Welcome to FSMG
A Treatment Guide to a New Beginning
This page provides you with an overview of our program, including how to get started. Review the list below and click each to read a summary of each step. We look forward to meeting you and working with you to achieve your goals. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns at 858.505.5500.
- Read how to get started with us
- Make sure we get your medical records
- Here’s what to expect during your initial consultation visit
- If you need to request a referral from your primary care physician
- Discover your options for paying for treatment
- Many patients require follow-up visits
- Testing for a diagnosis helps us develop a treatment plan
Getting Started
Just as there are many factors that can cause infertility, there are also many factors that can affect your chances for successful infertility treatment.
At FSMG, the potential parents become an important part of the treatment team. We rely on you to provide us with complete and accurate information about your medical history and to communicate openly with us while you are in our care. That is why we strongly encourage both partners to attend the initial consultation. Expect it to last approximately two hours. You should also plan on bringing medical records of any previous diagnostic testing or treatment you may have had. These records are extremely helpful to our physicians.
To make your first visit with us as successful as possible, we ask that you complete all paperwork ahead of time and bring with you:
- Completed pre-consult questionnaire for a new female patient (in English or en español).
- Completed pre-consult questionnaire for a new male patient (in English or en español).
- All your previous medical records, unless you have mailed them ahead of time
Medical Records
A significant part of the initial consult is reviewing your previous medical records. We must have your records prior to your first appointment. Remember that it can take several weeks to obtain records; therefore, we recommend that you keep a copy of your pertinent records for yourself. You must submit separate requests for male and female patient records from your respective physicians. If you have requested records be transferred directly to our office, please telephone us one (1) week prior to your appointment to verify that we have received your medical records.
- Click here to download the Medical Records Release Form
Important: Complete and send this form to your physicians so they send FSMG your medical records before your first appointment.
Initial Consult Appointment
Fertility concerns are best resolved in a consultation with both partners, so we recommend that both you and your partner/spouse attend the initial consultation. You will meet with one of our physicians and then with a financial counselor. At these meetings, you will be supplied with a wealth of information, and there will be plenty of opportunity to have all your questions answered. At this time, medical testing may be scheduled. The initial consultation typically takes between 1½–2 hours, depending upon your clinical circumstances. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and individualized assessment to help you make the decisions that will help you obtain your reproductive goals.
During your consultation with a physician, we will review your history, medical records, tests results, and surgical reports. We may also perform a complete physical examination, including a detailed ultrasound of your pelvis and other routine screening tests. In many cases, however, we have to wait for the correct time in your cycle before we can perform some of these tests. Some couples who have brought all of their previous records, operative reports, and radiology films might be ready to initiate treatment after their first visit. But for couples who need additional testing, a follow-up visit to review the results and set up a plan of care will be needed once testing is completed. These tests can usually be completed within four weeks or one menstrual cycle.
We strive to provide complete and accurate information to you at all times. Please feel free to prepare a list of questions regarding both your clinical care and financial issues prior to your first visit.
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Referrals
If your insurance plan requires you to have a referral, it is your responsibility to ensure that the authorization process is completed prior to your initial visit. Following your initial visit, all follow-up authorizations will be handled by our office.
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Payment
The majority of patients have some insurance coverage for consultations, initial testing, laboratory fees, and for infertility diagnosis. It is your responsibility to know what your insurance does or does not cover, and ultimately, you are financially responsible for all charges. Our staff will assist you in verifying your benefits and will file insurance claims for covered charges to those HMO/PPO plans with which we are contracted providers. Please provide a copy of your benefit book to us at your first visit. For your protection, request that any information you receive from an insurance company be in writing, and always keep a record of the name of the person you spoke with.
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Follow-up Visits
After your initial consultation with one of our skilled physicians, you will be scheduled for a return visit to assess the findings from your initial testing. This important appointment enables you, your partner, and your physician to determine your treatment plan and provide valuable information on treatment options to assist you in an educated assessment of your reproductive goals.
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