Step One: Make an appointment with Sydney IVF
The first step in starting fertility treatment is to make an appointment with your nearest Sydney IVF clinic. This can be done prior to obtaining a referral from your doctor.
Step Two: Get a referral to Sydney IVF
Referrals from a GP last for 12 months or longer, while a referral from a specialist is current for only three months. Your referral must be current in order to claim from Medicare.
If you're not sure about which of our fertility experts to see, you can find a list here.
Step Three: Meet a Sydney IVF fertility expert
At your first meeting, your Sydney IVF specialist can organise any special tests that could be needed in your situation and give you advice about the choice available and most suitable for your treatment. If you have already had some tests done, or have had treatment elsewhere, it would be helpful if you brought along information that you have.
Step Four: Meet with a Sydney IVF nurse coordinator
Once you've decided to go ahead with treatment, the next step is a meeting with a Sydney IVF nurse coordinator, who will explain in detail what to expect, what needs to be done, and what your treatment cycle involves (we talk about one round of treatment coinciding, more or less, with a menstrual cycle). This is also an opportunity to ask questions and to tour the Sydney IVF clinic.
Part of the interview process involves a careful explanation of the costs involved with your cycle, including particulars about Medicare, rebates and out-of-pocket expenses.
We can then get started as soon as you're ready. Your Sydney IVF doctor will oversee your care, in addition to the ongoing personal attention you'll get from a small team of appointed nurse coordinators throughout the treatment.
Informed consent
There are many things you must be aware of before starting assisted conception treatment, all of which cannot be detailed here. The general risks and hazards associated with assisted conception and IVF are reviewed thoroughly in a separate document (printed on pink paper so you'll recognise it).
Before you start treatment with Sydney IVF you must sign forms in which you confirm that you have read these "pink sheets" and the consent forms themselves.
It's important to us that you are comfortable with your treatment and that you decide to go ahead with it only on a fully informed basis. If you have questions or concerns, please raise them with your doctor or your nurse before you sign your forms.
Learn more about your first appointment.