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laurenAZ » Another thing to check off the list
Another thing to check off the list

This morning I had my phone consultation with the RE's office before my first appointment a week from today.  I went from feeling totally excited about this process to totally anxious and frustrated.  I knew my insurance had zip for infertility coverage, but I thought it would at least cover diagnostics.  But it turns out anything that is coded "infertility" isn't covered.  When I had the same tests done a year ago because I hadn't gotten my period in three months, they were covered because at that point it was a medical problem.  So I'm supposed to talk to the doc Tuesday and see if she can code any of this as testing for PCOS.  I'd feel just the tiniest bit better if I could get some of the diagnostics covered.  As it is, the first appointment ALONE is $300 - no meds, no treatment, no ultrasound, nothing.  

The funny thing is, I don't care about the money as much as I care about the principle.  Infertility is a medical condition that I in no way caused.  I'm just so ANNOYED that my insurance doesn't cover IF.  It will, however, cover rehab and substance abuse counseling.  So I get no coverage for a medical situation I have no control over, yet a person who chooses to take drugs is covered for rehab.  How is that fair?  I've said for a few months now that I'm at the point where I don't care what it costs to have a baby, and that's true.  But now that the time is here, I'm upset by the idea of paying for it.  It's not supposed to cost anything to get pregnant.  And it's not fair that I pay money for insurance that will help you with your problems but won't help me with mine.

I'm also still coming to terms with the fact that this is all a big gamble.  I've never been in a situation before where I was going to plunk down $1500 for something and not actually be guaranteed to get anything for it.   If anyone reading this has been through ART, maybe you can talk me down as this is all very new to me...

Anyway, I'm trying to remind myself that all I really want in this world - all I have EVER wanted - is to be a mother.  I'm still learning not to stress the details along the road to getting there.

Posted 11-17-2009 12:24 PM by laurenAZ

Comments

reddesi wrote re: Another thing to check off the list
on 11-19-2009 4:40 PM

Lauren - have you already had the tests performed by your gyno before?  If so, the RE should not have to do those tests again.  Atleast in my case, I had all my tests done with the gyno (including SA) so I got everything to be paid for.  However, the minute you goto see a RE, nothing is covered.  Thankfully, though my RE did not insist on us retaking all the tests again.  He just got my test results from my gyno and scheduled my IUI for the next cycle.

laurenAZ wrote re: Another thing to check off the list
on 11-19-2009 8:31 PM

Thanks for your response!  I've been following you and I'm hoping you get lucky and the IUI works even without the most ideal timing!  

Can you tell me which tests you had done?  I've only had FSH, TSH, and Prolactin (along with some other stuff like testosterone, cholesterol, triglycerides, etc).  However these were not done on any particular cycle day.  I've also never had an HSG, although I'm hoping they don't require it since I have been PG before (so by my logic my tube must be open).  I'm anticipating that they're going to want a complete work-up... sigh.  Thanks for giving me the heads up that nothing will be covered.  I'm still going to ask about testing for PCOS and see if by chance we can get anything covered.  I don't understand why it's all covered by insurance at the OBGYN but not at the RE.  So frustrating...

I spent today on the phone with FOUR doctors' office trying to get all of them just to do their jobs and transfer records for me!!!!  This is soooo not an easy process!

reddesi wrote re: Another thing to check off the list
on 11-22-2009 6:20 PM

Well I have gotten my CD3 test where they checked for FSH, LH, prolactin, TSH...and some other things.  I think they really have to be done on CD3 to make sure everything is fine.  Also, I did have an HSG and although your tubes are probably open...they say it does make you more fertile for 3 months...so it may be worth it for you.  And actually it really doesnt hurt that bad if your tubes are open which they should be.  I would definitely fight hard to get everything paid for.  And don't trust them on what they say...make sure to call your insurance company and find out all the details...even check the employee benefits handbook to confirm.  In many cases, they will cover diagnostics especially if you have PCOS.  

I hear you about the transfer of records...its absolutely ridiculous...they are about us, paid for by us yet we can't get access to them...uggghhh sometimes i swear everyone is against us!

Thanks for following my IUI cycle...I dont know how I feel...some days I feel like this was it and some days like today...I feel like its never gonna happen.  I guess a few more days will tell!!!

I hope things go easier for you once you get situated with your RE.  Good luck dear!

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