Best Fertility Clinics and Doctor: Finding Them
Choosing the Right Fertility Specialist Group and Infertility Center
Oct 30, 2009
Many times the search for the best fertility clinic is dictated by geography and insurance. Driving an hour each way to have blood and ultrasounds done every few days is tedious, and paying out of pocket is out of the question for many people.
Finding a Fertility Clinic
Some geographical areas have a number of clinics, and everyone wants to find the one with the best results, most convenient location, and lowest prices, if insurance doesn’t pick up the whole cost.
The closest fertility clinic might not be the best one, depending on the circumstances. When comparing success rates and different fertility clinics, it’s important to consider the population they serve. Obviously a clinic that treats mostly 20-year olds will have much better pregnancy rates than one whose primary clientele is 40-year olds. For a 40-year old, though, the treatment may be far superior for her circumstances at the clinic with lower pregnancy rates but more experience with her infertility issues.
Comparing Fertility Clinic Pregnancy Rates
Fortunately, data comparing fertility clinics is easy to find on the web; statistics on every clinic recognized by ASRM, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, are on the CDC website. Get ready for a long computer session, though; there’s a lot of data there.
Even when comparing the same age groups, differences in pregnancy rates may be related to the patient population. One clinic may treat patients who are the crème de la crème, with fairly simple fertility issues, while others may deal almost exclusively in patients who’ve already been through the gamut of clinics without getting pregnant.
Because data on the site is two years old, it may not reflect current conditions at the clinic either. Perhaps the year shown is the year their three top fertility doctors got pregnant or retired, and the new guys hired weren’t completely up to speed yet. Maybe their rates were great that year, but their superstar doc has moved on to open his own clinic.
In general, though the data shows a trend of how well the clinic pregnancy rates compare, not only overall, but also broken down by age and fertility problem categories.
Visiting Fertility Clinics
There’s no substitute for a visit to the clinic for a consultation before throwing hard earned time and money their way. Clinics are glad to set up an initial consult without expecting patients to sign on the dotted line immediately. Most will give paperwork on any special “offers” they have, like a guarantee of “pregnancy within three IVF(in vitro fertilization) cycles, or your money back”. Yes, these actually exist, but some restrictions apply! Pay special attention to the clinic’s overall “vibe” because fertility patients spend a lot of time at the clinic! Consider all of the following:
- Does the front desk seem friendly?
- Is the first reaction is to go “mooooo” at the cattle-call feel of the place?
- Is it clean?
- Is the doctor personable, professional, folksy? Different people do better with different types of doctors. How many doctors are in the practice? Is it “take who’s on that day” or is there a choice?
- How do they do treatment? Are cycles “batched” so that all patients cycle at the same time, or is the schedule individualized? Are they open every day?
Deciding on the Right Fertility Clinic
There’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” fertility clinic. What one person hates, another may love. Look for a clinic with good pregnancy rates tailored to specific needs; a patient with male factor issues needs a clinic who does well with male factor issues, for example.
- Pick a clinic with a good fertility doctor. Trusting the doctor to deliver good care is paramount; a wonderful personality is a bonus.
- Find a clinic with a congenial staff. Patients end up talking to the staff on the phone a lot.
- Go to a clinic whose hours are workable. Opening early for blood work and ultrasound, so people can get to work on time, is great, but remember, those early hour appointments get filled early!
Being Happy With a Fertility Center In the Long Run
Most people spend a lot of time with their fertility doctors and clinics. Spending time at the clinic before signing on the dotted line and getting to know the people who work there can pay big dividends towards making your experience as a fertility patient much more enjoyable. Remember that the people who work there are people too, and being friendly and non confrontational( even when on hormones) brings out the best in everyone.
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