Paying for ivf

For those who are paying for IVF is ayone doing the cost sharing programs, in which you pay one large lump sum for several fresh and frozen cycles and if no baby get 70%

and did anyone get a 2nd opinion strictly for financial reasons (ie does a comparable md give you a better rate)

Thanks


edit for typo

Message edited 7/21/2008 8:00:09 PM.

Re: Pating for ivf

I'm assuming you meant "paying" for ivf



Anyway, I would have done the cost sharing but, because of our severe MF, our clinic said we weren't a candidate for it.

We didn't go around and price IVF clinics. Our clinic had good stats and that's what was important to us. That and we loved the RE. From what I've learned though, the price of the IVF cycle really doesn't vary much.

Re: Pating for ivf

I think its the testing that can really add up. I got tested at a place that took my insurance and that was all covered. So, it depends where you go etc...

Be careful with the cost sharing program. Some of them only cover a certain number in a year time span, which may be unrealistic. I think I looked into it and it was 6 fresh cycles in a year. But sometimes a cycle can be 2 cycles in reality with BCP's etc.. Some places make you take breaks so you could never do 6 fresh in a year kind of thing. Just read the fine print if you do one. Ask a lot of questions. Hopefully someone has experience here with it.

Good luck.

Re: Paying for ivf

I looked into the Integramed shard risk plan and if we have to do IVF I'm going go that route. My RE said that all my test results qualify me to participate.

The way my clinic explained it to me is that if you get pregnant on the first cycle, you've over paid. But, if you need a second or third attempt, then the price is less with the plan. I figure that even if it works the first time I will be so happy to be pregnant and I won't care at all that I've paid too much. And, if it doesn't work the first time, there is no question about whether or not to try again since its already paid for. And, if it doesn't work at all, you get $$ back, so you can look into other options or try another clinic.

I didn't "shop around" for a better rate. I'm happy with my RE and my clinic had good success rates, so that's more important to me than saving some money.

Re: Paying for ivf

DH and I are self pay, my coverage is only for visits, b/w, sonos, etc

I'm not sure which clinics offer the shared risks but please make sure that the clinics you're using are highly rated. IMO there is no point paying any money for an IVF with a clinic with low or bad stats.

Good luck!