Aetna’s Infertility Program Helps Members Build Families Safely

HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– More than seven million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44 have used infertility services.¹ Many couples require advanced treatment for infertility and turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF). While IVF can help these couples, there is no guarantee of success. Some IVF methods increase the chances of multiple births and associated health risks.

To improve couples’ chances at conception and increase safety for moms and babies, Aetna (NYSE: AET) created an Institutes of Excellence® (IOE) network for infertility services. The health care facilities in Aetna’s IOE networks provide specialized clinical services for complex or rare conditions. The clinics in the IOE for infertility services have demonstrated infertility care expertise and safety. Aetna selected clinics for the IOE based on clinical information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as Aetna’s own claims information.

“Infertility services are extremely personal and are often complex. We are helping to create better outcomes for many families dealing with infertility by recognizing clinics that meet high medical standards and have a successful record of treatment,” says James D. Cross, M.D., head of National Medical Policy and Operations at Aetna. “With this new network, women have access to doctors and clinics that can improve their chances for healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.”

Members whose plans include benefits for infertility will not only have access to some of the top-performing infertility clinics through the IOE network, but they also will have access to the National Infertility Unit (NIU), a dedicated clinical team from Aetna. The team includes a full-time medical director and nurse consultants who have extensive experience with infertility care. Aetna’s clinical team works closely with the selected infertility clinics to helpcoordinate all of the member’s clinical care. Aetna members can find IOE network clinics through Aetna’s DocFind® online provider directory or through their Aetna care team.

Promoting Safer Pregnancies

All clinics in Aetna’s IOE network for infertility services offer Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET). Research shows that transferring one embryo at a time results in dramatically lower rates of twins and multiple babies.

“Starting with the eSET method of embryo transfers may be a good option for women who are under 35 and have not failed an IVF cycle,” says Joanne Armstrong, M.D., an Ob-Gyn, senior medical director and head of Women’s Health at Aetna. “This …read more
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