Patient Resources & Clinic Policies
Everything you need to prepare for your care journey at VCRM—consultation steps, insurance verification, essential health policies, holistic support, and trusted medical organizations.
Personalized Care
Every cycle is managed directly by Dr. Sharara with dedicated one-on-one monitoring.
Schedule Visit (703) 437-7722Welcome to VCRM & Your Initial Consultation
Congratulations on taking a proactive step toward creating your family. The entire staff at the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM) provides a patient-centered, comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Your initial consultation with Dr. Fady Sharara will never be hurried. You will spend dedicated, one-on-one time reviewing your complete medical and reproductive history, evaluating prior diagnostic or operative reports, discussing personalized treatment options, and performing a baseline ultrasound or physical examination when indicated.
Our financial coordinators will meet with you to review your insurance coverage and payment options. We strongly encourage both partners to attend this session and to bring copies of prior records.
Clinic Attendance & Scheduling Policies
24-Hour Cancellation Notice
If you need to reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours notice. Missed appointments prevent us from accommodating patients on our waitlist and may incur visit fees.
No Children in Office
Out of respect for our patients' emotional sensitivity during fertility treatment and health safety protocols, children are categorically not allowed in the office. Please arrange childcare prior to visits.
Smoking & Alcohol Policies for Optimal Success
Mandatory 6-Week Smoke-Free Policy
Studies show active smoking cuts IVF pregnancy rates in half (50% reduction). Women who smoke may not start an IVF cycle until they have been completely smoke-free for at least 6 weeks, verified by blood cotinine testing.
Clinical research demonstrates that alcohol consumption before and during IVF cycles significantly degrades egg quality and live birth outcomes:
- Female Impact: Drinking 1 extra glass of wine daily up to 1 year prior reduces retrieved eggs by 13%. Drinking 1 month prior increases non-pregnancy risk by 2.86x.
- Couples Impact: Live birth rates drop 21% if both partners consume 4 or more drinks weekly.
- Recommendation: Both partners should completely avoid all alcohol for at least one month prior to starting an IVF cycle.
Insurance & Financial Coverage
Approximately 90% of our patients have insurance coverage for their initial consultation, and roughly 50% have partial or full coverage for diagnostic testing and treatments.
Participating insurance networks and accepted plans include:
Anthem PPO
In-Network Plan
BC Federal
Federal Employee Plan
United Healthcare (Out-of-Network)
Out-of-Network Benefits
Cigna
Participating Provider
Aetna PPO
Participating Provider
CareFirst (Out-of-Network)
Out-of-Network Benefits
Many insurance plans provide out-of-network benefits that cover care at VCRM. Our financial team checks your benefits prior to your initial visit to provide clear cost transparency.
Emotional Support & Clinical Excellence
Fertility care is an emotional journey. Clinical excellence is only one part of what sets VCRM apart—our holistic care structure supports your emotional well-being every step of the way:
- Psychological Counseling: Individual, partner, and group counseling services tailored to fertility challenges.
- On-Site Reproductive Acupuncture: Licensed acupuncture performed directly on-site to complement your IVF or IUI protocols.
- Respect for Your Time: Zero long waiting room delays. We honor scheduled appointment times and promise never to make you watch promotional videos.
Trusted Educational Organizations
We recommend exploring these official reproductive medicine organizations for verified medical information:
ASRM
American Society for Reproductive Medicine — Official clinical guidelines and education.
Visit OrganizationSART
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology — Official clinic outcome reporting.
Visit OrganizationRESOLVE
The National Infertility Association — Patient advocacy, support groups, and resources.
Visit OrganizationReproductive Facts
ASRM Patient Education Portal — Fact sheets on fertility health and treatments.
Visit OrganizationPubMed
National Library of Medicine — Peer-reviewed scientific reproductive studies.
Search ResearchSREI
Society for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility — Board-certified specialist network.
Visit OrganizationReady to schedule your initial consultation?
Speak directly with Dr. Sharara and our dedicated care team in Reston, Virginia.