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New patient FAQ: What to expect at PCRM

The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) is the state-of-the-art fertility clinic located in the heart of downtown Edmonton. As a new clinic, we realize patients have a lot of questions about us. Today’s blog will address some of the most commonly asked questions we receive. We hope this will help you navigate your fertility journey.

How do I book an appointment?

Please have your physician – whether that’s your family doctor, local walk-in clinic, or specialist – fax a referral to our office. Once we receive your referral we will contact you directly to arrange your initial consultation.

What is the wait time to be seen in consultation?

At present, we are booking about 8 weeks in advance. We book consultations Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm.

Do I have to pay for my first consultation and follow-up appointments?

No. This is probably the most common misconception about attending a private fertility clinic. The great news is your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers your initial consultation and all regular follow-up appointments. Any appointments not covered by AHCIP will be reviewed with the patient at the time of scheduling.

What happens after I book my first appointment, what do I do next?

When our referral coordinator calls you to arrange your first consultation, she will confirm your personal information as well as send you a welcome letter as well as your patient portal information. You may also receive instructions to go for some blood work prior to your appointment. These tests can be done at your local DynaLIFE (or local laboratory in your area) and are covered by AHCIP. Please be sure to log in to your patient portal and complete the History Evaluation at least 48hrs before your appointment.

Where can I find more information about the physician I am scheduled to see?

If you would like more information about the physician you are scheduled to see, please visit our Team page here.

Where is the office? Is there parking?

The office is located on the 3rd floor at 9888 Jasper Avenue, on the corner of Jasper & 99 Street NW. There is lots of parking available in the area.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please be sure to bring two pieces of government-issued identification, such as your driver’s license and AHCIP card. If you’ve had previous treatment at another fertility clinic or have completed any recent lab tests that were not ordered by our office, please bring copies of those records with you to your consultation.

What can I expect at my first appointment?

During your first appointment, the physician will go over your recent lab tests and ask questions about your medical and reproductive history. This appointment is a great opportunity for you to ask any and all of your questions.

As each patient is unique, so is the approach to the next course of action. Depending on your circumstances, the doctor may recommend a specific type of treatment or suggest further testing. Our physicians will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for optimal results.

If I want to proceed with treatment right away, is there a long wait to get started?

Once we have all of your pre-treatment examinations and required lab tests on file, treatments can begin practically right away. Please consult with the PCRM team to ensure you are ready to proceed.

Are any fertility treatments or fertility medications covered by AHCIP?

At present, fertility treatments and fertility medications in Alberta are not covered by AHCIP. If you have extended medical, we recommend you check with your insurance carrier to find out what type of coverage you have.

Should you have any other questions before your initial consultation, please feel free to contact us at any time. We look forward to helping you reach your dreams.

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