Photo by Gregory Buzdyk
Scheduling a fertility consultation is a big step on your path to parenthood. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for your first appointment at Overlake Reproductive Health.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends seeking expert help if you have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more if you are under 35, or after six months if you are over 35. If you are a female over 40 don’t wait more than three months. Seek assistance sooner too if you or your partner has been diagnosed with a reproductive condition like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome or, if you’re a man, a low sperm count. Even if you don’t meet any of these guidelines, you can always schedule an appointment for fertility testing to gather more information.
Now that you have scheduled your first consultation, here’s what to expect at the appointment. These days, we ask that you wear a mask and do not come in if you are feeling ill or think you have recently been exposed to COVID. Spouses or partners are expected at initial consultations. Telemed is available but let the front office know your plans when scheduling.
Summarize your fertility journey and medical history
Once you schedule your appointment, we’ll ask that you fill out our Registration Form, Medical History Questionnaires, and insurance information for both you and your partner. Please fill the forms out completely. The health history as well as all pertinent medical records must be received at least 7 days prior to your appointment.
Our 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 we’ll 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. The more information we have, the faster we can help you realize your dream of having a healthy baby.
Request your medical records right away
If you have undergone fertility testing or treatment with another doctor, please give your permission to have these documents sent to us. This step will save you time and money and, perhaps, unnecessary repetition of medical procedures. Getting medical records can take time so request these as soon to the same day you schedule your appointment.
Our first meeting will be a 90-minute discussion. Even though we’ll have your records, it is a good idea to summarize your infertility experience and problems for our staff.
Check your insurance coverage
Many new patients are concerned about how they will pay for treatment. We have financial and insurance coordinators who can help you navigate this part of the process. It won’t hurt, however, to 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.
We’re excited to meet you
Your initial consultation at ORH is an opportunity for us to get to know your family and for you to meet ours. This discussion of your medical and fertility history generally takes 30-60 minutes. Your physician will also 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 will meet our 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 our financial advisor.
Overlake Reproductive Health offers almost all fertility treatments and assessments in-house, but some blood tests may be drawn at an outside lab. We are committed to taking care of our patients in a healthy, supportive environment. Your personal well-being as well as the health of your future baby is of the utmost important to us.
