SMART MD Practices, LLC

Today’s Fertility Patient Facts…

According to an article published September 19, 2014 by Nancy Werteen…

“LIFE LESSONS-FERTILITY FACTS”

• “1 in 8 couples will have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy.”

HOWEVER…..

Read more from WFMZ.com at: http://www.wfmz.com/lifestyle/Life-Lessons/life-lessons-fertility-facts/27955072

The days of IVF Shared Risk & Refund Programs are fading….fast…..

Today’s Fertility Clinics & Patients

While a few have managed to outlive their expiration, market demand has severely diminished, as prospective and current fertility patients opt for less expensive options and/or therapies other than IVF.

While some patients elect alternate treatment because clinically, they do not require IVF….

The majority….. do so as a result of harsh economic times and their lack of funds to proceed.

Today’s Fertility Clinics & Patients

Why???

According to the U.S. Department of Numbers, of wage earners for 2013:

• The average per capita income was $28,184

–After base taxes ~$23,000 remaining income

• The median family income was $64,030

–After base taxes ~$48,000 remaining income

http://www.deptofnumbers.com/income/us/

Today’s Fertility Clinics & Patients

Today’s Fertility Clinics & Patients

Average Price for an IVF Shared Risk or “Refund” Program??

~$24,000 to $32,000 (excluding meds)

Bottom Line….the typical patient/couple can’t afford the price tags that accompany these Programs. Prices that equal or exceed their entire income!

Today’s Fertility Clinics & Patients

IVF Clinics need to provide affordable and relevant Fertility Programs - to ensure all patients have access to and the ability to proceed with the most suitable treatment to meet their individual needs.

Current Fertility Program Options

Fertility treatment should not be reserved for the wealthy…

Programs should not be limited to“I.V.F.” patients…

BUT, the current market Programs offered by clinics, big and small, do exactly that.

Let’s explore the options…

Current Fertility Program Options

• ATTAIN (IntegraMed) Shared Risk & Multi-Cycle Programs

• ARC Shared Risk/Refund Programs

• Clinic Owned/Developed Shared Risk/Refund Programs

How These Programs-FAIL Patients

Patient Obstacles:

1. Strict age & medical criteria prevent many applicants from qualifying (and participating).

2. Only applies to IVF or Donor Egg treatment - No options for those who don’t require or desire IVF.

3. Multiple Cycle Purchase Required

4. Challenging Economic Environment– requires highest credit score to secure financing.

5. No REFUND for unused cycles – today’s improved technology and clinic pregnancy rates reduces # of cycles needed-especially when “hand-picking” participates

How These Programs-FAIL Clinics

Clinic Obstacles:

1. Limited Options = reduces number and type of revenue streams

2. Less than 5% of patients seek and/or proceed with IVF. Leaves 95% of clinic patients unassisted.

3. Clinic Discounts – services discounted by ~20-30% (or more), regardless of clinic’s cost to provide the actual services (third-party company determines prices).

4. Company collects all patient fees; withholds clinic payments for ~5-8 weeks - after services are performed (pending confirmation, or lack of, an established pregnancy)

How These Programs – FAIL ClinicsCONTINUED:

Clinic Obstacles:

5. Penalty fees (typically apply) = ~10-20% for 1st

unsuccessful cycle; ~20-40% for 2nd and 3rd cycles (company specific)- fees deducted from clinic’s already discounted package prices.

6. Steep monthly membership fees – Due even if no packages are sold

7. Clinic Funded Programs – requires the practice to back (and pay) all refunds – can cause financial hardship for the practice

The Fertility Financial Program for TODAY’S IVF Clinic and Patients….

What’s The Alternative?

C.A.R.E.S.© ~ More Than an Option…

Combining Innovation and Affordability…

The C.A.R.E.S.© Program is More Than an Option, it’s a SOLUTION…

A Solution that benefits both, IVF Clinics and their Patients!

C.A.R.E.S.© ~ Innovation:

• Packages for ART and Non-ART (meet needs of patients not requiring advanced technologies)

• Packages tailored to clinic’s specs (and their patient population)

• Patient Eligibility is determined by the Clinic’s MD(s)

• Patients pay Clinic direct for services• Single Cycle packages

C.A.R.E.S.© ~ Affordability:

• Lower Cost Non-ART packages • Lower Cost to purchase Single Cycles• Discounts on all services VS. Refunds

only when (patient) not successful • No penalties, guarantees, or refunds

for clinic to assume (lowers clinic costs and savings can be passed on to patient)

• No “middleman” - Clinic manages program – (lowers clinic costs and savings can be passed on to patient)

C.A.R.E.S.© ~ A Final Thought….

Fertility Treatment is some of the most cutting edge medical technology available today. Isn’t it time Clinics offer Financial Programs just as progressive?

We at SMART MD Practices believe so, and we’d love to help by bringing The C.A.R.E.S.© Program to your clinic….

C.A.R.E.S.© ~ Getting Started…..

Getting Started or Questions

1. Contact SMART MD Practices, LLC Email: tspoe@smartmdpractices.com

2. Visit our website: www.smartmdpractices.com

C.A.R.E.S.©

“The Financial Program for Today’sIVF Clinic and Patient”

www.smartmdpractices.com

Tammie S. Poe-Owner

Thank You for Viewing!

Innovative Options Make

SMART MD Practices….