New Patient

Q:  How long does it typically take to get an appointment with one of your doctors? 
A:  Appointment availability is based on the doctors’ schedules, any cancellations, and the type of appointment (consult, follow-up, post-op, etc.), but most patients are pleased with how quickly their appointments can be worked in. We’ve been told that our practice has exceptionally efficient scheduling both in relation to doctor availability as well as waiting time in the lobby after arrival.

Q:  What should I bring for my first appointment? 
A:  You’ll need your new patient forms that were mailed to you or that you printed off our web site. Please have everything completed before you arrive to help us minimize your waiting time. Be sure to bring your insurance card and driver’s license so we can make a copy of each, unless you have copies with you. Also bring any medicals records, reports or results that will help explain or clarify your medical history as it relates to your diagnosis and treatment at the Fertility Center.

Q:  How long will my first visit take?
A:  Plan to be here an hour, at least. You may finish more quickly, but some new patients spend closer to 90 minutes with our doctors and staff.

Q:  What should I expect during a consultation appointment? 
A:  You’ll meet the doctor first to talk about your medical and family histories and to discuss options. He’ll answer your questions and explain his recommendations for treating you. He may want you to have lab work and, if you’re in agreement, will order some tests immediately. A woman typically will have blood drawn during her first visit and occasionally may undergo a pelvic exam that day, but other tests will be postponed until her next menstrual period begins. Men may collect a sperm sample in the gentlemen’s lounge before leaving the office if a semen analysis is needed.

Q:  Are you open on the weekends?
A:  In general, no. One of our doctors or nurse practitioners is always on call, but our office closes at noon on Friday through the weekend. Many of our IVF patients require blood work, ultrasound scans and procedures on the weekends, but those services are scheduled as needed.

Q:  What are some of your most common fertility treatments? 
A:  Our approach to infertility is broad and runs the gamut, depending on whether the causes of infertility are known or unknown. Plus, each person can be affected differently by the same treatment. Some patients respond to oral medications while others require injections. Surgery may correct a fertility obstacle and allow a couple to conceive naturally without any additional intervention. More advanced therapies like in vitro fertilization require careful monitoring of a patient’s response to medication, which can mean daily blood work and ultrasound scans. When we aren’t sure what’s causing a couple’s infertility, we start with the most basic and least invasive tools for testing and diagnosis and work our way towards a solution. Typically, the more involved the procedure, the greater the financial expense. The Fertility Center is committed to being up front about all costs, so that patients are not caught off guard or overwhelmed by steps they aren’t ready for or can’t afford to take.