First bulk-billed IVF clinic opens in city
AFTER undergoing months of IVF treatment, Toowoomba woman Nikki Nugent said it was an “emotional experience” to learn she was pregnant.
Many others will now share a similar joy thanks to the opening of First Step Fertility, Toowoomba’s first nonmeans-tested bulk-billing IVF clinic.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Lanziz Homar is one of the fertility specialists leading the Toowoomba service, which is part of a network of clinics in the state.
“I had referred a few patients to their (Brisbane) clinic and were very happy with the service,” Dr Homar said.
“When they approached me and I agreed to work with them.
“This is exactly what I wanted, it’s been my dream to help patients and there are a lot of people who would like to have IVF but cannot afford it.”
Dr Homar said with the bulk billing system, patients could save anywhere from $5000 to $7000 in out-ofpocket costs for the treatment.
He said there were eligibility criteria; women had to be under a certain age and BMI; be diagnosed with fertility issues and have a Medicare card.
“The clinic is based in Ruthven St and most of our consults will be done here in Toowoomba,” he said.
“However, at this stage, pick up and transfer will still be taken to Brisbane until we have our own laboratory here.
“Most of our patients have had to travel to Brisbane for this service, so having (the clinic) here will save them time and money.”
Ms Nugent was one of many patients who travelled to First Step Fertility in Brisbane prior to the service’s Toowoomba arrival.
She and her partner Tim Nugent are preparing for the arrival of their baby in August.
“It was the difference between my dream of becoming a mother and not,” Ms Nugent said.
“I think (the opening of the Toowoomba clinic) is amazing, I know quite a few people who are in the process of heading down the journey of IVF and like us, (are looking for) affordability.
“I speak highly of the clinicians I dealt with, they made the process less daunting.”
For more information visit www.firststepfertility.com.au.