Monday, July 16, 2012

A hopeful program recipient who is ready to move from TTTC to PAIF

Hi there, my name is Susan, you know me better as Trippleb.  I've been on the boards longer then the IF board existed. Back in the days when TTTC was the only board.  Then they split and I had really hard time moving from TTTC to the Infertilty board.  I know the clinical definition of infertility but for me that word sounded so permanent.  I was not going to admit that my troubles TTC were a permanent thing.  I moved over....but reluctantly.  Everyone that I knew and followed were on the IF board and quite frankly it was a better fit for me based on my age and diagnosis. 
I met my future husband when I was 35 and after a year and half of dating we married.  I wasn't someone who put career first.  I just really hadn't met the right man before that.  I always wanted to be a mom and although I figured I might have some issues conceiving (family history of endo) I had really hoped I beat the odds.  After the initial 6 months of nothing happening, I attempted to seek help but due to some uncertainty with our jobs, health insurance and some bad advice from my benefits counselor, I put it off.  Eventually we sought an RE but was put on a four month waiting list before we could be seen.  If only I had the time back I would have done things so differently but like they say hindsight is 20/20 and I still held hope that it was only a matter of time.
Fast forward to today. It's been almost 5 years TTC and 3.5 years after starting treatments.  We now have 3 high stim IVF's and one low stim under our belts with merely a chemical pregnancy to show for it.    I recently underwent my third laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis and we are within the 6 month window post surgery.  They claim it's our best chance to conceive before the endo returns.
The support and generosity of the ladies on thebump board has been a true blessing.  I've have connected with so many people through their support, advice, donations and gift exchanges.  The donations that I have received in the past have help us continue forward with cycling.  I'm not sure we could have afforded this many attempts without the generosity of others.   I feel closer to many of you (even though we've never met in person), then I do with my IRL friends.  Unfortunately IF has caused me to distance myself to almost all my IRL friends and I hate myself for it but I can't bring myself to change things.  Hopefully someday I can be at least a shadow of my former myself and reconnect with people.  As of yet, I'm not sure how that is going happen.  IF is so blinding, it's hard to see past the next cycle. 
We are attempting another low stim cycle with the start of my next natural cycle (Aug 1st give or take).  We are in need of 3600iu fsh (Follistim, Bravelle or Gonal-f). (My RE will work with whatever is available) and 375iu of Menopur.  My RE is also ok with recently expired meds, Bravelle and Menopur within 6 months of expiration.  I will cover any shipping and packaging costs that you incur.  Thanks so much to all of you who have donated and especially Emily and (before her) Tabitha for coordinating this program.

Clinical Trials Currently Recruiting Patients by State

Alabama, Alaska & Arizona - 0 Clinical Trials Found

Arkansas
Effect of Body Composition and Metabolism on Oocyte Gene Expression
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01480024?term=ivf+arkansas&rank=1

CaliforniaThe Effects of Physiologic Oxygen Tension on Clinical In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes (PhOx)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01010386?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=1

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4

Collection of Maternal Blood Samples for Development of Non-invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Testing
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01546324?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=6

Use of Adiana Tubal Occlusive Devices in Women With Hydrosalpinx Prior to In Vitro Fertilization
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01224080?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=7

ColoradoFrozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4


ConnecticutThe Effects of Physiologic Oxygen Tension on Clinical In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes (PhOx)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01010386?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=1


Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4

Delaware & District of Columbia - 0 Clinical Trials Found

Florida
Polscope Sperm: A Non-invasive Method to Assess DNA Damage in Individual Sperm
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01461395?term=ivf+florida&recr=Open&rank=1

Telomeres and Reproduction in Women
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01576991?term=ivf+florida&recr=Open&rank=2

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4

Georgia - 0 Clinical Trials Found

Hawaii
Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4

IdahoFrozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4

Illiniois
Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+california&recr=Open&rank=4

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcomeshttp://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01419743?term=ivf+illinois&recr=Open&rank=1

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Using Blastocyst Biopsy and Array CGH

http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01546350?term=ivf+illinois&recr=Open&rank=3

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas - 0 Clinical Trials Found

KentuckyOocyte Vitrificaion for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Patients and Women With Fertility Threatening Conditions http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01448460?term=ivf+kentucky&rank=1

Louisiana, Maine - 0 Clinical Trials Found

Maryland
Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)http://clinicaltrial.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=IVF+Maryland&recr=Open&rank=1

MassachusettsEffect of Psychological Intervention on Drop-out Rates in IVF
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01318291?term=IVF+MASSACHUSETTS&recr=Open&rank=2

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=IVF+MASSACHUSETTS&recr=Open&rank=3

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Using Blastocyst Biopsy and Array CGH
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01546350?term=IVF+MASSACHUSETTS&recr=Open&rank=4

Michigan - 0 Clinical Trials Found

MinnesotaProgesterone Support of FET (FETProg)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01058382?term=ivf+minnesota&rank=3

Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska- 0 Clinical Trials

NevadaExamination of Serum Progesterone Levels in an IVF Population Following Two Types of Egg Aspiration
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01513954?term=ivf+nevada&recr=Open&rank=1

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+nevada&recr=Open&rank=2

Prospective Observational Study of Peri-implantation Serum hCG Levels
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01184469?term=ivf+nevada&recr=Open&rank=3

New Hampshire - 0 Clinical Trials

New JerseyOptimizing the Temperature for Embryo Culture in In Vitro Fertilization
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01506089?term=ivf+new+jersey&recr=Open&rank=1

Single Embryo Transfer of a Euploid Embryo Versus Double Embryo Transfer
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01408433?term=ivf+new+jersey&recr=Open&rank=2

The Luveris In Vitro Fertilization Trial
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00889512?term=ivf+new+jersey&recr=Open&rank=3


Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Using Blastocyst Biopsy and Array CGH
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01546350?term=ivf+new+jersey&recr=Open&rank=4


New Mexico - 0 Clinical Trial

New York


Effect of Colony Stimulating Factor on Implantation and Pregnancy Rates Following IVF
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01202656?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=2

Randomized CLinical Trial of Low-dose Clomiphene Based Antagonist Protocol vs. High Dose Gonadotropin/Antagonist Protocol for IVF Poor Responders (CLOVANT)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01577199?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=3

RCT of Fixed vs Titrated Letrozole in Breast Cancer Patient Undergoing IVF
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01035099?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=4

Follicular Flushing
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01558141?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=5

Autologous Endometrial Coculture (AECCT)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01472861?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=6

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=7

Polar Body Biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Screening
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01574404?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=8

In Vitro Maturation (IVM) of Human Oocytes
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01550861?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=9

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Using Blastocyst Biopsy and Array CGH
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01546350?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=10

Oocyte Cryopreservation (egg freezing)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01232972?term=ivf+new+york&recr=Open&rank=12

North CarolinaOptimizing Ovulation Induction in the Poor Responder
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01200537?term=ivf+north+carolina&rank=1

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+north+carolina&rank=3

North Dakota - 0 Clinical Trials

OhioProteomics & Glyco-Proteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluid
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01487486?term=ivf+ohio&rank=2

Oklahoma, Oregon - 0 Clinical Trials

PennsylvaniaThe Effects of Physiologic Oxygen Tension on Clinical In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes (PhOx)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01010386?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=2

Single Embryo Transfer of a Euploid Embryo Versus Double Embryo Transfer
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01408433?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=3

Optimizing the Temperature for Embryo Culture in In Vitro Fertilization
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01506089?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=6

Infertility Markers in Serum, Urine, and Follicular Fluid
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00194220?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=7

Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=12

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Using Blastocyst Biopsy and Arra CGH
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01546350?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=16

A Novel Approach to Endometrial Preparation in Recipients of Donor Eggs
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01424618?term=ivf+pennsylvania&rank=18

Rhode IslandFrozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+rhode+island&rank=2

South Carolina & South Dakota - 0 Clinical Trials

TennesseeFrozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+tennessee&rank=1

TexasFrozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FTET) Cycle Follow-up Protocol (Study P06031)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01146418?term=ivf+texas&recr=Open&rank=1

Performance Study of New Media for Vitrification of Human Oocytes
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01481571?term=ivf+texas&recr=Open&rank=2

Single Injection of Ganirelix in Gonadotropin Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Cycles
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01286051?term=ivf+texas&recr=Open&rank=3

UtahHeart Rate Variability in Children Conceived Via Assisted Reproductive Technologies (HRV ART)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00993369?term=ivf+utah&rank=1

Vermont - 0 Clinical Trials

VirginiaA Trial Comparing Qam With Qpm Dosing in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01139593?term=ivf+virginia&rank=1

The Effect of DHEA on Markers of Ovarian Reserve in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve




 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Infertility Tax Deductions


Did you know that you can deduct most of your Infertility Treatment costs that you have paid out of pocket?

What Can Be Included:

OOP Testing
IVF
Embryo Freezing/Storage
IUI
Meds
  • Even Over the Counter meds - You cannot include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc. unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. Otherwise, these items are taken to maintain your ordinary good health, and are not for medical care. http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000178934
Mileage for Medical Travel
Parking/Toll Fees acquired during Medical Travel
Ovulation Kits
Pregnancy Tests

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Calling All Louisiana Natives

Infertile couples interested in applying for the GIFT of HOPE 2012 can now apply for this award. The GIFT of HOPE is a joint charitable program launched by Fertility & Women's Health Center of Louisiana, Women's & Children's Hospital, and Sheridan Healthcare to help one infertile couple each year overcome the financial barriers to building their family through the gift of one in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. The combined value of this donated IVF cycle is estimated at $15,000.
Couples interested in applying to the GIFT of HOPE 2012 must meet the following general eligibility criteria:
· Have a documented medical need for in vitro fertilization. A letter explaining this need is required, on letterhead, from their reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologic professional;
· Have a combined gross income of $80,000 a year or less before taxes;
· Are Louisiana residents;
· Have medical insurance coverage which includes prenatal care but does not include coverage for in vitro fertilization;
· Are in a married, stable relationship and consent to counseling prior to treatment.
Applicants must also submit with their application a letter describing, in their own words, the compelling nature of their need for fertility treatment. More information and a downloadable application can be found by accessing http://www.fertilityanswers.com/or calling 337/989-8795. Applications must be received by April 27, 2012.
Since its creation in 2006, eight couples have been awarded the GIFT of HOPE and three babies have been born as a result.
Visit our website, http://www.fertilityanswers.com/ , to read the stories behind each couples' struggles with infertility.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Understanding your Insurance Benefits

Health insurance coverage is a complicated subject. Coverage for infertility treatment varies from plan to plan and from insurance company to insurance company. Mosr states do not mandate your insurance company to cover fertility evaluation or treatment . It is very important for you to research what your insurance plan covers in terms of evaluation and treatment of infertility, either online or by calling the insurer or benefits representative, or both, optimally before your first visit.
We understand that dealing with the insurance companies regarding your fertility coverage might be intimidating at first glance. To protect yourself from incurring fees that may not be covered by your insurance plan, you should obtain written verification of your benefits.
Insurance companies have specific guidelines to help you determine the extent of your fertility benefits. They are obligated to provide you with this information. Typically, the information is delivered only in response to specific questions asked by the insured (you) and some important information may be omitted unintentionally.
To verify your insurance benefits, please refer to the customer service phone number printed on your insurance card. When verifying your benefits, you should:
  1. Obtain the name of the customer service representative giving you information.
  2. Document the date and time of your phone call.
  3. Request written confirmation of your specific benefits.
Review your benefits booklet (should be available from your employer if you are part of a group plan.) Copy the section that pertains to infertility benefits. Please understand that if treatment is not covered by your insurance plan, payment is due at the time of service.
FERTILITY INSURANCE QUESTIONS
If infertility is included in your policy coverage, the following questions should be asked:
  1. Is my policy for diagnostic service only?
  2. Is Diagnostic Code 628.9 covered?
  3. Do I have coverage for the treatment of underlying conditions that may be the cause of my infertility?
  4. Would CPT codes 58322 & 58323, for IUI, with diagnosis code V26.1 be covered?
  5. Would advanced Reproductive Technology – using CPT codes 58970, 58974, 58976 for aspiration/retrieval and transfer, 89250 through 89280 for embryology labs, and the diagnosis code 628.9 be covered?
  6. Is there a pre-existing clause on my policy in reference to infertility treatment or surgery procedures?
  7. Do I have any drug coverage for infertility treatment? If yes, where? (mail order or local pharmacy) What drugs? (i.e. Bravelle, Follistim, Gonal F, Lupron, Menopur)
  8. Do I need a referral and/or prior authorization for any office visits or procedures? (If yes, please obtain a referral before your visit with us. If you do not, your visit/services may not be covered)
  9. Have I met my deductible?
  10. What is my co-pay or co-insurance that will be due?

Friday, March 9, 2012