undefined Hello I am new here and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Brandy and have two small children daughters ages 3 and 2. We also have a small puppy which is our newest addition to our family. My husband is active duty and currently deployed overseas. He is due back home some time early 2006. I did have one question however and figured here would be the perfect place to ask. Does tricare cover infertility testing. And what is all involved with the testing? One of my friends were asking and I was also interested in knowing.

Thanks in advance.

Brandy

Everything was covered for us except my husband's semen analysis (and if we decided to go the way of IVF that would not be covered either). For that we were refered out and had to pay a copay. I went to my PCM first and explained the problems I was having. I was then refered to a GYN who refered me to an REI specialist at the military hospital. Hope this helps.
Lauren

Welcome to the group! She pretty much said as much as I know.

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Thank you for the warm welcome....I am not sure where the problem may lie, but since I have two children, which he is in the process of adopting I am assuming the problem may lie with him reproducing. When he returns again from Iraq we will be doing some serious TRYING! LOL I can't say we were trying before he left, but weren't preventing also. So now while he is away, I am going to be trying to figure out how to chart things and all that fun stuff. I haven't always had regular periods, most of the time they are like last month it was the 28th...and then this month the 26th...but the one before the 28th was like 13th. Maybe someone can help me learn how to chart. It would be nice. But as for what Tricare Covers are you saying to test him they won't cover it? And where would you have the testing done at? Like a normal doctor, on post since he is active duty, or like a specialty? Thank you girls again.

Brandy

and Welcome!! As far as what the military covers, like Nicole said, Lauren covered everything I know too. But as far as charting goes, there is a great website that most of the ladies on these boards use: www.fertilityfriend.com . The site pretty much covers all you need to know about temping and charting. Plus it lets you record symptoms, moods, energy levels, etc. It is a wonderful site! If you need any help with anything just drop me a line. I pray your husband has a safe trip home and you catch that eggie right away ! I look forward to getting to know you better!

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Brandy
The naval hospital where we are did not cover semen analysis(they did not have an andrology unit), but I think there are some others that do. Walter Reed maybe? Instead they sent us to The Jones Institute(an infertitly clinic) at Eastern VA Medical School which is near us and we had to pay a $90 copay to do it. If we need IVF it will be done at The Jones Institute as well. As far as having DH tested, he should go with you when you have your RE appointment - it will be an appointment for him too. They will ask him questions and refer him for testing and treatment in the same appointmet as they do for you. Hope this helps and I hope I can answer any other questions you might have too.
Lauren

Brandy~
My hubby is active duty AirForce. When we started our infertility treatment they did the SA right here on base. Free.. After they did all they could for me at the hospital they refurred me out to a RE. Here is what the website for Tricare says
TRICARE Covers:

• Infertility diagnosis and treatment. (Remember, TRICARE Standard does not cover the active duty sponsor.)

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs).

• Measurement for, and purchase of, contraceptive diaphragms.

• Birth control pills (contraceptives) or injections your doctor prescribes.

• Norplant System long-term reversible contraceptive implants.

• Tests to find out if you’re pregnant (not OTC self-tests).

• Sterilization—vasectomy or tubal ligation; check with your BCAC/HBA/TSC for limitations.

TRICARE Does Not Cover:

• Over-the-Counter contraceptives (birth control devices)— such as prophylactics (condoms) and spermicidal foams.

• Surgery to reverse sterilization.

• Artificial insemination—including sperm banks/donors, in vitro fertilization, and other artificial means of conception or the medications used to support artificial insemination.

• Abortions.

Now I know it says that they don't cover the meds but they have payed for mine. Although its only been Clomid which I got off base and only had to pay $3.00 for.
We are also Tricare Prime so maybe thats the differance.

I'd go in and talk to your Dr about it. See if they can do the SA there at the base hospital.
Good Luck!
I wish your hubby a fast and safe trip home.

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