More than 7.3 million Americans, or 1 in 8 couples of childbearing age, are infertile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Of the millions of people diagnosed with infertility, many never access care because of fear/anxiety and financial constraints.
The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services at the UConn Health Center has implemented programs and services to address both of these barriers.
During an interview on NBC Connecticut, fertility specialist Dr. Andrea DiLuigi discussed how The Center aims to lessen the burden on couples with some new programs for the new year.
“Toe in the Pond” Initiatives
Many patients are fearful or anxious about pursuing fertility treatments. The following initiatives allow patients to learn about fertility and The Center without having to make an appointment.
Patient Webinars. Fertility webinars are available at www.uconnfertility.com. These webinars offer the opportunity to interact with physicians and ask questions. Current webinars include: “Fertility Facts,” “All You Need to Know About IVF,” “Egg Freezing” and “Stress and Fertility.”
Free Fertility Consults. The website also offers free fertility phone consultations for people at different points in their fertility journey. The call will be scheduled with a board-certified physician and lasts about 15 minutes. The phone consultation will be an opportunity to obtain information about the program and learn about general treatment options.
Free IVF Seminars. The programs are part of a continuing series led by experts in the field of reproductive endocrinology and include an in-depth explanation of the in vitro fertilization process including a discussion on emotional issues. The sessions are held two to three times per month on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Online registration is available at www.uconnfertility.com.
Financial Options
Another barrier to care is money. The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services has a trained staff of insurance program coordinators who will help patients determine precisely what their insurance plan covers and what they can expect to spend as a result. The Center participates in most major insurance plans.
If you do not have insurance or have insurance but lack coverage for infertility services, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services has many self-pay options known as “Possibility Plans.” Programs are priced as a package of services, or case rates, so patients know what to expect financially before beginning treatment. These programs are available for different levels of new patient visits including all types of intra uterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization options. Information about financial options is available at www.uconnfertility.com.
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