Frequently Asked Questions¶
❓ FAQ Overview¶
This section compiles the most frequently asked questions received by the Call Center and provides standard answers to ensure consistent and accurate information service.
💰 Cost-Related Questions¶
Q1: What's the approximate cost of IVF?¶
Standard Answer:
"IVF costs vary based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
Our single IVF cycle packages range from $13,800 to $18,300,
plus medication costs of $3,000-$6,000.
The exact cost depends on factors like:
• Whether you need PGT genetic testing
• Your medication requirements
• Any additional medical needs
I'd recommend scheduling a consultation where our doctors can
provide you with a personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing."
Q2: Does insurance cover fertility treatment costs?¶
Standard Answer:
"Insurance coverage varies by plan, but many insurance plans in
California do cover fertility treatments. We have dedicated insurance
specialists who can:
• Verify your specific coverage
• Help maximize your benefits
• Assist with prior authorizations
• Explain out-of-pocket costs
I can schedule you for a complimentary insurance consultation to
review your specific benefits."
Q3: Are there payment plans or financing options available?¶
Standard Answer:
"Yes, we offer several payment options to help patients:
Payment options include:
• Medical financing loans through partner institutions
• Payment plans for qualified patients
• FSA/HSA health savings accounts
• Credit card payments
Our financial counselors can explain all options in detail and help
you find the best payment solution for your situation. This way you
can focus on treatment without worrying about upfront payment stress."
🏥 Treatment-Related Questions¶
Q4: What are the IVF success rates?¶
Standard Answer:
"Success rates depend on many individual factors including age,
diagnosis, and treatment history. Our success rates consistently
meet or exceed national averages.
Key factors that affect success rates include:
• Female age (most important factor)
• Ovarian reserve
• Sperm quality
• Uterine condition
• Previous treatment history
During your consultation, our doctors will provide you with
personalized success rate information based on your specific
situation, which is more meaningful than general statistics."
Q5: How long does IVF treatment take?¶
Standard Answer:
"A single IVF cycle typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete, including these stages:
Treatment timeline:
• Pre-cycle testing: 1-2 weeks
• Ovarian stimulation: 10-12 days
• Egg retrieval: 1 day
• Laboratory cultivation: 5-6 days
• Embryo transfer: 1 day
• Waiting for pregnancy test: 2 weeks
If you choose PGT genetic testing, it may require an additional 1-2 weeks.
Everyone responds differently, and some patients may need medication
adjustments or extended timing for certain phases.
Your doctor will create a detailed treatment timeline for you."
Q6: How much time off work will I need?¶
Standard Answer:
"Most patients can maintain their normal work schedule, only needing
time off for appointments:
Appointment scheduling:
• Monitoring appointments: 30-60 minutes each, about 5-7 times during treatment
• Egg retrieval: Half day (recommend resting that day)
• Embryo transfer: 2-3 hours (can return to work same day)
• Pregnancy blood test: 15 minutes
We offer early morning appointments starting at 7:30 AM for working
patients. Most monitoring can be scheduled before work hours.
We'll work around your schedule as much as possible."
🔬 Medical Procedure Questions¶
Q7: Is egg retrieval painful?¶
Standard Answer:
"Egg retrieval is performed under mild anesthesia, so you won't feel
pain during the procedure.
Procedure details:
• Procedure time: 15-30 minutes
• Anesthesia type: IV sedation
• Recovery time: 1-2 hours post-procedure observation
• Post-procedure feeling: Mild bloating, similar to menstrual cramps
Most patients can resume normal activities the same day. We provide
detailed post-operative care instructions, including pain management
and precautions. Our experienced medical team ensures your comfort and safety."
Q8: Do I need bed rest after embryo transfer?¶
Standard Answer:
"No extended bed rest is needed. You can resume normal activities after transfer.
Post-transfer recommendations:
• Transfer day: Avoid strenuous exercise
• 24-48 hours: Normal daily activities are fine
• Avoid: Heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, saunas
• OK to: Work, drive, light exercise
Research shows normal activity doesn't affect embryo implantation.
Maintaining a relaxed mindset and normal life rhythm is more helpful
for success rates. We'll provide detailed post-transfer care instructions."
⏰ Appointments & Scheduling¶
Q9: How soon can I start treatment?¶
Standard Answer:
"The timing to start treatment depends on your test results and menstrual cycle:
General timeline:
• Initial consultation: Usually within 1-2 weeks
• Complete testing: 2-4 weeks (depending on tests needed)
• Start treatment: Next menstrual cycle after testing is complete
If you have recent test results, we may be able to start sooner.
We also provide expedited scheduling for patients who need urgent treatment.
When would you like to start? I can check our earliest available appointments."
Q10: Can I choose my doctor?¶
Standard Answer:
"Absolutely. We have several experienced reproductive endocrinology specialists:
Our medical team:
• Dr. Khorram: Director of Reproductive Endocrinology, 30+ years experience
• Dr. Lin: Reproductive medicine specialist, expert in complex cases
• Dr. Xie Yufen: Bilingual Chinese-English, preferred by Asian patients
Each doctor has extensive fertility treatment experience. You can review
doctor profiles and choose the physician you feel most comfortable with.
We can also recommend the most suitable doctor based on your specific situation.
Do you have any particular preferences?"
🌍 Language & Service Questions¶
Q11: Do you offer Chinese language services?¶
Standard Answer:
"Yes, we provide comprehensive Chinese language services:
Chinese services include:
• Bilingual Chinese-English doctors and nurses
• Chinese translation services
• Chinese versions of educational materials and forms
• Chinese customer service support
Dr. Xie Yufen is our bilingual Chinese-English specialist with an excellent
reputation in the Asian community. We understand the importance of
language communication and ensure you fully understand every aspect
of the treatment process.
Would you like to arrange Chinese language services?"
Q12: The clinic is far from my home, any suggestions?¶
Standard Answer:
"We understand distance can be a consideration, and we offer several
convenience measures:
Remote patient services:
• Early morning appointments (starting at 7:30 AM)
• Clustered appointment scheduling to reduce travel frequency
• Remote consultation services (some appointments via phone/video)
• Assistance arranging nearby laboratory tests
• Detailed directions and transportation suggestions
Many patients travel from distant areas for treatment with us, and
we'll make your travel as efficient as possible. I can help you plan
the optimal appointment scheduling."
🔬 Testing & Preparation Questions¶
Q13: What should I bring to my first appointment?¶
Standard Answer:
"Please bring the following to your first appointment:
Required documents:
• Government-issued photo ID
• Insurance cards (all relevant insurance)
• Previous medical records (if you have fertility-related tests)
• Current medication list
• Partner's ID (if attending together)
Information to prepare:
• Menstrual cycle information
• Length of time trying to conceive
• Previous pregnancy history
• Family medical history
We will email you a detailed preparation checklist and forms to complete in advance."
Q14: What tests does the male partner need?¶
Standard Answer:
"Male partner basic testing includes:
Basic tests:
• Semen analysis ($150)
• Infectious disease screening
• Blood type and basic blood work
Semen analysis requirements:
• Abstinence for 2-5 days required
• Can be collected at clinic or at home
• Results typically available in 24-48 hours
Depending on initial results, may need:
• Hormone testing
• Genetic testing
• Urology consultation
Approximately 40% of fertility issues involve male factors, so male testing is equally important."
💊 Medication-Related Questions¶
Q15: Do fertility medications have side effects?¶
Standard Answer:
"Most patients tolerate fertility medications well, with side effects typically mild and temporary:
Common side effects:
• Mild bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings
• Mild redness/swelling at injection sites
• Mild headaches
Serious side effects are rare, but we monitor closely:
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
• Severe allergic reactions
Our nursing team will teach you proper injection techniques, monitor your response,
and answer your questions at any time. Most patients find side effects are milder than expected."
📞 Contact & Follow-up Questions¶
Q16: What if I have an emergency during treatment?¶
Standard Answer:
"We provide 24/7 emergency contact services:
Emergency contact methods:
• Business hours: Call directly 424-212-4087
• After hours: Through our emergency hotline
• Serious emergencies: Go to emergency room immediately
Common emergency situations:
• Severe abdominal pain or bleeding
• Severe medication reactions
• Post-surgical complications
• Pregnancy-related emergencies
Our medical team is always ready to provide support. You will never
feel alone or helpless during treatment."
Q17: What can be done if treatment fails?¶
Standard Answer:
"If the first treatment is unsuccessful, we will comprehensively analyze the reasons and adjust strategy:
Follow-up options:
• Analyze failure reasons
• Adjust treatment protocol
• Consider different medication protocols
• Evaluate if additional testing is needed
• Discuss other treatment options
Our doctors will discuss in detail with you:
• Why this cycle was unsuccessful
• How to improve success rates next time
• Timing and psychological preparation
• Financial considerations and support resources
Many patients require multiple attempts to succeed. We will support you
continuously until you achieve your fertility dreams."
FAQ Usage Guidelines
Keep Updated - Regularly update FAQ content based on actual consultation situations
Personalized Answers - Based on standard answers, adjust according to specific patient situations
Detailed Records - Record special questions patients ask to facilitate FAQ updates
Handoff Timing - Complex questions involving medical advice should be transferred to medical personnel promptly
Last updated: August 7, 2024 | Based on actual Call Center consultation records