Your First Appointment

The first step in starting fertility treatment at Genea is obtaining a referral to one of our accredited fertility experts. Referrals from a GP last for 12 months or longer, while a referral from a specialist is current for only three months. Your referral must be current in order to claim from Medicare.

While you're waiting for a referral, you can still make an appointment with us. See our contacts page for details of your nearest clinic.

To get a referral, you need to choose a fertility specialist you'd like to see. You can view the full list of specialists. You can also see a list of Genea clinics, and the specialists who work there.

At your first meeting, your Genea doctor can organise any special tests that could be needed in your situation and give you advice about the choices available and most suitable for your treatment. If you have already had some tests done, or have had treatment somewhere else, it would be helpful if you brought along any information that you have.

Once you've decided to go ahead with treatment, the next step is a meeting with a Genea nurse coordinator, who will explain in detail what to expect, what needs to be done, and what your treatment 'cycle' involves (we talk about one round of treatment coinciding, more or less, with a menstrual cycle). This is also an opportunity to ask questions and to tour the Genea clinic.

Part of this interview process involves a careful explanation of the costs involved with your cycle, including particulars about Medicare, rebates and out-of-pocket expenses.

We can then get started as soon as you're ready. Your Genea doctor will oversee your care, in addition to the ongoing personal attention you'll get from a small team of appointed nurse coordinators through the treatment.

Here's how to get your diagnosis

Step One: Choose a Genea Fertility Specialist

The first step in starting fertility treatment is to choose a Genea Fertility Specialist. All our Fertility Specialists are listed on our website by location where you can find photographs, biographies and contact details.

Step Two: Make an appointment with your Genea Fertility Specialist

Once you have chosen a Genea Fertility Specialist, phone their rooms to make an appointment. You can make an appointment prior to obtaining a referral from your GP, but you must have your referral by the time of your appointment.

Step Three: Get a referral to your Genea Fertility Specialist

In order to claim a rebate from Medicare for your treatment, you and your partner MUST have a current referral from a GP or specialist. You can download and print our referral form to take along with you as well as the contact details of your chosen Genea Fertility Specialist - this will make it easier for your doctor to write the referral.

If you're in the Sydney area Genea's GP, Dr Kerry Pilcher can provide a referral to a fertility specialist - call us on 1300 367 198 for an appointment.

Note that referrals from a GP are valid for twelve months or longer, while a referral from a specialist is valid for only three months. And don’t forget to take the referral to your appointment with your Genea Fertility Specialist.

Step Four: Meet with your Genea Fertility Specialist

At your first meeting, your Genea Fertility Specialist will organise any tests that are needed, give you advice about the choices available and help you decide which treatment is most suitable for you. If you have had tests done previously, or had treatment elsewhere, bring along any information that you have.

Step Five: Meet with a Genea Nurse Coordinator and Patient Relationship Coordinator

Once you’ve decided to go ahead with treatment, the next step is a meeting with a Genea Nurse Coordinator, who will explain in detail what to expect, what needs to be done, and what your treatment 'cycle' involves. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions you have.

At this consultation you will also meet with a Patient Relationship Coordinator, who will provide a careful explanation of the costs involved with your cycle, including particulars about Medicare, rebates and out-of-pocket expenses.