Professional Events

How to Refer

Best practice for patients; a timely referral

  Many factors influence a positive outcome from fertility treatment. This includes referring physicians who play an important role in increasing their patients’ potential for success. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that OB-GYNs and PCPs discuss fertility issues and treatment facility options with patients. ASRM also asserts that a timely referral to a reproductive specialist can contribute to outcome. In its “Guidelines for the Provision of Infertility Services” the Practice Committee of ASRM emphasizes that, “It is imperative that OB-GYN physicians discuss infertility concerns with their patients in a timely manner in order to optimize their patients’ ability to conceive….It is clear that any significant delay in referral to specialist care could result in a couple never becoming pregnant.”

It is recommended that patients under the age of 35 should consult a reproductive endocrinologist after a year of trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant.  Women who are 35 years and older should seek fertility advice after six months, and women who are 40 years and older should consider consulting a specialist for evaluation if unable to conceive on their own after three months.

How to Refer

Your patients have already waited a long time to become pregnant.  The Reproductive Science Center of New England (RSC) wants to make their intake for fertility treatment efficient so they can get started as quickly as possible.

• Patients can request an appointment online or by call ing Centralized Scheduling at RSC at (781) 674-1587.
• When the patient has an appointment date scheduled with RSC, they need to receive a referral from their Primary Care Physician.  
• Physician offices should send medical records to RSC after being notified by the patient that an appointment has been scheduled.
• When treatment is completed at RSC, a copy of relevant medical records are sent directly to the patient, who can then convey them to her obstetrician.

The Reproductive Science Center has ten offices in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, conveniently located for your patients.

Clinical Preceptorship for Physicians and Their Staffs

If you, your Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Registered Nurse are interested in learning about the specifics of fertility treatment, you may attend one of RSC's clinical preceptorships.