1. Start With Word-of-mouth
Your first step in finding a fertility doctor, or reproductive endocrinologist, is probably through your gynecologist. He will give you names of doctors he's worked with in the past, and once you have made your decision, he will forward your medical history. Talking to friends who have gone through infertility is also another source for recommendations.
2. Beyond Success Rates
While the success rate of a particular clinic is important, it's something that can change over time. Be sure to get the most recent statistics available through the Center for Disease Control, and use it as a guide. Don't assume that the clinic with the highest success rate is going to be the best clinic for you. A good guideline to use is to narrow down your choices to clinics whose success rate is above the national average.
3. Who Foots the Bill
Find out what your insurance will cover. While many infertility tests aren't covered by insurance, you might live in a state where such procedures are mandated. If that's the case, choose a doctor that's in your insurance plan to get the best coverage. Even if your insurance doesn't cover procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), it may cover diagnostic procedures that come before that step, but only if your doctor is in your insurance company's plan.
4. Finding the Right Balance
Finding a clinic with experienced staff is crucial. Ask how long doctors and technicians have been working for the clinic you're considering, how many of different types of procedures do they do in a year, and how many patients they typically treat per month. You want a staff with experience, but balance that with not wanting a clinic so large that you end up feeling like a number. Cost is of course a factor too, but going with a clinic based on lower costs probably isn't the best course of action.
5. Go With Your Gut
Headlines that scream stories of clinics mixing up embryos strike fear in the heart of anyone considering infertility treatments. While these situations are extremely rare, it's good policy to ask what their protocol is to prevent things like this from happening. When you meet with the doctor who'll be treating you, remember that this is likely going to be an emotional and stressful time for you. Does the doctor seem caring about the emotional side of infertility, or does he just talk about success rates? A doctor that you are comfortable with that has a good bedside manner will make the experience easier in the long run.
