Is Expensive Better?

[Tina B]

Hi ladies,

I'm trying to chose between two REs I'm consulting with to do IVF in the near future...

One is in Florida (where my family lives)...
And the other one is in Texas (where I live, but he's still a four hour drive away!)

The Texas RE is 1/3 the cost of the RE in Florida. I have a consultation with him next week, but I've already had an introductory consult with him on the phone...

I found out that there are a handful of these discounted IVF programs throughout the U.S. (I couldn't locate alot of them on the internet, maybe only like 5)... So why are 90-95% of the IVF clinics so expensive, and then you have these few clinics which are offerring IVF at such low rates??? I'm talking like around b/w 5 and 7 K a cycle!!
Does that mean they're not as good??
It's hard to make a decision cause you have the saying "You get what you pay for," but then again I don't mind shopping at Walmart or buying something on sale....
I'm confused, any advice?!

[karat]

Hi Tina,
Here's an article I found that may help shed some light. From what I understand, many of the expensive tests that are run are not deemed 'necessary' because IUI or IVF would be the course of recommended treatment anyway. By the way, I'm with Dr. Sauer's practice so I've experienced this first-hand. They run the basics and then go straight to treatment. Although I will say after 3 (possibly 4) unsuccessful IUI's I'm scheduling a consult with Dr. Rosenwaks...

http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/health/features/2163/

Good luck sweetie, I hope this helps!!

[1julie]

Quite honestly, I really think it's the location of the RE that detemines the price. If you were comparing 2 clinics both in Texas, or 2 clinics both in Florida, then I would tell you to do some investigating. But comparing 2 states really doesn't do much but make one crazy .

For example, I just moved from CA and one of the most expensive RE's I found down there was the sher instituts (nearly world renound doctors), IVF with ICSI with all the maximum tests and such, was about $7000.

Here in WA, I am seeing a GREAT doctor in a newer clinic but he has been in the field for years. The going rate for IVF with ICSI with SOME of the "necessary tests" is $11,000. It's just all about the economy of the state in which the RE's office is located.

I would say that you should probably decide on the clinic where you are going to do the least driving to and from because you will have about 2-3 weeks time where you have ultrasounds and blood work every other day, sometimes ever day for a few days. I drive one hour each way and I feel that added a lot of stress to my cycle. I honestly CANNOT imagine driving 4 hours.

Julie

[Kelpm]

Tina~~ I would definitely sit down and think about the traveling. You need to decide which way you will be less stressed out. I am in TX and do drivel 250 miles each way for my appointments. When I was doing IUI's, I would go down the night before, stay in a hotel, and then hit my appointment and get back on the road to head home. When I start IVF next month, I plan on going down for my baseline and then the following week when I need to be seen every other day, I will stay in a hotel for the duration of the treatment.
Check out this link to see the 2003 clinical report of the two treatment facilities you are looking in to... http://www.cdc.gov/art/art2003/index.htm