Impact of implementation of an embryo storage fee on embryo disposal activity

Objective: To examine the impact of implementation of a new fee for continu ed storage of cryopreserved embryos on the rate of requests for disposal of embryos. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: A university-based assisted reproduction program. Patient(s): All patients with cryopreserved embryos. Intervention(s): Implementation of a semiannual embryo storage fee of $100 to cover administrative and laboratory costs. Main Outcome Measure(s): The number of embryo disposal requests before and after implementation of the embryo storage fee was compared in relation to the activity of the cryopreserved embryo program as measured by number of f rozen embryo transfers. Result(s): Annual requests for embryo disposal from 1992 through 1997 range d from zero to three, which represented 0-5% of the annual frozen embryo pr ogram activity. In contrast, a significantly higher number of disposal requ ests (10, representing 18% of program activity) were received in 1998. Conclusion(s): Fees for storage of cryopreserved embryos seem to influence patients' decisions about disposal of cryopreserved embryos. (Fertil Steril (R) 2000;74:813-5. (C) 2000 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine. ).