Midwest Fertility Center’s Frequently Asked Questions

Answers from Our Fertility Specialist Serving Chicago and Northwest Indiana

For couples trying to conceive, the first priority is getting basic facts about infertility and how to proceed with assisted reproduction. There are countless questions and emotions involved in moving forward with infertility testing and treatment. Dr. Amos Madanes, a leading fertility specialist serving Chicago and Northwest Indiana for more than 20 years, believes in providing as many answers as possible.

At Midwest Fertility Center, our staff is committed to assisting each patient with honesty and compassion. If you have more questions or concerns about the assisted reproduction process, please do not hesitate to contact us right away or join us for an Open House event.

What is MFC’s Surrogacy and IVF Program?

Below are the primary steps involved in our IVF Surrogacy Program.

Gestational carrier selection- A surrogate may be a family member, friend, or woman chosen through a surrogate agency.

Psychological counseling- All involved parties must participate in psychological counseling. A psychological clearance letter must be on file for each person involved before the cycle can begin.

Legal Matters- All necessary contracts must be created by your legal counsel. A legal clearance letter must be sent to our office prior to the start of the cycle.

Biological contributor- One intended parent must be a biological contributor to the gamete(egg or sperm). The surrogate cannot contribute her oocyte (egg). This tradtional form of surrogacy is not accepted at MFC.

Consultation with our physician- Both the surrogate and the intended parents must meet with a fertility doctor at MFC. Information concerning specific testing required for all parties wlll be given at this appointment.

To schedule an appointment, call (800) 244-0212.   

After our office has received all the appropriate clearance letters and test results, we will make arrangements to begin the medicaion for the IVF/Surrogate Cycle.

Please note: Our clinic does not do traditional surrogacy cases in which the surrogate is both an egg donor and a surrogate carrier for the infertile couple.

Will my insurance cover fertility treatments?
It all depends on your insurance plan. Office visits and any diagnostic tests are usually covered. Treatment, however, may not be covered unless you have fertility coverage. Our billing department can assist you with your insurance questions or concerns.

I am interested in a tubal ligation reversal. What do I need to do?
Schedule a consultation to discuss tubal ligation reversal with a fertility specialist at our Chicago or Northwest Indiana centers. It is recommended that you bring along a copy of the surgical note from the physician who performed your tubal ligation procedure. If a portion of your tubes were actually removed, a pathology report would be helpful. Please note: There must be three to four centimeters of fallopian tube present for reconstruction to be successful.

What is the cost for an initial consultation?
The fee for a female initial consultation is $250. The fee for a male initial consultation is $50.  If you have insurance, as a courtesy our billing department will call to verify your basic medical coverage. We will notify you before your first visit with a fertility specialist in Chicago or Northwest Indiana as to whether the initial consultation fee will be covered.

If your insurance does not cover fertility treatment, Midwest Fertility Center offers affordable self pay packages for cycles of treatment. Payment is required prior to the start of treatment. If you are interested in financing your treatments, we will be more than happy to refer you to a medical financing company.

What is a fertility specialist?
A fertility specialist is a gynecologist who after completing his or her training in obstetrics & gynecology, took an additional two to three years of approved subspecialty training in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Fertility specialists are not general gynecologists that have a special interest in infertility and simply treat many patients with fertility issues in their obstetrics and gynecologic practice. The reproductive endocrinologist usually does not practice obstetrics, and his/her practice is geared and focused on the patient with fertility problems.

What can I expect as a patient?
First, you and your partner will come in for an initial consultation with the physician to discuss your medical history. The physician will then recommend that you undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which may include various laboratory tests and procedures depending on your specific condition. Once the evaluation is complete, you will return for a consult to review the results of the evaluation and to consider the various assisted reproduction treatment options.

I am considering IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization). How much does it cost?
The procedure costs around $8,250. This fee includes all associated (e.g., monitoring, physician, laboratory, anesthesia, operating room). However, it does not cover the cost of medications or micromanipulation procedures. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist in the Chicago or Northwest Indiana area, please contact Midwest Fertility Center today.

When should I consider seeing a fertility specialist?
Under 35 years and have been trying to get pregnant for over 12 months. Over 35 and have been trying for 6 months. Over 40 and have been trying for 3 months. Now is the time to consult a Fertility Specialist.

After six to 12 months of unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a fertility specialist. If you are a woman older than 35, you should see a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility expert) after six months of unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant.

To learn more, call us at 800.244.0212