When it’s time to schedule a fertility consultation, where do you start? The Yellow Pages? Not likely. Finding the right clinic for you is a big decision since you may be a patient for months… or even years.
Fortunately there are a number of resources you can utilize to find fertility centers in your area.
- Your OB/GYN or family doctor. Your medical team will be able to provide you referrals. Make sure you ask your doctor if she or he has worked with the clinic previously and what that experience was like.
- Friends and family members. The people within your social network are an excellent resource. Chances are good that you know someone who’s been through or is currently undergoing infertility treatment. These are often your best source of information since they are (literally) walking in your shoes. They can tell you what the staff is like, how easy they are to communicate with, if office hours are convenient, what their doctor’s personal style is like, and whether or not they feel they are getting the treatment that will ultimately lead them to a successful pregnancy.
- Online directories. Conceiveonline.com and HealthGrades.com directories have easy lookup features so you can search for fertility specialists by location, practice name or doctor’s name and all include an overview of the practices listed.
- Attain FertilityTM Network. The Attain Fertility Network consists of nearly 40 fertility practices with over 120 locations across 34 states. The network is made up of more than 180 reproductive endocrinologists who perform 25% of all IVF procedures annually in the U.S.
Bottom line: before you schedule a fertility consultation, speak with others about fertility clinics and encourage them to be honest in their assessment – know the pros and cons. Keep in mind that even if you get a less than stellar review, the practice may still be the right one for you. While ensuring the practice you choose has the services and technologies that are important to you, the “chemistry” is just as important.
