Kansas City Fertility Doctors- Five Tips for Your First Visit

Nervousness, stress, feeling overwhelmed. These are all emotions you may be experiencing as you consider your first visit to an infertility specialist, also known as a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). Your gynecologist or family doctor may have given you a choice of several fertility doctors in Kansas City, and you have made an appointment with one already. To make the most of your first visit, you’ll want to prepare. Here are five tips to help ease the way to a good relationship with your new doctor.

1. Complete medical history. To properly evaluate your condition, it’s important that your reproductive endocrinologist have your complete medical record, not just your reproductive history. Include past surgeries, any miscarriages, ovulation dates, how long you have been trying to conceive, exact menstrual dates, current sexual practices, etc. If necessary, have your gynecologist or family doctor send medical records to your infertility specialist in advance of your first meeting. You should also be prepared to discuss your partner’s history and sperm analysis if one has already been done.
2. Check your insurance. Insurance providers vary in their coverage of procedures. Checking with your insurance company in advance will give you a better overview of your infertility health care benefits. This will also save time when you meet with your physician’s insurance coordinator or business manager to discuss coverage.
3. Prepare a list of questions. There are various questions you will want answered, many of which your doctor will cover. Having a list will ensure that your most pressing questions will be discussed.  Some examples:

-- What first steps and procedures will you outline to determine my treatment?

            -- What are my treatment options and their associated side effects and risks?

-- What are the treatment costs and what does it include? Are there different payment options or programs available?

-- What are your pregnancy and live birth success rates?

-- Where will tests and procedures be performed and how long do I typically have to wait for the results?

-- How often do I have to come to the office for visits and how long will it take?

--Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

4. Bring your partner or a friend. Emotional support is important, and your partner or friend may be able to supply additional information or ask pertinent questions as well.
5. Take notes. Many terms may be unfamiliar to you and there will be a lot of  information to grasp that you may not remember clearly. Taking notes can help give you a clearer picture of what’s happening and help you pinpoint areas you would like clarified.

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