your doctor for recommended pharmacies. Then, send your fertility medication prescription to several pharmacies. Quote the lowest prices and relay that information to the pharmacy of your choice. Fertility pharmacies will often match or go below medication prices to keep business. Rule of thumb: Always seek pharmacy alternatives. Get price quotes from several pharmacies before settling on a price.
Plan ahead and know the 3Fs of your appointment: fertility doctor, fertility treatment/test, and fees associated. Make sure you know up front what you are doing the day of your visit and why. Find out ahead of time the cost associated with the visit. For example, you are scheduled to have an ultrasound but someone in the clinic thinks you also (mistakenly) need a blood test. So you are charged for both even though you only needed one. Mistakes happen. Do your best to stop them before it happens on your watch (and bill). Rule of thumb: Always do your homework and know understand the facts of your appointment before entering your doc’s waiting room.

5 tips for smart fertility treatment

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