Before you start your IVF cycle, there are many items that must be reviewed and completed in order to optimize a successful cycle, as well as a positive experience for the patient.
An important first step in the process is to verify if the patient is planning to utilize any insurance coverage for the treatment cycle. If so, then oftentimes a Prior Authorization (PA) needs to be submitted prior to the start of the cycle, which can take several weeks, in some cases.
Simultaneously, a clinical checklist is being completed. Ensuring all of the appropriate blood work up(s), ultrasounds and genetic testing are done and—if not—getting them completed.
As a fertility physician, I make a medication protocol for each IVF patient, and the team then orders the appropriate medications accordingly. In cases of insurance coverage, oftentimes specialty pharmacies or additional Prior Authorizations (for the medications) need to be done, which can add several days to weeks from when the patient actually receives the medication.
Prior to beginning any administration of medication, an appropriate "med teach" is done in which the team will ensure you have instructions on how to properly prepare and administer each medication (sometimes given as an injection).
As you approach the start of your IVF cycle, the team will create an “IVF calendar” for you in our patient portal that will help give you an idea of what the process will look like as well as give you a tentative timeline as to when your egg retrieval procedure might be.
We encourage our patients to reach out to their IVF coordinator, or other clinical team members, if they have questions about their upcoming IVF cycle.
Planning is important for both the patient and clinical team, to ensure that the patient has a pleasant IVF experience and ultimately the best clinical outcomes!
