Logistics of seeing an RE

[Anonymous]

I am 38 and having Trouble conceiving and would like to see an RE. What does that process typically look like? Do I need to see my OB/GYN first for a referral? Does it typically take a long time to get an appointment? If anyone has an RE they strongly recommend in downtown or Northwest DC, I would appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

If your insurance doesn't require you to get a referral then you can directly make an appointment with an RE. I went to Dr. Jeanne O'Brien at Shady Grove Fertility in Rockville, but they also have an office in DC.

[Anonymous]

Agreed if your insurance allows it go directly to RE. I would not limit yourself to those geographic areas. Definitely meet with several clinics.

[Anonymous]

For downtown, I strongly recommend Dr Humm at GW. I made an appointment without a formal referral although I got her name from my PCP. If only took a couple weeks to get a consult with her.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all! What can I expect from the first appointment? I'm not entirely sure what an RE does, but seeing one is often recommended on this board!

[Anonymous]

Second Dr. Humm -- I really felt like her approach (lay out the current thinking on any given issue, make a recommendation based on your specific factors, set forth other options that she considered reasonable as well) empowered me to make my own decisions.

[Anonymous]

They will give you a to do list. It will include an HSG (don’t read about it, it’s not that bad) and semen analysis plus a lot of blood work. Your on can give you a script for the hsg if you want to get the ball rolling on that. How long have you been trying?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all! What can I expect from the first appointment? I'm not entirely sure what an RE does, but seeing one is often recommended on this board!

The first appt is short. They give you an overview of the process, options, beginning steps.