Should I be discouraged

zananvzananv Posts: 5
in Single Mothers by Choice
Well...I had a consultation tonight at a local fertility center here in Las Vegas tonight.

I had anticipated from previous posts that the costs would be anywhere between 1500-2000 for IUI.

So here is what I was told (my insurance won't cover any of it)

I need to have:

diagnostic testing: $4000
Each IUI with Clomid: $2800
Sperm Bank cost: Sperm + shipping (not sure)

Any financing offered is only for IUI, but not for any diagnostic testing. Is this normal????

I guess you can say my jaw dropped and I'm feeling discouraged. I unfortunately do not have the 4k for the testing. and with the amount of cycles some have needed... I'm feeling like what was once hopeful in having a child is now gone.....

Comments

  • Lovelymo79Lovelymo79 Posts: 19
    Do you NEED to have the diagnostic testing? How old are you? Do you HAVE to take Clomid for the first cycle?

    I just had some simple blood work done. I'm doing my an unmedicated cycle for IUI that will cost me $500, which will include washing and storing.
  • austingurl123austingurl123 Posts: 35
    That sounds a bit excessive to me. I started this process with insurance that would not cover anything. I went to my regular OB/GYN who ran some blood work and did a pap (I was due for my yearly anyway). He was able to bill those tests under my yearly exam or under my PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrom) diagnosis. I am severly obese and not the healthiest and was 35 at the time, but he didn't go crazy on the testing. He felt my blood work and exam were fine, so we would try it. Then we started the process. I bought the sperm. My IUI's were $250 each with a small additional charge for washing the sperm (I bought ICI sperm because it was cheaper to have it washed at my dr). I think that first IUI costs around $350 + price of the sperm. He billed my ultrasounds under the PCOS diagnosis because we determined after peeing on ovulation sticks for 2 months, that I don't ovulate on my own because of my PCOS. While he was using the ultrasounds to monitor my ovulation, he was also confirming it was the PCOS and not other issues that effected my lack of ovulation. My insurance paid with no problems. Basically, what I am suggesting is that you go to your OB/GYN and see what, if any, tests he will cover and insurance will pay for. I would ask if he does fertility. Shop around a little because that just seems way expensive. I live in Austin, so I know cost of living is a less here, but I still think that is excessive.
  • zananvzananv Posts: 5
    I guess it was this facilty I went to. They require all the diagnostic testing before trying. They don't offer the IUI without the clomid.

    I'm currently 34 going on 35 in November. I didn't know if this was just Vegas prices...but it did seem a bit outrageous for me.

    I'll try a different center and see what they say. I asked my obgyn about it and said that the procedure of IUI would have to be done at one of the centers.
  • zananvzananv Posts: 5
    I should also mention that the other locations i have called won't talk about pricing over the phone. I can either go to a free seminar or schedule a consultation ($250) to talk with me.

    After looking through the boards...i don't see anyone else that has to deal with this stuff....

    Even more discouraging... :(
  • BanditBandit Posts: 348
    Zananv have you checked around for other locations? When I went to a fertility clinic prices were much more expensive than a regular doc office. Through mom's boards, local single mom's group and the gay and lesbian community you maybe able to find an RE or just a doc who will do insemination for 1/2 the price, or even less. I paid 175 with no meds per insemination. Not covered by insurance. I did a quick google for RE in Las Vegas. If you know any single mom's ask them. Good luck. We are hear to listen.

    http://www.healthgrades.com/fertility-reproductive-endocrinology-directory/nv-nevada/las-vegas
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