Making the decision to meet with a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) is a big decision in itself.  You may have made this decision after struggling with infertility issues for some time. Or you simply would like to know your options for having children in the future. Either way, finding the best reproductive endocrinologist isn’t easy.  You want to make sure you choose the doctor who will provide the best outcomes. But how do you find the best one? Although the world of infertility is intimidating, finding the best reproductive endocrinologist comes down to a few things, asking the right questions and researching. Having gone through this, I am here to share What to Look for When Searching for a Reproductive Endocrinologist. 

Related: Trying to Conceive: When to Seek Help From a Fertility Specialist

While this medical professional can provide a lot of assistance and help you get on the right track to potentially conceiving a baby, it’s essential to choose the right reproductive endocrinologist that will meet your needs. It helps to know what to look for in one of these professionals beforehand.

As someone who has dealt with infertility, I'm sharing tips on what to look for when searching for a reproductive endocrinologist.

Check with Your Insurance Company

Your insurance matters. Before getting started, contact your health insurance company to determine if they offer fertility benefits. Some insurance companies do cover the cost of these visits, along with the different treatments you may undergo while dealing with infertility. 

Fertility treatments are expensive, even with insurance. It’s important to identify the reproductive endocrinologists that accept the health insurance you use. Alternatively, the RE’s office may have additional ways, such as financing and grants, to cover fertility treatment costs.

Research for Information on the Clinic

If you’re thinking about visiting with a specific RE, the best thing to do is get more information on the clinic where they work. You can easily find this information by searching the statistics of the clinic. In the past, I’ve used the statistics posted on the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). Additionally, I’ve found Facebook groups dedicated to women and couples struggling with infertility helpful, too. It helps to get a feel for what others have experienced while visiting the clinic. You wouldn’t want to go to a clinic where you feel unwelcome and don’t receive the treatment that you deserve. 

Please read the information that others have posted about what they experienced while at the clinic. If you see a lot of positive input from other people, it’s a good sign that the clinic provides a welcoming and comfortable experience to all. If the reviews are negative, you may want to stay clear of visiting that reproductive endocrinologist because the clinic itself doesn’t offer the kind of experience that you’d like to have while you’re there.

Read Reviews of the Reproductive Endocrinologist

Always read reviews on the reproductive endocrinologist you’re thinking about scheduling an appointment with to see what others say. When you’re dealing with fertility issues, you need to see someone who is understanding and helpful. You don’t want to visit a medical professional with a poor bedside manner. If you’re not feeling your best during visits, it will create a lot of stress around the situation, and that is the last thing you need when you’re already dealing with so much.

The reviews that others leave behind for the different RE clinics can tell you a lot about how they work with their patients and what their track record is like. You’re likely going to want to choose a clinic and fertility specialist that treats their patients well and has a proven track record, helping patients achieve great results. On the other hand, no one wants to visit a fertility specialist and have a bad experience because it makes the infertility journey even more of a struggle.

See How They React to Your Questions

You should be able to ask as many questions as you’d like. During your first consultation with the reproductive endocrinologist, ask questions to get a feel for the doctors and the clinic. Their responses will help you to see if you think they’re a good fit for you. If the doctor seems bothered by the number of questions you’re asking, you might not want to work with them.

Instead, you want to go to a reproductive endocrinologist who is passionate about what they do and looks forward to answering questions to provide some peace of mind to patients. You need to have the most enjoyable experience possible when dealing with reproductive issues. You want to find a medical professional who knows what you’re going through and is ready to help you get through it with a smile on their face.

What to Look for When Searching for a Reproductive Endocrinologist 

When you’re searching for a reproductive endocrinologist, there are several things you need to look for to ensure that you’re going to the right medical professional. First, check out their credentials and get details on the clinic they work in to see what others are saying. Read reviews for the specific doctor or clinic to get a feel for the experiences of others. Next, you want to make sure the person you visit for your reproductive health is someone who will make you feel at ease. Finally, ask questions and make sure they’re okay with answering them!