--- title: "Fertility support services | Sutter Health" description: "Learn more about our services in Northern California and how we partner with you to create personalized care." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/fertility-support-services" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Patient resources](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources) / 3. Fertility support services ![couple-holding-hands-in-doctor-office](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/couples/couple-holding-hands-in-doctor-office.jpg?h=700&iar=0&w=1600) # Fertility support services When you’re seeking help for infertility, the decisions and emotions can seem overwhelming. Sutter’s fertility physicians and clinics take a comprehensive approach to fertility treatment. We offer programs, classes and services that provide vital information and relieve emotional and physical distress to enhance your total well-being, mind and body. ![couple-holding-hands-in-doctor-office](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/couples/couple-holding-hands-in-doctor-office.jpg?h=700&iar=0&w=1600) ### Complementary medicine Sutter's [Institute of Health and Healing](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/institute-for-health-healing) offers alternative medicine options, including acupuncture, nutrition counseling and integrative medicine, designed to promote mind-body wellness for fertility. These services complement the latest advances in fertility treatments. You and your doctor can look at all the options and make the choices that best meet your situation and preferences. ### Fertility counseling Many fertility patients find themselves facing emotions like stress, depression or anger that interfere with their treatment and goals for a healthy pregnancy. Talking with a trained, professional counselor can help. Our Sutter fertility clinics partner with counselors in the community who specialize in fertility issues. ### Fertility support groups Having a sense that you’re not the only one dealing with infertility can prove profoundly helpful and comforting. Our clinics offer regular support groups, or we can help you find one run by reputable fertility support organizations such as RESOLVE. These groups provide a supportive, encouraging and safe context for members to discuss issues related to infertility as well as fertility treatment. ### Special lectures and classes Studies have shown stress reduction techniques not only decrease symptoms of psychological distress for fertility patients but also increase pregnancy rates. Because of this research, we offer mindfulness-based stress reduction classes for anyone struggling with fertility issues, led by experienced mindfulness teachers and fertility counselors. Doctors and support staff also offer frequent lectures and classes on a wide range of topics, from how to discuss fertility treatment with family members to third-party-reproduction options. These educational opportunities can help you feel more equipped and informed as you move forward with fertility treatment. Appointment information If you’re starting your journey to address fertility challenges, we’re excited to meet with you. We offer general appointments and new patient consultations during our normal office hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. We schedule appointments on weekends and holidays for emergencies and time-sensitive patient care. Our services are by appointment only so we can provide the best service for you. To make appointments, please call [800-597-2234](tel:+1-800-597-2234) or [use our online form](https://feedback.sutterhealth.org/f/153799/7ed9/). **New Patient appointments** Your first appointment, often called the New Patient Consultation, typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. During this consultation, you will meet with your doctor to review your medical and fertility history, discuss your probable causes of infertility and leave with an understanding of the most promising treatment options and likelihood of success. Typical next steps include appointments for a Pre-Treatment Assessment and a Financial Consultation (to explain the fees related to your treatment options). If additional tests are required before a course of treatment can be decided, you will receive instructions for those at your New Patient Consultation or Pre-Treatment Assessment. Our dedicated New Patient Coordinators can answer any questions you may have about visiting our practice and explain the forms and other information you will need to provide in advance of your first appointment. This information will provide your doctor with important details that are relevant to your reproductive care. **New patient forms** We understand the sensitive nature of your visit and respect your time and privacy. For these reasons, we ask that you complete the Patient Registration Form and Female or Male Health Questionnaires at least one week prior to your first appointment. Forms can be obtained from our New Patient Coordinators by calling [800-597-2234](tel:800-597-2234), option 1. When completed forms can be emailed to [PAMFFERTILITYNPC@Sutterhealth.org](mailto:PAMFFERTILITYNPC@Sutterhealth.org), faxed to [408-355-1754](), or dropped off at any of our office sites. - [Letter to New Patients (PDF)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/-/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/files/patientresources/your-visit/new-fertility-patient-letter-pamf.pdf) If you’re not able to forward the paperwork in time for it to reach us before your appointment, please bring the information with you and arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment time so we can prepare your chart. We respectfully ask that you do not bring children with you to your appointment so that our clinicians can give you and your concerns our undivided attention. **New patient authorization** Insurance usually covers the fee for your New Patient Consultation appointment. Prior to your visit, a member of our financial navigator team will contact you to provide information about your specific insurance coverage and fertility benefits, or to discuss alternative payment options. If you are part of an HMO plan, you must obtain prior authorization in order for your New Patient Consultation to be considered for reimbursement by your insurance plan. Without prior authorization, your HMO may reduce your benefits significantly. To obtain prior authorization, follow these steps: - Contact the primary care doctor (PCP) or OB/Gyn listed on your insurance and request an authorization. - The doctor will review your chart and contact the medical group to request a letter of authorization on your behalf. - The letter is typically mailed to the patient (sometimes a fax is possible). - Please note it can take up to 72 hours to get approval. **Prepare for treatment** Infertility can be both physically and emotionally challenging, but certain strategies will help you with your treatment. It is important to understand as much as possible about your treatment options and to be well-informed about the procedures. We encourage you to write down your questions and discuss them with your nurse or doctor during your visits. Our goal is to help you realize your dream of having a healthy child. We will make every effort to make your treatment as comfortable, safe and successful as possible. Financial information As part of our commitment to help you throughout your fertility treatment, our dedicated, friendly financial and insurance specialists provide you with pertinent information and support. **Expert assistance to help you understand costs and coverage** At PAMF Fertility, you will have a personal financial navigator who will be pleased to address your questions on insurance coverage, obtaining maximum benefits, treatment fees, and out-of-pocket expenses. While it’s your responsibility to fully understand your insurance coverage, we will do our best to provide you with accurate, timely information. Your financial navigator will give you specific information about your coverage, help you understand any requirements you may have in order to maximize your insurance benefits, explain the fees related to your treatment plan, and provide estimates of what you may expect to pay out-of-pocket. Your navigator can also help you identify alternatives for making treatment as affordable as possible and for managing treatment costs. Call [800-597-2234](tel:+1-800-597-2234) to connect with a fertility financial navigator Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, option 4 followed by option 1. For billing inquiries, call [800-597-2234,](tel:+1-800-597-2234,) option 4 followed by option 2. **Financial options** If you have insurance, there is a good possibility you’ll have coverage for at least some portion of your fertility treatment or diagnostics, whether in-network or out of network. If you do not wish to use insurance to pay for treatment, there are treatment packages for many of our services that include a discount on the bundled services. **Uninsured payment option** Lack of insurance coverage should not be a barrier to fertility care. PAMF offers a 20 percent uninsured self-pay discount. This can significantly lower your cost if you do not have insurance, or, if your health insurance does not cover infertility services. Some conditions apply. Discount applies to all services that are not covered by insurance. Payment must be made in full at the time of service when the discount is applied. **Contracted insurance carriers and medical group affiliations** PAMF Fertility is contracted with a wide variety of insurance providers. Please visit our [Health Plans](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health-plan) page to see the latest list of insurance plans accepted by PAMF Fertility Physicians of Northern California. **Pre-authorizations** Many insurance companies now require patients to register with their fertility program in order to qualify for fertility benefits. Check with your health insurer to see if it requires registration in a special fertility program. Members of HMO plans must obtain prior authorization for fertility services in order for those services to be considered for reimbursement by your insurance plan. Without prior authorization, your HMO may hold you financially responsible. , To obtain prior authorization follow these steps: - Contact the primary care doctor (PCP) or ob/gyn listed on your insurance and request an authorization. - The doctor will review your chart and contact the medical group to request a letter of authorization on your behalf. - The letter is typically mailed to you (sometimes a fax or email is possible). - Please note it can take up to 72 hours to get approval. **Know Your insurance coverage** Each insurance company covers infertility differently. Some insurance companies do not cover all fertility services or have requirements that must be met before benefits are eligible. For example, your insurer may consider infertility to be 12 months of attempted conception. Contact your insurance company to learn about your fertility benefits. **Insurance questions to consider before treatment** Before visiting a fertility specialist or having a treatment cycle, please have the following information: - The name of your insurer. - Your policy identification number and your group number. - The insurance company’s phone and fax numbers. - The insurance company’s e-mail address and website. **NOTE**: Communicate with your insurance company in writing so you have documentation if any claim disputes arise. You should contact your insurer in writing and request a written determination of your exact coverage amount prior to receiving any procedure. Your insurer may require you to obtain commitment of coverage for a specific medical service before you start treatment, called preauthorization or predetermination. When writing a letter to your insurer, include the following: - Group and ID numbers (patient insurance identification number). - Name of treatment(s) and/or medication(s). - Reason for needing the procedure/treatment/medication. Below are insurance questions that you should consider before seeking treatment. - What type of coverage is listed? - Which procedures require preauthorization? Does preauthorization need to be done for each cycle of treatment and how long does it take to get? - Will the treatment or procedure be covered under my current coverage or under my major medical portion? - Are there any limitations to my fertility coverage? - What is my maximum benefit? Is the maximum dollar benefit lifetime or annual? Some policies have limits on the age of the female patient or the number of months of treatment. - Are any portions of my charges covered for prescription medication, laboratory tests or ultrasounds leading up to the intrauterine insemination? - Are there restrictions on the type of healthcare provider who can perform infertility services? - Is there a co-payment for medical services? Also examine your insurer’s prescription drug plan because fertility medications are often costly. It is important to understand your drug benefits prior to starting any treatment. First, you should find out if you have drug coverage. Next, determine if fertility drugs are covered under your prescription plan. You may want to consider the questions below before starting fertility treatment. - Is there a co-payment for drug coverage? - Is prior authorization needed for these medications? - Does my plan cover self-administered subcutaneous (under the skin) or oral medications? Are there discounts for mail-order medications? - Are any of the drugs on the prescription formulary and therefore covered? ## Sutter Health fertility services [Learn more](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/fertility) [Egg donors](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/fertility-support-services/egg-donation-process) ## Related articles Health & wellness ### [How to Cope With Infertility Treatment](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/how-to-cope-with-infertility-treatment) Practice mindfulness to help navigate the stress of infertility treatments. Health & wellness ### [How to prepare for pregnancy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/how-to-prepare-for-pregnancy) Learn how to prepare your body for pregnancy, including what to do before trying to get pregnant and healthy habits that may support fertility. Health & wellness ### [8 Ways to Boost Men's Fertility](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/8-ways-to-boost-mens-fertility) Make healthy choices now to increase your odds of becoming a dad. ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"Fertility support services | Sutter Health","description":"Learn more about our services in Northern California and how we partner with you to create personalized care.","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/fertility-support-services","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/fertility-support-services#breadcrumblist"}} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/fertility-support-services#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Patient resources","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Fertility support services"}]} ```