New patient appointments are a chance to tell your fertility doctor your story.
Once you know you want kids in your future, it’s up to you and your partner to take the steps to make them happen. Waiting just makes the process harder and can limit your options, especially if you want a biologically related child.
So, if you’re under 35 and have been trying for a baby unsuccessfully for one year, or just 6 months if you are 35 or older, how do you begin?
With a phone call.
Step 1
Schedule your New Patient Appointment
Schedule your appointment with an accredited fertility clinic where the doctors are board certified Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialists. You may not need all of their expertise, but you might and starting with a doctor that’s empathetic and understands your situation may save you time and money in the long run.
Paperwork
Now that you’ve scheduled your first consultation, you’ve got paperwork to gather and turn in. The more thorough you are with submitting your history and information for your partner, the more you will get out of your first meeting with your fertility doctors.
Summarize your fertility journey and medical history
Fill out our Registration Form, Medical History Questionnaires, and insurance information for both you and your partner. Your health history as well as all pertinent medical records must be received at least 7 days prior to your appointment.
The doctors also will want to know if you are taking any medications and for how long and the reasons you are using them, as well as any significant medical issues, including sexually transmitted infections.
Your partner is a big part of your fertility equation and the clinic will need to know their medical history as well as medications they are taking. It may be recommended that they schedule a separate semen analysis appointment. Their sperm quality will help determine your course of treatment.
Request your medical records right away
If you have undergone fertility testing or treatment with another doctor/facility, you’ll need to give your permission to have documents sent to the new clinic. Getting medical records can take time, so request these on the same day you schedule your appointment.
Your first meeting will likely be a 90-minute discussion. Even though the doctor has your records, it is a good idea to summarize your infertility experience and problems for the staff. Jot down notes to bring with you so you do not forget to mention something that might be important.
Check your insurance coverage
Many new patients are concerned about how they will pay for treatment. Check your insurance plan yourself to see if it pays for any treatment, including office visits, testing, fertility medications, surgery, or reproductive techniques, and to know what your financial responsibilities will be, such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance percentages.
Get excited – you’re on your way
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to meet the doctor and their staff. This discussion of your medical and fertility history generally takes 30-60 minutes. Your physician will also likely perform a physical examination including listening to your heart and lungs, but an internal examination is not necessary.
At the end of your visit, you may meet the medical team. They will work with you to ensure you understand all the recommended diagnostic testing and treatment options, and to go over any questions you may have. You may also wish to schedule a meeting with their financial advisor.
Most clinics offer fertility treatments and assessments in-house, but some blood tests may be drawn at an outside lab often so insurance will cover more of the cost. If you like the fertility clinic, there will be more medical diagnostic tests to schedule and you’ll continue down their recommended path of gathering information about your fertility.
