by Maureen Higgins, Senior Manager of Clinical Operations
The other day we had a new staff member join us here at Attain Fertility® Centers. (Remember that first day of work where you’re brought around the office and introduced to everyone – who can remember all those names and faces?) When we met, I gave a short explanation of what I do here. And it made me think that I haven’t shared that with you.
Not to toot my own horn, but what I do is interesting (at least to me) and it’s tied to one of the most common questions that Sharon and the rest of the Attain Fertility Customer Care team gets every day:
What are the criteria to participate in one of our Attain® IVF Programs?
It’s a great question and one I thought I’d answer for you today.
Taking part in one of our Attain IVF Programs begins at your fertility center. Once your doctor has recommended IVF as a treatment plan, they can check your eligibility for our Attain IVF Programs on your behalf. (Note: only fertility centers who are part of our Attain Fertility Centers network offer our programs.)
We have three programs that all follow a course-of-treatment approach, making it easier to stay in treatment and increase your chance of having a baby. You’ll pay a one-time, upfront fee for multiple IVF cycles that, depending on which program you’re in, is about 30-40% less than what you’d pay for the same treatment plan on a cycle-by-cycle basis.
Your fertility center will provide us information on the tests and procedures you’ve had to date so we can determine which program(s) you’re eligible for.
Our Attain IVF Multi-cycle Program is offered to all patients whose physician has recommended IVF and plan to use their own eggs in treatment. The Multi-Cycle Program includes up to 4 IVF cycles (2 fresh and 2 frozen). No medical criteria are required to take part in this program.
Our Attain IVF Refund Program is available to patients who meet certain medical criteria.
Now this is where I fit into the picture. I manage the Attain Fertility Centers Clinical Team who reviews the medical information your practice provides us. In most cases, you’ll have already gone through the tests we need to review. Or, the tests will be required by your practice in order to undergo IVF treatment.
Here’s a general overview of the medical acceptance criteria for the refund program:
Age – in most cases you must be able to complete the program before your 38th birthday if using your own eggs
We review prior IUI and IVF cycle data
BMI – must be below 37
Pregnancy History – 2 or more miscarriages requires a workup; if results reveal a probable cause of miscarriage and a treatment plan is available for review, we may offer enrollment
Smokers do not qualify – you must be nicotine-free for a minimum of 3 months
Blood tests (FSH, E2) – FSH less than 10 and E2 less than 75
Uterine cavity evaluation – must have a normal cavity
Semen analysis – must be normal or have ICSI as part of the treatment plan.
The Attain IVF Refund Program includes up to 6 IVF cycles (3 fresh and 3 frozen) and has a refund component. You get up to 70% back if treatment is unsuccessful.
Our Attain IVF Donor Egg Program includes up to 3 fresh and unlimited frozen IVF cycles and if treatment is unsuccessful, you get a refund of up to 100%.
Here’s a general overview of the medical acceptance criteria for the donor egg program:
Age – the egg recipient must be done with treatment prior to her 51st birthday. The egg donor has to be less than 35 years old.
BMI– both the recipient and donor must be under 37
Both should be non-smokers.
Donor’s blood tests (FSH, E2) – FSH less than 10 and E2 less than 75
Recipient’s uterine cavity evaluation – must have a normal cavity
Semen analysis – must be normal or have ICSI as part of the treatment plan.
Once our team has determined the program(s) you are eligible for, our Attain Fertility Customer Care team will contact you with the results and send you a contract.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what happens once your application is submitted to us.
I love being part of the Attain Fertility Clinical Team. We’re able to help patients find a financial solution that reduces stress about how much treatment will cost – so they can focus on having a baby. It doesn’t get much better than that!
12 Comments
I just wanted to leave a short message i have 2 daughters i have had 2 healthy pregnancies i got my tubes tied after second baby was a single mother for 6 years have a boyfriend he doesnt have kids i would love to have another baby my docter told me about fertility treatments so been looking into it but the money is kind of an issue was wondering if there is any assistance availible please help by giving me more info thank you for your time Hope
The financing is the hardest part, I know. We do have some ideas and link to financing programs on our site. http://attainfertility.com/topic/finance
Thanks so much for commenting and good luck to you!
My husband and I have been married for three years and have not been able to get pregnant. I have not been on birth control since we have been married. I am a bit underweight and have been trying to put weight on, but it is pretty difficult for me to keep it on. I am active and exercise 5-6 days a week (mostly run and lift weights). Do you think that in-vitro would work for us? I know that my hormone levels are off, but is that something that the meds would fix? I haven’t had a period for about 2 1/2 years and am 26 years old. Any insight would be appreciated!!
Sarah – You should definitely go see your doctor. I can’t give medical advice, but I know that irregular or no periods makes it pretty difficult. You can find a list of clinics in your area here: http://attainfertility.com/clinic. Best of luck to you!
I’m 45 yrs old, have two daughters 23/24 and was a single mother until ten years ago. My husband and I want kids but no luck. My doctor said I need a egg donor and some help of IVF. Many years ago I had cryo therapy for abnormal cell/cervical cancer. Is there any hope for us with your assistence to have a baby.? One of my daughter wants to be the egg donor.
Alexandra – Here’s some info on egg donation to get you started. http://attainfertility.com/article/egg-donation-process Best of luck to you!
My husband and i have been trying to get pregnant for 13months. I was on the depo shot in may-sept 2009 (only had 1 dosage) after i got off the depo, my metabolism is pretty much nonexistent. i have gained close to 75lbs in the past year. i had been trying to work out to help lose some weigh, but it didnt help. i got diagnosed with pcos in march 2010. started clomid 5/2010 i got pregnant in july & august 2010, but both ended in chemical pregnancies. I am at an roadblock, my doctor deemed me/us infertile. i asked about femara & was told i needed to see an infertilty specialist to even talk about it.
Ashlie – I’m so sorry you’ve had such a hard road. PCOS can be a tough nut to crack and I know taking that first step and seeing an infertility specialist can be scary. I know it was for me. If you’d like to check for doctors in your area, try this link:
Attain Fertility Clinics
thank you! my dr said a RE or specialist wont even talk to me unless i’ve had an hsg done. i’d rather not do that..but i might not have a choice. i think i am clomid resistant…and that was why i wanted to try the femara..but that came to a road block also. my husband is hating how and why this is taking us so long to get pregnant..i am in tears a few times a week because its not working…like we’ll try and try and try alot each month & nothing.
Ashlie – You might want to call around. My RE did my HSG himself. Or your RE can order the test. They’ll do a battery of them on you anyway, so my OB/GYN was always of the opinion that it was best to have my RE coordinate all the tests himself.
thank you! i have no idea where to even start..to find an RE near me..the closest one is almost 3hours away!
Ashlie – You might want to check with your insurance company too since frequently testing is covered even if treatment isn’t. They usually have directories online or over the phone. Good luck!