A first fertility enquiry is an opportunity to clarify the consultation, the information the team needs and the costs you may need to plan for. SamJ’s published services include fertility assessment, IVF and IUI. Use this checklist to prepare questions for the hospital and your insurer.
Arrange the right consultation
Call reception and ask for the Fertility Centre. Explain whether this is your first consultation at SamJ or a return visit, and confirm the arrangements before travelling.
- Ask which clinician or team will see you and when the consultation can take place.
- Ask whether both partners should attend, where relevant, and what to do if one person cannot attend.
- Confirm the consultation fee, arrival time, expected appointment length and how to change the appointment.
- If travelling from outside Accra, ask about the information needed before your journey and whether any further visits can be anticipated.
Organise the records to discuss
Ask the team which existing records would help with your consultation. Previous care may have taken place at several facilities; a short list of those facilities and the dates of your visits can help you explain what information is available.
- Ask whether to bring previous consultation letters, laboratory reports, imaging reports or treatment summaries.
- Check whether the team needs originals, copies or documents sent through an approved channel.
- Ask what information each partner should bring and whether the records need to be provided before the appointment.
- Prepare a short list of questions you want the clinician to address.
Ask what an IVF estimate includes
If IVF is discussed, request an itemised estimate for the proposed care. A single headline amount does not explain what is included, when payments are due or which additional costs might arise. The questions below do not mean that every item applies to your care or is available at SamJ.
- Does the estimate include consultations, investigations, medicines and monitoring appointments, or are these charged separately?
- Which laboratory and procedure charges are included, and which follow-up appointments are covered?
- If storage or additional procedures are proposed, how would those be priced and what ongoing charges could apply?
- What could change the estimate, how long is it valid and when would payments be due?
- What are the payment, cancellation and refund terms if the proposed care changes or does not proceed?
Check your insurance separately
A hospital accepting your insurer does not establish that fertility investigations or treatment are covered by your plan. Ask the insurer to confirm the position for the specific services being proposed.
- Are the consultation, investigations, medicines and any proposed treatment assessed separately for cover?
- Does the insurer require a referral, prior authorisation or particular supporting documents?
- Do limits, exclusions, waiting periods or personal contributions apply?
- Which approval reference or documents should you bring, and how long is an approval valid?
Keep personal information private
Use an initial phone or WhatsApp enquiry to arrange the consultation and ask how medical information should be shared. You do not need to put a detailed fertility history into a general booking message.
- Confirm the intended recipient and approved method before sending reports or identity documents.
- Ask how records belonging to each partner should be provided and how consent is handled.
- If you would like counselling support, ask reception about the hospital’s fertility counselling arrangements.
Leave with clear next steps
At the consultation, ask the clinician to explain the options relevant to your circumstances and what happens next. Keep the clinical plan separate from the administrative details you confirm with reception.
- Ask how you will receive any proposed plan and estimate, and who can answer follow-up questions.
- Confirm any agreed next appointment rather than assuming it has been booked.
- Ask how results or reports will be shared and who will discuss them with you.
For current service availability and arrangements for your own visit, contact the hospital .
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