The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) today announced it will redefine the fee it charges clinics for IVF
following a single embryo transfer.The move recognises that patients who transfer only one embryo per round of treatment should not be penalised within the existing scheme.
From 1 October 2010, the new arrangement will see clinics pay the HFEA fee of £104.50 for a patient’s initial treatment cycle using single embryo transfer. If the first cycle is unsuccessful, each additional frozen embryo transfer will not be charged.
Currently, clinics pay the HFEA for each cycle of IVF they carry out. Many clinics pass this fee onto patients. The extra cost can influence patients to have multiple embryos transferred in a single cycle, increasing the risk of a multiple pregnancy.
Speaking today, Chair of the HFEA Prof Lisa Jardine said:
“We want to send a positive message to patients and clinics that we are doing everything in our power to promote low risk single embryo transfer fertility treatment.
“Redefining the HFEA fee demonstrates our commitment to ensuring we remove obstacles that discourage patients from choosing single embryo transfer for their treatment
Source: ©HFEA