"Don't we have a clinic?" you ask. Yes, yes we do. And we love it: we love our doctor, we love our nurse, we love the facilities, we even love the surgery center (who likes surgery centers?). What we don't love is the price tag. I don't have concrete numbers yet, but I've heard $14,500 tossed around as the cost of one IVF procedure including ICSI. Add in the cost of meds and well, we're sitting at $16-18,000… for a chance at a baby. Gag.
A reader very sweetly reminded me after reading this post, that there are cheaper options out there. Ironically, my husband brought up the same thing. So now I'm forced to reckon with the fact that there are less expensive options… my doctor's sunny disposition may or may not be worth $10,000. So we've returned to the drawing board so to say. We're looking at EVERYTHING… cost, results, patient care, location, etc. There is a lot that goes into this decision, particularly when there is NO INSURANCE. No insurance means that every clinic is open to us… that's a lot of fertility clinics. We are of course looking very closely at what our state has to offer because, let's face it, it's convenient. When you're talking about 10-20 appointments, the distance between point A and B starts to matter more. But it's not the ultimate decision making factor. Many women seek treatment outside of their area. My friend Aubrey lives in Boston, but she is in Colorado right now for treatment. Others even look outside of the US for cheaper "vacation IVF" options.
The confusing, frustrating, overwhelming thing about this decision is the fact that every clinic is so different. Some offer discounts for prepaying for multiple cycles, some offer "low cost" options, some have statistics well above the national average, and some, well, suck. To demonstrate some of the differences, I've put together a handy little chart for your viewing pleasure. Three of the clinics are in Georgia… I've also added in some clinics from other states for comparison. It's a blind chart at this point. I want unbiased opinions simply on the statistics available (from SART). Afterwards, I'll disclose the names and prices associated with each clinic. And just for clarification, this is using my age group: under 35… the data is obviously very different in each age group.
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| Various Fertility Clinics SART Data- Bottom Row is National Average |
I'll be back to fill in the blanks to see if that changes any minds and to give you an idea of what our next steps will be in this process soon.
Just based on the chart, I'd be going with whichever clinic did 140 IVS (5th from top)! But I'd guess that they're also the most expensive. ;) Or very selective about who they treat (given their low # of procedures overall and extremely high rate of live birth) in the first place?
ReplyDelete*140 IVFs, obviously. The F got lost, apparently!
ReplyDeleteUgggg. I feel for you hun. This is a lot to think about and make a decision about. It's not like you are deciding where to buy your next pair of shoes. I will be sending you SO many thoughts as you navigate this and make the decision that is best for both of you. Hugs!
ReplyDeletebah. I can't offer any advice here, but still want to comment because I care and am thinking about you!
ReplyDeleteSo overwhelming. I hate that money has to be an issue in getting pregnant. The motherly instinct is to give her child the best of everything. That instinct starts before conception for us IF'ers. It is so hard to come to terms with making a choice for treatment based on money. But you have to. Just know that it's OK to choose cheaper. Doesn't mean you aren't as committed. XOXOXO
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is your chance to go back to Colorado? ;) I didn't even think about the possibility of y'all going to clinics outside the state of Georgia, that is a LOT of options! Obviously you don't want any advice from me in this area, but we are thinking about y'all all the same!
ReplyDeleteSuper stressful decision! I did my IVF cycles in Cancun, and I am so glad I did. For us, the cost was a big factor and it also made it easier to go through the treatment in such a beautiful setting.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your decision!
Choosing a clinic is SO difficult!! I know, locally, it can also be difficult and Ben confusing discussing where you're being seen with others because, well, then you get everyone else's opinions and start to secon guess your choice, your clinic and your doctor. My best advice on this is to trust your gut. I truly believe that you will know what clinic is right for you- and that's the thing- just because it's right for someone else doesn't mean it will be right for you. I cycled 5 times at my local clinic and then went right to CCRM. I didn't even look at other local options at that point. Anyway, I know you already know all of this but that's my two cents. Good luck. This is one of the most stressful parts, I think. Trust yourself :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteI have incredibly little knowledge of this, but do any of the clincis offer a shared risk program? I know ART in Birmingham, where I'm from does. I don't know how common or important that is, but thought it was a nice feature.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.artprogramal.com/node/114
Wow, what a decision. :/ It's so difficult to say what's most important too, you know? You might be a superstar IVFer who can go with a "cheaper" clinic. But does "cheap" equal poor care? Because that wouldn't be worth it. I'm on a multi-cycle, refund program (we Gmailed :), and although the re-assurance of six cycles is comforting, I didn't actually think I'd get to cycle #4. :( I agree with Aubrey, too. Is your heart leaning toward a clinic? My husband and I had our hearts set on the one we're at now, and I'm sooo happy we're here (cost, quality care, even ratings).
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are having to go through this as well. My only advice would be to go where you are most comfortable. I truely believe that one of the reasons our first attempt was successful was because I was so comfortable with the doctors, nurses, every single person in the office!! I was also able to relax at home, but I think that did not play as big of a role as the office. I trusted them all and was very comfortable with them. The only other thing I would say is that I also felt a lot less pressure for the first time to succeed since we had used ARC (refund). Even though we apparently wasted money, I would still do it again the same way no question ask. Hope that helps! Praying for you guys.
ReplyDeleteWe have very similar infertility situations. Persuing IVF w/ ICSI. I never really thought about going out-of-state. Because of all the appointments and monitoring, I just can't imagine traveling so far. Our clinic is already about an hour from work/home.
ReplyDeleteOur insurance covers some of the "diagnosis" of infertility, but none of the ART procedures. Based on your chart, I would want to go to the clinic with a 65% pregnancy rate - but that is WAY above average...so like Erika, I would ask questions about their patient population. I don't think we are going to use the ARC option, but we may change our mind before our cycle officially starts.
Amanda, this is totally off topic but I just wanted you to know I'm still rooting for you! On a daily basis, I discuss insurance coverage (or lack thereof) to patients- often to those scheduling infertility investigative procedures. I think of you often! You are full of knowledge, are always prepared, and make good decisions. I know you will choose the right facility! Prayers!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely found that being comfortable with my doctor AND nurses can make all the difference in the world. Stats are important, but you also need to feel like you have an RE that you can email or call with questions and concerns, because you will have them!
ReplyDeleteI know you'll choose the right one. Another thing that someone told me was, choose the place that would leave you with the least amount of regrets if you go there.
Sorry I've been so MIA lately with all my travels! I've been thinking about you and reading every word!
We're doing this same thing. IVF is only a cycle or two away for us and we're trying to decide whether we should stay at our current clinic or go back to our old clinic. So tough.
ReplyDelete