Local couples struggling to fall pregnant in the Logan and surrounding areas, can now access significant savings on IVF services at a new bulk-billing IVF clinic that has opened on Bryants Road, Shailer Park.
First Step Fertility – Logan’s first non-means tested bulk-billing IVF clinic - allows patients to take control of their fertility while minimising the financial stress and travel often associated with IVF.
Dr Neil Astill, specialist with First Step Fertility said patients will see experienced and qualified fertility specialists and nurses and can access a choice of IVF treatments and a combination of telehealth and/or face-to-face consultations in Logan.
“The clinic meets a growing demand in the Logan area for a more affordable, accessible and flexible IVF solution but still with a highly professional service and caring team, and this is what First Step Fertility will offer,” said Dr Neil Astill.
Logan couple, Julie and Lee Radburn, previously travelled the 60km round trip to First Step Fertility in Springfield to achieve their dream of being parents.
After being diagnosed with infertility issues, they knew they needed to seek the help of a fertility specialist but asked their GP for a low-cost provider.
Julie Radburn, 41 said even though she hated the needles, they had such a positive IVF experience with the nurse and doctor at First Step Fertility and now have a beautiful 14 months old to thank them for.
“The even more exciting news is that after thinking two years ago I might not ever be a parent, after having my first through IVF, I am now pregnant naturally with my second child which is just wonderful,” Julie said.
“Having the new clinic in Logan will be fantastic for the community and save them valuable travel time to further afield locations for a bulk-billing IVF service.”
First Step Fertility offers two types of IVF treatments - In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in a world class facility.
To access the service, patients must hold a Medicare card in order to be bulk-billed for their treatment, however there will be no financial means testing, unlike other bulk-billing IVF service providers.
First Step Fertility will not charge a registration fee for standard IVF services and if an IVF cycle results in a number of excess embryos, they are offering complimentary storage fees for the first six months.
There are no out-of-pocket expenses for a fully-stimulated IVF cycle at First Step Fertility. The only areas of treatment that do carry an out-of-pocket charge, include day surgery costs for egg retrievals ($1,150 - $1,350), non-PBS medication costs (approx. $300), frozen embryo transfers, and some pathology tests (blood tests are bulk-billed where possible). Payment plans are available for some of these additional fees, if desired.
The new clinic said they are committed to being open and transparent with their patients.
“At every stage of the process, we will keep patients totally informed about what to expect, without the fear of hidden fees,” said Dr Neil Astill.
First Step Fertility continues to expand its network of clinics across Australia, in a commitment to bringing affordable IVF to all Australians. Clinics are currently located in Brisbane (Northlakes, Springfield and now Logan), Toowoomba, Gold Coast (Southport), Lismore and Sydney (Liverpool).
Dr Astill said First Step Fertility has access to top global fertility research and development through its partnership with CHA Medical Group, allowing for world-class solutions and treatment for its patients, yet all within financial reach.
According to the Fertility Society of Australia*, one in six couples in Australia has infertility issues and the cause is shared equally among men and women. In the vast majority of cases a physical issue can be diagnosed, and many can be successfully treated with medical/surgical techniques or lifestyle changes.
Latest figures state there were 76,341 ART treatment cycles reported from Australian fertility clinics in 2018, representing an increase of 1.9% in Australia on the previous year, according to ‘The Assisted Reproductive Technology in Australia and New Zealand Report 2018’.
For more information about First Step Fertility visit www.firststepfertility.com.au or call 1800 111 373. The clinic is located at 36 Bryants Road, Shailer Park.
