How do you pick an RE?

How did everyone pick their RE? Did you schedule consultations with multiple doctors?

As a side note, our insurance will be changing July 1st (this is why I have been hesitant to call anywhere yet), but I really want to get the ball rolling on this.

Thanks!

Re: How do you pick an RE?

For me some of the important things:
1. Where the doctor was located ( need something close to work)
2. If they took my insurance ( can't afford to pay out of network prices.)
3. And Finally, how the doctor made me feel at the first consultation.

Re: How do you pick an RE?

1. Hours (could I get to work ontime)
2. Proximity to my home (sometimes you have to go everyday for monitoring or get a sperm sample there ontime)
3. Do they have their own lab?
4. Do they have their own embryoly lab?
5. Do they take insurance? (mine is a center of excellence so there is no out of pocket expense at all, ie. no copay)
6. Do you like the doctors and staff (you're going to become 'intimately' close )
7. Are they respected among their peers?
8. Are they an RE?

Re: How do you pick an RE?

I went based on all the rave reviews for Dr.Braverman. At the time he wasn't the most convenient, but I made it work. Since I started with him I actually moved about 15 mins away so now it's great. Although .. I'd travel to Mars to use him as my doctor.

ETA: He is the only RE I have ever seen.. I never made multiple consults.

Message edited 5/17/2011 11:23:58 PM.

Re: How do you pick an RE?

Mine was referred by my obgyn. They took my insurance (at the time) so I went. I didn't consult other REs. The hours aren't that great and they are a half hour from me but I liked the dr. If i got a bad vibe i would have went for other consults. Turns out I have immune issues and he's the only dr who treats that in the area so it worked out.

But I'd say hours, location and insurance are key.

Re: How do you pick an RE?

I didn't really care about hours, or how long it would take me to get to the office, for me it was how comfortable I felt with the doctors, nurses, and staff. I am at my 3rd RE office, and this is finally the perfect match for me.

I went to North Shore originally because my best friend worked there and my OB-GYN referred me to them, but to be honest, I did not like any of the doctors, though the nurses there were fabulous!!!!!!!!

My 2nd office was AFS in the city. I like the doctors there, but they were way too laid back for me, doctors and staff included. I also didn't like that it took at least 2 different people to stick my arm at least 3 times to actually get blood from me, I have never had that problem anywhere else. And when you are having blood taken everyday, that can get frustrating!!!! Though I have to say they made such a big mistake with my insurance that they had to write off my entire IVF cycle with them.

And then when I was deciding to switch again, I met with Dr. Braverman and Dr. SanRoman at RSofNY. I am now a patient at RSofNY. Lots of people rave about Dr. Braverman, and I did like him, but because I have endometriosis he was convinced I had natural killer cells, completely convinced, so I did a very expensive blood test, that showed my everything is normal. Something about his approach just didn't fit for me. And now I go to RSofNY, and I am so happy with my choice. The first consult where my husband met Dr. SanRoman, we both walked out knowing we have finally made the right decision. Plus the office is run so smoothly!!!! The nurses are fabulous!!! I am currently in my TWW for my first IUI with RSofNY.

For me it was about who made me feel the most comfortable. If something in your gut tells you it might not be the right choice, it probably isn't!!!!!

Re: How do you pick an RE?

I had been given 2 names by my OB I made appointments with both but only went to the one who could get me in sooner. It just so happen that NSUH was very close to where I was living when I was TTC which made things very easy for us.

Just know this, everyone will tell you that the doctor they used is the best guy. Go with your gut. Ultimately, the doctor that gets you PG and a baby is going to be the best for you.