Build Your Family With Us.

We’ve all heard it before.  “One day at a time…”

 That’s a good idea in theory, but hard to put into practice.  We live in such a scheduled society.  We have the illusion that things are in our control.  If we just make a plan, we can follow it.  And then fertility challenges hit.  We no longer know if we can schedule a vacation or make a job change.  Life is put on hold. 

 Take a moment and just breathe.  It is hard to not know the outcome of fertility treatment. 

 You begin to wonder, “What do I know for sure?” 

 You know that you have this moment.  You have choices about how you are going to handle this day. 

 Make this your plan: 

·                     I will take each day as it comes. 

·                     I will wake up and do my best to make healthy choices for myself throughout the day.

·                     I will try not to think too much about the past or about the future because I am staying focused on the activities of today. 

 There are really only a few things we know for sure.  Make this day more peaceful. 

Submitted by Kristin Blackwell, LMSW, counselor at The Fertility Center (June 2009)

The Fertility Center is currently looking for a Hispanic Egg Donor and also are focusing on New Egg Donors with the following specific criteria: 21-26 years old and college educated.  Please check our website for more information about egg donation and to see if you meet the other criteria. Contact our donor coordinator, Christine at extention 131 with other questions.

“Country Inn and Suites” (Grand Rapids-East location) is offering patients of “The Fertility Center” a discounted rate. The hotel is located approximately 1/2 mile from our office, at the corner of I-96 and East Beltline. They have Complimentary breakfast and try to give our patients an upgrade to a suite if available. Please visit their website for information at www.countryinns.com/grandrapidsmi_east or call them directly at 616-942-7200 or toll-free at 800-456-4000.  Be sure to let them know that you heard about them from “The Fertility Center”.

Many of our patients have been prescribed fertility medications. Whether they are oral or injectable, filling these prescriptions could be confusing and expensive.  Here is some information that may help make your fertility journey a little easier.

·    Can my prescriptions be filled at any pharmacy?

    Yes. 

·    Should I just get them filled anywhere?

    Not necessarily.  All pharmacies can charge different prices (even within the same chain) and many pharmacies don’t keep the medication in stock.  While these pharmacies can order the medications, they are probably not very familiar with this class of medications.

·    Where should I go then?

    Our staff is aware of some local pharmacies that carry these medications and offer competitive pricing.  There are also mail order pharmacies (usually can ship overnight) that specialize in fertility medications and offer some of the best prices and quality customer service.

·    I have prescription coverage; won’t they be covered with my normal co-pay?

    Maybe.  Many insurance companies have placed fertility medications in a special category and the coverage may have different co-pay or the medications might not be covered at all.

·    How can I find out about coverage?

    The best way to find out about your coverage is to contact your insurance carrier.  However, this has proved to be a challenging task for some patients.  Another source of assistance is Fertility LifeLines™ at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879) or on the web at www.fertilitylifelines.com.

·    It looks like one type of FSH injectable medication is covered but not the one that was ordered by my doctor.  Can we switch for the one that is covered?

    For most of our patients it is possible to change the prescription to the medication that is covered.  The nursing staff or physician can assist in determining if this is possible based on your medical history.

·    If it is okay to change the medication to the covered one, then why didn’t the physician order that one to begin with?

    We try to order what we know will be covered.  However, all insurance policies are different and it is close to impossible for the physician to ascertain which medications might be covered by a specific policy. 

·    Is there a list of injectable fertility medications so I know what to ask the insurance company about?

    Yes.  Under most circumstances the following medications can be used interchangeably:  Repronex, Menopur, Bravelle, Follistim, and Gonal F (also Gonal F RFF, Gonal F multi-dose).  Check with the doctor or nurse regarding your daily dosage as it will vary.