Board Certification makes a difference in care and outcomes
Seeking care from a Board Certified specialist is an important step towards success for patients seeking fertility assistance. Many NewLIFE patients share their experiences that illustrate the benefits of proper training and certification, Board Certification.
The term “Board Certification” may seem vague to many patients and to the public. Yet, this title conveys an important distinction. The nationally recognized specialty for fertility is Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). These physicians are uniquely trained to provide advanced reproductive care and there are only ~700 in the United States. REI Board Certification is issued by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (www.ABOG.org) and is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (www.ABMS.org).
Fellowship Training, Board Eligibility, and Board Certification
A Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist has completed extensive training beginning with four years of ObGyn residency training, followed by three years of REI fellowship training. Completion of training allows a doctor to be “eligible” or “Board Eligible”. But to become “certified” in ObGyn and REI, the physician must take and pass both written and oral examinations. This “testing” is the ONLY way a physician can prove that he/she gained adequate knowledge from the highly technical and advanced education. Patient should not settle for care offered by a physician who is untrained or untested.
Unfortunately for some patients, there are ObGyn physicians who claim to be “fertility specialists” (not REI’s) and who offer advanced fertility care. Unless the patient knows to ask about board certification in REI, they may never know. These physicians operate on the fringe of the rules but not in the spirit of them. Better care is delivered by better-trained and board-certified specialists Board Certification.
Is your physician a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist?
To find out, visit www.SocREI.org. On this website, you may:
- Download the SREI brochure. Use the pull-down menu labeled “Members”, to select “Your physician is a member of the SREI”. The brochure will automatically download.
- Search by name or state for your doctor. Use the pull-down menu labeled “Members”, to select “Find an SREI Member.” Select “search for a healthcare professional here”. Enter a doctor’s last name and/or a state name. On the new page, CLICK on the BUTTON for “Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI). If you do not select the SREI button, the search will list embryologists and non-certified fertility providers. Then click SEARCH.
When Should Patients Seek Referral from ObGyn to REI Care
A physician who is board certified in ObGyn is allowed to provide basic fertility management, but when the situation is complicated or time is critical, the patients are usually referred promptly and prefer to be seen by REI specialists.
There are several patient situations that warrant immediate referral to an REI:
- Women who are 35 and over;
- Couples with male fertility problems, low sperm counts;
- Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes;
- Failure to conceive after 3 months of fertility pills;
- Repetitive losses of early pregnancies;
- Combinations of factors
