October 24
,
2012
by: ASRM Office of Public Affairs
Published in ASRM Press Release
Note: All information is embargoed until the time of presentation at the meeting, unless otherwise indicated.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 68th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE
Embargoed for Release: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – 4:30 PM Pacific Daylight TimeInfertility Insurance Coverage Leads to More Births, Can Ease Health Disparities
San Diego, CA - Two studies done at Washington University in St. Louis and presented to the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine show the impact that having health insurance coverage for infertility can make.
The first study compared patients whose health insurance included coverage for infertility with those without insurance coverage for their disease. Tracking medical and billing records of over 1000 patients, the investigators found that patients with insurance coverage were able to seek IVF earlier and ultimately have more children than women lacking such coverage.
The second study sought to explore the relationship between insurance, race and outcomes. Again reviewing medical and billing records from over 1000 women they found that insurance coverage increases access to infertility treatments and with that improved coverage, African American women were able to achieve similar pregnancy rates to women of other races.
"These studies point out the vital role insurance coverage for infertility can play. As with other diseases, patients with insurance get treated faster, and have better outcomes than those without. It is time that health insurance companies end their discrimination against the infertile, said Glenn Schattman, MD, President of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
O-326 Associations Between In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Insurance Coverage and Cumulative Number of Children
E. S. Jungheim et alO-329 IVF Insurance Coverage Influences Fertility Treatment and Decision-Making for African-American Women
K.O. Omurtag et al
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, founded in 1944, is an organization of more than 7,000 physicians, researchers, nurses, technicians and other professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in reproductive biology. Affiliated societies include the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons and the Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists.
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