Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it safe to travel during fertility treatment and early pregnancy?
A. Unless otherwise directed by a physician, it is safe to travel on a commercial airline in a pressurized cabin. At certain times during your treatment, or if you are experiencing complications in early pregnancy, it may not be advisable to travel.

Q. What is considered your first day of your menstrual flow?
A. The first day of your menstrual flow is defined as the first day of full flow (not spotting). If your period begins after 4 p.m., use the next day as cycle day one.

Q. Do I need to have a full bladder for my ultrasound?
A. We use a vaginal ultrasound and therefore it is not necessary to have a full bladder. You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the ultrasound.

Q. When should I schedule a DFS (Dominant Follicle Scan)?
A. DFSs are scheduled on your cycle day 12 or 13 unless otherwise directed.

Q. How many days should a man abstain from intercourse before leaving a sperm sample?
A. It is best to wait no longer than five days and no less than three days.

Q. When do I go to my OB?
A. We usually monitor your early weeks of pregnancy to make sure things progress as expected. If you think you are pregnant or you get a positive home pregnancy test, please call our office and schedule a blood pregnancy test. If it’s positive, we will want you to repeat the test in 48 hours. If the second test is positive, an ultrasound will be performed at approximately six weeks. If a fetal heartbeat is heard, you will then be referred to your OB.

Q. How many times do I try a treatment before moving on?
A. After three or four cycles, it is a good idea to meet with your doctor to discuss further options.

Q. If I start my period on the weekend, when should I call the office?
A. Unless otherwise directed, most treatments start on day three of full flow of your period, so call on Monday morning for more direction.

Q. Can I still do my yearly pap smears during treatment?
A. Yes. We recommend you follow up with your primary care physician or OB/GYN for your annual exam.

Q. Is sex safe during early pregnancy?
A. Yes, as long as you are not experiencing pain or bleeding.

Q. Can I have FMLA forms completed?
A. While we are willing to fill out FMLA papers and other employer forms, we cannot lie. Infertility is not a medical necessity and we charge $15 for all outside paperwork.

Q. How do I know if my insurance will cover infertility?
A. Before your first visit, our office will research your insurance and get a general quote of benefits. If we find out there are services that are not a covered benefit, we cannot file that claim and payment will be due at the time of service. All insurance cards have an 800 number for customer service. As a patient-participant, it is your right to know your insurance coverage. All insurance plans are different. We are willing to call and get general information, but for specific treatment coverage information, please take responsibility and call to get the information.

Q. Am I responsible for my own referral?
A. Yes, you are responsible for your own referral.

Q. What do I do if my insurance company denies a claim?
A. While you can appeal a denial, if your insurance company doesn’t pay, you will still be financially responsible for outstanding balances, as per the clinic financial policy.

Q. How often will I see the doctor?
A. Our doctors are active participants in the day-to-day office routine, but they also have responsibilities outside of our clinic and are not always immediately accessible. Our RNs and Nurse Practitioner are also involved in the daily monitoring. A staff member is always on-call for true medical emergencies.

Q. Does your clinic offer payment plans?
A. No, if treatment is not covered by insurance, payment is due at the time of service. If a balance occurs for any reason, you will be expected to pay in full at your next visit or when the statement arrives in the mail.

Q. If I have a billing question, who do I call?
A. Our separate billing office can be reached at 913-789-4158. Those staff members will be able to help with all billing questions.