1.  Pre-Treatment

Fertility Specialist Consultation and initial tests:
The first step in any treatment plan is to consult a Fertility Specialist who will assess and review your medical history and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual circumstances.  Prior to commencing treatment, your specialist may request some further investigations (blood tests, semen analysis and ultrasound tests).

Pre-treatment : New Patient Appointments:
Should your fertility specialist recommend fertility treatment, prior to commencing we will organise for you to attend a series of new patient information appointments to help provide you with all the necessary details associated with your upcoming treatment.  An administration fee of $265 (non Medicare rebatable) covers your new patient counselling, nursing and patient liaison administrator appointments, which can be organised for the same day or over multiple days to suit your preference.

The new patient appointments include:

• a mandatory counselling session with both partners, to assist in considering any issues that may arise throughout upcoming treatment and to sign mandatory consent forms
• new patient information session with a nurse who will explain the IVF cycle (with any specific treatment ordered for you by your doctor), injections techniques taught and medications discussed.
• Patient liaison administration session to explain the costs associated with your treatment, payment plan options, estimated Medicare rebates, and the role of private health care insurance.

2.  Treatment cycle costs (upon commencement of Treatment)

The costs associated with fertility treatment, as outlined below, should be regarded as estimates only, as your out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on your own individual circumstances. 

Melbourne IVF has introduced a new 50:50 payment plan to provide greater access to treatment.  This includes a part payment plan of two instalments to help make treatment more financially manageable.  Review more information on our payment plans or talk to our Patient Liaison Administration team on 03 9473 4444 about how you can access this plan for your treatment.

The figures quoted below are an example of the out of pocket costs for a couple who have already reached the Medicare Safety Net $1,126 threshold in the calendar year in which they are undertaking fertility treatment (i.e. 2010). 

 ** Your estimated out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the payment plan you choose at the time of commencing treatment.
 

IVF/ICSI TREATMENT – WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ABOVE CYCLE FEES (for Medicare card holders):

The following treatment cycle costs cover all aspects of treatment including:
• specialist/nursing consultations;
• ultrasound scans;
• blood tests;
• standard laboratory scientific techniques;
• ongoing supportive counselling (while on treatment);
• embryo transfer procedure
• pregnancy test and early pregnancy care support

IVF/ICSI TREATMENT – ADDITIONAL COSTS NOT INCLUDED IN ABOVE CYCLE FEES

Medication Costs:

There may be some additional costs for drugs not covered by medicare.  Allow up to $450 (costs may vary significantly between pharmacy to pharmacy).

Hospital Bed Fee & Anaesthetist Costs:

Hospital bed fee and anaesthetist costs associated with the egg collection procedure:
 

• Hospital bed fee – allow up to $980 (East Melbourne)
• Anaesthetist fee – fees to be quoted upon commencement of treatment

Private hospital insurance may cover some or all of the hospital bed and operating fees. You are required to present your fund membership details upon admission to hospital for your procedure. We advise patients to contact their private health fund to ascertain the amount they are required to pay. A Medicare rebate will apply to anaesthetists’ charges, as may private health funds.

 3.  Additional Services 

Referrals

It is necessary to have a current referral in order to be able to claim the Medicare rebate. This can be obtained from your GP (valid for 12 months) or specialist gynaecologist/obstetrician (valid 3 months).