There are three types of IVF practices in the US: corporate-owned, university hospital affiliated, and independent, doctor-owned.
The majority of clinics belong to corporate networks such as First Fertility or IVI. A handful of IVF practices are within teaching hospitals, such as Massachusetts General Hospital. Just a few doctor-owned independent practices remain in operation, as most have been absorbed into the conglomerates. Finding a surrogate mother or pursuing egg donation can be a life-changing decision, and choosing the right clinic is a crucial step in this journey. Excellent care is offered by all types of clinics, but knowing these differences can help you decide which clinic is best for you.
Types of IVF Clinics: Which One is Right for You?
Corporate-Owned IVF Practices
Corporate-owned practices exist for profit, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, as profit is often a result of success. These clinics typically have a team of doctors with a head doctor supervising, providing consistency in policies and protocols. Each doctor has his or her own support staff. In a teaching hospital, the team is typically smaller, as are the support and administrative staffs. For independent practices, the staffing structure is up to the doctor’s own priorities and preferences.
For the corporate practices especially, success statistics (publicly accessible on SART.org) are the main tool for attracting patients. Some of their policies may be in place to keep success rates high, such as lower age limits for intended parents,
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