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What to Bring, What to Expect
Every couple has a unique situation; no initial visit is the same. Some couples have had extensive evaluation and sometimes treatments. Some couples are aware of the direction they wish to head in their evaluation and treatment; others are wondering what evaluations remain for them that are important and what therapies might be best. Most couples are concerned about the costs of infertility. Few patients have insurance that provides much coverage.
Medical History
At the first visit, a patient’s medical history and history related to infertility will be reviewed thoroughly. The form is available on the Center’s website at utahfertilitycenter.com. Please complete the form and bring it to your visit.
Medical Records
Many patients have information in the form of medical records of prior care that can be extremely helpful. Laboratory data from blood tests and reports of imaging procedures (hysterosalpingograms, ultrasounds, MRIs etc.) are often important. Operative reports describing surgeries are often very important. Physicians’ office records often do not include operative reports, and if they are not in the physician’s records, patients should obtain them from the hospital where the surgery was performed. Hospitals always have an operative report for every procedure performed in their operating rooms. Personal records such as basal temperature graphs or menstrual calendars are useful too. Patients should bring these to their first appointment.
Patients’ records are highly confidential. Physician offices and hospitals will not release them without signatures consenting to the disclosure of this information. Physician offices and hospitals will fax these records in advance of an appointment, or patients may bring them (it is the right of a patient to have these records). Although offices and hospitals agree to fax these records, faxes are sometimes lost in the process of transfer. If records are faxed, always check before the visit to be sure they are at the office. Bringing copies to appointments is always good insurance.
Counseling and Next Steps
Most infertility problems do not have one solution or a single best course of approach. We often find that we cannot prescribe the one best approach without patient input. Expect to hear about options that vary in regard to efficacy, cost, and pace and expect to be a participant. Sometimes the array of information and choices will be more than a couple is prepared to decide upon at the first visit. There is no need to decide on a specific course of action immediately. There is no rush. It is OK and appropriate for couples to take the information home to discuss and come back with questions and thoughts at another visit.
Appointments
Scheduling an initial visit may require a waiting period. Couples tend to be concerned that follow-up appointments will involve similar waits. This is not so. Once patients are in care for infertility, the timing of appointments is determined by treatment care. An e-mail address is also provided to patients for any questions that may arise.
For an appointment call
Phone: 801-581-3834
Fax: 801-585-2388
Insurance and Costs
Couples usually want to know how much their care will cost. The UCRM will always be as clear as possible about costs. Patients should feel free to ask questions about the cost of every step. Unfortunately, in Utah it is common for medical insurance companies to omit care for infertility in their coverages. Often there is coverage for some testing and infertility up to a specific amount. Rarely will insurance cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including in-vitro fertilization. Each policy is different. It is important for patients to call their insurance carrier prior to their first visit so they are aware of their coverage. This may factor into decisions about the type and pace of care that is best.
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