Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.
Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.
Scheduling
9.5
9.5
Scheduling
Ratings of 1 mean it was difficult to schedule appointments with this clinic.
Ratings of 10 mean it was easy to schedule appointments.
Billing Department
9.1
9.1
Billing Department
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.
Nursing Team
9.2
9.2
Nursing Team
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.
Attention to Detail
8.5
8.5
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is on a 1 - 10 scale, and is scored based on the rate, and severity, of errors committed by the clinic according to the patients.
For example, a severe error might be failing to inform a patient of critical information, while a small error might be failing to call a patient with results.
CDC Success Rates
This is the most recent data from the CDC. The CDC cautions that it should not be used to compare doctors and clinics. This data represents the outcomes of IVF cycles when using a person's own eggs.
For more information please see our FAQs.
Where you see a “?” on the chart, a clinic has done fewer than 20 cycles in this category and age range, so the CDC says showing percentages from this small data set would be misleading and unreliable.
My wife and I have been trying to conceive for 6 years. After another OBGYN misdiagnosed my wife we saw another doctor who dx her with endometriosis. After this we saw Dr Quintero and he gave us Letrazole to try for 5 months and if that doesn’t result in pregnancy we will try IVF. We are currently on the 3rd cycle but now complicated by an endometrioma that will need to be surgically removed before we continue. We will use dr Quintero and his staff once the surgery is done.
Clean, organized, nice staff [CARE Fertility]. The nursing staff took the time to help us fill out the paperwork and were very polite about everything. However we weee never given actual numbers on how much IVF will eventually cost us which makes me think it’s going to be very expensive ... The consultation was free and we received a prescription the very first day and didn’t have to pay a dime ... The nursing staff was very business like.
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
My wife and I have been trying to conceive for 6 years. After another OBGYN misdiagnosed my wife we saw another doctor who dx her with endometriosis. After this we saw Dr Quintero and he gave us Letrazole to try for 5 months and if that doesn’t result in pregnancy we will try IVF. We are currently on the 3rd cycle but now complicated by an endometrioma that will need to be surgically removed before we continue. We will use dr Quintero and his staff once the surgery is done.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Ask for as many details as possible he does t mind giving them out
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
He was very empathetic to our situation
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
Letrozol for 5 months, no results
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at CARE Fertility California.
The nursing staff was very business like.
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
Clean, organized, nice staff. The nursing staff took the time to help us fill out the paperwork and were very polite about everything. However we weee never given actual numbers on how much IVF will eventually cost us which makes me think it’s going to be very expensive
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.
The consultation was free and we received a prescription the very first day and didn’t have to pay a dime
Describe Rudy Quintero's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at CARE Fertility California.
I have no negative feedback for Dr. Thomas. From our very first consultation, she was kind and positive, while also setting realistic expectations and what problems and roadblocks we may or may not face. Everything went according to plan and I think she did a great job in adjusting medication based on how my body reacted. We love her and if we ever need a little extra help, we're going back to her.
CARE Fertility had great staff. Their space was nice...We experienced a tiny snag because Labcorp once charged me for a test, but it was very easy to fix. All I did was email one of their staff the receipt and it was all handled...Natasha [nurse] is awesome. She was very clear with instructions and was very prompt when I emailed questions...We did single embryo transfer because of my uterus' limitations. She had warned me that it was risky for me to carry multiples.
How was your experience with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
I have no negative feedback for Dr. Thomas. From our very first consultation, she was kind and positive, while also setting realistic expectations and what problems and roadblocks we may or may not face.
Everything went according to plan and I think she did a great job in adjusting medication based on how my body reacted.
We love her and if we ever need a little extra help, we're going back to her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
I would tell them to trust her and the process, while also having realistic expectations. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Thomas was very kind while also setting very realistic expectations for my partner and I. She took her time answering all our questions in person, and was available (along with nurse assistant Natasha) to answer questions via email.
Describe the protocols Semara Thomas used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
For IUI we had half a dose of letrozole so that we're only producing one egg. our IUI failed.
For IVF:
Egg retrival: we took 300 units of gonal and then 150 iu of monpur, and then gonal decreased to 150 on the 5th day. we did around 10 days of medication before getting novarel and lupron trigger shot 2 days or so before retreival
Transfer:
We did 4 mg of estrace for first 6 days, then increased to 6mg every day for the rest of the cycle. we started progesteron in oil + progesterone suppositories on the 10th day onwards, and we did the transfer on the 16th day after starting medication. We kept taking estrace, progesterone in oil + progesterone suppositories until the the 12th week or so of pregnancy
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Natasha Pelaez)
Natasha is awesome. She was very clear with instructions and was very prompt when I emailed questions.
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
CARE Fertility had great staff. Their space was nice. They took a lot of precautions during COVID, which made us feel safe.
We experienced a tiny snag because Labcorp once charged me for a test, but it was very easy to fix. All I did was email one of their staff the receipt and it was all handled.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California.
The cost was out of pocket for me. While they were closed during the pandemic they were a little harder to reach and coordinate with as we were preparing, which is understandable. I had a scheduled call with their finances, but I ended up getting a call from their CEO who walked me through financial options as well as what was covered.
All procedures, testing, ultrasound and consultation was part of a packaged price, and medication and genetic testing was extra. Tests that were done with my hospital prior to starting care with CARE fertility were taken out of the package price.
Describe Semara Thomas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at CARE Fertility California.
We did single embryo transfer because of my uterus' limitations. She had warned me that it was risky for me to carry multiples.
Dr. Quintero has a great attitude. He genuinely wants the best for his patients...I felt taken care of the minute I met with him...went over all treatments and helped up choose the treatment for us. Money was not even an issue, it was not forced...We started with Invocell...had to switch to IVF last minute...not able to do a fresh transfer due to elevated progesterone. We did ICSI and froze the 1 embryo that was created.
[CARE Fertility] is clean and the staff is friendly. Communication is great, I never felt lost with my treatment...I did find the Glendale office a little difficult to find initially...[nurse] was kind, caring and compassionate...went above and beyond. I can’t thank her enough...never had to wait. I looked forward to seeing the staff and [Dr. Quintero] at my appointments...already referred some of my friends...
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Quintero has a great attitude. He genuinely wants the best for his patients. He is compassionate and warm. I felt taken care of the minute I met with him. I had a few consultations before I met Dr. Quintero, where I felt like it was all about money. One Dr. told he that IVF was my only option and he would not do any other treatment, when I told the Dr. I was not ready since I did not have a low AMH and I’ve never tried any treatments, he still said no. It wasn’t until the front office called for a follow up and I said no due to financial reasons that the Dr. changed his mind and said we could do IUI and even went down to timed intercourse. That’s when I knew I was just a number and looked elsewhere. Dr. Quintero was not like that at all. He went over all treatments and helped up choose the treatment for us. Money was not even an issue, it was not forced.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Listen to what he says and take his advice. Be patient, infertility is so hard, he is doing all that he can to help.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Q is very compassionate and easy to talk to. His staff is amazing and made sure that I had everything I needed during my treatment. He really cares about his patients.
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
I had a Hysteroscopy to check my uterus.
I started letrozole and Menopur. Letrozole for about 4 days and 10 days on Menopur injectables. We had scans throughout treatment, then we did a retrieval. I felt really good after retrieval. I was not able to do a fresh transfer due to elevated progesterone. We did ICSI and froze the 1 embryo that was created. We were planing for a transfer, started letrozole and vaginal Estrace. The transfer was canceled due to covid 19. I don’t have any children so I would love to do another retrieval, so I have more of a chance.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Cristina, Nancy and there was a male during my Hysteroscopy and retrieval. They were phenomenal)
Cristina was the absolute best person I could have asked for. She was kind, caring and compassionate. She really went above and beyond. I can’t thank her enough. Nancy was also so attentive, she was so organized and helpful. I can’t remember the name of the male nurse that assisted with my Hysteroscopy and retrieval but he was so amazing and made me feel so comfortable.
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
The clinic is clean and the staff is friendly. Communication is great, I never felt lost with my treatment. I don’t really have any complaints. I did find the Glendale office a little difficult to find initially but that’s all. I really like CARE Fertility and have already referred some of my friends.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at CARE Fertility California.
All my monitoring appointments we very easy. I never had to wait. I looked forward to seeing the staff and Dr. at my appointments.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.
We started with Invocell and I think the package was about $9k we added a few more medications which cost maybe $1200 and then we had to switch to IVF last minute and we paid an additional $1600
Describe Rudy Quintero's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at CARE Fertility California.
I believe that age was a big factor in how many they would transfer. Since I am over 35 I want to say that they would transfer 2 but we only got 1 embryo.
We did a “natural” cycle of IVF. [with Dr. Quintero]. They explained the reasoning to me in great depth but of course as I sit here 2 months after my miscarriage of that IVF cycle I couldn’t tell you why. But I can tell you that if we ever get the chance to transfer again, I will advocate for a medicated cycle...I felt like a human. He sits and looks directly into my eyes when speaking, he’s soft spoken and gentle and always asks me my thoughts on things...He is kind and gentle and explains things as simply as he can. He is forward and honest without being harsh and insensitive. He always asks me my opinion on things and truly cares how I feel. He sits down and gets eye level with me and addresses me by my name, he has gone out of his way on numerous occasions to make sure I’m comfortable.
Natasha [at CARE Fertility] is beyond anything I ever could have hoped for in a nurse, she is kind, honest, funny and always knows how to calm my nerves. She is patient with me and never makes me feel like I’m bothering you. I’m a total type A personality and she even gave me her personal cell number to text on the weekends or after hours if I had questions...The clinic is very good at communicating when it’s on their terms but I have had a hard time contacting them in the past or getting phone calls returned in a timely manner. I do understand they are busy and do their best and I appreciate all of their efforts
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
He is kind and gentle and explains things as simply as he can. He is forward and honest without being harsh and insensitive. He always asks me my opinion on things and truly cares how I feel. He sits down and gets eye level with me and addresses me by my name, he has gone out of his way on numerous occasions to make sure I’m comfortable.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
My first appointment with him in 2017 he told me “come hell or high water you will have a baby.” I didn’t know it at the time, but I was about to endure a lot of hell and high water. If I could give one of his prospective patients advice, it would
Be to trust the process and take his advice.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
I felt like a human. He sits and looks directly into my eyes when speaking, he’s soft spoken and gentle and always asks me my thoughts on things.
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
We did a “natural” cycle of IVF. They explained the reasoning to me in great depth but of course as I sit here 2 months after my miscarriage of that IVF cycle I couldn’t tell you why. But I can tell you that if we ever get the chance to transfer again, I will advocate for a medicated cycle.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Natasha )
Natasha is beyond anything I ever could have hoped for in a nurse, she is kind, honest, funny and always knows how to calm my nerves. She is patient with me and never makes me feel like I’m bothering you. I’m a total type A personality and she even gave me her personal cell number to text on the weekends or after hours if I had questions.
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
The clinic is very good at communicating when it’s on their terms but I have had a hard time contacting them in the past or getting phone calls returned in a timely manner. I do understand they are busy and do their best and I appreciate all of their efforts
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.
Roughly 15k including ultra sounds and meds
Describe Rudy Quintero's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at CARE Fertility California.
We were lucky to be able to transfer 2, now I kind of wonder what would have happened if we only transferred 1
Although when we started Dr. Quintero was very friendly and showed concern as each treatment passed and failed it felt like we were just an obstacle taking his time. In the end he had no answers for us. He didn’t suggest pgs until we only had 3 embryos left...Make sure you do all your own research before entering your appointment. He will only discuss what you ask... Our transfers were all frozen. First and second transfer were done with injectables. The third transfer Dr. Q wanted to change things and try a “natural cycle” with oral meds which proved to not work to which he then simply started me on injectables again.
IVF cost [at CARE Fertility] were $20,000, $5,000 for meds. Each additional transfer was $1,500, $500 for meds each transfer...The clinic is very clean and has a friendly staff. Unfortunately, all staff seems over worked which in turn makes you feel like just a number and someone who is coming in for a random physical and not a life changing treatment...My primary nurse for my round of IVF was heaven sent. Compassionate, understanding, and thorough. She left after our first transfer and I was then given a “primary” nurse which I only saw once or twice and I then had communication which any nurse available
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Although when we started Dr. Quintero was very friendly and showed concern as each treatment passed and failed it felt like we were just an obstacle taking his time. In the end he had no answers for us. He didn’t suggest pgs until we only had 3 embryos left.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Make sure you do all your own research before entering your appointment. He will only discuss what you ask.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Although they entered the room repeating my story I many times had to correct them making me wonder if they really knew who I was
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
We did one round of IVF. I did injectables. I can’t remember meds.
Our transfers were all frozen. First and second transfer were done with injectables. The third transfer Dr. Q wanted to change things and try a “natural cycle” with oral meds which proved to not work to which he then simply started me on injectables again.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California.
My primary nurse for my round of IVF was heaven sent. Compassionate, understanding, and thorough. She left after our first transfer and I was then given a “primary” nurse which I only saw once or twice and I then had communication which any nurse available
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
The clinic is very clean and has a friendly staff. Unfortunately, all staff seems over worked which in turn makes you feel like just a number and someone who is coming in for a random physical and not a life changing treatment
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.
The clinic linked us to a loan company and we were able to pull a loan to start treatment. IVF cost were $20,000, $5,000 for meds. Each additional transfer was $1,500, $500 for meds each transfer. With ultrasounds, surgeries and all services not covered by insurance we spent $35,000.
What specific things went wrong at CARE Fertility California?
Failed to call with results
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at CARE Fertility California.
After much research I realized that Dr. Q never gave us all the options for treatment (human growth hormone, pgs testing, PCOS treatment). Even though we had a primary nurse during our first round of IVF we then just had any coordinator work with us depending on the day. Made it difficult to make a relationship and trust. After all failed attempts Dr. Q had no answers and simply suggested we transfer all remaining embryos. Once we informed the clinic we would not be returning and taking our embryos elsewhere emails were left unreturned for weeks until our new clinic kindly offered to deal with the transfer. Which still took 3 months to complete
Dr. Thomas was attentive, encouraging, and also very honest with me. She made a good balance of respecting my wishes to try lower intervention methods before higher intervention procedures while also being honest about the odds and potential challenges should I wait until after or closer to age 35 ... Dr. Thomas took her time with me during in-person visits and made herself available to me over email. I felt she really cared about me as a human
Strengths: the clinic [CARE Fertility] is very clean, neat, and has a welcoming atmosphere. Weaknesses: Sometimes the wait time before I was seen was over 30 mins. No free/validated parking ... I had to pay for medications and some visits although I have fertility insurance through my employer (Progyny) ... Stephanie and Natasha were very compassionate, encouraging, and accessible when I had questions
How was your experience with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Thomas was attentive, encouraging, and also very honest with me. She made a good balance of respecting my wishes to try lower intervention methods before higher intervention procedures while also being honest about the odds and potential challenges should I wait until after or closer to age 35
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Her nurses/clinical staff are very helpful. Get their contact info/email addresses. Sometimes you’ll see them during visits and phone sessions instead of the doctor
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Thomas took her time with me during in-person visits and made herself available to me over email. I felt she really cared about me as a human
Describe the protocols Semara Thomas used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
Clomid used because I had conceived once before on that medication. We tried Clomid and injectables (Menopur) for 3 cycles before switching to Letrazole because Clomid made me very emotional/depressed. I was on Letrazole and Menopur for 1 cycle before I conceived
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Stephanie)
Stephanie and Natasha were very compassionate, encouraging, and accessible when I had questions
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
Strengths: the clinic is very clean, neat, and has a welcoming atmosphere. Weaknesses: Sometimes the wait time before I was seen was over 30 mins. No free/validated parking
Nothing else to say. Won’t let me continue until I hit 200 characters
Describe the costs associated with your care under Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California.
I had to pay for medications and some visits although I have fertility insurance through my employer (Progyny)
She [Dr. Semara Thomas] was kind and took the time to follow up with me and let me know what results were as well as to explain exactly what the treatment plan was and why...She is well informed and knowledgable and does her best to have fertility treatments happen as quickly as possible. I appreciate being able to get in touch with her to ask questions when I very much need to and find her to be someone who is easy to communicate with. Her only weakness is that at times she can speak rapidly without always giving enough time for information to be digested but her kindness and compassion are still present.
Both of the care coordinators I've worked with [at CARE Fertility] were truly wonderful. They were both responsive and answered all my questions with patience...First IVF without transfer done was about 24K, Second was around 16K and third 11K +6K for medication...Strengths, the staff is extremely friendly and easy to interact with. Weakness, somehow there was a pause in treatment over the course of 3 months that was extremely inopportune and I wish they had let me know I could have pursued treatment at their other location during that time and not lost the time.
How was your experience with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
She is well informed and knowledgable and does her best to have fertility treatments happen as quickly as possible. I appreciate being able to get in touch with her to ask questions when I very much need to and find her to be someone who is easy to communicate with. Her only weakness is that at times she can speak rapidly without always giving enough time for information to be digested but her kindness and compassion are still present.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Just to follow up with her directly and be persistent if need be as she's busy and seems to want to be responsive.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
She was kind and took the time to follow up with me and let me know what results were as well as to explain exactly what the treatment plan was and why.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Natasha and Stephanie)
Both of the care coordinators I've worked with were truly wonderful. They were both responsive and answered all my questions with patience.
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
Strengths, the staff is extremely friendly and easy to interact with.
Weakness, somehow there was a pause in treatment over the course of 3 months that was extremely inopportune and I wish they had let me know I could have pursued treatment at their other location during that time and not lost the time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California.
First IVF without transfer done was about 24K, Second was around 16K and third 11K +6K for medication
I feel like when he [Dr. Quintero] noticed the Clomid wasn't having the rite affect we should have changed it up. Instead we stayed on the original course. I ended up with a cyst. I'm pretty sure I didn't ovulate at all that month due to Clomid. He noticed the follicles weren't "blowing up" like he expected so kept prolonging the process...He saw the Clomid wasn't doing its job. I should have been switched to something else or should have been put on hold till the following month
The nurses [at CARE Fertility] are great. I never had to wait too long. I wish I was just taken through a natrual iui instead of jumping to clomid. The doctor Rudy wasn't there for my iui . a lady I never met was there to do it....The nursing staff was great! They were very helpful...I just felt I was next in line. The staff was sweet though....We started with Clomid rite away. Each visit I wasn't progressing like he [Dr. Quintero] hoped. Just pushed back my hcg trigger shot till my 2 follicles got big enough.
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
I feel like when he noticed the Clomid wasn't having the rite affect we should have changed it up. Instead we stayed on the original course. I ended up with a cyst. I'm pretty sure I didn't ovulate at all that month due to Clomid. He noticed the follicles weren't "blowing up" like he expected so kept prolonging the process
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Don't jump straight to Clomid if you don't have fertility issues that are hindering ovulation
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
I just felt I was next in line. The staff was sweet though.
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
We started with Clomid rite away. Each visit I wasn't progressing like he hoped. Just pushed back my hcg trigger shot till my 2 follicles got big enough.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California.
The nursing staff was great! They were very helpful
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
The nurses are great. I never had to wait too long. I wish I was just taken through a natrual iui instead of jumping to clomid. The doctor Rudy wasn't there for my iui . a lady I never met was there to do it.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.
I spent around $3000 for everything
What specific things went wrong at CARE Fertility California?
Failed to consider drug intolerance
Describe the specific things that went wrong at CARE Fertility California.
He saw the Clomid wasn't doing its job. I should have been switched to something else or should have been put on hold till the following month
Dr. Q. made me feel welcomed, informed,,and had optimism when I lost it...Dr. Q. head my story and what I wanted and he pursued it as passionately as I did. He was delicately direct about my poor ovarian reserve and encouraged me to try one more round, and I became pregnant in that round...Honest, affordable, compassionate, accessible, resourceful
I was a cash patient [at CARE Fertility] and he [dr. Rudy Quintero] was very affordable without feeling like I was getting less than those covered by insurance. Although his practice has progressed and his prices have probably gone up, he is still the best doctor in my opinion...[nurses are] Compassionate, accessible, informative
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Honest, affordable, compassionate, accessible, resourceful; Dr. Q. made me feel welcomed, informed,,and had optimism when I lost it. I had two failed IUIs on Clomid. At the beginning of my third round, my ovums were misshapen and there were dramatically fewer. He did blood work and diagnosed poor ovarian reserve. I had already paid for the next spermicide sample. I was ready to give it away and give up on having a child on my own. He suggested one more round as every month was not necessarily the same. He gave me a very high dose of Follestim. I produced one egg...and got pregnant.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Q. head my story and what I wanted and he pursued it as passionately as I did. He was delicately direct about my poor ovarian reserve and encouraged me to try one more round, and I became pregnant in that round.
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
Clomid x 2 rounds
Follestim one round
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California.
Compassionate, accessible, informative
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
I was a cash patient and he was very affordable without feeling like I was getting less than those covered by insurance. Although his practice has progressed and his prices have probably gone up, he is still the best doctor in my opinion.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.
Flare fee Er cycle including ultrasounds, IUI, and care up to 6 weeks when pregnant including ultrasound w/file.
I had a goal without a reasonable path until I met Dr. Semara Thomas, I love this physicality and their process because the decision was all mine and they facilitated that as a possibility. They never gave up on me, and made me feel supported till the day my goal was met...[we did] Multiple embryo transfer , 1 took...
The office is very clean and everyone was so professional and the financial department was very helpful with the financing. The energy was very positive and made me feel hopeful. They have all the equipment necessary...She [our CARE Fertility nurse] was so sweet and understanding and professional...The financial department worked with me to make it affordable and make my dream come true
How was your experience with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
People often use the phrase "dream come true". I had a goal without a reasonable path until I met Dr. Semara Thomas, I love this physicality and their process because the decision was all mine and they facilitated that as a possibility. They never gave up on me, and made me feel supported till the day my goal was met. If it was up to me I would rename them "A dream come true" I love my baby already and I haven't even met him. Thank you Dr. THOMAS you are TRULY my dream come true.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Be patient and trust the Dr. Follow her instructions and pray
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
People often use the phrase "dream come true". I had a goal without a reasonable path until I met doctor Semara Thomas, I love this physicality and their process because the decision was all mine and they facilitated that as a possibility. They never gave up on me, and made me feel supported till the day my goal was met. If it was up to me I would rename them "A dream come true" I love my baby already and I haven't even met him. Thank you Dr. Thomas you are TRULY my dream come true.
Describe the protocols Semara Thomas used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
She did ivf.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Natasha )
She was so sweet and understanding and professional.
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
The office is very clean and everyone was so professional and the financial department was very helpful with the financing. The energy was very positive and made me feel hopeful. They have all the equipment necessary.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California.
The financial department worked with me to make it affordable and make my dream come true
Describe Semara Thomas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at CARE Fertility California.
Multiple embryo transfer , 1 took and I am 5 months pregnant now
Dr. Thomas listened to our story, understood our fears, and explained that she would do everything she could to ensure that we achieved our goal of having a family. She conducted fertility testing on both my husband and I and found out that I had a low number of eggs for my age and possibly poor egg quality...Dr. Thomas was elated and reminded us that it's also about quality and that we produced 2 beautiful embryos...We are currently at 14 weeks and Dr. Thomas is still checking in on us
[CARE Fertility] was amazing! The entire staff seemed to remember every client and they all were so compassionate...I felt that they were invested in my journey and wanted to see us succeed. I even remember being told by my primary care nurse, Natasha, that when my HCG results doubled they all cheered...The nursing staff at care fertility were amazing! From the front desk person remembering who I was, to the always kind and said hi lab tech who always withdrew my blood, to my primary care nurse who was compassionate and answered every question or concern.
How was your experience with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Dr. Thomas was everything my husband and I needed and more!
I had experienced a miscarriage at 7 weeks (Feb. 2019) and a loss at 20 weeks (Feb. 2020). We had done all types of testing prior to meeting with Dr. Thomas to determine if I or my husband had fertility issues, but everything came back normal. We were told to keep trying, but after 10 months of ttc after the loss of our daughter, we felt that IVF may be our best option. We were uncertain if a doctor would see us because we technically hadn't been diagnosed as infertile, but Dr. Thomas listened to our story, understood our fears, and explained that she would do everything she could to ensure that we achieved our goal of having a family.
She conducted fertility testing on both my husband and I and found out that I had a low number of eggs for my age and possibly poor egg quality. We started the first cycle for egg retrieval in Feb. 2021. However, I grew a cyst in my ovary from the medication and needed to cancel that cycle. I was devastated, but Dr. Thomas was compassionate and ensured that the journey wasn't over and that we needed to change the protocol.
We started our second cycle in March, 2021, and Dr. Thomas changed the protocol to a more gradual approach. Throughout the monitoring period my eggs were growing, but not quickly enough. Because of that, Dr. Thomas made additional changes and added medications to ensure that we were able to retrieve quality eggs at the end of this cycle. Fortunately, we were able to do a retrieval and get 6 eggs, 3 matured, and from there 2 embryos were formed.
Initially, my husband and I were a little disappointed with only retrieving 6 eggs because we've heard retrieving was about getting as many eggs as possible. However, Dr. Thomas was elated and reminded us that it's also about quality and that we produced 2 beautiful embryos.
In May, 2021, we decided to transfer 1 embryo and it was such a special experience. Dr. Thomas and her staff made it such a calm and enjoyable moment for my husband and I. We watched as Dr. Thomas transferred our embroyo and she held my hand when I stated to cry from joy.
Those days following the transfer were stressful, but Dr. Thomas and her staff were attentive and answered all of our questions. It felt that they were just as invested in ensuring a positive pregnancy test as we were. Fortunately, we had a positive test and my hcg numbers continued to double throughout the week!
At 7 weeks we went in for our last appointment with Dr. Thomas and it was probably one of the saddest visits because my husband and I didn't want to leave Dr. Thomas. She treated us like family and the thought of continuing this journey without her and her staff was hard. But again, Dr. Thomas ensured us that this is a good thing! That we were pregnant and that her job was done. It was time for us to move on and watch this embryo grow.
We are currently at 14 weeks and Dr. Thomas is still checking in on us.:) She is an amazing doctor and there are no words to express how much we appreciate her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
As fearful and stressful as this process is, trust Dr. Thomas because she will do everything she can to get you pregnant and having that dream family.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California?
Every time I went to the clinic they knew my name and greeted me as someone they were genuinely happy to help. With regards to Dr. Thomas, she made sure to explain, in detail, the journey we were embarking on without overwhelming us. Whenever I did get overwhelmed or anxious, she would calm my spirits and ensure me that we're doing great and doing everything we can to have a baby.
Describe the protocols Semara Thomas used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
I went through 2 cycles before being able to retrieve.
The first cycle was a more aggressive approach because we wanted to ensure that I produced quality eggs. The protocol was, Gonal F (225 units), Menopur (150 units), Dexamethasone (1 pill), Omnitrope-growth hormone (0.25 mL), Provera (10 units), HCG (10 units). Sadly, at 5 days in to the cycle I developed a cyst in my left ovary and we canceled the cycle.
My second cycle we initially planned to be a fresh transfer, but changed into a frozen transfer. We started with Gonal F (225 units), Menopur (150 units) and HCG (10 units). Dr. Thomas later added Omnitrope-growth hormone (0.25 mL) because my eggs were not growing quickly enough. Once we added the Omnitrope my eggs grew and we were able to do a retrieval.
I must note, that my left ovary was quiet/did not produce any eggs this cycle. We retrieved 6 eggs just from my right ovary, 3 were fertilized and 2 embryos formed.
We chose not to do any pre-screening or testing on the embryos and transferred 1 embroyo in May, 2021. We're currently 14 weeks pregnant.
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Natasha )
The nursing staff at care fertility were amazing! From the front desk person remembering who I was, to the always kind and said hi lab tech who always withdrew my blood, to my primary care nurse who was compassionate and answered every question or concern. I felt that they were invested in my journey and wanted to see us succeed.
I even remember being told by my primary care nurse, Natasha, that when my HCG results doubled they all cheered!
I could not imagine this journey going so smoothly without the staff at care fertility!
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
The clinic was amazing! The entire staff seemed to remember every client and they all were so compassionate. A major strength for me, during Covid, is that they required everyone to wear a mask in the clinic, they did temperature checks for everyone who entered, and even required me to take a Covid test before retrieval.
My safety and the safety of everyone who entered was their number 1 concern and I greatly appreciated that!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Semara Thomas at CARE Fertility California.
Dr. Thomas and Care fertility were in our insurance plan. However, we did have certain co-pays for tests, visits, ultra-sounds and medications not covered by our insurance. When we started, our insurance estimated out-of-pocket expenses to be $5000. We ended up needing to $4000 out-of-pocket, which we're currently on. payment plan for.
Describe Semara Thomas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at CARE Fertility California.
Dr. Thomas did not have a strong preference and left that up to us. We discussed with her my age, prior pregnancy history and the risk factors for transferring multiple, but in the end my husband and I decided on 1 embroyo.
With dr Quintero being fertility dr #4 I was beginning to lose hope but when I met dr Quintero I was amazed by his knowledge, honesty compassion and just all around care he takes his time! I never feel rushed I truly believe he cares about his patience and myself I'm honored to have dr Quintero treat me I trust him 100% my trust and hopes were broken by other doctors and dr Quintero erased all of that worry and mistrust he goes above and beyond and I am vey thankful I found him!
The office is very nice the staff [at CARE Fertility] does whatever they can to make you feel comfortable.... Isabelle [a nurse] goes out of her way to help in whatever way she can. If she doesn't know the answer she will find it. She always calls and emails when she says she will never keeps me waiting.... $7,000 plus medications....
How was your experience with Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
With dr Quintero being fertility dr #4 I was beginning to lose hope but when I met dr Quintero I was amazed by his knowledge, honesty compassion and just all around care he takes his time! I never feel rushed I truly believe he cares about his patience and myself I'm honored to have dr Quintero treat me I trust him 100% my trust and hopes were broken by other doctors and dr Quintero erased all of that worry and mistrust he goes above and beyond and I am vey thankful I found him!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California?
Be your self if you have questions ask him. If u don't understand ask again he won't let you leave until you fully understand. Don't feel rushed dr Quintero takes his time
Describe the protocols Rudy Quintero used in your cycles at CARE Fertility California and their degree of success.
Birth control
Lupron 5mg
Menopur 75
Gonal 450
Growth hormone
Describe your experience with your nurse at CARE Fertility California. (Assigned nurse: Isabelle)
Isabelle goes out of her way to help in whatever way she can. If she doesn't know the answer she will find it. She always calls and emails when she says she will never keeps me waiting
Describe your experience with CARE Fertility California.
Everyone is very nice dr and staff are always on time. The office is very nice the staff does whatever they can to make you feel comfortable
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rudy Quintero at CARE Fertility California.