Your first consultation with a clinic abroad: how to prepare

The first consultation is often free or inexpensive, and almost always takes place remotely. It’s a crucial moment: the doctor gets an idea of your medical history, and you get an idea of the clinic. However, I see many ‘wasted’ appointments due to a lack of documents or prepared questions. Here’s a simple method.

Beforehand: send your file in advance

Send your documents at least three to five days in advance, in a single, clearly named PDF file, rather than around twenty photos taken on your phone. This will give the doctor time to read them.

• A one-page summary, in English: age, duration of infertility, previous pregnancies, treatments already undertaken (dates, protocols, number of eggs and embryos, results), medical and surgical history, current treatments, allergies.
• Recent tests: AMH, ultrasound scan with follicle count, semen analysis, serology tests, thyroid tests. See fertility testing.
• Reports from previous cycles, if possible with the laboratory sheets.
• Reports from hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and MRI scans, if you have any.

This one-page summary is the most useful tool I produce with my patients. It prevents omissions, date errors and translation misunderstandings.

During the appointment: questions to ask

Prepare your questions in writing, in order of importance. The essential ones:

1. What is your reading of my file? What strategy do you propose, and why?
2. What are my estimated chances, in my situation, in births per transfer or per cycle? See understanding success rates.
3. Are any additional tests required before we start? Which ones can be done at home?
4. What protocol, what timetable, how many days on site, and at what points?
5. Who will be my point of contact on a day-to-day basis, in which language, and how quickly can I expect a reply?
6. Which add-ons do you recommend for me, and which do you not recommend? See IVF add-ons.

If you’re in a couple, attend the consultation together. If you find English tiring, ask for an interpreter or bring someone with you: it’s difficult to fully understand medical information in a language you only half master.

What to look out for

• Did the doctor read your file before the call?
• Do they ask questions, or do they just give a sales pitch?
• Do they answer clearly when the answer is ‘I don’t know’ or ‘that’s not useful for you’?
• Do they mention the risks, not just the chances?

These signs often reveal more than a website ever could. I list some more in the article on choosing a clinic.

Afterwards: get everything in writing

• A report of the consultation, setting out the proposed strategy.
• A detailed quote, line by line, including what is not included: medication, anaesthesia, freezing, storage, PGT, administration fees. See prices in Greece.
• The list of tests required, with their validity periods.
• The provisional timetable and cancellation terms.

Comparing several clinics

It is entirely reasonable to have two or three initial consultations before making a choice. Prepare a simple table using the same criteria for each: proposed strategy, stated chances and their definition, realistic total cost, length of stay, and quality of communication. Do not base your choice solely on price, nor solely on the advertised success rate.

The role of a coordinator

This is precisely part of my job: preparing the summary, organising the sending, being present during the call if you wish, explaining the nuances, and reviewing the quote afterwards. But you can certainly do it all on your own using this method. The important thing is that you come away from this appointment knowing exactly what to expect.

Frequently asked questions