Your Fertility and COVID-19: What you need to know and how to move forward.
Patient Update – April 30, 2020
We understand that this has been a
challenging and frustrating time for many of our patients —that’s why we’re
excited to announce that we have resumed operations for the majority of our
infertility testing and treatments this week. Like many organizations in our
community, our transition to full operating capacity will be a phased-in
process, and we will continue to update you as we are able to offer more
in-office services over the coming weeks.
IVF, Fertility Preservation, Embryo Transfer & IUI Cycles
At Kentucky Fertility Institute, it is our goal to restart safe fertility treatment for all of our patients in the near future. Our leadership team regularly evaluates guidelines from ASRM, ACOG, and the CDC, and we are in close communication with local health agencies and hospitals to monitor local conditions in our area. At this time, we are planning to resume the following treatment services during the month of May:
- IVF cycles for all patients
- Fertility preservation cycles for all patients
- Embryo transfers for all patients, fresh and frozen
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) for all patients
- Ovulation induction (OI) cycles for all patients
To protect the ongoing safety of our patients and staff, we are enforcing strict social distancing measures onsite. As such, we are implementing a gradual re-start of treatment cycles to regulate the number of individuals onsite each day.
Many patients who experienced a cycle disruption due to COVID-19 have already spoken with a member of our clinical team to discuss cycle start timing. If you have not yet spoken to your clinical team, and if you wish to initiate one of the above cycle types within the next two (2) months, please contact our office at (502) 996-4480. Our team will review your protocol, medications, pre-cycle checklist, insurance, and authorization. You will also speak with a nurse to assess your current health and coordinate any final testing required prior to starting treatment.
Moving forward, we request that all patients call the office on Day 1 of their menses. At that time, we will be better able to update you regarding new/changing recommendations and will be able to make a plan for the safe resumption of your fertility treatment on a timeline we are collectively comfortable with.
We understand that delays are heartbreaking for our patients, and we look forward to continuing your journey toward parenthood in the safest environment possible.
Diagnostic Testing
We have resumed the majority of our diagnostic testing procedures in preparation for upcoming cycles including:
- Blood testing
- Ultrasounds
- Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) Testing
- Semen Analysis and related male testing
- Reproductive imaging procedures (HSG, SIS, HyCoSy)
Testing can be done for patients that may not start cycles immediately but can prepare for future cycles which will be scheduled as quickly and safely as possible.
Reproductive Surgery
We are currently working with local hospitals to reschedule our pending surgeries. As soon as we have potential dates available, a member of our clinical team will be in touch with you to discuss any of the following surgical procedures:
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Robotic-assisted laparoscopy
- Laparotomy (in-patient)
Onsite Safety Protocols
For patients coming into our clinic, we know there may be a sense of uncertainty regarding safety and operations amid the coronavirus crisis. We assure you that we will be putting additional safety measures in place.
Please be advised of the following updates to our operations:
1) Patients will be required to wear masks while onsite.
In compliance with state and local ordinances, all individuals will be required to wear face masks while onsite.
All patients will need to wear a face mask or facial protection that covers both mouth and nose in order to enter the facility. Each patient is responsible for obtaining his or her own face mask. The following are acceptable face protection options: medical-grade masks or any bandana, scarf, or handmade mask that fully covers the mouth and nose.
2) Our office will continue our guest limitation policy.
In observance of social distancing and to minimize the number of individuals onsite, only the scheduled patient(s) will be admitted to the facility. All patient(s) visiting the clinic for monitoring, bloodwork, or imaging scans must attend without any visitors present. Children are not permitted onsite. One guest will be allowed for obstetric ultrasound visits. We apologize for any inconvenience; however, we are committed to protecting the safety of our patients and staff by limiting the number of individuals in our space.
3) All patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors at entry.
For the protection of our patients and staff, every individual entering the office will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and related risk factors upon entry to our office.
4) Cycle Disruption Policy
If an individual demonstrates symptoms of illness during a treatment cycle, or if the individual is mid-cycle and tests positive for COVID-19, the cycle will be cancelled or suspended.
If this cancellation or suspension occurs prior to retrieval, we will issue a credit balance in accordance with services rendered during the cycle. Credit balances will be established on a case-by-case basis. We are not able to extend credit toward products or services provided by third parties (products or services provided by third parties include but not limited to medications, phlebotomy, anesthesia, genetic testing, tissue storage fees, etc).
New Patient, Follow-up and Financial Consults
We will also be continuing consultations for new and existing patients, as well as financial consults, via telemedicine to ensure the highest degree of patient safety. It can often take 4-6 weeks under normal circumstances to prepare for a treatment start so we encourage you to continue moving forward with your appointments/testing so that we are fully prepared for your treatment start as quickly as possible.
- If you would like to schedule a New Patient Consult or follow-up visit with our fertility specialist, please click here to request an appointment.
- If you would like to schedule diagnostic testing or a financial consult, please call our office to schedule.
As always, we remain committed to your safety and to serving you throughout your fertility journey. Whether in our clinic or via telemedicine, we look forward to seeing you soon to get you back on the path toward growing your family as quickly as possible.