Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Lisa is very knowledgeable in her field. She has excellent bed side manners and is very honest/blunt but open to trying things. I appreciate her ability to explain things in layman's terms. I do wish she foupd have been at more of my appointments though...I have very productive ovaries for my age, which Lisa knew how to work with as far as drugs administered. My challenge is that the drug combo that got me pregnant once (but miscarried) also made my ovaries over respond on the next attempt

New clean facility. Easy communication/reliable responsiveness. The ultrasound equipment used is not very clear, nurse performing exam even comments on it. Inconvenient that [Kaiser Permanente] won't store donor frozen sperm, not even for a day or a few minutes. You must ship donor sperm to home and bring with you to insemination and bring tank back to your car/fedex after.

How was your experience with Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Just be honest with her and take things she says with a grain of salt so to speak. Your gut feelings are important too.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr Cookingham is very personable. She communicates like she knows you well and is very good at explaining things in layman's terms.

Describe the protocols Lisa Cookingham used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

I have very productive ovaries for my age, which Lisa knew how to work with as far as drugs administered. My challenge is that the drug combo that got me pregnant once (but miscarried) also made my ovaries over respond on the next attempt. So the following cycles have been not right feeling because she modified my drugs. Still trying to work out a new drug plan for my body.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento. (Assigned nurse: Stephanie kurata)

Stephanie was organized, timely, followed through with what she said and knowledgeable.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

New clean facility. Easy communication/reliable responsiveness. The ultrasound equipment used is not very clear, nurse performing exam even comments on it. Inconvenient that kaiser won't store donor frozen sperm, not even for a day or a few minutes. You must ship donor sperm to home and bring with you to insemination and bring tank back to your car/fedex after.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Insured so only copays for iui and medication

Doctor

Lisa Cookingham

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Vacaville

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2019, Unknown Success

Age 36

1 Fertility Medications

Unexplained

European

Income $50K - $99K

Sales Representative

1st of 2 Docs

5 IUI With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Dr Vue knows a lot in his field , however , he doesn’t explain infertility or IVF to the best of my understanding or my husbands . It was all explained very clinically . This is all new to us . We have been dealing with infertility for 4 years and he didn’t have any real reason why I wasn’t getting pregnant . He showed very little compassion and kind of hurried through the appointment

Unfortunately the IUI never happened as planned because the department who oversaw my husbands labs failed to tell us , the day before my procedure, that they expired 3 months prior. ... If this is the hospital and department [Kaiser Permanente] you want to go to make sure to be your own advocate. Tell them your symptoms and ask lots of questions. They are very helpful when it comes to moving forward, next steps

How was your experience with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Make sure you do your research on all things related to infertility/IVF. He is a very busy doctor so be sure to keep your appointments with him and ask as many questions necessary

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He made it clear he was a very VERY busy doctor with many patients in many parts of Northern California and that a lot of his emails are handled by his MA’s

Describe the protocols Kenneth Vu used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

Dr . Vue prescribed Menopure to me with ovidril. It was my last treatment of both due to the number of times I am able to do it , with a scheduled IUI. Unfortunately the IUI never happened as planned because the department who oversaw my husbands labs failed to tell us , the day before my procedure, that they expired 3 months prior.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I have been with this particular nursing staff at Kaiser Roseville for almost 4 years .. while they show compassion, they are also very clinical .. never really offering advice or things to try(other than eating healthy and exercising)

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Kaiser is a global giant. They are busy busy 24/7. If this is the hospital and department you want to go to make sure to be your own advocate. Tell them your symptoms and ask lots of questions. They are very helpful when it comes to moving forward, next steps

Describe the costs associated with your care under Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Based on my husbands insurance, ultrasounds were only $10 and medications $10-$20 However, his insurance doesn’t cover ANYTHING for IVF :(

What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I was on my last round of menopure and had my 5th IUI scheduled as well as an injection with Ovidril. I took my Menopure/trigger shot and the next day was supposed to have my IUI and the nurse called to inform me that my husbands labs had expired in January ... they couldn’t move on with my procedure for an IUI and I lost out on that round of menopure .

Doctor

Kenneth Vu

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Roseville

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Review of

2019, Unknown Success

Age 31

Male Factor

Unexplained

European

Income $50K - $99K

Operations

3rd of 3 Docs

8 IUI With Other Docs

IVF With Other Docs

Egg Freezing With Other Docs

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Dr. Vu is very personable, is patient with questions and spent as much time as I needed to explain the information I needed...He seemed A little overwhelmed every time I see him but went out of the way to try to put me at ease with my concerns and questions. I would recommend him, most of my interactions have been with his medical assistants and nurses though. He seems lake a very knowledgeable man with many years of experience

I was supposed to start my birth control and that I would receive my IVF calendar [from Kaiser Permanente] on the following week. I did get my calendar within a day however the calendar was for the following month and I was not informed but I needed to stop taking my birth control for three days...I wish the staff had a smaller work load of patients so they could give more focused individual care. I will note that every time I call they ended up talking to a different nurse. And when I got my prescription calendar it was not clear to me as to when to take my medications. It wasn’t communicated to me until after the fact when I was supposed to have stopped taking them. Pay very close attention to your medication calendar. It’s your responsibility to make sure you’re taking and stopping them when needed. I just figured someone would have told me.

How was your experience with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Vu is a great doctor. He seemed A little overwhelmed every time I see him but went out of the way to try to put me at ease with my concerns and questions. I would recommend him, most of my interactions have been with his medical assistants and nurses though. He seems lake a very knowledgeable man with many years of experience

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Have a list of questions that you want to ask prepared before your visit

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Vu is very personable, is patient with questions and spent as much time as I needed to explain the information I needed

Describe the protocols Kenneth Vu used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

I am in the middle of my IVF process with dr vu. We are doing a frozen embryos cycle

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I wish the staff had a smaller work load of patients so they could give more focused individual care. I will note that every time I call they ended up talking to a different nurse. And when I got my prescription calendar it was not clear to me as to when to take my medications. It wasn’t communicated to me until after the fact when I was supposed to have stopped taking them. Pay very close attention to your medication calendar. It’s your responsibility to make sure you’re taking and stopping them when needed. I just figured someone would have told me.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

It cost Over 20,000 out of pocket

What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Failed to convey critical information

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I was supposed to start my birth control and that I would receive my IVF calendar on the following week. I did get my calendar within a day however the calendar was for the following month and I was not informed but I needed to stop taking my birth control for three days in the car at Matt. I didn’t find out that I was supposed to have a break on my birth control until I had my appointment to go over my medication schedule. She said oh, you didn’t take a break in the air birth control? I I was never told that I needed to do that. Apparently it was in very small print on the top of the calendar in acronyms.

Doctor

Kenneth Vu

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2019, Successful

Age 29

1 IVF

Male Factor

Income $50K - $99K

Only Doc Seen

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Successful

Review of

Dr. Vu was very friend and very knowledgeable. From day one he addressed all aspects of the journey and what to expect. Dr. Vu gave you the power to make your own decisions but ensured that the decision was a knowledgable one. ... Dr. Vu was always positive and friendly. He had a very busy work load but always took time to talk with you.

Strength is that they [Kaiser Permanente Sacramento] are successful and friendly. Weakness is the amount that they cost and at times had me over order meds which costs me more money. Overall they are a great clinic [. They are very knowledgeable and share their knowledge with their patients. ... They [nurses] are available 7 days a week. They respond quickly to emails and phone calls. They are very helpful and I always had questions. They are always friendly and helpful.

How was your experience with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Call before you plan to start a treatment because the are booked out for months.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Vu was always positive and friendly. He had a very busy work load but always took time to talk with you.

Describe the protocols Kenneth Vu used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

They very closely monitor you so that they can adjust meds according to your specific needs.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento. (Assigned nurse: There were 5 nurses on my care team)

They are available 7 days a week. They respond quickly to emails and phone calls. They are very helpful and I always had questions. They are always friendly and helpful.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Strength is that they are successful and friendly. Weakness is the amount that they cost and at times had me over order meds which costs me more money. Overall they are a great clinic. They are very knowledgeable and share their knowledge with their patients.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

It was approximately $20,000 for an IVF cycle with ICIS. This is including the medication and not including genetic testing.

Describe Kenneth Vu's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They give you the power to make your own decision but will make sure that you have recieved full knowledge of any potential risks.

Doctor

Kenneth Vu

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2018, Unknown Success

Age 29

1 Embryo Freezing

Male Factor

Income $100K - $199K

Only Doc Seen

IVF With Other Docs

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Dr. Vu sees a lot of patients always bouncing from one to the next. I was warned that he is very scientific about the process, “ very doctor like” and gives it to you straight, which I appreciate but others have found insensitive. All I care about is if he can get us our end result, a child.... Dr. Vu was the one that really was able to explain my husband’s infertility issues with us. We had a private consultation with Dr. Vu and he considered all of our tests and labs and let us know that IVF with ICSI were our best chance.

The nurse case managers [Kaiser Sacramento] were wonderful! They answer phone calls and emails within a few hours or by the next morning. They really take the time to explain everything and have tissues ready when needed for those emotional appointments.... The scheduling process has a long wait list sometimes for transfer or egg retrieval. It’s essentially first to pay gets a spot. So the waiting was frustrating at times. Other than that, no complaints or comments.

How was your experience with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Vu was the one that really was able to explain my husband’s infertility issues with us. We had a private consultation with Dr. Vu and he considered all of our tests and labs and let us know that IVF with ICSI were our best chance. He told us IUI would be a low success rate and he wouldn’t bother. I appreciated his honest opinion and after my husband and I doing our homework we agreed. Dr. Vu describes my husband’s low motility with a great analogy “you trying to get pregnant naturally is like a team of soccer players with no legs”. Honestly this analogy resonated with us and it all kind of clicked for us. My husband and I are both sports people so it was perfect for us. The only thing that I would say was frustrating was during my ultrasound appointments leading up to egg retrieval, he would come into the room and wiz through my appointment and then scoot out to the next patient. He is extremely busy and I know this, but a tiny bit more time would be calming and appreciated. At my egg retrieval he was obviously more present and explained everything to my husband and I. Have not had a transfer yet, but will schedule for later this year.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Ask all your questions!! We all have a ton going through this process, speak up he is friendly and will let you know the answer. It might be straightforward but he has the answers to most.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Vu sees a lot of patients always bouncing from one to the next. I was warned that he is very scientific about the process, “ very doctor like” and gives it to you straight, which I appreciate but others have found insensitive. All I care about is if he can get us our end result, a child. The Nurse case managers are wonderful though and really take the time to be personal and answer all of my questions. They also are able to directly get a response from Dr. Vu if I need one.

Describe the protocols Kenneth Vu used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

We were a make factor infertility case and I was already showing a high follicle count prior to beginning meds. He wanted to make sure that I progressed appropriately but also took into consideration that I was high risk for OHSS. He kept my meds at the minimum needed and adjusted accordingly. He ended up having us do a freeze all to try and avoid OHSS and give us the best chance for success. He wanted my body to have a natural menstrual cycle and get rid of all the medications prior to transfer the embryo.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento. (Assigned nurse: There was a team of Nurse Case Managers. Kathy and Laurel were the two I worked with the most.)

The nurse case managers were wonderful! They answer phone calls and emails within a few hours or by the next morning. They really take the time to explain everything and have tissues ready when needed for those emotional appointments. At my egg retrieval I was slightly anxious and ended up having an allergic reaction to a form of penicillin and my RN was so amazing and compassionate when I had to leave my husband and go to the procedure room. She held my hand until I was out under. I can not speak more highly of the nurses!!

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The scheduling process has a long wait list sometimes for transfer or egg retrieval. It’s essentially first to pay gets a spot. So the waiting was frustrating at times. Other than that, no complaints or comments.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

We did IVF with ICSI totaling about $12,000. Our meds were an additional $3800 after a rebate we received from the drug company based on our income. We then later found out we needed to do frozen transfer which is an additional $1690. I have been told that if our first frozen cycle does not result in a live birth, Kaiser will cover a second frozen transfer for us.

Describe Kenneth Vu's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Dr. Vu made it clear he likes, one healthy baby and one healthy mama. I originally went in with the idea that I wanted to transfer 2, he stressed his recommendation that because I am younger and very healthy he would only transfer one at a time to avoid complications during pregnancy. I am also pre-diabetic so he especially urged one embryo transfer.

Doctor

Kenneth Vu

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2017 - 2018, Successful

Age 35 - 36

1 IVF

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

PCOS

Tubal Blockage

European

Income $100K - $199K

2nd of 2 Docs

6 Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Neutral

Successful

Review of

He [Dr. Kenneth Vu] is very funny but also fast and to the point. Doesnt like to spend time explaining things to you if he diesnt have to...I think he knows what he is doing. I was very happy with the results but he didnt go over the grades of my eggs or take the time to talk me through much. He was very busy though I believe at the time there was only one other dr. Over all I think he was a great Dr and knew what he was doing

We paid $18,000 or a little more for Meds, retrieval and a fresh transfer [at Kaiser Permanente]...The clinic was kept very clean. They were usually running 20 min or so behind every time I had to go. The staff was friendly. I once waited an hour and that was the longest I had had to wait but I guess it's like most Dr.s offices...I usually saw the same nurse and though I dont remember her name she was really wonderful

How was your experience with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

I think he knows what he is doing. I was very happy with the results but he didnt go over the grades of my eggs or take the time to talk me through much. He was very busy though I believe at the time there was only one other dr. Over all I think he was a great Dr and knew what he was doing

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

As long as you dont need all the answers eash visit he knows what he is doing!

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He is very funny but also fast and to the point. Doesnt like to spend time explaining things to you if he diesnt have too

Describe the protocols Kenneth Vu used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

Stemmed for 12 days

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I usually saw the same nurse and though I dont remember her name she was really wonderful

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The clinic was kept very clean. They were usually running 20 min or so behind every time I had to go. The staff was friendly. I once waited an hour and that was the longest I had had to wait but I guess it's like most Dr.s offices

Describe the costs associated with your care under Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

We paid $18,000 or a little more for Meds, retrieval and a fresh transfer

Doctor

Kenneth Vu

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Sae Sohn Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

2014 - 2017, Unsuccessful

Age 28 - 31

1 IVF

Unexplained

Income $50K - $99K

Nurse or HC Services

2nd of 2 Docs

3 IUI With Other Docs

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Unsuccessful

Review of

Dr. Sohn is very kind. My only complaint is that he seems very conservative with treatment and does not like to take risks (i.e. questioned me several times to ensure I wanted to implant two embryos instead of one). Al though we haven't gotten the results we want, I would recommend Dr. Sohn to my friends. He is very responsive by email as well...Dr. Sohn has great bedside manners. He is kind and understanding of this difficult situation...

The nurses aren't very consistent with their communication and one bad apple can ruin the bunch! Sometimes with Kaiser, you have to be your own advocate...After my first egg retrieval, the clinic failed to send me the embryo report. Another frustrating thing with this clinic has been when they schedule lunch time appointments and there is no receptionist at the desk, so you have to knock on the door and there is generally no one that answers... so you have to sit in the waiting room and hope someone comes out to find you. I've also found that their appointments are generally running late and I often have to wait ~15 for my appointment to start.

How was your experience with Sae Sohn at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sae Sohn at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

If you're going in for IVF, be prepared for a roller coaster!

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sae Sohn at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Sohn has great bedside manners. He is kind and understanding of this difficult situation.

Describe the protocols Sae Sohn used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

For both egg retrievals, I was put on the Microdose Lupron protocol (with Gonal-F & Menopur). He said this was the most aggressive protocol he prescribes for his patients. My first IVF, I had 12 eggs retrieved. 8 fertilized, and only 4 made it to day-5 embryo's.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Unfortunately I have not had great experiences with the nursing staff here. Communication issues and one nurse has not been very compassionate throughout this process. She comes across extremely fake and demeaning in how she interacts with me. I have had conversations with other patients who have had the same experiences with this one in particular nurse. The other nurses have been great, but unfortunately it only takes one bad apple to ruin the entire experience.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Strengths: If you're a Kaiser member, using Kaiser is very convenient. Weakness: The nurses aren't very consistent with their communication and one bad apple can ruin the bunch! Sometimes with Kaiser, you have to be your own advocate...

Describe the costs associated with your care under Sae Sohn at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

IVF Egg Retrieval: $13,440.00 Medication (Mandells Pharmacy) - $4354.00

Describe Sae Sohn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Dr. Sohn strongly prefers implanting only one embryo at a time.

What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Lost paperwork

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

After my first egg retrieval, the clinic failed to send me the embryo report. Another frustrating thing with this clinic has been when they schedule lunch time appointments and there is no receptionist at the desk, so you have to knock on the door and there is generally no one that answers... so you have to sit in the waiting room and hope someone comes out to find you. I've also found that their appointments are generally running late and I often have to wait ~15 for my appointment to start.

Doctor

Sae Sohn

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Sae Sohn Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

2013 - 2017, Unknown Success

Age 21 - 25

PCOS

European

Ashkenazi Jewish

Income $0 - $49K

Sales Representative

3rd of 4 Docs

6 IUI With Other Docs

Donor Sperm

LGBTQ+

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Not sure

Review of

He [Dr. Klooster] paid attention to detail, was straight to the point and didn't sugar coat, but took the time to present everything in an understanding manner. He made us feel like we were just another patient, that he sincerely wants us to be able to have a child....He was calm mannered and understanding. Took the time to asses out needs. Very thorough, and calm....he'll make sure things are done right but it won't be easy.

Communicative and willing to make adjustments. ..Everyone else, inclusive of doctors, nurses, reception, all of the staff [at Kaiser] was fantastic...They were all extremely attentive to all of our needs in office, and answered all of our question during the process via telephone....Some doctors did not listen when we stated certain tests were needed.... the largest costs we have are purchasing sperm for 1,200 for 6 cycles

How was your experience with Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He was calm mannered and understanding. Took the time to asses out needs. Very thorough, and calm. Out of every other fertility doctor at the clinic, was the only one willing to do what I needed to help us try to start a family.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Be prepared to jump into this head first, he'll make sure things are done right but it won't be easy.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He paid attention to detail, was straight to the point and didn't sugar coat, but took the time to present everything in an understanding manner. He made us feel like we were just another patient, that he sincerely wants us to be able to have a child.

Describe the protocols Curt Klooster used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

We used clomid up to the higher dose, no response for the first 2 cycles. The highest clomid with injectables for the 3th cycle. 4th cycle used Menipur, IUI, miscarried. 5th cycle did 2 vials, 3 vials, and 4 vials consecutively for the 5th cycle. Failed IUI. 6th cycle we did the same as above. 7th cycle, started 4 consecutive vials of Menipur, highest amount of injectables available. Failed IUI. 8th cycle they put my wife on Prednisone for 3 cycles to suppress adrenal hormones while continuing on a high dose of menipure. This is when we started seeing progress. 3 failed IUIs.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They were all extremely attentive to all of our needs in office, and answered all of our question during the process via telephone.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Communicative and willing to make adjustments. I will say Dr. Vu was the absolute worst fertility doctor we have ever seen. After just a couple attempts he looked me and my wife in the eyes and told us to give up. The biggest jerk. He didn't understand why we're upset and had no compassion. Everyone else, inclusive of doctors, nurses, reception, all of the staff, was fantastic, EXCEPT Dr. Vu.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I have full coverage insurance, paying not too much. Maybe 2,000 after insurance kicked in and the largest costs we have are purchasing sperm for 1,200 for 6 cycles. Totaling around 10,000.

Describe Curt Klooster's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Never did any embryo transfers.

What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Lost paperwork
Failed to order appropriate test

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Some doctors did not listen when we stated certain tests were needed, when we switched doctors we were able to have progress on that.

Doctor

Curt Klooster

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Roseville

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2016 - 2017, Unsuccessful

Age 39 - 40

3 IUI

Uterine Fibroids

Latinx

Income $50K - $99K

Teacher

2nd of 3 Docs

1 IUI With Other Docs

Neutral

Unsuccessful

Review of

Dr. klooster is a good doctor and shares good information.... Iui 1 with him was femara. Iui 2 was a mix cycle of femara and menopur followed by a trigger shot. Ultrasound showed I had one mature follie. Iui 3 was Clomid and menopur followed by a trigger shot. The hope was I would have a better responses to clomid and I did.i did have a better response with four follies but still no pregnancy.

They are organized but since Kaiser [Sacramento] is limited on the number of clinics they are busy.... They [nursing staff] are wonderful, compassionate, and communicate especially Sharma!... Iui 1 with him was femara. Iui 2 was a mix cycle of femara and menopur followed by a trigger shot. Ultrasound showed I had one mature follie. Iui 3 was Clomid and menopur followed by a trigger shot. The hope was I would have a better responses to clomid and I did.i did have a better response with four follies but still no pregnancy.

How was your experience with Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. klooster is a good doctor and shares good information. He has done my myomectomy and hysteroscopy as well. I wish I saw him more for my iuis but he doesn't handle that and leaves it to his nurse practitioner.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. He will answer all your questions.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He is very sensitive and willing to take time with me.

Describe the protocols Curt Klooster used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

Iui 1 with him was femara. Iui 2 was a mix cycle of femara and menopur followed by a trigger shot. Ultrasound showed I had one mature follie. Iui 3 was Clomid and menopur followed by a trigger shot. The hope was I would have a better responses to clomid and I did.i did have a better response with four follies but still no pregnancy. Quality could be an issue. We are now moving to Ivf.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They are wonderful, compassionate, and communicate especially Sharma!

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They are organized but since Kaiser is limited on the number of clinics they are busy. I had to float between Sacramento and Roseville to receive all my treatments at necessary cycle times.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

1500

Doctor

Curt Klooster

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2015 - 2017, Unknown Success

Age 39 - 41

7 IUI

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Unexplained

Income $50K - $99K

1st of 2 Docs

1 IVF With Other Docs

Donor Sperm

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Not sure

Review of

Dr. Klooster is very informative in explaining for pros and the cons of each procedure and treatment. He is very encouraging. He understand the cost and emotional struggle treatment can have and provides you with all the information to make your decisions...Because I'm using donor sperm and had never tried getting pregnant we did one round without any medications, then tried three rounds of clomid, one round with a mix of clomid and menopur and then the last round was all menopur.

I feel Kaiser is a little more restricted in their guidelines on treatment and steps...The [nursing] team in the fertility office was very kind...Because I'm using donor sperm and had never tried getting pregnant we did one round without any medications...cost varied, it was not covered by my health plan...Dr. Klooster is very informative in explaining for pros and the cons of each procedure and treatment. He is very encouraging.

How was your experience with Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He is very straight forward.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Klooster is very caring and informative.

Describe the protocols Curt Klooster used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

Because I'm using donor sperm and had never tried getting pregnant we did one round without any medications, then tried three rounds of clomid, one round with a mix of clomid and menopur and then the last round was all menopur. Each round was unsuccessful.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The team in the fertility office was very kind

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I feel Kaiser is a little more restricted in their guidelines on treatment and steps

Describe the costs associated with your care under Curt Klooster at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

cost varied, it was not covered by my health plan.

Doctor

Curt Klooster

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2015 - 2017, Unknown Success

Age 34 - 36

1 IUI

1 IVF

1 Egg Freezing

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Poor Egg Quality

Unexplained

European

Income $100K - $199K

3rd of 3 Docs

3 Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Dr. cookingham is very sweet. I trust her with everything. She takes the time to explain procedures, makes you feel comfortable and actually truly cares about you. Dr. Cookingham replies quickly back to emails and phone calls.... Most of the nursing staff is very sweet. For my second cycle I feel like I was forgot a little bit. My waivers got a little messed up. There is a nurse there that always had to call me with my negative results. I felt as if she truly did not understand her patients. She was too happy about my negative test and it really bugged me.

The clinic [Kaiser Sacramento] takes on too many patients. Appointments are always running behind.... Most of the nursing staff is very sweet. For my second cycle I feel like I was forgot a little bit. My waivers got a little messed up. There is a nurse there that always had to call me with my negative results. I felt as if she truly did not understand her patients. She was too happy about my negative test and it really bugged me.

How was your experience with Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

To trust her

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Most of the nursing staff is very sweet. For my second cycle I feel like I was forgot a little bit. My waivers got a little messed up. There is a nurse there that always had to call me with my negative results. I felt as if she truly did not understand her patients. She was too happy about my negative test and it really bugged me.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The clinic takes on too many patients. Appointments are always running behind.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

10,300 for fresh cycle, $4000-$5000 for frozen transfer,

What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to order appropriate test
Provided conflicting information

Doctor

Lisa Cookingham

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2016, Unsuccessful

Age 35

3 IUI

Unexplained

European

Income $100K - $199K

Teacher

1st of 2 Docs

2 IVF With Other Docs

Egg Freezing With Other Docs

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Unsuccessful

Review of

Dr. Cookingham was a knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. She set an evidence-based plan of care for us, and made reliable recommendations as treatment went on. She responded quickly when we had questions. ... We did clomid only two cycles and clomid plus IUI three times. ... She was compassionate and knowledgeable, and took her time explaining everything to us clearly. ...

Kaiser is a little like a well oiled factory. What’s great is that they coordinate care with the rest of your medical team- very convenient! ... That is, no care coordinator, just receptionists, no after hours doctor that I recall, and not a lot of wiggle room in scheduling monotorinv appointments. If you need a lot of hand holding/personal care, you may want to explore other clinics. That said, I did feel the care here was very good. ... We seemed to see different nurses each time, and were happy with all that we encountered.

How was your experience with Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Dr. Cookingham was a knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. She set an evidence-based plan of care for us, and made reliable recommendations as treatment went on. She responded quickly when we had questions. At the time of our treatment with her (2016) she divided her time between two Kaiser locations, which made scheduling a little more difficult, but it never prevented us getting IUI treatments on time. However, it was a factor in us deciding to go elsewhere when we were promoted to IVF. If I had lived closer to her practice, I would have continued under her care without resevervations.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Write down any questions you have as you think of them. This my number one piece of medical advice, regardless of physician.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

We had a wonderful initial consultation with Dr. Cookingham. She was compassionate and knowledgeable, and took her time explaining everything to us clearly.

Describe the protocols Lisa Cookingham used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

We did clomid only two cycles and clomid plus IUI three times. After that we discussed the possibility of either injectibles plus IUI, or going straight to IVF. We chose IVF.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Staff was great. We seemed to see different nurses each time, and were happy with all that we encountered.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Kaiser is a little like a well oiled factory. What’s great is that they coordinate care with the rest of your medical team- very convenient! But, unless something had changed since 2016, it is very much like the rest of Kaiser. That is, no care coordinator, just receptionists, no after hours doctor that I recall, and not a lot of wiggle room in scheduling monotorinv appointments. If you need a lot of hand holding/personal care, you may want to explore other clinics. That said, I did feel the care here was very good.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Lisa Cookingham at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

Clomid was cheap- about $10 I think. IUIs cost about $1000 each if I recall.

Doctor

Lisa Cookingham

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

2014, Successful

Age 33

Surrogacy

European

Income $50K - $99K

Only Doc Seen

IVF With Other Docs

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Successful

Review of

He [Dr. Kenneth Vu] was very knowledgeable and trustworthy. I felt comfortable with him. Dr. Vu was funny and knew how to lighten the mood while dealing with a very sensitive situation. My only complaint is that I felt like the appointments were rushed...I was the surrogate for my sister in law and brother in law. I was on birth control pills to synch up with my sister in law's cycle, estrogen pills, baby asparin and progesterone shots.

The coordinator [at Kaiser Permanente] was very helpful. She was really responsive and a great advocate. She didn't make me feel like my questions were stupid and when I had an excessive amount of bleeding after my first ultrasound after the transfer, she was kind and compassionate...They forgot to tell that I needed to give a blood sample during my appointments after the transfer and I had to come back after leaving. They were very nice otherwise.

How was your experience with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

He was very knowledgeable and trustworthy. I felt comfortable with him. Dr. Vu was funny and knew how to lighten the mood while dealing with a very sensitive situation. My only complaint is that I felt like the appointments were rushed.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Be up front and don't hold back on asking questions about the process.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

I felt like I was a human during treatment until the last appointment before they let me loose to my own doctor.

Describe the protocols Kenneth Vu used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento and their degree of success.

I was the surrogate for my sister in law and brother in law. I was on birth control pills to synch up with my sister in law's cycle, estrogen pills, baby asparin and progesterone shots.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They forgot to tell that I needed to give a blood sample during my appointments after the transfer and I had to come back after leaving. They were very nice otherwise.

Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The coordinator was very helpful. She was really responsive and a great advocate. She didn't make me feel like my questions were stupid and when I had an excessive amount of bleeding after my first ultrasound after the transfer, she was kind and compassionate.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Kenneth Vu at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

I don't know. I was the surrogate and the intended parents took care of the billing.

Describe Kenneth Vu's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

The only thing I remember about it is that he didn't want to transfer more than two embryos.

What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento?

Failed to inform you of changes in protocol

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento.

They forgot to tell me that I needed to have my blood drawn when I had an appointment after the transfer.

Doctor

Kenneth Vu

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Sacramento

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of