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Your First Appointment at AFCC: Frequently Asked Questions

Starting your fertility journey can feel overwhelming, scary, and exciting all at once, but your first appointment is an important first step. At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (AFCC), we want to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from new patients.

1. What happens at a New Patient Consultation?

During a new patient appointment, you’ll meet with one of our fertility specialists to review your medical history, talk through any prior testing or treatments, and discuss your family-building or fertility goals. This is also your chance to ask questions, voice concerns, get to know your physician, and better understand your potential treatment options. Based on this conversation, your provider will put in an order for appropriate fertility testing for you and your partner (if applicable) to help create a personalized plan moving forward.

2. How long will the appointment take?

It depends. At AFCC, we offer the option to conduct new patient consultations in-person or virtually. If you schedule an in-person appointment, you can expect your first visit to last around 60 minutes. This allows enough time for a thorough discussion with your physician, as well as a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate your uterus and ovaries, if appropriate. If you schedule a virtual appointment, you can expect your first visit to last around 30 - 45 minutes, and your ultrasound will be conducted during a separate visit.

3. What should I bring with me?

To get the most out of your visit, please bring:

• Photo ID

• Insurance card / insurance coverage information

• Insurance co-payment or self-payment

• Your partner, if applicable—they may also need testing as part of your fertility evaluation

4. Is there anything else I should do to prepare?

Yes. Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, you’ll receive an email to sign up for our patient portal, Prelude Connect. Prior to your appointment, please complete all of the new patient forms in the portal, including the electronic medical release form. This allows us to access your medical records from other healthcare providers and provides your physician with a clearer picture of your individual profile going into the consultation with you. 

5. Can my partner come with me?

Yes! If you have a partner, we strongly encourage them to join you for your first visit. Fertility care is often a team effort, and having both partners involved helps create the clearest path forward.

6. Do I need a referral?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a fertility specialist. You can schedule your appointment directly with AFCC, though some insurance plans may require one for coverage of the new patient appointment and/or future visits.

7. What if I’m unsure or worried about costs?

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about when to start fertility care—or to feel concerned about finances. But scheduling your first appointment is still the right move. Here’s why:

• Knowledge is power. Even if you’re not ready to begin treatment, your first visit gives you valuable insights into your reproductive health and helps you understand your options.
  
  

• Early answers can save time. Fertility is closely tied to age, and the sooner you gather information, the more choices you’ll have down the road.
  
  

• Financial guidance is available. At AFCC, we have dedicated financial counselors who will walk you through insurance benefits, financing options, and ways to make care more affordable. You can also find the self-pay pricing of many of our services on our website.
  
  

• You don’t have to commit. Meeting with a fertility specialist doesn’t mean you must start treatment right away. Think of it as gathering tools to make informed decisions when the time is right.

8. When Should I Schedule a Consult?

A fertility consult is really for anyone, at any time, who wants to better understand their fertility potential. While there are some important benchmarks to keep in mind, you don’t need to wait years to start the conversation. Consider scheduling if:

• You’ve been trying to conceive for 6 months (if you’re over 35) or 12 months (if you’re under 35).

• You’ve had multiple miscarriages.

• You have irregular or absent cycles.

• You’ve been diagnosed with conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or low sperm count.

• You’re interested in options like egg freezing or LGBTQ+ family building.

And remember: you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with AFCC.

9. How do I schedule?

Scheduling is easy! You can request an appointment directly through our website or call our office at (847) 662-1818, and our team will guide you through the next steps.

Take Your First Step Today

Whether you’re ready to begin treatment or just want to better understand your fertility, your first appointment at AFCC is an empowering way to take control of your family-building journey. Schedule your consultation with us today!

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