A growing gap in financial literacy is causing delays in IVF treatment cycles and placing additional strain on fertility clinics, surrogacy agencies and egg banks. With only 50% of Americans demonstrating basic financial knowledge, according to the annual P-Fin Index, this issue has persisted over the last eight years and shows signs of worsening as younger generations struggle more than their predecessors. These challenges are being felt acutely within fertility clinics, where the ability to afford the cost of treatment often determines a patient’s ability to proceed.

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70% of IVF Patients Report No Prior Understanding of Financial Process

The low level of financial literacy among patients is directly impacting IVF conversion rates, as many patients lack the necessary knowledge to secure financing for their treatments. "The job of the financial coordinator is one of the most challenging within our organization," said Joseph Macrillo, CFO/COO of Sher Fertility Solutions. He noted that coordinators must balance explaining treatment plans, insurance options, and self-pay strategies while fostering a connection with patients to guide them toward treatment.

Patients frequently leave consultations with lists of financing resources and limited direction. Nearly 70% of callers to EggFund, a fertility financing platform, reported having no understanding of how the financing process works, with 30% not having checked their credit scores before seeking assistance. This lack of preparation extends the time from consultation to treatment and reduces patient satisfaction.

Macrillo emphasized the broader operational implications: "Providing some information before sending the patient home with resources to do their own homework can foster stronger patient loyalty and reduce time to cycle." Clinics that fail to address these issues not only risk patient attrition but also face elevated staff turnover as financial coordinators feel unequipped to support patients effectively.

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Ryan Weighs In on Financial Counselor Challenges

The high cost of fertility care exacerbates patient anxiety, a sentiment echoed by Dwight Ryan, Executive Chairman of Innovation Fertility. "We look to ease the stress on our patients as much as possible," Ryan said, highlighting the link between financial challenges and delays in accessing care.

However, many clinics are hesitant to provide detailed financial guidance, fearing liability concerns or a lack of training for their staff.  The industry-standard approach is to provide patients with a list of lender resources, and leave it to the patient to weed through their options. This  leaves patients feeling overwhelmed and financial coordinators under empowered, which negatively affects clinic operations and staff retention. Adding to this problem is the fact that many patients are under-educated about the basics such as the importance of knowing their credit score before they apply, or even what type of financing they are applying for.

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The Path Forward: Financial Education as a Solution

Addressing financial illiteracy at the clinic level is becoming a priority for some fertility networks. Educational tools, such as EggFund’s free guide How to Pay for IVF and Surrogacy, offer practical advice to patients on navigating loans and alternative funding options. Clinics that incorporate such resources into their workflows have reported higher staff satisfaction and increased patient loan applications.

Additionally, initiatives to onboard clinic staff with fundamental financial knowledge are proving beneficial. By equipping staff with basic answers to common patient questions, clinics can alleviate the burden on financial coordinators and expedite the treatment process.

Ryan suggested that clinics could further enhance patient engagement by integrating digital tools. "A webpage to direct patients to, which can be added to practice websites, and a brochure with information and links, would be helpful," he noted.

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Fertility Centers Must Act Now as Interest Rates Lower

With the Federal Reserve gradually lowering interest rates, the accessibility of financing is expected to improve, potentially easing the financial burden on patients. However, fertility clinics must act now to bridge the gap in financial literacy, ensuring patients are better prepared to navigate the complex process of securing funding.

Empowering staff with knowledge and providing patients with accessible financial education are not just operational strategies—they represent a shift toward a more patient-centric approach in the fertility industry. As Macrillo aptly summarized, "Empowered staff create empowered patients," a combination that could transform the future of fertility care.