Page 14 - PR Mag Aug19

HAVING A BABY IS NOW

Reach

WITHIN EVERYONE’S

The first bulk-billing
IVF practice on Brisbane’s

North-side opens at
North Lakes

Northside couples struggling to fall of excess embryos, they are offering Report 2016’* (released in late 2018).
pregnant can now access significant complimentary storage fees for the first The report also found the average age
savings on IVF services at a new bulk- 12 months. of women undergoing ART treatment
billing IVF clinic that has opened in There are no out-of-pocket expenses for in Australia was 35.8 years, with the
North Lakes. a fully-stimulated IVF cycle at First Step exception of those using donor eggs
First Step Fertility – Brisbane Northside’s Fertility. The only areas of treatment or embryos where it was 40.4 years
first non-means tested bulk-billing IVF that do carry an out-of-pocket charge, old. Approximately, one in four (24.5%)
clinic - allows patients to take control of include day surgery costs ($900), non-PBS women who underwent an autologous
their fertility while minimising the financial medication costs (approx. $250), frozen cycle (own egg or embryo) in 2016 were
stress and burden often associated embryo transfers, and some pathology aged 40 or older.
with IVF. tests (blood tests are bulk-billed *https://www.fertilitysociety.com.au/
Dr Andy Stamatiou said First Step where possible). **https://npesu.unsw.edu.au/surveillance/
Fertility North Lakes patients will see The new clinic said they are committed assisted-reproductive-technology-australia-
highly experienced and qualified fertility to being open and transparent with and-new-zealand-2016
specialists and nurses, and can access a their patients. About First Step Fertility
choice of IVF treatments. “At every stage of the process, we will keep
“The clinic meets a growing demand in the patients totally informed about what to First Step Fertility is a bulk-billing IVF
market that wants a more affordable IVF expect, without the fear of hidden fees,” service provider focusing on bringing
solution but still with a highly professional said Dr Stamatiou. people’s dreams of parenthood
within financial reach. By bulk-billing
service and caring team, and this is According to the Fertility Society of patients, it reduces the financial strain
what First Step Fertility will offer,” said Australia, one in six couples in Australia that people may have experienced
Dr Stamatiou. has infertility issues and the cause is otherwise. First Step Fertility has
First Step Fertility offers two types of IVF shared equally among men and women. highly experienced and qualified
treatments - In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and In the vast majority of cases a physical fertility specialists and nurses, and is
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). issue can be diagnosed, and many can be fully accredited by the Fertility Society
To access the service, patients must hold successfully treated with medical/surgical of Australia.
a Medicare card in order to be bulk-billed techniques or lifestyle changes.* For more information about First Step
for their treatment, however there will be Latest figures state there were 74,357 Fertility visit www.firststepfertility.
no financial means testing, unlike other Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) com.au or call 1800 111 373. The clinic
bulk-billing IVF service providers. cycles reported in Australian clinics in is located at Suite E11 Westfield North
First Step Fertility will not charge a 2016 representing a 4.0% increase on 2015, Lakes, Cnr Anzac Avenue and North
registration fee for standard IVF services according to ‘The Assisted Reproductive Lakes Drive, North Lakes.
and if an IVF cycle results in a number Technology in Australia and New Zealand