IVF Cost

I received the following reply to my letter requesting the IVF cost, IVF success rate and IVF procedure from Embryogenisis in Greece five days after sending.

The reply contains some very good information, the clinic certainly seems to be a big one performing around 2000 stimulated cycles a year and yet the reply comes from a founder and embryologist – I like that, it shows a real personal touch. I also like it when I am told not to hesitate in contacting them for further information rather than just being directed to a website – again it’s personal.

The website, in English, can be found here. The email address is INFO@EMBRYOGENESIS.GR. I have added the US$ approximations in red.

This is another one for my IVF shortlist although the basic IVF cost does not include drugs.

Sorry for the delay in replying, but the list of questions was endless, but I agree relevant. I will try to cover them as best as I can.
 
Our clinic has been open here in athens for 17 years. Dr Mastrominas and myself met when we were working at Hammersmith Hospital IVF with Prof. Robert Winston.
We perform approximately 2000 stimulated cycles per year, approx 1000 natural cycle IVF, and now for the last year an increasing demand for minimal stimulation IVF. In september 2008 we held a symposium here in athens on minimal stimulation and oocyte/embryo vitrification with teams from around the world (specifically japan & USA) which have helped us to refine the protocols with excellent results.
 
The clinic has a mean patient age of 38,5 years, the overall success for stimulated treatment is 48%, most patients have frozen embryos for subsequent attempt, & success rates start to tail off at 40 yrs. The over 40s do well if they respond to the drug regimes and there are not multiple infertility factors involved, the 40-44 yr old group are at present approx 20% successful although many of this group opt for natural cycle IVF and collct 2-3 embryos for transfer. We treat patients according to greek law up to 46 years of age. There are no specific infertility problems we do not treat, in fact we have the largest PGD & PGS programme here in greece and therefore treat for translocations and other genetic disorders which may or may not be infertile related.
 
The law in greece for IVF is one of the most liberal here in europe, and allows us to transfer 3 or more embryos to the over 40s. The patients under 35 are limited to 2 embryos for transfer. The number replaced will be discussed with the patient. Here in greece patients want twin pregnancies to finish with IVF once and for all, and doctors class twin pregnancies no more difficult than singletons. However here they have close and continuous relationship with the patient. In northern europe the feeling is to avoid twin pregnancies, therefore we discuss in detail the patients needs and desires.
 
The basic cost of stimulated cycle IVF is 3000 euros (approx. US$4,125), with ICSI 3500 (approx. US$4,815) euros, vitrification 300 euros (approx. US$415) + 50 euro (approx. US$70) per oocyte / embryo. Costs involve all consultations, scans, hormones, and procedures. They do not include drugs, and any investigations which are not part of treatment. If cycle is abandoned, costs incurred until cancellation are minimal.
 
Normally treatment for people in remote ares of greece or from other countries is coordinated through a local doctor who has experience of stimulation protocols. We have many years of experience in controlling cycles remotely, however we do demand that all scans and estradiol measurements are sent directly to us & decisions of treatment are made from here. We regularly have patients from Italy and balkan countries which follow this regime without problems. Prescriptions can be arranged from us for drugs, however in some cases drugs are not always available in same form in all countries, and sometimes we need to find alternatives. The length of time required here in greece can be reduced to approx 5-7 days if we can control the initial stage of treatment remotely. Accommodation we can suggest and maybe confirm, but do not usually become more involved. 
 
If there are complications in the UK we have a network of people throughout the country who could be of help. We are constantly in contact with IVF at Hammersmith Hospital. We have excellent relations with Kings College in london, and also, with Leeds, Liverpool, & Birmingham IVF programmes
 
The clinics here in greece are under the regulation of the greek national authorities, but as yet do not have a comprehensive monitoring system. We have undertaken ourselves to obtain ISO 9001, we regularly invite regulators fro UK to come and advise us, we take part in all european quality control programmes, and I am registered as senior clinical embryologist with ESHRE, who is now trying to set up a pan european regulatory body for accreditation. 
 
I hope this information is of some use, any more details required do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Dr Stephen Davies, Scientific Director/ Embryologist.
Embryogenesis IVF centre.
Athens, Greece  15123.
 
Tel. +30 210 6104682, Fax +30 210 6104688