IVF FLORIDA is excited to share that Dr. Marc R. Gualtieri’s peer-reviewed article, "The Promise and Challenges of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for IVF," has been published in the latest issue of Contemporary OB/GYN.
Click here to read.
Making that first call can feel intimidating, but we're sharing what you can expect when scheduling your first fertility appointment at IVF FLORIDA. Head to the link in our bio to read the full blog post.
At IVF FLORIDA, we understand that making your first appointment can be intimidating. We have a dedicated team to answer your questions and walk you through the scheduling process.
Our Patient Services Team provides potential patients with the basics of our treatment options and getting started information. Many team members have been with IVF FLORIDA for more than ten years, and they understand the process and fertility journey.
When getting ready to schedule your first appointment, please have your insurance information ready and your partner’s demographic information (if applicable). In addition to gathering demographic information, the Patient Services Team will also ask how long you have been trying to conceive, a few health-related questions, and how you were referred to IVF FLORIDA.
Finding the right appointment
IVF FLORIDA offers virtual and in-office consults to best suit each patient’s preferences. Partners can join the virtual consults and can attend some in-office appointments. If you'd like to bring someone, please check with your care team before arriving at the office.
You’ll be asked which location you’d like to establish care. With seven locations throughout South Florida, IVF FLORIDA has an office convenient to you.
Once you’ve decided on a home office, you can choose which IVF FLORIDA physician you’d wish to see. We ask that you schedule this initial consultation with the doctor that will be with you throughout your treatment journey. You can learn more about IVF FLORIDA’s medical team and find a doctor here.
New patient paperwork
Before your new patient consult, you’ll receive a text and email from a system called Phreesia. Phreesia is a new, private, HIPAA-compliant, electronic patient intake system. Phreesia is a recognized leader in this space and has proven to improve the overall patient experience by providing convenient, flexible, mobile, in-office, and contactless check-in options. Patients with upcoming virtual consultations will receive their telemedicine link from Phreesia on the day of the appointment.
You’ll complete your paperwork and upload photos of your insurance card and driver's license directly to Phreesia. All paperwork must be completed three business days before your appointment so that your care team has time to review your medical history.
If you have prior medical records pertinent to this appointment, please have them faxed directly to your office.
Your first fertility specialist appointment
First, you will meet with your physician to discuss your medical history and learn more about your family-building goals. Your physician will explain the fertility testing process, and after the appointment, your Care Team will help you schedule any needed diagnostic testing.
The initial fertility consults with your physician is a comprehensive evaluation of your history and medical records. The appointment typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered and to participate in developing a plan for further evaluation and/or treatment. Learn more about what to expect from your initial fertility consult, here.
Some patients interested in egg freezing will need to have the diagnostic testing completed before they meet with their physician.
A few days after your appointment, you’ll receive financial and insurance information from your dedicated financial counselor through the IVF FLORIDA patient portal. They will reach out to schedule a time to review your financing options and answer any questions you have.
If you are having trouble trying to conceive, it may be time to schedule an appointment at IVF FLORIDA, please speak with our Patient Services Team at 954-247-6200.
By IVF FLORIDA at 31 Jan 2023Are you hoping to start or grow your family in 2023? If so, now is the time to prep your body for conception. While there is no single right way to prepare your body for pregnancy, there are simple lifestyle changes that you can make to increase your chances of a successful conception. From improving your diet and lifestyle to understanding your fertility wellness, this blog post will provide practical advice on how to get your body ready for conception in 2023.
Get to a healthy weight
Use the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to get an idea of what weight range you should be in for optimal health. Once you know your ideal weight, create a plan to reach it. This will likely involve dietary changes, increased physical activity, and stress management techniques.
The changes might seem overwhelming, but don't fret. Start by limiting processed foods and sugary beverages, as these can cause rapid weight gain and impede fertility. Include more nutrient-dense, whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains in your diet.
Start incorporating some type of physical activity each week. Exercise can help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve insulin sensitivity. This is especially important if you are overweight or obese and have difficulty losing weight due to metabolic factors.
If you need additional help or suggestions, consider meeting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to assess your individual needs and create a tailored plan for reaching a healthy weight before conception.
Quit smoking and drinking
For women and men planning to conceive, it is crucial to quit smoking and drinking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to decreased egg quality and count in women and reduced sperm quality in men. Excessive drinking can impact fertility and reproductive health in both males and females.
Giving up smoking and alcohol is an important step if you are trying to conceive. It not only hinders your chances of getting pregnant but also the health of your baby if you do get pregnant.
If you are having difficulty quitting on your own, seek help. There are resources available to assist you, including support groups, counseling, and prescription medications. You should speak with your doctor about the best options for you.
Reevaluate your diet
When it comes to optimizing your diet for fertility, reevaluating your diet is a must. Aim to cut back on processed and refined foods, as these tend to be higher in unhealthy fats and sugars that can be detrimental to your health. Instead, focus on adding more nutrient-dense, whole foods into your daily routines, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and lean proteins. Foods rich in micronutrients such as folate, iron, zinc, and magnesium are important for reproductive health.
In addition to the type of food you’re consuming, it’s also important to be mindful of portion sizes. For meals, keep portions about the size of your fist or palm, and keep snacks small. Remember, eating too much or too little can both have an impact on fertility.
Finally, don’t forget about hydration! Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your body in balance. Aim to drink around eight glasses of water daily.
Get the right vitamins
Most women already know the vital role vitamins can play in their daily health and when they try to get pregnant. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that all women trying to conceive should begin taking a daily supplement containing 400 micrograms of folic acid at least one month before conception.
In addition to folic acid, vitamins C, D, and B-12 can help improve fertility and outcomes for mom and baby. Vitamin C helps protect against cell damage while also helping increase progesterone levels. Vitamin D helps keep your immune system healthy and helps reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin B-12 helps regulate red blood cell production and helps support nerve cells. Talk to your doctor about any additional supplements you may need to take when trying to conceive.
Speak to a specialist
If you are thinking about starting a family in 2023, it is important to start preparing now. One of the best steps is to speak with a fertility specialist. This way, you can ensure that you and your partner have the best chance of conceiving in the new year.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests that couples, where the woman is under 35, should seek fertility help after a year of trying to conceive without success. While women over 35 should seek fertility help after six months. Women who are 40 or older should speak to a fertility specialist as soon as they decide they’d like to conceive.
At IVF FLORIDA, we understand that fertility can be a sensitive subject. Our team is here to provide the highest quality care with compassion and understanding. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Contact the fertility specialists at IVF FLORIDA today to schedule a consultation.
By IVF FLORIDA at 6 Jan 2023