Posted by Theresa on July 17, 19100 at 13:22:40:
In Reply to: Theresa--follow up qRe: Cornell posted by Emily on July 17, 19100 at 10:11:07:
Hi there,
To answer Emily - Cornell have a higher age limit for IVF, they see more 40+ women (about 1/4 of their patients in that age group) and are therefore more experienced with protocols for this age group, and they will not cancel yr cycle if you get less than 5 follicles (this is pretty important if you are a poor responder). Overall, I've found their attitude to be very good, very positive, and that is not something I can say for other drs who give those of us with high FSH/E2 a 5% chance of success.
To Caleigh, be very careful how you read the success rates. Many programs encourage 40+ women to go to donor egg, especially if they have high FSH or E2 and Cornell does not do that, so they are working with tougher group of women to get pg. Also, the audited rates, I believe, are 40-44, and as St. Barnabas doesn't do IVF at 43, their success rates are going to be higher as 40-42 year olds have better odds. The difference in success rates between a 40 year old and a 44 year old can be very high, so bunching them all together is not that helpful.
Good luck to everyone!!
Theresa
: Hi Theresa--I am just curious, why is Cornell better for older women/poor responders? I know a few people who have said they needed procedures only Cornell could offer, but I haven't asked what. Am just curious, since I may end up in that category. Thanks.
: : Hi Carolyn,
:
: : I'm at Cornell and agree with everything posted, except in my experience you have to wait about 6 weeks for appt. unless you get a cancellation. I'd also suggest you consider NYU and St. Barnabas who have very good programs and are less crowded. Cornell are especially important for 39+ or people who are poor responders, which you don't seem to be.
:
: : The prices at NYU and Cornell are about the same, and I believe St. Barnabas is about $2,000 less (maybe cos they are in NJ but you can do monitoring in NYC with Dr. Grunfeld and they send a car service for retrieval and transfer).
:
: : It is expensive but you might even want to consider more than one consult before you settle on a program. But, I don't think you'd do wrong at any of these places - they are all top-notch.
:
: : Very best of luck
: : Theresa
:
: : ps My RE had no problem with me getting my blood work/chlamydia etc done at my gynecologists. The only thing seemed to be non-negotiable at Cornell is day 3 blood work cos their lab uses a different scale to most other labs.
: : : : Can someone who's been to Cornell give me some information
: : : : about the procedures at Cornell? How long of a wait is it
: : : : to get in? How much does IVF cost? (I have no insurance for
: : : : infertility)
:
: : : : I'd appreciate any information. Thanks!
:
: : : : Carolyn
:
: : : Carolyn,
:
: : : I was able to get an appointment within about 3 1/2 weeks. IVF, depending on protocol, will cost somewhere between $10,000 and $12,000. That includes your initial visit, in-program blood testing, anesthesia, etc. That is consistent, I think with other NY/NJ programs. Since your insurance doesn't cover it, try to get as much testing (HSG and blood work done ahead of time so that you can get your insurance through your regular GYN (who I assume is in your insurance plan) to cover those costs. Once you start, Cornell is very insistent that they use their own lab since their protocols are set in conjunction with the calibration of their machines. However, if you arrive with blood results (day 3s, progesterone, all the communicable disease tests, thyroid, etc.) an HSG, etc, they have a starting point to give them an idea of what's going on and that you won't have to have go on their bill. Ask to speak with a nurse, explain the situation, sak her what all the tests that are required are and EXPECT some resistance. I assure you it can be done and will save you money. Also, when you start the process and need to order meds., I recommend Freedom Drug (). After A LOT of research, I found they are the only ones that specialize in fertility meds and are easily 20-30% less expensive. In addition, they ship FedEx free of charge. My insurance plan covers IVF in network only but I was able to actually get my regular GYN (who is in plan) to approve the meds which saved me $2,000.00!!!!!!! Finally, if your RE perscribes Lupron, there is a generic form which is considerably less expensive and according to my RE, just as effective. GOOD LUCK!!
:
: : : P.S. My regular GYN is at Cornell and I was originally scheduled to see Dr. Spandorfer at there which is why I know about Cornell's prices and what they require testing wise. However, two days before my appointment I decided to go instead to Dr. Sable at St. Barnabus which is very close to my home. So far, I am VERY pleased with Dr. Sable's group - I start tomorrow with the first meds.