The hospital where my cousin had her successful IVF is Mackay Memorial Hospital (馬偕紀念醫院) and the doctor’s name is Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang (李國光). For initial inquiry you need to get in touch with their International Medical Service Center (馬偕醫院國際醫療中心). The email address is mmhimsc@ms2.mmh.org.tw and the contact person is Ms. Vanessa Lin.
When I emailed Ms. Lin, I gave her an overview of my infertility treatment history. My first inquiry was how to go about it, what historical data Dr. Lee needs and more or less how much would be the cost.
I received a reply with an attached standard letter and here are the lists of things they will need from you:
1. Reports on TSH, Prolactin, Semen Analysis, Human Immunodeficient Virus (HIV) and Syphilis tests done within the last 6 months.
2. X-ray films of Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), can be in picture file or in USB drive or CD, test must be done within the last 2 years.
3. Infertility treatment history including the dose of FSH or HMG and its response to your ovary, number of follicles and operation report
The first on the list can be done here in the Philippines at any laboratory. The second, which is the HSG film, is not easy for those who have not done this before. It will take sometime for you to request your local OB-Gyne to do this, however this is not impossible. As for me, fortunately I just had my third HSG 6 months ago, before we underwent our last IUI. Without my readily available HSG result, I would have been discouraged already (unless Dr. Lee can still evaluate me without HSG, which I didn’t try to find out since I have my recent HSG film anyway). The third requirement is easy, I just gathered all my past transvaginal ultrasound reports. Hmm…..everything seems to be easy for me…it’s a sign, things are falling into place J
The letter indicated the budget of roughly US$4,500 for the entire IVF procedure. Not so bad, as it is only about Php200,000 compared to the cost in Manila which I think would reach at least Php500,000.
I was asked to go to Taipei anytime to take the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test. This is a blood test to predict the ovarian follicle reserve. Other things needed are Marriage Certificate (NSO copy) as proof of marriage, original passports and driver’s license of both husband and wife. They are very strict with the Marriage Certificate before they can enroll you to their IVF Program.
Since it was easy for me to prepare all the requirements needed, I scheduled my flight to Taipei on February 15, Tuesday, accompanied by my mother. My husband did not come along this trip anymore since all his tests can be done in the Philippines.
My first consultation with Dr. Robert Lee was scheduled the next day, February 16, Wednesday. Dr. Robert Lee's clinic time is Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. You have to make sure that you check Dr. Lee’s clinic hours before booking your flight.
We requested Vanessa to book us in a hotel near the hospital, Bailee Hotel (百利飯店). This is where they usually book their patients as it is just walking distance to the hospital. Room rate is at NT$1,480/night for 2 staying-in guests. Vanessa offered transfers from the airport to the hotel but knowing we can get by by bus, I declined the offer.
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