ECO-IVF, a division of the Center for Human Reproduction (CHR), offers a unique approach to fertility care by implementing different practice patterns and clinical protocols. This initiative is designed to create a more affordable IVF option for individuals and couples who may not be able to afford standard IVF treatments offered by CHR and other programs. By adjusting aspects such as staffing, medication use, and supply costs—which can account for up to one-third of total cycle expenses—ECO-IVF aims to reduce the overall cost of IVF cycles, passing those savings on to patients.
ECO-IVF is an example of a low-intensity IVF program, sometimes referred to as "mini-IVF," "patient-friendly IVF," or "natural IVF." These types of programs have grown in popularity in recent years, though their effectiveness and overall cost compared to standard IVF programs have yet to be fully investigated. As a result, it remains unclear how low-intensity IVF options compare to traditional IVF in terms of pregnancy success rates and total expenses.
Dr. Gleicher, explains the EcoIVF program at the CHR and about whether or not you may be a candidate for this procedure.
When CHR first launched ECO-IVF, we informed patients that outcomes would be closely monitored as part of CHR’s Continuous Quality Improvement Program. Initially, the program was offered only to younger women (up to age 38) with normal ovarian function for their age. After accumulating a significant number of cases, we compared IVF outcomes and costs between ECO-IVF and regular IVF, revealing the following:
ECO-IVF modifies the standard IVF approach by using clomiphene citrate (Clomid) for initial ovarian stimulation, combined later with low doses of gonadotropins. This reduces medication risks, such as ovarian hyperstimulation, allowing for fewer monitoring visits. Unlike routine IVF, egg retrieval in ECO-IVF may not require intravenous sedation due to the smaller number of eggs retrieved, though patients can opt for sedation at an additional fee of $300. ECO-IVF does not accept insurance assignments but provides a receipt for the cycle fee paid. No additional receipts are issued, and CHR cannot guarantee any insurance reimbursements.
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