Dear Obstetrician and Physician,
Most couples achieve pregnancy without the need for medical intervention. However, some couples will have difficulty in conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.
In these situations we are available to help. At the Women’s Reproductive Center at KU Medical Center, we offer a full range of Assisted Reproductive Technologies to help patients to become pregnant.
We believe our relationship with you, the referring physician, begins now, as you consider whether a patient is ready for referral to fertility specialists. This information is intended to inform you about the services we offer, as well as to invite you to join a partnership with us to help your patients achieve their dreams of parenthood. At every step of the way, we are committed to a warm, supportive relationship with the patient and a sharing, productive relationship with you, her primary physician.
Included here is information about the services we can provide, about the tests and procedures your patients should undergo before beginning treatment with us. Throughout the process we will communicate with you, referring the patient back to your care in many cases with a successful pregnancy. There are few joys in a physician’s practice as great as bringing new lives into the world and seeing the exhilaration of new parenthood firsthand. We look forward to sharing in these experiences with you as your patients’ fertility care team.
About Our Specialists
The Women’s Reproductive Center is staffed by a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologists, a doctorate level reproductive physiologist, an embryologist, nurses specialized in reproductive medicine, and technicians. Specialists in Urology are available to our practice should the need arise.
Linda R. Nelson, M.D., Ph.D. is the Director of the Women’s Reproductive Center, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division Director, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Nelson joined KU Medical Center in January 2004 and participates in all aspects of endocrinology and infertility patient care including surgery and assisted reproductive technology.
Prior to coming to KU Medical Center Dr. Nelson was an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the IVF Program Director.
Dr. Nelson received her Ph.D. degree in psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1985. She then received her M.D. from the University of Miami in 1987. Her Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency was at The University of California at Los Angeles from 1987-1991. Subsequently, she completed her Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the University of California At San Francisco. Following her clinical Fellowship, Dr. Nelson was a Clinical Associate in the UCSF IVF Group for two years. In addition to her clinical training, Dr. Nelson has received both Predoctoral and Postdoctoral NIH Fellowship Awards during her years at UCLA and UCSF.
“. . . . We strive to provide communication of the options available for each couple and have the unified goal of maximizing success in their pursuit of building a family.”
Nurses and Clinical Staff
Alberta Johnson-Byrd, MSN, CNS, ARNP
IVF Coordinator
Alberta is master’s prepared clinical nurse specialist with 24 years experience in women’s health focusing on the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The past 20 years have been focused on Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
“Assisting couples in achieving parenthood is very rewarding”
Mary Luder, RN, ARNP
Clinic Nurse
Mary has been working the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
since 2004. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in May, 1993
and her Masters in Nursing in July 2004 from the University of Kansas
School of Nursing. She has been with the Medical Center since 1992. She
assists the physicians for Reproductive Endocrinology and Urogynecology.
Angela Fields, MA
Medical Assistant
Angela obtained her medical assistant certificate at Colorado Technical
University in 2005. Her career at the University of Kansas Medical Center
began in 1998. She began her journey as a Patient Care Partner on Unit
43. She later transferred to the Women's Reproductive Center in 2005.
"I enjoy helping people feel better"
Pamela (Pam) Elliott, RN, BSN
Clinic Nurse
Pam graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University
of Kansas School of Nursing in 1993. She has worked continuously in obstetrics
and gynecology. She has been with the Women's Reproductive Center sine
2005.
Laboratory Staff
- Paula Zhai, MD, Lab Technician
- Shan Bai, MD, MS, Lab Technician
Financial and Front Office Staff
Felishea LaCour
Office Manager
Felishea began her career at University of Kansas Medical Center in June,
2000. She started as a pre-registration clerk moved quickly to a receptionist.
After two months from hire she began working in billing for Otolaryngology
and subsequently transferred to the Outpatient Surgery Clinic in 2002
as a billing clerk. In 2003, Felishea transferred to the Women's Reproductive
Center as the Patient Information Supervisor. She is responsible for coordination
and supervision of the clinic area and to assist the patient's with their
financial needs.
“I enjoy helping patients become families!”
Nieta Clayton
Receptionist
Nieta began her journey with the Women's Reproductive Center in August 2004. Her responsibilities include patient scheduling, answering phones, patient check-in and patient registration.
Assisted Reproductive Technology at the Women’s Reproductive Center
The ART program at KU Medical Center offers a full range of reproductive assistance, including in vitro fertilization, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) and assisted hatching. Cryopreservation and cycles utilizing frozen embryos are also available.
In the course of their IVF treatment with us, patients will undergo daily injections of hormones and frequent monitoring with blood tests and vaginal ultrasounds. The collection and return of the gametes and/or embryos are done in an outpatient surgical procedure.
When patients begin working with us, we review testing already done and more complete testing as needed. We assess ovulation, male factors, and tubal and uterine anatomy. Testing is organized around the menstrual cycle and may be accomplished in one or two cycles. Specific tests may include semen analysis, hysterosalpingogram, sonohysterography, progesterone levels, endometrial biopsy, and diagnostic laparoscopy, when appropriate.
Once problems have been identified, we work with the patients to choose the best treatment options that will most likely result in a successful pregnancy. Along the way, we provide them with detailed information, in written form and in verbal reassurances along with extensive question and answer sessions. We also provide continued information back to you so that you are aware of their progress.
Once the fertility diagnostic work up is complete, we will provide the patient/couple with information of the treatment options available. The treatment plan will be uniquely tailored to the needs of each patient/couple.
All surgical modalities are available for those needing laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or more extensive surgeries such as myomectomy.
For many couples, the treatment will begin with ovulation induction in conjunction with timed intercourse or insemination. For other couples or those who do not achieve a pregnancy with other treatments may need to proceed with ART.
Indications for IVF
In Vitro Fertilization
- Tubal factors; occlusion or obstruction by voluntary or non-voluntary means that have not responded to surgery
- Endometriosis that has not responded to previous medical or surgical treatment.
- Low sperm counts or other sperm abnormalities
- Unexplained infertility
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
- Male factor
- Previously failed fertilization cycles in the presence of normal semen parameters
- In most cases, when sperm is obtained directly from the epididymis or testicle (TESA OR MESA).
Helping a Patient Prepare for ART
Before proceeding to ART procedures, couples may be able to try simpler and less costly procedures. However, we strive to guide patients through their treatment in an expeditious manner. The age of the women is an important factor in overall success of any treatment. If she is over 40, there is a significant decline in the quality of eggs and, therefore, pregnancy rates are reduced. And, of course, the patient should be in good health. Chronic medical conditions, severe medical or psychiatric problems, drugs and smoking will affect the success of ART.
The first step for patients beginning Assisted Reproductive Technology at KU Med is to complete and return a “History and Physical form and provide any pertinent medical records from you and other previous physicians.
More specifically, there are several general health tests that must be completed prior to ART. Patients can obtain these tests through their primary care physicians or through our office, depending on insurance coverage. If they have been performed within the past year, they need not be repeated.
Tests Needed Before ART Begins
Female
- Pap
- Rubella titer (if not immune, we recommend a booster and support the FDA recommendation of a one-month wait after before trying to conceive)
- Hysterosalpingogram
- HIV
- Hepatitis B antigen, Hepatitis C antibody
- Blood type and Rh factor
Male
- HIV
- Hepatitis B antigen, Hepatitis C antibody
Test results may be mailed or faxed to:
KU Medical Center
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, KS 66160-7316
Attn: Women’s Reproductive Center
Fax: (913) 588-6285
We remind patients that they will need to continue their annual gynecological care, including Pap smear and breast exam, through their referring physician. If they develop a gynecological problem unrelated to infertility, such as vaginal infection or abnormal Pap smears, we recommend that they see you as well. We inform them that we are a specialty clinic and only treat conditions primarily related to infertility or hormone imbalances.
Follow-Up Care During and After ART
After a patient begins care with us, we will provide you with our assessment plans for your records. Likewise, as our treatments proceed, we will notify you of the workup, treatment plans, and procedures performed, along with notes and reports. We also encourage contact from you at any point when you might have questions or simply would like to check on your patient’s progress.
Once a pregnancy is achieved, we ask patients to schedule prenatal visits with her referring physician. Because of the increased risk for ectopic pregnancy, however, we do like to follow the patient for a few more weeks to determine the location of the pregnancy.
Of course, upon delivery, we always welcome the joyful news and enjoy tracking the successes of our patients!
Consultants at the Women’s Reproductive Center
Department of Urology - full evaluation of male infertility.
Success Begins with a Successful Team
We hope this Referring Physician’s Guide has provided useful information to help you guide your patients in some of the most difficult decisions they likely will face. We welcome any further questions or information you might have for us. To contact us or to refer a patient to our program, please write or phone:
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology
University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Blvd
Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7316
(913) 588-6276
We look forward to working with you, and with your patients.