FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
The questions clinicians, practice leaders and patients ask most about RGCare5 and certification. If yours is not here, contact the Institute.
About RGCare5
What is RGCare5?
RGCare5 is a five-question screening tool that helps clinicians identify patients who may be struggling after a reproductive loss and guides a compassionate follow-up conversation. It was developed by the Institute of Reproductive Grief Care through five phases of research with more than 1,500 women who had experienced a loss.
What kinds of loss does it cover?
Any reproductive loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal loss and early infant death. It is used only after a loss, never during a pregnancy.
How long does it take?
Patients complete the five questions in a few minutes, usually before the visit. The follow-up conversation takes about two minutes.
Certification
Why do I need to be certified to use a five-question screener?
The research showed the questions themselves do not retraumatize, but how they are administered can. Patients asked for provider training to ensure that providers know how to administer the screener and discuss screening results in a compassionate manner. Certification is how the Institute keeps that promise.
Who can be certified?
Anyone who sits with an individual after a reproductive loss: physicians, nurses, midwives, counselors, social workers, chaplains and bereavement coordinators, in OB/GYN, primary care, mental health and community clinic settings. A professional license is not required to certify.
What does the session cover?
A live, 90-minute virtual session: reproductive loss and prolonged grief, the research behind RGCare5, how to administer it through the RGCare5 portal, compassionate communication, the conversation at each level of concern, and practice through a demonstration and role-play.
How soon can I start screening after the session?
Your credentials arrive within five business days. You can begin screening that day, with quick tutorials to walk you through the platform.
How long does certification last?
Certification stays active as long as your RGCare5 license does not lapse for two years or more. After a two-year lapse, recertification is required.
Can my whole practice certify together?
Yes. Reserve seats in the same session so your team learns the conversation as a group and can keep practicing it together. Groups of 10 or more can be considered for a private training.
Using RGCare5 in practice
How does the patient complete the screener?
Most patients complete it electronically before the visit, through a text, email or portal message with research-informed wording, or privately in the exam room.
Is there guidance on what to say?
Yes. After each screening, the clinician sees evidence-based guidance for that pattern of answers using the CARE Framework. A support resources handout will be made available to certified providers and can be customized to your health system or area.
Pricing and licensing
What does it cost?
Certification is $395 per person, paid once. Using RGCare5 requires an annual license: $195 per year for an individual, or quoted for a practice of two or more, with a lower rate per seat as your team grows. Request a quote.
Is there a charge per screening or per patient?
No. Screen every patient who needs it; the price does not change.
Privacy and data
Is RGCare5 HIPAA compliant?
RGCare5 is built to meet HIPAA requirements. Patient information is protected in transit and at rest.
For centers and clinics
Our organization is not a medical practice. Can we use RGCare5?
Yes. Anyone on your team who sits with people after a loss, such as a nurse, counselor or chaplain, can certify and screen, and the rest of your team can be trained in the conversation that follows.
For patients
My provider asked me to complete RGCare5. What is it?
Five short questions about how you are doing after a loss. There are no right or wrong answers. Your provider will talk with you about your answers at your visit, and you can stop at any time.
Who will see my answers?
Your answers are shared only with your treating clinician to help them better understand what you’re experiencing and support your care. Your responses are protected health information and will be kept private and confidential.
Ready to get certified?
Reserve a seat in a March session, or tell us about your practice and we will quote your team.