Your first appointment, now what?

Scheduling a consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist is a big step, and it can be a little intimidating. You might be wondering, “What kinds of questions will the doctor ask? Will there be any tests? How much will all this cost?”

Are these unknowns making you feel a little anxious? That’s completely understandable! Take a deep breath, relax, and read through this overview of what you can expect:

Let’s get acquainted. The goal for this initial consultation is for you to get to know us, and for us to get to know you. As soon as you make your appointment for your initial consultation, we’ll send you a welcome packet with everything you need to prepare for your first visit, including all the necessary paperwork and directions to our office.

The most important part of your preparation will be gathering your medical records. Please sign and return the medical records release for to us at least 10 days before your appointment so we can request them, or prepare to bring copies of all your medical records with you.

Early is on time, on time is late. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so we can review your paperwork and make sure we have all the information necessary to get our relationship off to a successful start. Be sure to bring your insurance card and coverage information, driver’s license or other photo ID, completed forms from your welcome packet (you can also complete them online) and your insurance co-payment or self-payment.

Getting to know you. If you are anxious about medical exams and tests, breathe a sigh of relief. We’re not ready for that yet. The majority of our initial consultation time will be devoted to reviewing your history, and your partner’s history (if applicable). If you have questions, now will be a great time to ask. Spend some time before your appointment thinking through your questions, and be sure to write them down and bring them with you so we can work through them together.

Next steps. After we’ve reviewed your history, we’ll be ready to discuss what happens next, including recommendations for additional tests and an overview of the types of treatments you may want to consider moving forward.

We’ll also discuss financing options. Our dedicated financial counselor is always available to discuss testing and treatment costs with you. She will review the specifics of what your insurance will cover and can discuss payment options for out-of-pocket expenses once your treatment plan is established.

Do you have any other questions about your initial consultation? Feel free to call us at 502-996-4480 and ask.

We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Author Info

Jenny Shanks