Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, Thomas J. Watkins Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, chief, Division of Fertility Preservation, director, The Oncofertility Consortium, director, The Institute for Women’s Health Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, discusses the reimbursement issues that accompany oncofertility treatment.

For men insurance coverage is not a large concern because sperm banking is relatively cheap and is generally reimbursed. Women usually have a more difficult time receiving reimbursement because the procedure can be more expensive. This changes from state to state and is something you can inquire about with your provider before treatment.

Woodruff founded the Oncofertility Consortium, an organization that focuses on the fertility of cancer survivors, this organization addresses complex healthcare issues and can help patients understand the costs and benefits of oncofertility treatment. Find out more >>> 

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Dr. Teresa Woodruff from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Discusses Oncofertility Insurance Coverage

Dr. Woodruff on Oncofertility Insurance Coverage

Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, Thomas J. Watkins Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, chief, Division of Fertility Preservation, director, The Oncofertility Consortium, director, The Institute for Women’s Health Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, discusses the patient navigator's role in oncofertility.

Woodruff explains that the field of oncofertility wouldn't work without patient navigators. The role of the navigator is to shepherd the patient through treatment, which involves interacting with multiple disciplines and practices. There are challenging care choices that patient navigators need to consider because it is necessary to not only consider the cancer care but also fertility care.

Dr. Teresa Woodruff from the Oncofertility Consortium on the Patient Navigator's Role in Oncofertility

Dr. Woodruff on the Patient Navigator's Oncofertility Role

Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, Thomas J. Watkins Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, chief, Division of Fertility Preservation, director, The Oncofertility Consortium, director, The Institute for Women’s Health Research, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, explains that the field of oncofertility has progresses substantially over the past 5 years.

5 years ago there weren't oncology discussion about fertility management, now there has been over 2700 consults in the last 9 months alone. More discussions concerning oncofertility needs to occur during the initial diagnosis and the key person in this conversation needs to be the allied health professional. These professionals can easily bring up the topic and can help the patient advocated with their provider.

Dr. Teresa Woodruff from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Discusses the Growing Field of Oncofertility

Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD

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Dr. Woodruff on Oncofertility Insurance Coverage

Dr. Woodruff on the Patient Navigator's Oncofertility Role

Dr. Woodruff Discusses the Growing Field of Oncofertility