Talk to me about the RE...

I am thinking about contacting an RE in May if this cycle ends up being a BFN.

So my questions are:

-Need names of Doctors
-What is most likely covered by insurance and what is not (I know all insurance companies cover different things)
-Do they test DH's spermies too?
-What types of tests do they do and why?

Anything else you insightful ladies want to share with me would be very much appreciated!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

First off,


To answer your questions...

- Dr. B

- It really depends on your insurance. For me, all my appointments are covered and unlimited IUIs are covered. As for IVF, 75% of up to 3 IVFs in a lifetime is covered - though this is def very different for everyone! For meds, it really varies... some are covered... some aren't.... but it is what it is.....

- They will probably want to give your DH an SA. That seems to be typical protocol just to rule anything out on his side.

- As far as other tests, they will def do blood work.. though other than that it's really different for everyone. For me, the RE was able to tell just based on my blood work that I have PCOS. Once you start medications you will start going for monitoring appts (blood work and internal sono) ..... Depending on what your issues are, you may get an HSG- though I know very little about that. It all really depends on what your issues are!

As for any other info.. I have to say that seeing the RE was the best decision I made in this TTC process. I didn't waste much time in seeing one, but my regular gyn was NOT taking me seriously!! He refused to look at any of my records, etc and told me to just go home and relax. I had health records dating back 10 years ago proving I had PCOS and he just didn't want to see it. It was totally annoying and bizarre........ Seeing the RE was like going from one planet to another! He confirmed the PCOS and we got started on treatments so I could finally get a BFP- which would not have happened if I just followed my gyn's advice!

For Dr.B in particular, the whole staff is so wonderful and comforting. Me and so many other girls on here who see him look forward to our appointments! He's really a one of a kind doctor!!

ETA: Good luck and here's some

Message edited 4/5/2010 11:03:25 AM.

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Posted by PennyCat

First off,


To answer your questions...

- Dr. B

- It really depends on your insurance. For me, all my appointments are covered and unlimited IUIs are covered. As for IVF, 75% of up to 3 IVFs in a lifetime is covered - though this is def very different for everyone! For meds, it really varies... some are covered... some aren't.... but it is what it is.....

- They will probably want to give your DH an SA. That seems to be typical protocol just to rule anything out on his side.

- As far as other tests, they will def do blood work.. though other than that it's really different for everyone. For me, the RE was able to tell just based on my blood work that I have PCOS. Once you start medications you will start going for monitoring appts (blood work and internal sono) ..... Depending on what your issues are, you may get an HSG- though I know very little about that. It all really depends on what your issues are!

As for any other info.. I have to say that seeing the RE was the best decision I made in this TTC process. I didn't waste much time in seeing one, but my regular gyn was NOT taking me seriously!! He refused to look at any of my records, etc and told me to just go home and relax. I had health records dating back 10 years ago proving I had PCOS and he just didn't want to see it. It was totally annoying and bizarre........ Seeing the RE was like going from one planet to another! He confirmed the PCOS and we got started on treatments so I could finally get a BFP- which would not have happened if I just followed my gyn's advice!

For Dr.B in particular, the whole staff is so wonderful and comforting. Me and so many other girls on here who see him look forward to our appointments! He's really a one of a kind doctor!!

ETA: Good luck and here's some

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Hi!

I'm in the beginning of my journey with my RE. I go to RS of NY and have been seeing Dr. Cain, I really like her so far.

With my insurance it only covers up to a diagnosis, so IUI's, IVF is all OOP. I would definitely give your insurance company a call to see what exactly is covered.

On the first visit she just discussed our medical histories with us, gave us both scripts for bloodwork and an SA for DH (done at a later date, not @ the actual appointment).

HTH!!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

I go to RSofNY (rsofny.com) and see Dr. Saketos. I've actually met with all of the doctors at their Mineola location and they are all excellent!!

It all depends on your insurance coverage, but my insurance (Guardian Liberty plan) covered everything BUT IVF.

Make sure that your RE is close to either home or work bc you will be spending a lot of time there, especially before work.

Good Luck!!!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Well I think Pennycat covered it all!

I just started seeing Dr. B too! And so far I really like him. I had already had some blood work and a SA done by my reg ob before seeing him which gave us a good start.

I am not sure about the insurance stuff yet. Dr. B is an in network dr for me so as far as I know right now all i have is copays. I think my insurance covers 50k toward IVF if need be

Dr b sent me for a HSG to make sure my tubes were clear and then wants to do more blood work when i get AF so he look into a few more things.

Hope this helps. At first I didn't know if I should go to an RE because I wasn't sure I "belonged" going...but i am so glad I did. Dr. B already has uncovered some other issues my OB didn't see.

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

I am going to Dr Chung at Cornell in the City and LOVE HIM!!! They also have an office out in LI, I believe Garden City.

516-742-4100

They will def check Dh's Sperm, Cd 3 bloodwork, and some other tests, then an HSG!

Goodluck!



So far all bloodwork and tests have been covered. The IUI's and IVF are different for every plan's allowance. I have only 25k lifetime for IUI's and IVF.

Here is an article for Cornell

website

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

When the girls refer to Dr. B, they're referring to Dr. Braverman. He is wonderful! My daughter went to him and is pregnant after one IUI. He did several tests on my son in laws semen. My daughter had bloodwork at different times of her cycle to check hormone levels, to see if she ovulates, etc. He is very thorough, down to earth, takes his time with you, etc. She just had her last appt. with him on Fri. and is now moving onto her OB for the rest of her pregnancy. Dr. B did tell her she can still call or email him anytime with any questions or concerns. She's thrilled she's pregnant but was a little sad to say goodbye to him.

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Women are going to vote for whichever doctor got them pregnant

I go to Dr. Braverman, there is a laundry list of words I can use to describe him, but "KIND" really is #1.

This process BLOWS, and having someone in your corner who is not only intelligent but KIND and considerate, makes a HUGE difference. I do not feel like a number to him.

Best of luck to you on your journey. Selecting a RE is a huge decision

Message edited 4/5/2010 1:49:52 PM.

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

I go to RSNY and see Dr. San Roman. (Stony Brook office) I LOVE them!! You start with a consult and the nurse will take some basic info............height, weight, blood pressure, etc. The RE will just ask you some questions to get a better idea of what you have been experiencing. They will order a semen analysis for your DH and blood work for the two of you. They will probably also want to do a sono just to get an idea of what things look like with your reproductive system. In the beginning it's a lot of testing so they can get a clearer picture of what is going on and then they will discuss with you the best course of action. Good luck!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

I just started seeing Dr. B, he is great!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Dr.B = Dr.Braverman I go to his Woodbury location. He is in NYC once a week, I believe!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Although I saw Dr. Kengisberg at LIIVF, I am sure anyone in that office can help you. I found that they made this process for me and DH much more relaxing with calls by the end of the day each time we did any type of bloodwork and such. They were always accomodating and supportive. Good luck!

Re: Talk to me about the RE...

Thank you so much everyone!!!

I called my insurance company to find out what is covered. Surprisingly, they cover a lot.

I also spoke to DH about it and he is all for it. So if this cycle turns out to be a bust then I will be making an appointment with Dr. Braverman in May.