Dr. Chavkin is careful, very thorough, and data-driven...She encouraged us to seek second opinions when there were many options for next steps. After seeking a second opinion, we declined the treatment option she had initially proposed, and she adjusted the treatment plan accordingly. She was very realistic about all procedures and explained everything in understandable terms...know how much things cost before you agree to any procedures
Sometimes the nurses [at HRC Fertility] did not provide accurate information related to medication dosage. I also had to delay a cycle due to miscommunication about clinic holiday closures. I was told to schedule procedures with my health care providers, but then later told I didn't need them. I had to triple check all appointments to make sure they were still on the books, as they weren't always scheduled. I also had to triple check paperwork was sent to other clinics or pharmacies....
How was your experience with Diana Chavkin at HRC Fertility?
Dr. Chavkin is careful, very thorough, and data-driven - everything you want with an IVF doctor. She encouraged us to seek second opinions when there were many options for next steps. After seeking a second opinion, we declined the treatment option she had initially proposed, and she adjusted the treatment plan accordingly. She was very realistic about all procedures and explained everything in understandable terms.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Diana Chavkin at HRC Fertility?
Be your own advocate - don't be shy to ask questions, seek second opinions from reputable sources, discuss all options with Dr. Chavkin. If cost is an issue, know how much things cost before you agree to any procedures.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Diana Chavkin at HRC Fertility?
In general, I felt like I was treated very well, but she didn't always keep in mind the cost of different procedures. She might suggest a procedure that would cost thousands and thousands of dollars just to see if something might be the case, even if it was a very low probability. In that way, it sometimes felt like I was just another paying customer. However, she adjusted after I communicated that these procedures would be thousands and thousands of dollars.
Describe the protocols Diana Chavkin used in your cycles at HRC Fertility and their degree of success.
I followed a relatively standard protocol for retrieval. For the transfers, the first two were pretty standard, and prior to the third, we would gone through a lot of testing, but opted to just try again, and it worked.
Describe your experience with your nurse at HRC Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Stephanie Garcia)
Stephanie Garcia is amazing, but the other nurses I worked with prior to Stephanie were difficult to communicate with and sometimes gave me incorrect instructions. The other nurses also were not good at drawing blood (would have to poke multiple times).
Describe your experience with HRC Fertility.
I like that the clinic is relatively small and quiet. However, the nursing staff (besides Stephanie) could benefit from additional training related to patient interaction. But it is ok as long as you stay on top of things.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Diana Chavkin at HRC Fertility.
The costs were reasonable/standard, but Dr. Chavkin ordered several extra tests to get more data.
Describe Diana Chavkin's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at HRC Fertility.
Strong preference for transferring 1 embryo, which we did for the first two transfers, and the third transfer included 2 embryos. We were informed of the risks of transferring 2.
What specific things went wrong at HRC Fertility?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Lost appointments
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to order appropriate test
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
- Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
- Scheduled the wrong procedure
Describe the specific things that went wrong at HRC Fertility.
Sometimes the nurses did not provide accurate information related to medication dosage. I also had to delay a cycle due to miscommunication about clinic holiday closures. I was told to schedule procedures with my health care providers, but then later told I didn't need them. I had to triple check all appointments to make sure they were still on the books, as they weren't always scheduled. I also had to triple check paperwork was sent to other clinics or pharmacies.
10
Clinic
HRC Fertility
West Los Angeles
