Frequently Asked Questions
Is Creighton Model Instruction covered by my insurance?
Possibly. Please contact your insurance provider for the details of your specific plan. Because your practitioner is not a physician, she cannot contract directly with insurance companies, but she can provide you with an itemized receipt to file for reimbursement from your insurance company, should you so choose. If you have an HSA or flex spending account for healthcare expenses, all program fees should be reimbursable from your account.
What if I just need materials?
The Creighton Model System is meant to be learned with guidance from a trained practitioner. Your practitioner is an allied health professional who has gone through an intensive 18-month program of study in order to learn all of the instructions of the system and how to apply them in any situation that may arise. Since the system cannot be self-taught, you must be in follow-up with a practitioner in order to purchase materials. Should you decide to discontinue instruction before attending four follow-up sessions, you will be asked to return your materials for a partial refund.
I have already learned a different method. Why do I need to learn a new method in order to access NaProTECHNOLOGY?
NaProTECHNOLOGY was developed in conjunction with the Creighton Model System, as a result of research that was undertaken using the Creighton Model specifically. The Creighton Model is unique among natural family planning methods in that it truly networks family planning with reproductive health. Because the Creighton Model charts are medically standardized, they provide more specific information about the functioning of the female reproductive system than the charts generated via other methods can, and are thus uniquely suited to use for diagnostic and treatment purposes.
Can I use the Creighton Model System while breastfeeding?
Absolutely! In fact, it is an ideal method of family planning to use while breastfeeding, as it doesn't expose you or your baby to any hormones or chemicals. Breastfeeding commonly suppresses menstrual cycles for months or even years in some cases. The Creighton Model System will assist you in identifying the changes you will see that indicate a return to fertility. Many clients have shared that they find the Creighton Model easier to use while breastfeeding than some other methods they have tried. If you are breastfeeding and have not yet returned to cycles, your follow-up schedule will need to be modified. After the first four follow-ups, you will be asked to come to follow-up every 6 weeks until you have had 3 complete normal menstrual cycles.
Does the Creighton Model System work with irregular cycles?
Yes! The Creighton Model is a great method for women with irregular cycles, because it relies on actual physical signs rather than calendar calculations. In addition, it allows for your charts to be screened by your practitioner, so that if there appears to be a medical issue causing your irregular cycles, you can be referred to a physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Is the Creighton Model a religious method?
The Creighton Model system was developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers based on research he was doing as a medical student, and inspired by the "call to action" in Pope Paul VI's encyclical letter Humanae Vitae. While his initial inspiration was thus very much a direct response to this religious document, the method itself may be used by anyone regardless of their faith, and religion is not a topic of discussion either in the introductory session or the follow-up appointments.
How effective is the Creighton Model System?
When used by couples of normal fertility to avoid pregnancy, the method is 99.5% effective when all observations are made and recorded correctly, and all method instructions are followed. When used by couples of normal fertility to achieve pregnancy, 76% of couples will achieve pregnancy during the first cycle of trying, and 98% of couples will become pregnant within 6 months. If couples are not pregnant after 6 months of fertility-focused intercourse, evaluation for possible infertility is thus warranted. When used by couples with infertility over the course of one year, 20-40% will achieve pregnancy with charting and fertility-focused intercourse, and up to 80% will achieve pregnancy with cooperative medical treatment.
How many follow-up sessions are required for marriage preparation?
If you are preparing for marriage in the Diocese of Peoria, the marriage preparation requirement is for the introductory session and the first four follow-up appointments, although you are strongly encouraged to proceed with the full course of instruction (8 follow-up appointments over the course of the first year of instruction, and every 6-12 months or as needed thereafter).
I am pregnant and would like to use the Creighton Model after delivery. When should I attend an introductory session?
Congratulations! You may attend the introductory session at any point during the third trimester of your pregnancy. You may begin charting postpartum as soon as the lochia (postpartum bleeding) decreases, and you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your practitioner for 2 weeks after you begin charting.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment by cash or check is preferred, but we can also take Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. All card transactions are subject to a 3% convenience fee.