First Visit Information
The time leading up to the first visit to any doctor, especially a fertility specialist, can be a time of anxiety. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of that tension.
What should I do prior to my appointment?
As we schedule your appointment, we will send you an email to set up your patient portal to complete your patient consents and medical history. If you have medical records from previous fertility testing and/or treatment, we request that such medical records be faxed to (423) 643-0699 prior to your first appointment with our office.
When should I arrive for my first visit?
Our concern for the safety of our patients and staff is paramount. To lessen exposure to illnesses, we have implemented safety precautions including spacing out appointments and asking patients to not enter the office more than 10 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment.
Should my partner come to the first visit?
We do allow one adult support person to attend certain appointments (consultations, IUI’s, embryo transfers and pregnancy scans) with the patient.
What happens at the first visit?
Upon arrival, we will check your blood pressure and obtain your height and weight.
You will then meet with the physician who will review your medical history and tell you what tests, if any, should be considered. He or she will also advise you on your diagnosis and tell you what treatment options to think about.
Not everyone will leave with a treatment plan. Sometimes additional testing is required prior to knowing how best to proceed, or the individual or couple needs to time to consider all the options.
Will I have to have a physical exam?
Most times a physical examination is not required at the first visit. Unless there is a medical reason to perform an exam, this may be deferred.
Will I have blood work performed?
This depends on what tests have been ordered by your referring and/or primary provider. It also depends on your medical history and your current menstrual cycle day. Not all tests can be performed on the same day of the cycle.
How much will the visit cost?
This depends on your insurance company. For example, while many patients have coverage for diagnostic testing and evaluation there are often higher co-pays or costs associated with high-deductible health plans. We encourage patients to check with their insurance company regarding benefits prior to your visit. If you have benefits for the condition that we are evaluating, you might be accountable for the co-pay only.
If you don’t have insurance coverage, the cost of the initial consultation is $300 (any laboratory or ultrasound testing is billed separately). We are sensitive to patient finances, and the physician will help you prioritize testing.
Learn more about the insurances we accept, financing options, discount programs and our IVF guarantee program.
What is covered by insurance?
Health benefits varies by insurance company and employer plan. For example, fertility treatment is not often covered but some patients do have coverage for diagnostic testing and evaluation (although co-pays or costs are often higher with high-deductible health plans). We encourage patients to check with their insurance company regarding benefits prior to your visit, and to speak with one of our financial counselors.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
In order to ensure we are able to see everyone who has requested an appointment, we charge a small fee for missed appointments. To avoid this fee call us 423-509-8094 as soon as you know that you won’t be able to keep your appointment.
If it is less than 24 hours before your scheduled visit, you may be charged a $100 fee. If you are charged, but reschedule and keep that appointment, you will be refunded the $100 fee. Patients who miss more than one appointment without giving us 24 hours notice will not be given a refund.
How long will my visit last?
This can depend on an individual’s needs. Allow time physician consultation (30 to 45 minutes). If an ultrasound and/or bloodwork is performed, this may require more time (15-20 minutes). Patients may also want to meet with the financial counselor to learn about costs and payment options (15 minutes).
In sum, 60-90 minutes is the average time for the first consult.