There are three types of IVF practices in the US: corporate-owned, university hospital affiliated, and independent, doctor-owned.
The majority of clinics belong to corporate networks such as First Fertility or IVI. A handful of IVF practices are within teaching hospitals, such as Massachusetts General Hospital. Just a few doctor-owned independent practices remain in operation, as most have been absorbed into the conglomerates. Finding a surrogate mother or pursuing egg donation can be a life-changing decision, and choosing the right clinic is a crucial step in this journey. Excellent care is offered by all types of clinics, but knowing these differences can help you decide which clinic is best for you.
Types of IVF Clinics: Which One is Right for You?
Corporate-Owned IVF Practices
Corporate-owned practices exist for profit, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, as profit is often a result of success. These clinics typically have a team of doctors with a head doctor supervising, providing consistency in policies and protocols. Each doctor has his or her own support staff. In a teaching hospital, the team is typically smaller, as are the support and administrative staffs. For independent practices, the staffing structure is up to the doctor’s own priorities and preferences.
For the corporate practices especially, success statistics (publicly accessible on SART.org) are the main tool for attracting patients. Some of their policies may be in place to keep success rates high, such as lower age limits for intended parents, as older patients present more risks. Corporate clinics often have special exclusive arrangements with a select few egg donor banks, which offer replacement lots of frozen eggs if the first lots are not successful (in exchange for this exclusivity). These special deals help keep prices down and protect success rates, but limit patient choices.
University Hospital-Affiliated IVF Clinics
Teaching hospitals may be less vulnerable to commercial pressures, but may have age limits based on ethical considerations. These clinics are often focused on research, ethics, and patient care rather than profits. They tend to be more flexible regarding patient eligibility, making them a good choice for those who might not qualify for corporate clinics.
Independent Doctor-Owned IVF Clinics
Independent fertility clinics are becoming rarer, as many have been acquired by larger corporate networks. However, some still exist and provide a highly personalized experience. These clinics may be more flexible with patient qualifications and allow patients to choose from a broader range of donor eggs and surrogacy options. Independent practices may be less restrictive in general in order to attract patients not served by other clinics.
Which IVF Clinic is Best for You?
Each patient has his or her own priorities when pursuing egg donation or gestational surrogacy: if speed and efficiency are most important, a larger clinic is probably a good choice. If flexibility and wider egg donor options are required, patients may have a better experience at a teaching hospital or independent practice. And of course, the doctor-patient relationship is a huge part of the experience, and that is separate from the structure of the clinic. Most patients value having trust in their doctor, and want to feel heard and supported. Whether you’re looking to find a surrogate, become an egg donor, or explore the costs of surrogacy, choosing the right clinic will make all the difference. Keep in mind, however, that there’s no better feeling than success, and that depends on key players in this process that you will likely never see: the embryologist and the lab. Excellent labs can be found in all types of clinics.
Watch our YouTube video to learn more: Choosing the Right IVF Clinic