Financial Analysis

There are two reasons that the SQA is less costly than microscopy. Obviously, the sum of disposables plus labor is lower, which results in lower direct costs.

Here is one calculation, based on labor rates at a California HMO.

There is a second labor factor. The figures above reflect the cost of a test assuming it is performed by a technician. Microscopic semen analysis requires judgment, and therefore is usually categorized as a "high complexity" test which in many facilities demands a laboratory scientist.

If that is the case in your group, and a laboratory scientists wage is similar to that in California, there are new numbers:  

Assuming the wage differential, if a lab does 20 tests per month, then annual SQA savings is substantial. Look at the numbers:

20 tests/month is 240 tests/year. 240 tests times a differential of $11.84 equals $2,841.60, Even using the same labor rate for both tests, the annual savings would be 240 times $6.01, or $1,442.40.

There is a second and far larger benefit, however. The ambiguity that is characteristic of microscopic evaluations results in a certain percentage of "faulty" initial screenings. Depending upon the practices of the facility and its physicians, the cost of such errors  may include unnecessary therapy and protocols, and additional diagnostic procedures for the other partner.

The objectivity of the SQA significantly reduces the incidence of such errors, and therefore the cost of unnecessary work afterward. Though this document will not attempt to quantify the benefit of consistent and accurate results, Progeny invites you to make that calculation based upon the historical performance of your group.

It's impossible to estimate how many erroneous fertility diagnoses were made during the past twelve months, and the subsequent additional cost of them. It is certain to be a significant number, and you can reduce that cost by at least 50% by using the SQA.

Since infertility issues are very time sensitive, the benefit to the patient-couple is improved as well, since the correct diagnosis will be made on the first pass. This benefit cannot easily be estimated in financial terms, but the emotional issues are substantial.