Taking the first step toward fertility care is a big decision, and we’re here to make it as seamless and supportive as possible. We understand that scheduling your initial appointment can feel overwhelming, but our dedicated team is ready to guide you through every step.
Scheduling your first fertility appointment
Our New Patient Center is here to help you get started with your fertility journey. When you speak with a New Patient Center liaison, they can provide you with information on financial programs, treatment options, and what to expect at your first fertility appointment, ensuring you feel prepared and confident. Many of our team members have been IVF FLORIDA patients themselves and deeply understand the fertility journey.
When you call to schedule, there are a few details you’ll want to have on-hand:
- your partner’s demographic information, if applicable
- how you were referred to IVF FLORIDA
When you schedule your fertility appointment, you will have the option to select:
- Preference of in-office or virtual consultation
- Preferred location – IVF FLORIDA has eight convenient locations to choose from
- Your physician — this is the doctor who will guide you throughout your fertility journey
Preparing for your first fertility appointment
Once your appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive a secure text and email from Phreesia, our HIPAA-compliant patient intake system. Through Phreesia, you’ll need to complete a few items prior to being seen for your appointment.
- Complete your new patient forms
- Upload a photo of your insurance card and driver’s license
- Provide any relevant medical records
- Include a payment method on file
Completing this paperwork at least three business days before your appointment allows your care team to review your history in advance.
If you have previous fertility or reproductive health records, please upload them to your patient portal or fax them to your chosen IVF FLORIDA office.
What to expect at your first fertility specialist appointment
Your initial fertility consultation is a comprehensive evaluation that typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. During this visit, you’ll meet with your physician to discuss your medical history, fertility goals, and next steps. Your doctor will explain the recommended fertility testing, and after the appointment, your Care Coordinator will help schedule any necessary diagnostic tests.
“The first fertility appointment is an opportunity for an open conversation about your family-building goals,” shares Dr. Chip Timmons, who sees patients at IVF FLORIDA’s Margate location. “It can be normal to feel nervous, but that visit can provide a lot of insight into why fertility can be very challenging for some, and the subsequent fertility testing that is recommended potentially allows us to identify areas that we could intervene either through fertility treatments, or surgical procedures that maximize patients chance to conceive.”
For patients interested in egg freezing, diagnostic testing may need to be completed before the consultation.
After your fertility appointment
A few days following your visit, your dedicated Financial Educator will provide personalized financial and insurance information through your IVF FLORIDA patient portal.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re ready to move forward with fertility care, we’re here to support you. Call our New Patient Center at 954-247-6200 or fill out our brief form to schedule your first appointment and start your journey toward parenthood with confidence.
Request an appointment
By
IVF FLORIDA at 24 Mar 2025
At IVF FLORIDA, we are dedicated to helping all patients create families. Fertility challenges affect women across all demographics, but Black women encounter unique obstacles that can hinder their access to effective fertility care. Understanding these challenges and the available support is crucial for improving reproductive health outcomes within the Black community.
Understanding racial disparities in fertility care
Research has shown that Black women are half as likely to seek fertility treatment services than white women. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including:
- Limited access to care due to socioeconomic factors. Even when patients have access to fertility care, Black women seek an infertility evaluation at lower rates and discontinue fertility treatments at higher rates as compared to other patients.1
- Seeking fertility treatment later. Due to educational barriers and stigmas surrounding reproductive care, Black women are often seeking fertility care later than other patient populations.
- Mistrust in the healthcare system stemming from historical inequalities and implicit biases.
- Higher infertility rates. Research shows that Black women experience infertility more often than other demographics.
- Lower IVF success rates. Research shows Black women undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), have lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with white women even after controlling for various factors.2
In an award-winning study, IVF FLORIDA researchers found that Black patients respond just as well to fertility medications that stimulate egg production by producing as many eggs as possible and often producing better-quality embryos than white patients. However, Black women still had lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates.3
While clinical factors such as uterine fibroids have been suggested to influence this disparity, implicit biases in referral patterns and the care given to women of color also play a role. This highlights the importance of early intervention, comprehensive care, and continued research to close the gap in fertility treatment success.
It is essential to recognize and understand the racial disparities that exist in fertility care so we can better support our patients. IVF FLORIDA is dedicated to continuing research on racial and ethnic disparities and providing better access to fertility care for Black women through providing resources and support for our patients.
Four essential tips for Black women navigating fertility care
Seek fertility care sooner
Age is the number one predictor of female fertility. However, stigmas surrounding infertility, cultural misconceptions about hyperfertility, and lack of trust in medical professionals often lead Black women to delay seeking fertility treatment.
By seeking a fertility evaluation sooner rather than later, patients can receive an early diagnosis and maximize their chances of successful fertility treatment. Our compassionate care team is here to listen, support, and ultimately help you achieve your family-building goals.
Address pre-existing medical conditions
Black women are disproportionately affected by certain fertility-related conditions, including:
- Uterine fibroids (which affect up to 80% of Black women by age 50)4
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Obesity and metabolic disorders
By staying proactive with regular OB/GYN visits and addressing these conditions early, you can improve your reproductive health and fertility treatment success.
Use IVF FLORIDA’s fertility resources and support
You don’t have to go through fertility treatment alone. IVF FLORIDA offers free educational resources, support groups, and events to help patients feel informed and empowered.
- Explore IVF FLORIDA’s Resource Library, featuring informative content from our experts for our patients
- Engage with fellow patients online. Follow IVF FLORIDA on Instagram.
Learn about insurance coverage and IVF FLORIDA'S financial programs and grants
IVF FLORIDA participates with many insurance plans and offers innovative financial programs and discounts to make fertility treatment more affordable.
Financial programs:
To learn more about insurance coverage and financial assistance options, call our New Patient Center at 954-247-6200.
Breaking barriers, building families
At IVF FLORIDA, we recognize the unique challenges Black women face in their fertility journey, and we are committed to providing compassionate, expert care to help you achieve your dream of parenthood.
IVF FLORIDA is here to support you every step of the way. If you're ready to take the first step, schedule a consultation with an IVF FLORIDA fertility specialist today.
Your family-building journey starts here >> Request an appointment
Sources:
- Korkidakis, Ann et al. (2024) “Determinants of utilization of infertility services by race and ethnicity in a state with a comprehensive infertility mandate.” Fertility and Sterility, In press.
- Jackson-Bey, T., Morris, J., Jasper, E., Velez Edwards, DR., Thornton, K., Richard-Davis, G., Plowden, T. (2021) “Systematic Review of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Where Do We Stand Today?” Fertility and Sterility Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.05.001.
- Bishop, L. A., Devine, K., Sasson, I. E., Plowden, T., Hill, M. J., DeCherney, A. H., Richter, K. (2018). “African American patients experience reduced pregnancy, higher pregnancy loss, and lower live birth from IVF embryo transfers despite producing more oocytes and more transfer quality embryos than Caucasian patients.” Fertility and Sterility, Volume 110, Issue 4, e6.
- Eltoukhi H.M., Modi M.N., Weston M., Armstrong A.Y., Stewart E.A. “The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.” Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Mar;210(3):194-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008. Epub 2013 Aug 11. PMID: 23942040; PMCID: PMC3874080.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 21 Feb 2025
As the calendar turns to a new year, many feel a renewed sense of purpose — setting goals, embracing wellness, and imagining what’s possible in the months ahead. If growing your family is part of your vision, now is the perfect time to focus on preparing your body for a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Zoran J. Pavlovic, a fertility specialist at IVF FLORIDA, provides six thoughtful and actionable tips to support your fertility and overall well-being.
1. Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet
Your diet is one of the most powerful tools for fertility wellness. Embrace a balanced, nutrient-rich approach to eating that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in folate, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.
2. Stay active—mindfully
Physical activity is essential for overall health, but the key is finding balance. Focus on exercises that promote circulation, reduce stress, and support hormonal health. Activities like yoga, swimming, or low-impact strength and resistance training can be excellent choices. Overdoing it with high-intensity workouts can sometimes impact ovulation, so moderation is key.
3. Prioritize rest and rejuvenation
Sleep and relaxation are often underestimated when it comes to fertility health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and incorporate relaxation techniques to rejuvenate yourself. Meditation and mindfulness practices can reduce stress, benefiting your body and mind.
4. Support your health with supplements
While a nutrient-dense diet is foundational, supplements can help fill any gaps. Start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400mcg of folic acid at least three months before conception. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and other birth complications. Low vitamin D levels can also affect fertility, so IVF FLORIDA recommends a daily supplement of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.
IVF FLORIDA is proud to recommend Luminary Vitamins and Theralogix to offer high-quality, evidence-based nutritional supplements patients can trust. These supplements consist of verified vitamin contents that help take the guessing away from nutritional decisions.
5. Limit exposure to toxins
From household cleaners to skincare products, everyday items can sometimes include chemicals that may affect fertility. Opt for natural, non-toxic alternatives whenever possible, and be mindful of environmental factors that could impact your health.
It’s also essential to consider lifestyle habits that can introduce toxins into your body.
Alcohol consumption should also be moderated. While occasional drinks may be fine for some, heavy drinking can interfere with hormone regulation and fertility. If you’re unsure about what’s safe for your situation, consulting your doctor can provide clarity.
6. Listen to your body and seek support
Every fertility journey is unique. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a fertility specialist if you have concerns or want more personalized recommendations.
By prioritizing your health and fertility, you’re taking a beautiful step toward the future you envision. Whether your journey to parenthood is just beginning or you’re continuing along the path, the right care and preparation can make all the difference.
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Medical contribution by Dr. Zoran J. Pavlovic
By
IVF FLORIDA at 16 Jan 2025
- Patient names: Jennifer and Rolando
- Reason for treatment: Unexplained infertility
- Physician: Dr. Christie
- IVF FLORIDA Location: Pembroke Pines
- Treatment: in vitro fertilization
My life before starting IVF was pretty normal. We started by trying for a few years to conceive on our own, and when that didn’t work, we looked into other low-tech fertility options through IVF FLORIDA. After a few rounds of unsuccessful attempts, I knew it was time to try the next option available to us, which was in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Finding a personalized treatment plan
My treatment experience in the beginning was a little tough and overwhelming. I had to attend lots of appointments (bloodwork, vaginal ultrasounds, etc.,) where I felt lost and confused because I didn’t always understand what the blood results/ultrasounds meant or what each test was for. The idea of administering my own medication at home was very scary and nerve-racking for me. I felt like I was not going to be able to do this on my own.
With time and constant back-to-back appointments, I started getting used to the whole process and met with nurses who carefully explained how to mix and administer my own medication; videos and calendar guides were also helpful. As time went by, the process got better, and I started to become familiar with the different medications and how to inject them safely when needed. What brought me to IVF Florida was the convenience of having multiple locations in Broward County. I was able to book bloodwork appts early in the morning at the Margate location and regular office visits at the Pembroke Pines location. The flexibility helped me feel like I was in control of the process, even during a time when so much felt uncertain.
I would say one of my highest moments was after I had my first “failed IVF transfer,” when I went back to the clinic to try for round number 2. I felt more confident with my appointments and medications because it wasn’t new to me. I had more experience and felt a lot more confident attending my appointments.
Dr. Christie gave me hope throughout the IVF process when he told me “It only takes one egg to create a baby. I promise you; you will get your baby.”
A healthy baby girl
My story ends in the most beautiful way imaginable — with the arrival of my daughter, Victoria Andrea. She was born on October 15, 2024, a perfect, healthy baby girl. Holding her in my arms for the first time was everything I had dreamed of and more.
Trust the process
I would tell future patients to trust the process and never to give up! In the beginning, it will be hard, overwhelming, and stressful, but I promise every appointment and shot you take will be worth it in the end! I would also tell future patients to be patient with their fertility journey. It will be weeks and even months before you can get the outcome you want. Everyone’s journey is different, and some might require more appointments or treatments than others.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 10 Jan 2025