Choosing A Specialist

Choosing_a_Specialist

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There are several criteria you should keep in mind when choosing a doctor to handle your infertility problem. Whether it be an OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) or an RE (Reproduction Endocrinologist), there are certain things you should look for to ensure that you have a competent professional specialist on your side.

Firstly, make sure that you know about your doctor's training and experience. Just because it says in the yellow pages that they are an "infertility doctor" doesn't mean they are a trained infertility specialist. You should ask whether the doctor has done a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. If they have not, then they are probably just a general gynecologist who has a special interest in infertility. If you have just a regular OB/GYN you should ask them at what point they will refer you to an infertility specialist. Generally this should happen within 6-12 months of treatment with your OB/GYN. If your case is more serious, you should be referred immediately.

If you are seeking in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF) ask the doctor what their success rate is. That is, what is their rate of pregnancy over the past year for embryo transfers performed and what their success rate is with people who have had a similar problem to your own. Afterall, you want to be sure this person is successfully treating people with the same problems as yours.

If cost is a concern for you make sure that you talk to your doctor about this. Get a detailed break down of the costs and exactly how much of that is not covered by your insurance.....meaning it will be your responsibility to pay for. Make sure that the price you are quoted includes all the details....physician's fees, ultrasound and blood monitoring, facility fees, anesthesia related fees, or anything else. If your doctor seems hesitant to talk to you about the money involved, or if they down play it as not being important then maybe you should consider another doctor. Afterall, if the doctor isn't looking out for your best interest, should you really be there?

You are also going to want to make sure that your doctor is well equipped to look after your needs during treatment. Make sure all his equipment is up-to-date and that his staff is knowledgeable, responsible, and caring. The bare minimum that your doctor should have is:
Availability of staff and technicians seven days a week. If your doctor doesn't offer weekend and holiday hours you are not in the hands of someone whose priority is helping you get pregnant.
Transvaginal ultrasound equipment. You should not be undergoing medicated treatments unless this equipment is available for routine monitoring. It is in your best interest to have periodic ultrasounds to ensure that your medication is working. Also, if you are doing intra-uterine insemination (IUI), ultrasounds are needed for accurately timing insemination with your ovulation.
On-site, certified lab. This is needed to do semen testing and to prep for IUI's and post coital tests. It's also needed for doing various blood tests.

Keep in mind that these are the bare minimum that your doctor should have. Anything above and beyond this is only more reassurance that your doctor is a qualified professional with only one goal in mind.........helping YOU achieve pregnancy!

DISCLAIMER: Please recognize that I am NOT a medical professional. The information in these pages should NOT be taken as medical advice. It is simply information that I have gathered through the process of educating myself about this devastating condition which I am currently afflicted with. I accept no responsibility for the outcome of any interpretations the readers of this page may have. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Also, if any information on this page is found to be incorrect, please inform me of such with something to substantiate your claim. Thank you.