Couples paying high costs for fertility treatments can now choose special financing options like a home equity loan, a fixed-rate care package, or a money-back guarantee that provides a refund if they cannot have a baby. These and other innovative payment plans are available through six Wayne State University (WSU) doctors who participate in the Advanced Reproductive Care network. ARC, which was featured in a Sept. 8 Wall Street Journal article, offers practical payment plans for a very specific product: a healthy child.

Michael Diamond, MD, who serves on the board of directors for ARC and is a reproductive endocrinologist at Wayne State, says the company will help build families for people who wouldn't otherwise absorb the financial risk associated with fertility treatment. ARC contracts with insurers and corporations to help patients cover the costs associated with assisted reproduction.

Although the cost of in vitro fertilization can soar up to $40,000, Dr. Diamond says the typical cost for once cycle of treatment is approximately $12,000 to $13,000. Advanced Reproductive Care physicians offers package plans and innovative ways to manage this financial burden.

"In vitro fertilization is not covered by insurance in most states, so couples take a big risk when they put all their hopes and money into conceiving a baby. If they are unsuccessful, they are left with nothing. Through ARC, having children becomes a much more feasible option," said Dr. Diamond.

Nine doctors in Michigan are currently members of this company, and there are more than 200 members nationwide. The company is primarily run by its member physicians who comprise 72 percent of the ownership and management. Dr. Diamond says he and his colleagues were frustrated that so many patients had to wait many years, often until they were well into their 30s and 40s, to save up enough money for treatment, further reducing their chance of a successful pregnancy.

For more information on ARC, visit the website at www.arcfertility.com