Finding a doctor you click with is important. Whether it is your dentist or your eye doctor- you want to feel comfortable with whoever is treating you and your family. Nothing could be more true when looking for a reproductive endocrinologist (RE or fertility doctor).
Your doctor will most likely see you at your lowest moments as well as your highest.
While most doctors have your best interest at heart- not all doctors are created equal- and everyone has their own style.
This is why it is important to do your research before choosing the doctor you want to work with. I saw three different fertility doctors at my clinic and while I loved each of them- they were definitely all different in their bedside manner (which I feel is so important) and I found myself drawn more to one than the others.
If you are just starting your fertility journey or if you are on the lookout for a new RE- consider this list as you investigate potential doctors or clinics.
- Ask how long each doctor has been in practice
- Find out how long the clinic has been open
- Read online reviews and comments from past, or current patients
- Find out if they have an age limit for treatments
- Do research to find out their success rates in fertility treatments
- Check to see if they accept your insurance- as some insurance companies DO cover fertility treatments
- Ask for a complete list of what different fertility treatments, consultations, and medications cost
- Take into consideration the location of the clinic- can you get their easily? Is it a long drive? Is it worth it to you to have to drive hours just to see a particular doctor?
- When possible – visit the clinic to get a feel for the ambiance and overall feel. It is so important to feel as comfortable as possible where you will be treated. Take note of the waiting room, the receptionist, and how quickly patients are being called back
- Call the clinic and pay attention to the wait time you might experience while being on hold, ask how many patients the clinic is currently seeing.
- Find out what hospitals, or other offices the doctors might be able to assist you at. My RE had two different offices where he met patients at- this was helpful to me because one of the clinics was significantly closer to my home.
- Ask if they are a teaching school or not. Ask yourself if you would you feel comfortable having a student sit in on your procedures or appointments.
- Schedule a meet-and-greet with any doctor you are considering. Before committing to a doctor it is important to meet them first. This consultation might come with a copay or out of pocket cost to you, but it is worth it to find a doctor you click with.
I hope you will find this list helpful when searching for the right doctor. I know from experience how overwhelming and intimidating it can be! This is a huge step and commitment so don’t take it lightly.
Remember to do your research and listen to your intuition when choosing a doctor or clinic.
If you are just starting out on this journey please know how many people you have in your corner. You are not a lone and there is great potential out there to help you navigate this roller coaster we call infertility.
Take a deep breath and jump in. Taking this first step to find a doctor can seem scary but it is so worth it, too. Good luck and please leave a comment telling us how you found your fertility doctor- we would love to hear from you.