Choosing the best fertility clinics can be daunting, especially for those new to fertility treatments. Many factors need to be considered when selecting a clinic, such as the quality of care and services provided, the success rates, and the cost. Here are tips on how to find the best fertility clinic in St. Louis:
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Check the Clinic’s Location and Hours
You may prefer a clinic located close to home or work to make it easier and more convenient for weekly visits or follow-up appointments. Other factors like travel expenses, time away from family, and work obligations can impede your ability to seek out and access treatment if the clinic is not conveniently located.
Taking note of operating hours can allow you to decide if the clinic fits into your schedule. If they offer evening hours or weekend appointments, this could be ideal for those with busy work schedules so they can better accommodate visits.
Check for Accreditation
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) accredits clinics based on various criteria. They include patient safety standards, quality assurance methods, and overall success rates with treatments offered at the facility. If a fertility clinic has ASRM accreditation, then you can rest assured knowing that they meet specific standards set by professionals in the field of reproductive medicine.
You may also check you are working with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist (REI). REI doctors have undergone rigorous medical training, which equips them with the knowledge necessary to meet your unique needs. To become a reproductive endocrinologist, they should first complete medical school, their residency for obstetrics and gynecology, and then a few more years of specialized reproductive endocrinology and infertility training.
Evaluate the Facilities
Ask whether they have an on-site lab. Inquire if there is ample parking and areas designated specifically for waiting. Check if the office feels comfortable.
Determine whether they have their own on-site embryology and andrology lab. They can do all testing quickly and accurately with state-of-the-art equipment. With an on-site lab, they can keep turnaround times short so that you can start treatment as soon as possible.  Ultrasound is one of the must have facility within the hospital and bk ultrasound machine is a color console imaging system designed for urology, surgery, small parts, vascular and general imaging applications. The bkSpecto includes a wide range of ultrasound transducers to choose from for multiple applications. The large high resolution monitor is rotate-able for a vertical and horizontal view.
Ask About the Cost and Insurance
Depending upon your insurance coverage, some treatments may be covered while others may not be. Check with your insurance provider to determine whether fertility treatments are covered under your plan. If they are covered, confirm that the clinic accepts your coverage.
If you do not have fertility coverage, explore other resources. They include grants, loans, and financing opportunities from your employer and the clinic to help cover costs. Some clinics may offer financing options or discounts if multiple treatments are done at once, so ask about those too.
Check the Success Rates
Most clinics publish their success rates on their websites or have them readily available upon request. They may report their success rates in terms of live birth rates per cycle. This can give you an idea of how effective the clinic is at helping couples conceive. Some fertility clinics may also report their multiple pregnancy rates, which can provide insight into how many embryos were transferred during a cycle.
Consider Treatments and Testing Offered
Check if they offer a wide range of treatments and testing options. This includes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound imaging and semen analysis and treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some clinics may also offer alternative treatments like acupuncture or naturopathy, which may be beneficial depending on your needs.
Check Support Services and Specialties
Support services could include counseling for individuals or couples undergoing infertility treatments. It could also include financial assistance programs for those who need help paying for treatment or access to donor eggs or sperm if necessary. Some clinics specialize in specific areas, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Before making an appointment, determine if they treat these specific issues at your clinic.
Find the Best Fertility Clinics in St. Louis
Choosing the best fertility clinic in St Louis may help make the fertility process easier and more successful. Consider the above tips before committing to any particular clinic. Doing the proper research can help you know that you’ve chosen an option that will best suit your needs during this exciting time.