Top Questions To Ask When Choosing A Fertility Clinic

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Total views: 275 | Word Count: 676 | Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2010 | 150 comments

For many people, choosing a fertility clinic is an important step in the quest to have a child, and one that should not be taken lightly. Upon investigation, many seeking to become pregnant are surprised to learn that each clinic may follow different protocol, have different success rates and whose doctors may or may not have advanced sub specialty training in infertility. All of these things can impact the ultimate outcome of fertility treatments.

Many people may ask really great questions about a fertility clinic, but ask questions pertaining to the immediate future, rather than ones pertaining to the long haul that it might become. A question like "How much does this particular treatment cost?" is common, but does not plan for the cost of future treatments, should that one not be successful. Asking great questions from the start can help you choose the right clinic while you plan for every eventuality and the best chance at a family.

Top Questions to Ask Fertility Clinics

1. Have the doctors received sub specialty training and certification in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and are they board certified?

Many physicians may offer fertility treatments, such as Clomid, but do not have advanced training. Since Clomid has a specific amount of cycles for which it can be safely used, it should be best prescribed by a fertility specialist as part of a bigger plan.

2. What treatment options does the fertility clinic offer?

Not every clinic offers the same treatments, so shop around.

3. What is the success rate of the clinic?

This is important to know, though should not be given more weight then necessary. It is important to understand each fertility clinic has different protocols that can impact the numbers. One clinic may implant more embryos at a time than another clinic and there fore have a higher rate of successful pregnancies. It may also however have a higher rate of high order multiples, which is, medically, more dangerous.

4. Does the clinic report to SART and the CDC?

Most reputable clinics will be associated with the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and The Centers for disease Control and Prevention.

5. What is the treatment philosophy of the clinic?

Clinics may be conservative or aggressive in the treatment philosophy.

6. What treatment would be most effective, cost aside, for your particular situation?

Many doctors start with the generally most successful treatment options an move up to more invasive and costly ones. If funds are limited, perhaps in your case you might want to consider the more expensive but "better for you" treatment option from the start.

7. What type of support is available?

Some fertility clinics have staff to answer questions and offer support. Many also have support groups organized for patients.

8. Do you accept insurance, and what does insurance cover?

Insurance for reproductive medicine can be tricky and is different for every state, and varies between carriers.

9. Are there other costs, or possible additional costs, to a recommended procedure not mentioned in the price of the treatment?

Medications may not be included in the cost of the treatment but can run quite high.

10. How experienced are they in dealing with you particular situation?

Whatever the circumstances may be, find a fertility clinic and physician most comfortable and experienced with your situation.

As with any treatment, be sure to research any risks and discuss them with your fertility clinic of choice.

About the Author

Andi Beark has a passion for women's health issues. Recognized as a top fertility clinic, Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) provides a wide range of treatments from basic care for those coping with infertility to the most advance IVF (in vitro fertilization) technology available. Visit one of their 3 Denver locations to start making your dreams conceivable.

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