Initial experience with a risk-sharing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program with novel features.
OBJECTIVE
To describe outcomes of the first 100 consecutive infertility patients participating in a risk-sharing program with uncomplicated eligibility requirements. The program included the costs of FSH-containing gonadotropin preparations and provided a full payment refund if no birth occurred that resulted in a normal infant surviving to an age of 1 month.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
Private IVF center.


METHODS
Infertility patients<35 years of age, considered to be good autologous oocyte IVF candidates at time of program enrollment.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of outcomes of fresh IVF-ET and frozen embryo transfer cycles involving conventional treatment protocols.


METHODS
Cumulative successful pregnancy rate.


RESULTS
Of the first 100 patients enrolled in the program, 82 have had a delivery of a normal infant surviving to an age of 1 month, and another 6 have undelivered ongoing pregnancies at 20+ weeks. Nine participants completed the program without completing a successful treatment cycle, and another three remain enrolled.


CONCLUSIONS
Infertility patients<35 years of age participating in a risk-sharing program with uncomplicated eligibility requirements are very likely to have a successful pregnancy. Other centers may wish to incorporate some of the described program's features into their own risk-sharing IVF programs.
Stassart
Jacques P
JP
Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Associates, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125, USA. jstassart@rmia.com
Bayless
Romaine B
RB
Casey
Colleen L
CL
Phipps
William R
WR
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D020414:Risk Sharing, Financial