Family Beginnings
Available Resources
Indianapolis North
8435 Clearvista Place
Indianapolis, IN 46256
(317) 595-3665
Indianapolis South
5128 E. Stop 11 Road
Indianapolis, IN 46237
(317) 595-3665
6 assessments
9
Age
34
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Other, Unexplained
9
It is a very small clinic [Family Beginnings] - I see this as a plus. The entire staff is available at all times. I have the dr cell phone number and can use it any time that I need it. After having several losses, it is nice to know that when I am going through this process they are there to not on physically support me to but be there emotionally.... Everyone takes their time with the patients. I never left with a questions. If I had a question that I thought of on the way home they were only a phone call away.
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Age
34
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
3rd of 4 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Other, Unexplained
9
Describe your experience with Family Beginnings.
It is a very small clinic - I see this as a plus. The entire staff is available at all times. I have the dr cell phone number and can use it any time that I need it. After having several losses, it is nice to know that when I am going through this process they are there to not on physically support me to but be there emotionally.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
The doctor met with me to discuss my fertility treatment plan. I am Catholic, so my faith plays a big role in how we proceed. He modified my treatment to match my religious desires while also maximizing our chances for a healthy pregnancy. He also told me all of our options. He didn't push us to go straight to IVF unless we wanted to. He let me be active in the decision making process while educating me along the way.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Everyone takes their time with the patients. I never left with a questions. If I had a question that I thought of on the way home they were only a phone call away. They always answered all of my questions and then gave me explanations. No test was performed or anything done without me knowing the reason why it was necessary.
How was your experience with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Dr. Donahue was amazing. He gives his patients his personal cell number so that he is available for questions or concerns if they arise. He does not rush through a visit just to get someone else in the door. Very rarely do you get a voicemail with this practice - I have already talked to a human when I call. On the rare chance I have had to leave a VM they call you back right away. I feel like a person there and that the truly care.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Their office is not the typical fancy fertility clinic that you would expect. This keeps their prices lower and allows them to focus on the patient.
Describe the protocols James Donahue used in your cycles at Family Beginnings and their degree of success.
I am getting ready to start IVF. I experienced a miscarriage the month that we were supposed to start trying. I am waiting on his instructions on how we are going to update my protocol based upon blood work and results from my miscarriage.
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Donahue at Family Beginnings.
The initial visit (without insurance was about $200). I am still going through the process of IVF so I can't comment fully on the price.
Describe James Donahue's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Family Beginnings.
I feel that the entire team has educated me on the risks of transferring one or two with or without testing. They have made it very clear on the risks and why some risks were worth taking and why some weren't. It is one thing to know the risk it is another to know why.
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7
Age
31
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
7
The nurses [Family Beginnings] were very sweet, even when they had to come in on July 4th for an IUI. They never made me feel like a number and were just very sweet.... Strengths - extremely small and only one doctor so everyone is aware of your care and in the loop. I felt like I never had to explain what was going on to anyone! Weaknesses - more so for my husband - there is no deposit room so he had to make his deposit at home and transfer it which can be stressful (keeping it the right temperature, getting there in time, etc.)
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Age
31
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 3 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
7
Describe your experience with Family Beginnings.
Strengths - extremely small and only one doctor so everyone is aware of your care and in the loop. I felt like I never had to explain what was going on to anyone!
Weaknesses - more so for my husband - there is no deposit room so he had to make his deposit at home and transfer it which can be stressful (keeping it the right temperature, getting there in time, etc.)
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Dr. Donahue did my IUIs himself and was easily accessible if I had questions or concerns. I felt like he was very involved in my care.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nurses were very sweet, even when they had to come in on July 4th for an IUI. They never made me feel like a number and were just very sweet. I had an IUI that was more painful for whatever reason and the nurse (while remaining professional) was also very nurturing and compassionate. I felt like my mom was in the room with me she was so caring.
How was your experience with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Dr. Donahue was great! He took whatever time necessary to put my mind at ease regarding the process and was extremely focused on the end goal of getting pregnant. He was definitely more aggressive than a previous dr. in regards to risking multiples as long as I was okay with that.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
To ask for him to do your IUIs. He indicated that nurses typically did them, but when I told him that was a concern of mine he was happy to do them...even on July 4th!
Describe the protocols James Donahue used in your cycles at Family Beginnings and their degree of success.
Dr. James was comfortable giving me higher doses of drugs to produce more follicles/eggs due to the fact that IUI had not been successful in the past. He felt that the likelihood of multiples was slim in my case (although he made it clear, they were possible) He also added progesterone to my treatment to help which my previous doctor had not done.
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Donahue at Family Beginnings.
Our IUIs with Dr. Donahue were a little cheaper I believe. Around $800 (not including medicine)
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10
Age
27 - 29
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Endometriosis, PCOS
10
The South office [Family Beginnings] isn't open on Fridays, making for longer travel if my cycle day requires a Friday appointment. My first experience at North office made me not want to go back (u/s tech?). I did go back and it was much better, didn't see the person who ruined my first experience. Sometimes a long wait at both offices, so having early appointment is best...Mini IVF now offered and very reasonable.
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Age
27 - 29
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Endometriosis, PCOS
10
Describe your experience with Family Beginnings.
The South office isn't open on Fridays, making for longer travel if my cycle day requires a Friday appointment. My first experience at North office made me not want to go back (u/s tech?). I did go back and it was much better, didn't see the person who ruined my first experience. Sometimes a long wait at both offices, so having early appointment is best.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
He listens to you wants/needs and is very respectful. He truly wants to help you be successful.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Family Beginnings. (Assigned nurse: Gia)
Gia is great. She can run the whole office herself. Always available to talk, explains everything in great depth. Husband loves the way she explains the ultrasounds and whole process.
How was your experience with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
He is very open, always available for questions, compassionate and soothing. He doesn't hesitate to bring up other treatment options and make sure you understand everything. He will call you personally when something isn't going as planned to check up on you. He involves everyone that is present at each appointment. Very knowledgeable.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Come with questions and be ready for great answers!
Describe the protocols James Donahue used in your cycles at Family Beginnings and their degree of success.
Femara, gonal f 50, hcg, iui, progesterone. 1 mature follicle, neg pregnancy test
Next increased gonal f to 75
2 mature follicles, chemical preg
Next cycle was miscarriage
3months off.
Currently increasing gonal f to 150.
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Donahue at Family Beginnings.
Reasonable compared to others I have seen. Mini IVF now offered and very reasonable.
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5
Age
25
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Unexplained
5
They [Family Beginnings] are financially feasible. They aren't great with communication and they have way too many patients for them to handle at times. They don't treat you like you are their only patient...They [nurses] are super busy. They are not able to Fully explain things and leave lots of room To potentially make mistakes. I had to call daily to ask questions that were never talked about. They rush off the phone and don't call when they say they will. I never had an email for them or even personal numbers. I had to call for my results for my blood work myself.
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Age
25
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Unexplained
5
Describe your experience with Family Beginnings.
They are financially feasible. They aren't great with communication and they have way too many patients for them to handle at times. They don't treat you like you are their only patient- so know yourself and get as educated as possible on what to expect through the process.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Leo Bonaventura at Family Beginnings?
The clinic wants to get you in fast. You barely see the doctors unless it's an important procedure (transfer, retrieval). They get you in and out as quick as possible.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Family Beginnings. (Assigned nurse: Kim and Gia)
They are super busy. They are not able to
Fully explain things and leave lots of room
To potentially make mistakes. I had to call daily to ask questions that were never talked about. They rush off the phone and don't call when they say they will. I never had an email for them or even personal numbers. I had to call for my results for my blood work myself.
What specific things went wrong at Family Beginnings?
- Failed to call with results
- Lost results
How was your experience with Leo Bonaventura at Family Beginnings?
He was very nice and loves to talk. He will answer all of your questions. He is knowledgeable about invocell and and medical knowledge that comes with fertility treatments. He is not great at communication outside of the office. I was sick and it took him a day to even respond to my message.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Leo Bonaventura at Family Beginnings?
Stay on top of everything. Ask questions. Expect to not see him much.
Describe the protocols Leo Bonaventura used in your cycles at Family Beginnings and their degree of success.
Letrozole and ovidrel. Gonal f for stims. PIO injections and progesterone suppositories. Birth control before month of stims.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Leo Bonaventura at Family Beginnings.
$8,000 for invocell and meds. All out of
Pocket. My insurance covered nothing here.
Describe Leo Bonaventura's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Family Beginnings.
He suggests only two. Is okay to place only one if that is your choice.
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10
Age
28 - 29
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Endometriosis, PCOS
10
[Nurse at Family Beginnings] Very friendly, available, open to any questions, supportive... About $2000/per IUI cycle with meds...Strengths: communication to patient, availability, quickness of appointments, all employees are supportive, many treatment options available, including InvoCELL, response time to phone calls/voicemails Weakness: communication between north and south office
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Age
28 - 29
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other, Prefer not to answer
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Endometriosis, PCOS
10
Describe your experience with Family Beginnings.
Strengths: communication to patient, availability, quickness of appointments, all employees are supportive, many treatment options available, including InvoCELL, response time to phone calls/voicemails
Weakness: communication between north and south office
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Dr. Donahue is a very nice, down to earth doctor. He explains everything to you, so it's easy to understand. Makes sure he answers any questions.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Family Beginnings. (Assigned nurse: Gia)
Gia is just like Dr. Donahue. Very friendly, available, open to any questions, supportive
How was your experience with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Dr. Donahue is very open and will answer any and all questions. He explains risks, discusses options and has always been very friendly and available. He got us in immediately both times we experienced problems/miscarriage.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Come with questions and expect answers! Be ready to explore options.
Describe the protocols James Donahue used in your cycles at Family Beginnings and their degree of success.
1. 5mg femara cd3-5. 50iu gonal f cd5-9, ovidrel, IUI, 200mg progesterone suppositories
2. 5mg femara cd3-5. 75iu gonal f cd5-9, ovidrel, IUI, 200mg progesterone suppositories
3. 5mg femara cd3-5. 150iu gonal f. cd5-7, 75 IU gonal f cd8-9, ovidrel, IUI, 200mg progesterone suppositories
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Donahue at Family Beginnings.
No insurance coverage for fertility services. About $2000/per IUI cycle with meds.
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7
Age
35 - 38
Treated
2015 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Unexplained
7
Nurses [at Family Beginnings] were kind and took time. They emphasized that I should call them if I had any questions at all and not worry if I was bothering them.... Fair price, great doctors, great nurses. The staff is kind and compassionate. Patients should ask a lot of questions, just as general rule of practice with any doctor. They give you great protocol information and pricing sheets.
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Age
35 - 38
Treated
2015 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Latino, Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Unexplained
7
Describe your experience with Family Beginnings.
Fair price, great doctors, great nurses. The staff is kind and compassionate. Patients should ask a lot of questions, just as general rule of practice with any doctor. They give you great protocol information and pricing sheets.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
The doctor is very down to earth and takes time with patients.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Nurses were kind and took time. They emphasized that I should call them if I had any questions at all and not worry if I was bothering them.
How was your experience with James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Dr. Donahue is thoughtful and takes time for patients. He makes himself available for questions and explains everything. He offers his email address and home phone number for emergencies, too. He is friendly when dealing with me and my husband.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Donahue at Family Beginnings?
Write down questions prior to appointments and call if you think of anything later.
Describe the protocols James Donahue used in your cycles at Family Beginnings and their degree of success.
We began small, with medicated cycles, then IUI. When I had pelvic pain the Dr. was very responsive and we discovered my endometriosis. Now we are doing a cycle with InvoCell.
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