• jane
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  • Registered: 16th-Mar-2011
  • Posts: 5

Topic: New to the forum

Hi, Iolanda,

I am new to this. Found this site is quite useful. I am 41 and my partner is the same age. I immigrated to australia two years. Now we want to have a child when there is still a possibility. After reading through the webpages and the forum, I personally may go for concept or hollywood fertility center.

I had two miscarriage years ago. He has low sperm count. Now with my partner working away for 8 days plus my age, we do not have much chance to conceive. That is why I want to catch up with the time with IVF.

We are not married but live together for 1 and half year. are we legible for the IVF and claim for medicare( I am a Permanent resident)?
How long will it take us to get an appointment?

Cheers.

2 Reply by iolanda (edited by iolanda 16th-Mar-2011 22:09:03)

  • Registered: 9th-Oct-2009
  • Posts: 64

Re: New to the forum

Hi Jane,

You do not need to be married to be eligible for IVF treatment but according to the HRT Act (1991) you do need to be considered as being in a defacto relationship. If you have a medicare card then you are essentially eligible for medicare funded fertility treatment. Should you have any concerns about funded access Medicare Australia can assist you.

Re: waiting times to get an appointment. It varies from clinic to clinic. I know at Concept Fertility Centre that Dr. Rob Mazzucchelli and Dr. Anne Jequier have the shortest waitling lists but I will explore the specifics and get back to you.

Regards
Iolanda

  • jane
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  • Registered: 16th-Mar-2011
  • Posts: 5

Re: New to the forum

Hi, Iolanda,
Thanks for your prompt reply.

When I go to my GP for the referral, does she need to refer to a specialist with name or just general to concept ferlitity centre? You mentioned Dr Graeme Thompson as the doctor specially treating older age group women. Do you think I should ask my Gp to put his name on the letter?

Regards, Jane

  • jane
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Re: New to the forum

I am going for 5 weeks' holiday. However I will see my GP before I go and make an appointment for my partner and me when we come back. Hopefully I do not need to wait for more than 6 weeks.

  • Registered: 9th-Oct-2009
  • Posts: 64

Re: New to the forum

Hi Jane,

Yes Dr Thompson does see the "older" women but at 41 years, any Fertility Specialist at any clinic in Perth  would still see you.

The following clinics have advised me of the following waiting list times:

Concept Fertility Centre - Dr. Mazzucchelli or Dr Jequier have an approximate 2 weeks waiting list
Hollywood Fertility Centre - Assoc. Professor Lincoln Brett or Dr. Julia Barton have a 2 to 4 week waiting list
PIVET - Dr. Atef Saba has a 2 week waiting time
Fertility North - Has the longest waiting list of approx 6 weeks dependent upon the consultant

Note: These lists are current as of the 17/03/11 and naturally vary from week to week, clinic to clinic and across Fertility Specialists.

Iolanda