Some questions - preparing to see an RE!

When I go to an RE, will I have to repeat all of the testing that my ob-gyn already did? (cd3, cd21 bloodwork & sonohysterogram). If I bring copies of my results will that do?

How quickly do REs work? Do they usually start that same cycle or the next cycle, or do they wait and do testing for a while (I guess this may depend on the person)?

Do you need a referral from your ob-gyn to see an RE?

What do you all tell your job when you have so many doctors appointments? I heard something through the grapevine about using FMLA for infertility treatments. Has anyone used FMLA?

Thank you for your answers.

Re: Some questions - preparing to see an RE!

Every RE is different...

Most will take your previous b/w results...certain RE's like to have E2 and FSH done at their own lab

How quickly you start depends on your situation/RE...

You might need a referral, it depends on your insurance. I would call and ask

I never used FMLA so I can't answer that...

As for your job, well, I'm still working on that one

Re: Some questions - preparing to see an RE!

I believe if all of your tests were done within the year that they will be used in the RE's office. They may want to run more CD3 bw on you and maybe an u/s...not sure because ever RE's office is different. Definitely bring copies of your results with you.

My RE worked pretty fast but each RE and clinic is different. Did you have a HSG done? I know my RE wouldn't proceed without an SHG & HSG being done.

As far as my job goes, I was upfront with my supervisor about us doing IVF. He was very understanding and I was courteous and called him everytime I ran a little over on dr's appts. I took my own personal time for days off for the ER and ET though. Not sure about the FMLA but you can ask. Good Luck!

Re: Some questions - preparing to see an RE!

As the others have said - most RE's will take your previous records and decide from there if they want to do any further testing. Both RE's that I've used have done a sono on the day of consultation and a blood workup.

As far as time off, I also told my boss that we were doing IVF and either let them know the day before that I have to go in for testing and may be late or call and let them know. I also have used personal time for ER and ET days.
I don't know about using the FMLA for IVF, but want to save it for the possibility of taking time off for delivery.

Re: Some questions - preparing to see an RE!

I didn't need a referral to start seeing and RE, I just went on my own since I know I have PCOS. When I started to see my RE she ran blood tests to see where my levels are at.

As far as work, I try to go on my lunch break or early AM, if i'm running late I tell my manager I have a doctor's appointment and I don't tell them what it's for. I'm pretty private and I don't want to tell them as yet.

Re: Some questions - preparing to see an RE!

Your RE may want to re-do your bloodwork, depending on how long ago it was, but most likely not the hsg.

As far as when they start, it depends on what they need to do and where you are in your cycle.

I don't believe you need a referral to see an RE, do you mean whether or not insurance will pay for it? Or whether or not a doctor will see you w/o a referral?

I try to tell my job as little as possible. I try to make all my appts. first thing in the morning so my boss doesn't even know that I wasn't here. I have not used FMLA.