The first step to start or grow your family involves deciding to reach out for professional fertility guidance. A fertility clinic can help you achieve your goal, and in California, you have options. According to the CDC, out of the 50 most popular IVF clinics in the U.S., ten are in California. How do you choose the right IVF clinic for you and your family?
During this time, it’s critical to be thorough when searching for a clinic. In your journey toward family growth, you’ll need guidance and expert care in an environment that suits your preferences and unique needs. To start your search, follow these steps.
While trying to conceive, you may have already considered your options, from artificial insemination to IVF. Before you begin your search, you must understand your goals. The clinic you choose should be able to help you reach them. If you’re not clear, start by answering questions such as:
It’s important to understand your insurance coverage before proceeding. Currently, in California, insurance coverage varies between insurers. Some companies provide infertility coverage for expenses such as diagnostic testing and others provide no coverage at all. Call your insurance company to discuss your options.
You’ll also want to check if the fertility clinic you choose takes your insurance, if applicable. Even if they don’t, it’s important to not base your decision solely on this fact. There are other options outside of insurance.
The federal government requires IVF clinics to report their IVF treatment cycle success rates for the public to view. Although success rates vary between clinics due to a wide range of factors, this may help you narrow the playing field. We recommend visiting the SART for this information or the CDC.
You should also choose an IVF clinic that offers access to board-certified IVF specialists. Important certifications include obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive endocrinology and, of course, infertility. These IVF specialists and physicians will possess the requirements necessary to deliver the highest quality fertility care.
The clinic you choose should offer a wide range of fertility services to help you reach your goals. Although you may go in with a plan, your treatment options may change due to findings during diagnostics and testing. Research the clinic online or give them a call to discuss how comprehensive their service offerings are.
Make sure you dive into what technology a clinic offers for testing, surgical procedures and more. The clinic you choose should have the newest technology, such as an IVF lab, to help you reach the best results.
During treatment, you may need to visit the clinic often, so it’s best to consider your travel needs. For example, individuals that work set schedules or have busy families will benefit from having an IVF clinic close to home.
Once you gather a small list of potential IVF clinics, give them a call. If they offer a free initial consultation, sign up for it. Ask questions and get a feel for the space. Consider your level of comfort while you’re there. Remember: trust your instincts. This is your decision and you have to do what’s best for you and your family.
At OC Fertility, we focus on providing skilled and comprehensive fertility treatment with a patient-centered approach. This means we deliver the highest quality care while remaining open and direct about your options. To learn more, or for answers to your frequently asked questions about IVF, schedule a consultation or call us at (949) 706-2229.
