The Cost of IVF
One the most commonly asked question about fertility treatment is how much it is going to cost. While most people have a perception that fertility treatment is expensive, they usually do not understand the details of exactly what goes into the costs. At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles, we appreciate that cost is critically important to most of our patients. Therefore, we are dedicated to keeping our prices as affordable and competitive as possible. In addition, we recognize the importance of ensuring that our patients have an accurate idea of their potential costs before they actually have to pay them.
Further, our center realizes that much in the way that no single medical treatment works for everyone. Neither does one single payment package. For this reason we are proud to offer a wide variety of packages and payment options to fit every patient’s pocket book and comfort level. To ultimately understand the package options, one must understand the basic fees.
What goes in to the costs?
Most clinics break their IVF costs in to the distinct components which make an IVF cycle. Each clinic may have a different name or variation on the theme, but most follow a similar plan.
Basic Fees
Basic fees are usually the cost that most clinics will advertise as their “IVF Cost”. In our clinic the basic fees cover;
1. Devising a treatment plan
2. Ultrasound monitoring from the beginning of medication until the embryo transfer
3. Estradiol blood tests during the stimulation and the first pregnancy test
4. Egg retrieval procedure for the doctor and embryologist
5. Fertilization of eggs (non-ICSI)
6. Embryo culture (growth and monitoring in the lab for 3 to 5 days)
7. Embryo transfer for the embryologist and doctor.
At our office, the basic cash costs are $7,000 when purchased as a single IVF cycle package. These costs cannot be further itemized for insurance purposes. For patients who are purchasing an IVF package that contains more than one cycle, the basic fees are usually prorated.
Additional Fees
In addition to the basic fees, a variety of other fees may be necessary, depending on the cycle. These fees are not included in the basic fees, because they are not needed by all patients. Some of these additional fees include:
1. Assisted hatching- usually used in patients with eggs greater than 36 years of age
2. ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)- used to improve fertilization rate
3. Embryo freezing- if an IVF cycle results in more good quality embryos than are used in the initial transfer, the extras can be frozen for future use
4. Operating room and anesthesia- Separate fees charged by the anesthesiologist and the operating room facility during the egg retrieval procedure.
5. PGD- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis- used for patients who need to test their embryos prior to transferring them back into the uterus. Embryos can be tested for genetic disease, gender or chromosomal screening
More costs
In addition to the “additional” costs, patients must pay for medication which can run between $2,000 to $5,000 dollars. Further, most patients incur costs from the initial evaluation to determine if they need IVF, and to prepare the body for it.
IVF can be expensive, but considering the amazing technology utilized and the priceless benefit of success, most people believe it is worth it. If you have questions about IVF costs or fertility treatment in general, feel free to contact us.
