Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.
Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.
Scheduling
9.3
9.3
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
8.1
8.1
Billing Department
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.
Nursing Team
9.5
9.5
Nursing Team
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.
Attention to Detail
8.3
8.3
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.
She [Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] is blunt, which some people struggle with, but I appreciated it. With how expensive and delicate this process is, I didn't want to waste time and neither did she. The one weakness I would say is that she is hard to get a hold of during procedure week, but that makes sense since she is pretty in demand. I could ALWAYS get through to a nurse if not her.
[Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health - Plymouth] Strengths: being honest while allowing you to decide your course of treatment. Weakness: difficult to get ahold of Dr. Kowalczyk during IVF week, but someone else was always available. I wish they had an online portal, but it's not so bad considering they're always so responsive over the phone.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She is blunt, which some people struggle with, but I appreciated it. With how expensive and delicate this process is, I didn't want to waste time and neither did she. The one weakness I would say is that she is hard to get a hold of during procedure week, but that makes sense since she is pretty in demand. I could ALWAYS get through to a nurse if not her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Come prepared with a list of questions. So much comes up, I found having a specific list to keep my thoughts organized to be helpful.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. Kowalczyk and her team went in depth to figure out the best plan of action. While they presented what they believed to be the ideal plan to us following testing, they ultimately left the choice up to us and were incredibly helpful along the way.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
If I recall...Iwas on gonal f, menopur, and ganirelix for retrieval. 9 eggs, all mature and fertilized, 6 blasts. Lupron for 4 weeks and then progesterone and estradiol for transfer. Successful first FET and we now have a 4.5 month old baby boy.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
They were amazing at all of the offices. I loved all of the nurses, blood draws techs, and US techs I encountered.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strengths: being honest while allowing you to decide your course of treatment.
Weakness: difficult to get ahold of Dr. Kowalczyk during IVF week, but someone else was always available. I wish they had an online portal, but it's not so bad considering they're always so responsive over the phone.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Retrieval was around 11K, transfer was around 4K, not including meds for either.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
They left it up to us but we did have to sign a form signifying we understood the risks and what we would do if we got pregnant with triplets or more due to embryos splitting.
[Dr. Budrys] spends a lot of time during consultation explaining every procedure; including timing, the medication, success rates, things to look out for, and what to expect. She speaks from experience and is always up to date in medical news and best practices...always spent time with me and my husband to go over the procedures so we knew exactly what was going on, when, and what next steps are. She makes herself available
All of the nurses and staff I talk to [at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health] treat me like I am a family member whenever I come in. I feel comfortable, safe and at ease every single time. Anytime I have a question whether it is about the medicine, my results, or weird symptoms I am feeling, they will call me back and talk to me about it. I never felt rushed-- they are very thorough with explanations.
How was your experience with Nicole Budrys at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. Budrys is the most compassionate, knowledgeable and honest doctor that I know. She spends a lot of time during consultation explaining every procedure; including timing, the medication, success rates, things to look out for, and what to expect. She speaks from experience and is always up to date in medical news and best practices. I had zero hesitations doing anything that she suggested because I know she has my best interest in mind. I have called her multiple times off hours and on her vacation and she is ALWAYS so patient and compassionate about my worries. As a doctor, she is the epitome of self-sacrifice and a role model for patient care. I have yet had a doctor who went beyond the call of duty like her. I do not feel like a number or just a customer, she treats me like family.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Budrys at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Ask questions. Be up front with what you expect and ask for her opinion. Dr. Budrys will always give you her unbiased opinion depending on your profile. Everyone is different but the more she knows about you and after all the bloodwork and ultrasound, the better she will be able to give you a proper diagnosis.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Budrys at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. Budrys always spent time with me and my husband to go over the procedures so we knew exactly what was going on, when, and what next steps are. She makes herself available- ALWAYS (I had to call the day before the egg retrieval because I wasn't sure if I was doing the medication right; also called her on a holiday when I started bleeding after a positive pregnancy test.) I can honestly say I trust her completely.
Describe the protocols Nicole Budrys used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
I don't exactly remember the egg retrieval portion, I believe I used Menopur and Lupron. I remember strictly that she noticed that with my IUI round, my ovaries showed signs of overstimulation so she tailored my medication to a lower dosage so that I would not get hyperstimulated ovaries. I recall her going over symptoms of hyperstimulation and that I need to call immediately. Lots of bloodwork and ultrasounds to make sure I was okay (I was fine). We were able to pull out 23 healthy eggs, of which only 12 were fertilized and only 3 made it past perfect chromosomal count. Dr. Budrys suggested that I only put in one embryo at a time because I am petite in size and it could be dangerous for my baby and myself if I were to have multiples. After the transfer, I was told to rest and take it easy. Continue with prenatals everyday and start taking a baby asprin to prevent blood clot. Progesterone butt darts 2cc every day and 0.2mg estrodiol patch every other day. I'm still on the prenatals, progesterone shots and estrodiol patches to wean out on the progesterone and patches week 9. (Cannot lie-- looking forward to stopping those daily progesterone shots of doom.)
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Brigitte, Amber, Amy)
All the nursing staff are absolutely brilliant angels. I saw 5 of them at the Plymouth office, though I only remember 3 of their names right now (I'M TERRIBLY SORRY)-- I feel that this center hires their staff based on 1) ability 2) awesome personality and 3) compassion. All of the nurses and staff I talk to treat me like I am a family member whenever I come in. I feel comfortable, safe and at ease every single time. Anytime I have a question whether it is about the medicine, my results, or weird symptoms I am feeling, they will call me back and talk to me about it. I never felt rushed-- they are very thorough with explanations.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strengths- clean, easily accessible, well lit, comfortable and pleasant. Because of covid, we are not allowed to sit in the waiting room, we have to wait in our cars until we are called in. I appreciate how careful the clinic is in protecting our safety especially when we are so vulnerable as (potential) new moms. Do note: the nurse line is not manned 24-7, if you don't call early enough in the day, they will return your call the next business day. They do have an emergency line if there is some dire need after hours that you can call.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Budrys at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Ultrasounds, blood work and medications were partially covered by insurance. I had to pay out of pocket for the egg extraction and the embryo transfer.
Describe Nicole Budrys's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I love her approach-- she doesn't care for Success numbers to boost her score; she wants what is best for me. She gave us the option to choose but told us her professional opinion and we agreed with her. I appreciate her level of care and attention. She has considered every possibility and weighed them against my personal medical profile and we had discussed this together.
She [Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] is very confident when she speaks at your initial consult. It makes you feel like you have made the best decision in choosing her as your doctor. Unfortunately you don't ever see her again unless it's retrieval or transfer day for IVF...I feel like my care could have been better...She strongly preferred one embryo transfer, but I was able to talk her into letting me transfer two.
[Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health] Strength - they are confident in what they are doing. I've had 2 successful pregnancies with this clinic. Their ultrasound technicians are the best. Their nurses are wonderful and a pleasure to work with. The staff is very compassionate and involved with your care (other than the doctor). Weakness - they make you feel like a number when they batch their patients to have the same cycle. Their billing department isn't great.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She is very confident when she speaks at your initial consult. It makes you feel like you have made the best decision in choosing her as your doctor. Unfortunately you don't ever see her again unless it's retrieval or transfer day for IVF. Her nurses performed the IUIs I had in 2016-2017. A few years ago, I felt more comfortable as a patient but last year it was a completely different feel. The staff was awesome, but they aren't doctors. When I had a question regarding treatment, it was always the nurses who called me back. If it was something they couldn't answer, they would talk to Dr. Kowalczyk and then call me back but I was never able to speak with Dr. Kowalczyk. I had to demand to talk to her on one occasion because my questions were not answered and I was getting frustrated with speaking through the nurses to her.
I feel like my care could have been better. At one point after my second failed transfer, I looked into going to another clinic.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Advocate for yourself! Speak up if you feel like something needs to be looked at again or investigated more thoroughly.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
I am indifferent. When I started in 2016, she was like a breath of fresh air. Always attentive and in communication with me about results from testing, assuring me that our plan was the best, caring when I had a chemical pregnancy, ect. In 2021, I only ever spoke with her during egg retrievals, transfers, and once over the phone. I also don't like that "batch" their patients, where they change your cycle with birth control to make everyone on the same cycle for their convenience of scheduling retrievals and transfers.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
They were the backbone of the clinic. They answered questions, helped through difficult times, and showed compassion.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strength - they are confident in what they are doing. I've had 2 successful pregnancies with this clinic. Their ultrasound technicians are the best. Their nurses are wonderful and a pleasure to work with. The staff is very compassionate and involved with your care (other than the doctor).
Weakness - they make you feel like a number when they batch their patients to have the same cycle. Their billing department isn't great. They bill you for things you have already paid for or because they messed up billing to the insurance. Dr. Kowalczyk doesn't take the time with patients anymore as it feels she is too busy.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
She strongly preferred one embryo transfer, but I was able to talk her into letting me transfer two.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Lost paperwork
Lost appointments
Failed to call with results
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I was billed incorrectly for something my insurance covers. I was also billed for a second IVF cycle that I already paid for (which both were resolved but the stress of getting the bill should not have happened. )
I had an awful time trying to get my prescriptions refilled because getting someone to call me back after letting them know I need more of something would take at least a day or two (IVF meds are very time sensitive and having to order through specialty pharmacies would take longer so a prompt call back is necessary.)
I had to call for the results of one of my tests after not hearing anything for 2 days.
They ordered new medication for me and I found out from getting a call from my specialty pharmacy. They never told me I was supposed to take it or any details about it.
I showed up for my appointment (and during Covid you had to wait in your call until they called you to come in) and after waiting 40 minutes with no call, I called them and they said they "missed" me being on the schedule. This happened twice.
My husband and I did not get to meet Dr. Kowalczyk in person due to Covid-19. We had to do our consult over the phone. She went over our test results, gave us a couple options on how to move forward, and let us ask as many questions as we wanted. We did not feel rushed at all and we felt like she was willing to do whatever we actually felt comfortable with...she said she prefers to do single embryo transfers.
So far all of the staff at the Bloomfield and Warren location have been very nice and helpful. I have not been to the clinic enough to know how organized they really are but I have no complaints yet...For my first consult at the clinic I met with [nurse] Alexa and she was great. She wrote me a script for extensive blood work and was willing to let me test whatever else I asked for. She was very knowledgeable about pricing and insurance coverage.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. Kowalczyk is straight to the point. I have only talked with her once since we just started with the clinic but my appointment with her went really well. She asked my husband and I how many kids we want and with that she drew up a plan for us. She did not rush us at all when we had questions and she did not brush off our concerns.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
I have no been at the clinic long enough to be able to give good advice.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
My husband and I did not get to meet Dr. Kowalczyk in person due to Covid-19. We had to do our consult over the phone. She went over our test results, gave us a couple options on how to move forward, and let us ask as many questions as we wanted. We did not feel rushed at all and we felt like she was willing to do whatever we actually felt comfortable with.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
We have not started any treatment yet. We wanted to start IUI this cycle but it is rescheduled due to the pandemic.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
For my first consult at the clinic I met with Alexa and she was great. She wrote me a script for extensive blood work and was willing to let me test whatever else I asked for. She was very knowledgeable about pricing and insurance coverage.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
So far all of the staff at the Bloomfield and Warren location have been very nice and helpful. I have not been to the clinic enough to know how organized they really are but I have no complaints yet.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We asked her about this during our consult and she said she prefers to do single embryo transfers. She says that multiple embryo transfer does not increase chances of success.
very friendly and tells you the facts but in a motherly way...don’t like that I have only physically interacted with her [Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] two times...had to go over next steps/ how we are going to change my protocol with a PA instead of her...PA’s are great but after two cycles not going in your favor you just want to talk to the Dr...she has called me when I had questions about moving forward.
The nursing staff [at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health] is great...very compassionate and make you feel at ease...They stop answering calls after 2:30-3. So if you miss a call you can’t talk to anyone until the next day. I also wish they had a program to put all info to a patient portal online for us to view. It would be nice to have that info to compare cycles and to ask questions.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
As mentioned before I like the fact she called me and walked me through some tough decisions. She really does consider your personal situation.
I don’t like that I have only physically interacted with her two times. Once at our consultation and during egg retrieval. After are last two failed cycles I had to go over next steps/ how we are going to change my protocol with a PA instead of her. I would have like to had her opinion. Don’t get me wrong the PA’s are great but after two cycles not going in your favor you just want to talk to the Dr.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Make sure you ask as many questions as you can while you can talk with her face to face.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
The clinic staff is all very nice. I met with both P.A’s and they are great and understanding. Dr. K is also very friendly and tells you the facts but in a motherly way. Don’t expect to see the Dr. often. I have only met with her once since starting this process but she has called me when I had questions about moving forward. I thought that was amazing.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
We did 3 medicated IUI’s with femera.
One cycle of IVF using antagonist protocol(BCP,Gonal-f,low dose HCG,Gainirelix,ovidrel)
2nd cycle using Antagonist protocol (same meds with higher doses)but had to convert to IUI.
Waiting for 3rd IVF cycle to start and protocol.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Lindsey )
The nursing staff is great. They are all very compassionate and make you feel at ease. Lindsey always gets back to me in timely manner. She does not work everyday but another nurse usually gets back to me if I can’t reach Lindsey.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I think the strengths is their customer service. They are all friendly and treat me like a human. They are always willing to answer questions.
My biggest issue is the phone service. They stop answering calls after 2:30-3. So if you miss a call you can’t talk to anyone until the next day. I also wish they had a program to put all info to a patient portal online for us to view. It would be nice to have that info to compare cycles and to ask questions.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We have probably spent at least $15k out of pocket but that is also including meds.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We haven’t made it to that step.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
We are still early in our treatment with Dr. Kowalczyk. We came to her for a second opinion of being dissatisfied with our original doctor. She was extremely welcome and made us feel comfortable and safe. She joked with us while still taking our concerns seriously. She thoroughly explained what was happening during our initial consultation and what the next steps will be for diagnosis. We are currently awaiting testing results and the development of our treatment plan.
Weaknesses [at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health]: It was inconvenient to have to go to so many different places for testing and it was overwhelming to have to schedule them all myself. I had to setup a blood draw and an HSG by myself. I would recommend either offering blood draws in office or having a staff coordinate with patients to setup these appointments. The fertility treatment process is already overwhelming and I can see this being a barrier to some patients following through on treatment.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
We are still early in our treatment with Dr. Kowalczyk. We came to her for a second opinion of being dissatisfied with our original doctor. She was extremely welcome and made us feel comfortable and safe. She joked with us while still taking our concerns seriously. She thoroughly explained what was happening during our initial consultation and what the next steps will be for diagnosis. We are currently awaiting testing results and the development of our treatment plan.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
If you are looking for a doctor who is funny and knows their stuff, Dr. Kowalczyk is the doctor for you. She is no nonsense and uses humor to make her patients feel comfortable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Each and every staff we have come in contact with at Dr. Kowalczyk's office treated us with kindness. They thoroughly explained each step of the appointment and ensured we felt safe and comfortable.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
So far we have only gone through retesting as we just started treatment with her. She did let us know possible treatment options based on prior treatment results from our former fertility doctor. She was never honest with us and explained what our infertility diagnosis means and what possible treatment options would look like, but to wait until we have testing results to determine next steps.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The nursing staff we have interacted with were extremely nice and welcoming. They made me feel safe and joked around with me to help me feel more comfortable. One nurse in particular stated that she works really hard to ensure patients feel comfortable because she knows how hard this process is. This really meant a lot to us as at our last fertility doctor we felt like we were not treated as humans.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strengths: The staff are extremely warm and welcoming. The doctor is thorough and makes her patients feel comfortable. I feel confident in the doctor's competence.
Weaknesses: It was inconvenient to have to go to so many different places for testing and it was overwhelming to have to schedule them all myself. I had to setup a blood draw and an HSG by myself. I would recommend either offering blood draws in office or having a staff coordinate with patients to setup these appointments. The fertility treatment process is already overwhelming and I can see this being a barrier to some patients following through on treatment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The initial consultation was covered under our insurance. We did have to pay a copay on the visist and partially cover the cost of certain tests.
Dr Kowalczyk is very honest, caring and compassionate. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, but will always give you a hug at the end of the appointment. My only complaint is that I wish she would have done more testing prior to my FET. We only had 2 healthy embryos after PGS and PGD testing. FET failed and then she had me get an HSG, ERA and scratch. Scratch revealed endometrial polypoid fragments and will now need hysteroscopy or D&C.
Wait times [at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] can be long, but now that I have gone through IVF I have realized that it is normally due to another patient needing additional care. If you want to see Dr K you MUST request her and only her.... Nurse didn't call with progesterone and estrogen results 5dp5dt. Ultrasound tech used wrong kit for ERA testing and had to go back for a second biopsy same day.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr Kowalczyk is very honest, caring and compassionate. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, but will always give you a hug at the end of the appointment. My only complaint is that I wish she would have done more testing prior to my FET. We only had 2 healthy embryos after PGS and PGD testing. FET failed and then she had me get an HSG, ERA and scratch. Scratch revealed endometrial polypoid fragments and will now need hysteroscopy or D&C.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Ask a lot of questions and do your research. Be persistent if there is something you want that she is not suggesting.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr Carole Kowalczyk always listened to mine and my husbands concerns. She always has been honest with us even during emotional moments.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
In 2016 we did letrozole with ovidrel trigger and timed intercourse to conceive our son who was born in 2017.
Trying for our 2nd child we are doing IVF with PGD/PGS. I did injectable meds with ovidrel trigger resulting in OHSS due to PCOS. Waited 3 months and did FET which was a negative. For next transfer will follow same protocol and also add antihistamine protocol.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Barbara and Kathy)
They are amazing! Always calling to share information and ask questions.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Wait times can be long, but now that I have gone through IVF I have realized that it is normally due to another patient needing additional care. If you want to see Dr K you MUST request her and only her.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Our insurance did not offer any IVF coverage. We paid out of pocket for IVF, FET and ERA. $15,000.
Luckily meds were covered and only had to pay copays $130.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Dr suggested single embryo transfer as embryos were genetically normal.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Failed to call with results
Lost or damaged samples
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Nurse didn't call with progesterone and estrogen results 5dp5dt.
Ultrasound tech used wrong kit for ERA testing and had to go back for a second biopsy same day.
The Dr. [Kowalczyk] was the first health professional to check for things like my inability to process Folic Acid, which is a critical factor in pregnancy and a clotting factor. I felt no stone was left unturned. She gave recommendations based on our actual situation and needs rather than steering us to trying treatments that were not appropriate. She was also sensitive to our moral/spiritual leanings.
The overall professionalism and treatment options are strengths. The fact that there are multiple locations [of MI Ctr for Fert - Women's Health] where you can take care of routine tests makes the process even more manageable. I can go for routine ultrasounds and bloodwork close to home without making the drive. ... The entire nursing staff is highly knowledgeable and patient. They rather you ask 100 questions than remain confused.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Of course, you are going to see nurses and other staff for bloodwork, baseline ultrasounds, etc, but I saw Dr. Kowalcyzk for consultations, trial transfer and will see her for the actual transfer as well. I do feel comfortable with the knowledge of the whole staff and have never once felt like I was an "assembly line" patient. We left another clinic because of that feeling.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
We have been very pleased with everything so far.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
The Dr. was the first health professional to check for things like my inability to process Folic Acid, which is a critical factor in pregnancy and a clotting factor. I felt no stone was left unturned. She gave recommendations based on our actual situation and needs rather than steering us to trying treatments that were not appropriate. She was also sensitive to our moral/spiritual leanings.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
Dr. Kowalczyk was careful to investigate my individual health. We decided to use donor eggs. We did not use any egg retrieval protocol (obviously) but followed protocol with birth control, the lupron 2 week kit, baby aspirin patches and progesterone. Since my inability to process folic acid was caught, I am on vitamins that contain methylfolate. The purpose was to make sure my ovaries were quiet and to prepare my body to receive the embryo
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Barb and Kathy)
The entire nursing staff is highly knowledgeable and patient. They rather you ask 100 questions than remain confused.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The overall professionalism and treatment options are strengths. The fact that there are multiple locations where you can take care of routine tests makes the process even more manageable. I can go for routine ultrasounds and bloodwork close to home without making the drive.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We are not finished with treatment yet. It is going to widely depend on what services you select (donor gametes, your own, etc)
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The doctor highly recommends single transfer, but would not allow more than the transfer of 2, due to the risk of multiples. Although we are okay with twins, we are transferring one embryo. Pregnancy success does not increase with multiple embryos.
My husband and I really appreciated our pre-IVF meeting with Dr. K [Kowalczyk], in which she was candid about her (high) expectations for us and spoke to us like friends as compared to patients.... Dr. K was so approachable and easy to talk to about the IVF process. While it's of course a tremendous decision (both emotionally and financially), she helped us look at it as such a positive during a dark time. The confidence in herself and her team is amazing and exactly what's needed during fertility treatments.
The only weakness [MI Ctr for Fert] is wait times. This is truly based on how timely each patient before you is - the whole schedule can get thrown off. Just be prepared to wait a little. By far the strongest attribute of the clinic is their ability appointment times. My first appt at the Bloomfield Hills office was only 2 days after my referral!... Amber S. (ultrasound tech) was not my main nurse, but she was my guiding light throughout the whole process. The Bloomfield Hills office is lucky to have her!
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. K was so approachable and easy to talk to about the IVF process. While it's of course a tremendous decision (both emotionally and financially), she helped us look at it as such a positive during a dark time. The confidence in herself and her team is amazing and exactly what's needed during fertility treatments. We are so so thankful for our daughter that's growing thanks to the team at MI Center for Fertility!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She's a busy doctor, so come prepared with your questions in case you aren't able to meet with her in the future (although the PA's at the clinic are just as amazing).
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
My husband and I really appreciated our pre-IVF meeting with Dr. K, in which she was candid about her (high) expectations for us and spoke to us like friends as compared to patients.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
Started with 3 months of 2.5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + TI (all negative), moved to 5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + IUI for 1 month (negative), then tried 5 mg Femara + Ovidrel + TI (negative). Moved to IVF (250 mg Follistim) and retrieved 20 eggs, 16 fertilized, 11 day 5 embryos PGS tested.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Lindsey)
Amber S. (ultrasound tech) was not my main nurse, but she was my guiding light throughout the whole process. The Bloomfield Hills office is lucky to have her!
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The only weakness is wait times. This is truly based on how timely each patient before you is - the whole schedule can get thrown off. Just be prepared to wait a little. By far the strongest attribute of the clinic is their ability appointment times. My first appt at the Bloomfield Hills office was only 2 days after my referral!
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Transferred 1 embryo due to age (27) and PGS test results.
The doctor was very nice my initial consultation was with a PA and not her but on my second consultation I then met Dr. Kowalczyk she seemed very detailed in her explanation but was rushing us through the first consultation it seemed a little rushed . I have had only 2 visit with actual doctors in this office and have been through 7 cycles . 3 clomid only and 2 completed IUI... When I first got my consultation I was advised to start Clomid and have natural sex for the first three months
I would say some of the clinic Strength [Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health] are The ultrasound technicians make you feel very comfortable and knowledgeable about explaining stuff that is needed to be explained on the ultrasound or answer my questions . Some of the weaknesses are they sometimes over book appointments especially if it happens to fall on a weekend you’ll sometimes be waiting longer than you should especially if you just are there to get your blood drawn
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
The doctor was very nice my initial consultation was with a PA and not her but on my second consultation I then met Dr. Kowalczyk she seemed very detailed in her explanation but was rushing us through the first consultation it seemed a little rushed . I have had only 2 visit with actual doctors in this office and have been through 7 cycles . 3 clomid only and 2 completed IUI
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Be prepared to get a lot of information from her in the beginning and then not really seeing her do the rest of the process until you get to IVF if it’s IUI you deal with nurses and PAs and not her
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Oh my initial consultation I was explained the process of what the doctor recommended and how to start the process she was warm and inviting and went through the steps and gave options of clomid first then IUI and I am still in that process now
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
When I first got my consultation I was advised to start Clomid and have natural sex for the first three months and then it was recommended that I start Clomid with IUI I have gad seven different cycles with her. three being natural clomid only .2 IUI and in one month where the follicles did not grow to size so I am to get one more IUI done in the next week and if this one is not successful then I am to meet with Dr. Kowalczyk again And decide the next step going forward
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The nursing staff always seems very nice and they always try to make you feel comfortable they seem very knowledgeable in there to offer any help or guidance when needed
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I would say some of the clinic Strength are The ultrasound technicians make you feel very comfortable and knowledgeable about explaining stuff that is needed to be explained on the ultrasound or answer my questions . Some of the weaknesses are they sometimes over book appointments especially if it happens to fall on a weekend you’ll sometimes be waiting longer than you should especially if you just are there to get your blood drawn but for most times you’re in and out of the office very quickly . Another weakness was I prescribed Ovidrel and later found out that if I used A pharmacy in Florida that would send it directly to my house I would save over $90-$100 I wish they had told me that from the beginning so three of the months I could’ve been saving that money if I had known about the pharmacy that they had a discount through and that was the one nurse just happening to tell me over the phone one day . Ferility treatment is expensive every discount helps
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
In total around 750 for 3 treatments of IUI with bloodwork and ultrasound throughout cycle
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I was educated on the single versus multiple embryo transfer and I feel like they discuss the risks and give you the options
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] was always open and made my husband also feel comfortable. She’s very blunt and direct which made it all easier since I wasn’t asking questions to get to the real details. She is VERY busy but is always prepared to answer your questions and knows what’s next...Don’t expect to see her every time but trust that she is looking over your file and making all of the decisions behind the scenes...She preferred one but due to my circumstances and age allowed for 2 after the first failed.
On the medical side, everything is great [at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health]! Expect to wait a little bit for appointments as people can be late before you and that can hold things up. They have so many offices though for your convenience. I loved going to laser acupuncture too and using that side of the clinic as well. Be sure to ask billing questions, some of the women know more on the billing team then others and are more familiar with insurance coverage. If something doesn’t seem right, ask. They are always there to answer and fix it if it’s fixable.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
I met Dr. Kowalczyk right before my first ER. I met with her in office after each failed treatment and we set a plan, this was my favorite part of her office. Being able to set a plan for the future made me feel more comfortable. We had plan A fail, so before we started plan B she also told me what plan C could be. When plan B failed. She told me plan C and plan D. I asked if we could move up plan D which was a Lapro surgery to check for endo and she was fully supportive. She explained the extra work involved with that but was really supportive of it being up to my husband and I. When we finally had success the third time, she met with me for an exit appointment and it was amazing to see. She was always open and made my husband also feel comfortable. She’s very blunt and direct which made it all easier since I wasn’t asking questions to get to the real details. She is VERY busy but is always prepared to answer your questions and knows what’s next.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Don’t expect to see her every time but trust that she is looking over your file and making all of the decisions behind the scenes.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
The entire staff at the Warren office knew me by name. My husbands name, my sons name, what we were up to, my hobbies, the books I was reading, all topics of conversation that were common.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
1: gonal f and menopur for STIM for 15 days, didn’t go as well as expected. Didn’t retrieve as many eggs as wanted. Transferred 1 non tested fresh 3 day embryo.
2: gonal f and menopur at higher dosages for STIM for 13 days, doubled results. Transferred 2 genetically tested embryos from last cycle.
3: frozen cycle with shots for about 20 days to prepare and patches, transferred 2 embryos from cycle 2. Success. Expecting twins.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Barbara)
The entire nursing staff made me not dread going in or getting calls with updates. They never rushed me off the phone with my 10,000 questions and always were happy to chat about everything. Barbara and Courtney I worked with mostly, but spoke with Kathy as well. I trusted all of them and appreciated their assistance with everything.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
On the medical side, everything is great! Expect to wait a little bit for appointments as people can be late before you and that can hold things up. They have so many offices though for your convenience.
I loved going to laser acupuncture too and using that side of the clinic as well.
Be sure to ask billing questions, some of the women know more on the billing team then others and are more familiar with insurance coverage. If something doesn’t seem right, ask. They are always there to answer and fix it if it’s fixable.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I do not remember exact costs, our insurance covered part of treatment.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
She preferred one but due to my circumstances and age allowed for 2 after the first failed.
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] has a beautiful personality and so compassionate ... After testing she found out I’m missing an X chromosome and sent me to a genetics counselor and the actual genetics doctor said IVF was my only option with pgs testing ... I’m thankful for that she’s shared stories with me about her own struggles with infertility and numerous miscarriages and it was comforting to know she really understood what I was going through
I prefer the West Bloomfield office [Michigan Center for Fert and Women's Health] it’s more organized than the Warren office ... Loving staff ... I did have a few issues with the Warren office and somewhat not following through with seeing if pgs testing was covered through my insurance but once I contacted the Bloomfield office all my questions and concerns were answered ... also Warren is usually pretty busy so be prepared to have patience
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She has a beautiful personality and so compassionate I felt and still feel like I’m in great hands through this process both times we met we went over all the details I took a few months off so my fiancé could see a urologist and we I came back to the office I seen her on my first visit to get things back started and I’m thankful for that she’s shared stories with me about her own struggles with infertility and numerous miscarriages and it was comforting to know she really understood what I was going through and it’s not just about money to her it’s really about helping make families I wouldn’t want another doctor I put all my trust in her
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Don’t get upset if you don’t see her every visit because she has great staff that are just as helpful
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Every visit I’ve had so far I felt like her and her staff had warming personalities and several of them went through infertility issues so I felt as though they could understand what I am going through firsthand
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
After testing she found out I’m missing an X chromosome and sent me to a genetics counselor and the actual genetics doctor said IVF was my only option with pgs testing my fiancé’s sperm was tested and we found out his mobility and sperm count was low we went to urologist and they couldn’t find anything wrong so now we’re back at the clinic basically just waiting to start our ivf process right now we’re trying to save money for the pgs testing
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Alexa)
Actually Alexa is the PA and Lindsey is my RN I love Alexa she’s straight to the point and I appreciate it Lindsey always responds to my emails swiftly and has the answers I need
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Loving staff I prefer the West Bloomfield office it’s more organized than the Warren office I did have a few issues with the Warren office and somewhat not following through with seeing if pgs testing was covered through my insurance but once I contacted the Bloomfield office all my questions and concerns were answered also Warren is usually pretty busy so be prepared to have patience
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
12000-13000
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
She prefers single embryo transfers we talked about it during my first consultation with her
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Only with confirming and submitting certain paperwork to my insurance to see if something was covered it was a little bit of confusion but it got worked out
Dr. Kowalczyk is always very warm and caring while also giving you the information straight. She always makes sure all my questions have been answered and that I understand all my treatment options....Dr. Kowalczyk sometimes talks very fast. Don’t be overwhelmed and feel like she is rushing through your appointment. She is just very passionate and what she does and gets excited to meet with new patients.
Kathy [nurse- MI Ctr for Fertility & Women's Health] is amazing, kind and caring. She always answers all my questions, even the off the wall ones, with patience and understanding.... The IUI procedure was $300. This did not include bloodwork or ultrasounds. IVF cycle Managment $975 which includes 3 treatments at Harmony (massage, acupuncture, etc). IVF Lab lab fees for fertilization and biopsy for genetic testing $1200. Anesthesia for retrieval procedure $300.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Very personable and understanding. She’s been supportive during my setbacks and always stays positive. She is a planner, like me, and always makes sure I know what to expect, next steps and the pros and cons of all the options.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She is very passionate and what she does and often talks fast as a result. This was overwhelming for me in my initial consultation. Write down your questions ahead of time and take notes!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. Kowalczyk is always very warm and caring while also giving you the information straight. She always makes sure all my questions have been answered and that I understand all my treatment options.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
IUI with clomid. Ovadryl once my follicle(s) measured 16+mm.
IVF with Gonal-F, low doseHCG and Ovadryl 36hrs before retrieval procedure
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Kathy)
Kathy is amazing, kind and caring. She always answers all my questions, even the off the wall ones, with patience and understanding. If she doesn’t know an answer, she doesn’t hesitate to partner with the doc or PA. She returns all my calls quickly and I never feel rushed when we’re on the phone.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Dr. Kowalczyk sometimes talks very fast. Don’t be overwhelmed and feel like she is rushing through your appointment. She is just very passionate and what she does and gets excited to meet with new patients.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The IUI procedure was $300. This did not include bloodwork or ultrasounds.
IVF cycle Managment $975 which includes 3 treatments at Harmony (massage, acupuncture, etc). IVF Lab lab fees for fertilization and biopsy for genetic testing $1200. Anesthesia for retrieval procedure $300.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I didn’t have a eSET procedure
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Failed to call with results
Lost results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
During my last IUI cycle, I was not called with the results of my HCG test until a The day after the bloodwork was done (usually all results are same day). They was likely due to the fact that I did not have my blood drawn at the office (went to an offsite location on the other side of the state that was affiliated with a different hospital/network)
So we actually saw her [Dr. Kowalczyk's] PA, Alex Karbowski, for our consultation and monitoring. We got into the clinic faster this way. Alexa specializes in PCOS, my diagnosis, so her and Dr. K reviewed our testing together and created a plan. It was nice knowing both of them were overseeing our care. I never met Dr. K in person, but she did call me to confirm my lab results and protocol. She also did my graduation consultation over the phone because we lived an hour away from the clinic. It felt more like a chat with a good friend than a talk with a doctor, which I really liked.
My phone calls were always returned the same day [by Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health], usually within 2 hours. Results were always called same day as well. I never waited long for my appointments. Staff was always personable and we felt cared for...Nursing staff was on their A-game...During my hcg draws, they always called within a few hours to let me know my numbers. They were very compassionate and when we would get a negative, I could hear they were bummed out too.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
So we actually saw her PA, Alex Karbowski, for our consultation and monitoring. We got into the clinic faster this way. Alexa specializes in PCOS, my diagnosis, so her and Dr. K reviewed our testing together and created a plan. It was nice knowing both of them were overseeing our care. I never met Dr. K in person, but she did call me to confirm my lab results and protocol. She also did my graduation consultation over the phone because we lived an hour away from the clinic. It felt more like a chat with a good friend than a talk with a doctor, which I really liked.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Don't expect her to personally do your ultrasounds, draw your blood, etc etc. That's why she has a team of competent, licensed clinical workers. Do expect her to give you a phone call to follow up and be ready to have some questions for her (she wouldn't let me off the phone without asking at least one question). She really wanted me to be fully informed with each phone call we had, despite me being under Alexa (her PAs) care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
My phone calls were always returned the same day, usually within 2 hours. Results were always called same day as well. I never waited long for my appointments. Staff was always personable and we felt cared for.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
We had a missed miscarriage 11 months before we saw Alexa & Dr.K, so after some diagnostic testing to be sure my tubes were clear and my problem was PCOS, they were confident that we didn't need to jump into anything crazy. We did letrozole, Ovidrel injection, and timed intercourse. Alexa was confident that since our sperm and egg could meet, IVF was unnecessary at the time. She said we could do an IUI to increase our chances, but we declined (our insurance covered 50% of infertility treatment and monitoring. No IVF). Their policy was to try a protocol for 3 months, and then move onto more aggressive protocols. They even mentioned possibly switching letrozole to clomid if I didn't respond properly. Our first cycle resulted in a negative pregnancy test, but our second cycle worked.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Nursing staff was on their A-game. When I decided my insurance was dumb and I'd pay less for Ovidrel from an out of state pharmacy, they immediately sent the script over same day so I could get it shipped in time. During my hcg draws, they always called within a few hours to let me know my numbers. They were very compassionate and when we would get a negative, I could hear they were bummed out too.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
This practice is definitely getting big. I think they've added a new doctor since we've been there. Their Lake Orion location was closest to me (I live in the Flint area), but they have limited services and hours. I think they were able to do SAs and IUIs there, but any IVF services had to be done at the Warren location. Once you get a positive beta, they prefer you to keep going to the same lab for as long as they want you to so be aware (I had a week and a half of blood draws). Also, once you are pregnant, they graduate you FAST! I was shocked when I got a 5w2d ultrasound and then Dr.K called me later for my exit consultation. It was bittersweet, and I wish they would let people stick around for viability checks like some other clinics do.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Our insurance covered 50% of infertility-related testing and treatments, excluding IVF (not covered). Saline ultrasound was $400, 2 monitored ultrasounds for med response/monitoring was about $600, initial consultation was something like $200+, following consultation was only like $100. Beta hcg blood draws were super cheap ($5 a pop), and our last ultrasound, OB/gynecological, was something like $100.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
N/A (didn't do IVF).
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Lost paperwork
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The only issue I had here was with the front desk staff. I forget the woman's name, but she is super cranky when you call. She would not let me set up an appointment without a referral from an OB. My PCP had to refer me because my insurance requires her to do my referrals. Her office required me to set up an appointment first, then get the referral set up so my insurance would cover infertility services. They don't do this at this office because most people pay out of pocket. She swore up and down she'd mail us the new patient paperwork, but decided to brush me off because I wasn't doing things the way she wanted. I ended up calling a day later and got Dawn, who was super awesome and understanding when I explained my problem. She set up my appointment and mailed out my new patient paperwork the same day.
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] changed things up since I had a slightly high fsh...the doctor was always willing to answer questions and allowed us to make the decisions but helped to guide us in the process...She helped us in every step of the way, we had seen another doctor with negative results and feeling and from the beginning she said she could do better and did. My husband needed sperm extracted and she was able to set that up in the office at the same time as my procedure. If results were not going as planned she changed the medication to see a more positive result.
Everyone [at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] took the time to explain what was going on and what the next step would be. Always willing to answer questions and listen...Calm quite atmosphere always felt comfortable for me and my husband when we went in. Hours were very accommodating for work early morning and late night. Very short wait times usually. Wide variety of insurances accepted and help with meds if needed
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She helped us in every step of the way, we had seen another doctor with negative results and feeling and from the beginning she said she could do better and did. My husband needed sperm extracted and she was able to set that up in the office at the same time as my procedure. If results were not going as planned she changed the medication to see a more positive result.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Go in with an open mind and be up front about everything going on and other experiences they had. She can’t help if you don’t tell the whole story.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
I felt like a human the staff knew who you were and your situation the doctor was always willing to answer questions and allowed us to make the decisions but helped to guide us in the process.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
I don’t remember exactly I know we did not use the standard protocol of Lupron and gonal-f. She changed things up since I had a slightly high fsh.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Everyone took the time to explain what was going on and what the next step would be. Always willing to answer questions and listen.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Calm quite atmosphere always felt comfortable for me and my husband when we went in. Hours were very accommodating for work early morning and late night. Very short wait times usually. Wide variety of insurances accepted and help with meds if needed
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We spent about 12k with insurance covering part of the testing
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Due to egg quality they suggested we transfer on day 3. Usually on 2 embryos are transferred but there were 3 good embryos and they thought best chance for any of the would be in me so on day 3 were given the option of how many to transfer and we decided on all 3 that looked good.
Dr. K [Kowalczyk] was professional, yet personable. She put us at ease from the first time we met and spoke with her. She was eager and excited to help us fulfill the desire we had to have children. We were so thankful to have found her....Our doctor would have allowed us to transfer one or two embryos at most given my personal factors. Her approach was to assume whatever you transferred would take.
It was very easy to schedule appointments [at MI Ctr for Fertility & Women's Health]. The receptionists were just as friendly and wonderful and the medical staff. The billing deptartment worked with us, giving us a discounted rate per visit for ultrasounds and blood work, as we were paying out of pocket. And there was a massage therapist who worked in the clinic. You could come in for three free massages during your cycle, which was a nice treat!
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. K was professional, yet personable. She put us at ease from the first time we met and spoke with her. She was eager and excited to help us fulfill the desire we had to have children. We were so thankful to have found her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
We really loved Dr. K, but if you don’t leave feeling the same way as we did after your consultation, there might be another Doctor out there who is a better fit for you and your partner, so check out your options first.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. K and all of her staff were so kind, caring, sensitive and sweet throughout the entire process. We always felt at ease and comfortable during all of our visits and procedures. They gladly answered any questions we had through the entire process.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
As best as I can remember, my protocol started with birth control, then Lupron, Gonal F, Menopure ( with Dr. K adjusting the amounts of Gonal F and Menopure based upon size and rate of growth of my eggs as measured during ultrasounds and based upon numbers from bloodwork results. Lastly the trigger shot take 36 hours before my scheduled retrieval.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Absolutely wonderful! They gave detailed, instructions and demonstrations with each couple individually on what to expect during the entire IVF process, how to administer the drugs, etc. If I had any questions throughout the process I could call and they would return my call that day.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
It was very easy to schedule appointments. The receptionists were just as friendly and wonderful and the medical staff. The billing deptartment worked with us, giving us a discounted rate per visit for ultrasounds and blood work, as we were paying out of pocket. And there was a massage therapist who worked in the clinic. You could come in for three free massages during your cycle, which was a nice treat!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Total Costs for everything probably around $16,000 or $17,000 (not including meds). Total with meds was $20,000.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Our doctor would have allowed us to transfer one or two embryos at most given my personal factors. Her approach was to assume whatever you transferred would take.
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] cared for you as more than just a patient. She was honest about the route forward, but always explained her words and did it kindly. I have recommended friends to her, because of the care I received. Though IVF did not work for me yet, I am satisfied with choosing her as my doctor. ... After IUI didn't work, I was referred back to my GYN, who performed surgery to remove a polyp, and consequently diagnosed me with endometriosis.
The clinic [Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] was busy, but they worked hard to find a time that worked for your schedule. It was convienent. ... It was also nice that they had a massage therapist attached to their clinic, which was a service you could utilize during Ivf. ... The nursing staff was kind and compassionate. They were knowledgeable about their jobs, and performed them competently and compassionately.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She cared for you as more than just a patient. She was honest about the route forward, but always explained her words and did it kindly. I have recommended friends to her, because of the care I received. Though IVF did not work for me yet, I am satisfied with choosing her as my doctor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Have questions and prioritize them.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She, and the entire office, spoke honestly, but kindly to me. I was more than just a patient or a job- the kindness made me feel like a human.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
I had numerous things that I tried. At first, we did basic testing and as there was nothing glaring, we did fertility medication with ovidril to induce ovulation. A couple of months after that didn't work, we added IUI to this. The rationale was that she wash the sperm, to make sure the best get a chance to try and impregnate. After IUI didn't work, I was referred back to my GYN, who performed surgery to remove a polyp, and consequently diagnosed me with endometriosis. Upon going back to Dr. K., she recommended IVF, as I would have trouble with egg retrevial due to the Endo. We went forward with the simpler IVF. I had trouble producing eggs timely, and had a vein blocking one side during the retrieval so only one egg was retrieved. It was successfully an embryo and implanted on day 3. It resulted in a negative pregnancy test.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The nursing staff was kind and compassionate. They were knowledgeable about their jobs, and performed them competently and compassionately.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The clinic was busy, but they worked hard to find a time that worked for your schedule. It was convienent. They weren't that close to me or my work, which was challenging; however, they were very understanding if traffic delayed my time. It was also nice that they had a massage therapist attached to their clinic, which was a service you could utilize during Ivf.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The IUI was about $500. The IVF was about $12,000 including medication.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
She would transfer up to 2, but did not want to do more (unless they were not as great of embryos), due to the health risk to the mother.
Dr. K [Dr. Kowalczyk] was amazing right from the get-go.... She gives you a feeling of hope and trust. She is confident, but not cocky. She is compassionate and great at what she does. She spent over an hour with my husband and I at our consult because I came with a notebook full of questions....I was prescribed Birth control pills to down regulate, Lupron, Low HCG, Gonal F to grow my follies, and PIO prior to retrieval. 9 eggs were retrieved, we opted for a freeze all cycle (per Dr. K's suggestion based upon my blood work).
Dr. K and the nursing staff [MI Ctr for Fert] are amazing to work with. In fertility is stressful, but they take away the added worry by being so punctual. They know their stuff. Another great thing Is everything is done in the office, bloodwork, retrievals, ultrasounds, HSG, etc....I loved, loved, loved, Dawn and Cathy! They were so informative, compassionate, and on time. They made me feel so comfortable.... We spent aprox. 15k (including meds). That included ultrasounds and tests.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. K was amazing right from the get-go. I did 8 IUIs with another clinic prior, after that did a consult with Another. I did not click with anybody like I did her. She gives you a feeling of hope and trust. She is confident, but not cocky. She is compassionate and great at what she does. She spent over an hour with my husband and I at our consult because I came with a notebook full of questions.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
When I hit my low of dealing with infertility, Dr. K gave me hope and in the end she made my dreams come true. I never knew if I would be able to be a baby, and I have 2! She knows what she's doing. This was her calling.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. K was so personable. She took time to meet with my husband and I and answer all our questions. It was not a cookie-cutter treatment, all decisions were based up on what we needed. I truly feel like she's in it to make people's dreams come true, not just for the money.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
I was prescribed Birth control pills to down regulate, Lupron, Low HCG, Gonal F to grow my follies, and PIO prior to retrieval. 9 eggs were retrieved, we opted for a freeze all cycle (per Dr. K's suggestion based upon my blood work). I don't remember off hand the protocol prior to my FET, but it did work! I continued PIO until 11 weeks gestation.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I loved, loved, loved, Dawn and Cathy! They were so informative, compassionate, and on time. They made me feel so comfortable.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Dr. K and the nursing staff are amazing to work with. In fertility is stressful, but they take away the added worry by being so punctual. They know their stuff. Another great thing Is everything is done in the office, bloodwork, retrievals, ultrasounds, HSG, etc.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We spent aprox. 15k (including meds). That included ultrasounds and tests.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Doctor K. allowed me to transfer 1 or 2, and warned me of all the risks with transferring 2.
Listen to the expertise and advice that you are being given. When I was going through my first IVF cycle I was at a high risk for over stimulation and Dr. Kowalczyk did not feel comfortable proceeding with the embryo transfer after the egg retrieval due to the medical risks. We opted for a frozen transfer next cycle that would be risk free for me and our potential child.
Strengths [of Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health in Warren]-Everyone is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and compassionate. Weaknesses-You will always have to leave a message for one of the nurses, which can make people nervous if they want to talk to someone right away, but they will always call you back the same day, which was reassuring.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
We met with Dr. Kowalczyk numerous times throughout our time spent being treated at her clinic. She was very straightforward with what was going on with our inability to conceive and what she thought our best course of action was. She was very sympathetic to what we were going through and I truly felt as if she wanted the best for us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Listen to the expertise and advice that you are being given. When I was going through my first IVF cycle I was at a high risk for over stimulation and Dr. Kowalczyk did not feel comfortable proceeding with the embryo transfer after the egg retrieval due to the medical risks. We opted for a frozen transfer next cycle that would be risk free for me and our potential child.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
The care that I received from Dr. Kowalczyk and her staff was amazing. I developed real relationships with her nurses and staff. They were always available for any questions that I had and always called me back promptly. I felt as thought I was fully informed on my treatment options and what expectations I should have.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
After going through numerous testing, I was told that I had a thyroid condition and that the shape of my husband's sperm was off, which could make it hard to fertilize my eggs. I was put on medication and told to eat a low carb diet. We were instructed to try IUI's first, it was possible that his sperm just needed a couple more targets in order for us to become pregnant.
1.) IUI's-I was first put on clomid, which ended up making the lining of my uterus thin even though I ovulated 5 eggs. Pregnancy test negative.
2.) The next two IUI's- I was put on letrozole, which unfortunately did not trigger the release of more then one egg in each cycle. Negative pregnancy test.
The doctor only wanted to perform 3 IUI's before moving onto another treatment. We were given the option of IVF or other stimulation drugs to be used with IUI. The only problem with not doing IVF was that the other treatments were unpredictable and could result in high order multiples. She was concerned because I am very small (short and thin), which could lead to many health complications. We decided to move forward with IVF.
3.) IVF- The day before the egg retrieval, I was told that my numbers that day were extremely high and I was at risk for over stimulation. We went through with the egg retrieval in which 7 eggs were removed. They were fertilized and we ended up with 5 eggs. We were told that we should proceed with a frozen embryo transfer to avoid further health complications.
4.) Frozen embryo transfer- We transferred 2 eggs and I became pregnant with one embryo. We still have 3 left for future transfers.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The nursing staff was amazing, if it wasn't for them, none of this would be possible. The nurse that I ended up talking with the most was Barbara. She was so helpful through this entire process, always calling me back and answering all of my questions. She became like a friend to me, who I could depend on and who knew exactly what I was going through. When I finally became pregnant all the nurses that I had contact with were so happy for me. The last time I talked to Barbara it was such a bittersweet moment that I cried. We had been through so much together and she was so happy for me.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strengths-Everyone is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and compassionate.
Weaknesses-You will always have to leave a message for one of the nurses, which can make people nervous if they want to talk to someone right away, but they will always call you back the same day, which was reassuring.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
My husband and I were lucky enough to have really good health insurance which covered a lot of the costs. The IUI's were $500.00 a piece. The most expensive thing that I paid for out of pocket was the IVF medications, which were between $4,000.00-$5,000.00.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
With one of my IUI cycles, I went in for an ultrasound and my eggs were not ready to ovulate, I was told to come back a few days later for another ultrasound. During the next ultrasound it looked like one of the eggs had started to ovulate on their own and I was told that I should have sex and not do an IUI that cycle because it was not timed out perfectly.
. Takes a little bit of time to get the first appointment [with Dr. Carole Kowalczyk]. The nurses do the IUIs but the doctor is available to talk to by phone with questions after hours...I only met with her a few times but she really understood our pain and gave us all of our options with realistic expectations. She remembered most things about us and never pushed us in any direction...has been practicing for a long time. Answered the phone after hours when I had questions and she didn’t make me feel bad for calling. Tried to explain to my husband and I all of our options and told us realistic outcomes for everything
[Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] Has a couple of locations so the doctor isn’t always at the office. A benefit of having smaller locations is I really got to know the nursing staff and loved working with them. Takes a little bit of time to get the first appointment. The nurses do the IUIs but the doctor is available to talk to by phone with questions after hours. There are a few PAs but I only met one she was really nice!
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Really knows her stuff and has been practicing for a long time. Answered the phone after hours when I had questions and she didn’t make me feel bad for calling. Tried to explain to my husband and I all of our options and told us realistic outcomes for everything
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She has a lot of locations so make sure to get a relationship with the staff you are seeing all the time
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
I only met with her a few times but she really understood our pain and gave us all of our options with realistic expectations. She remembered most things about us and never pushed us in any direction
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Loved all the staff I have been working with and the nurse! Always responds to emails and phone calls. Really takes the time to answer my questions and have gone above and beyond to help when I had problems
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Has a couple of locations so the doctor isn’t always at the office. A benefit of having smaller locations is I really got to know the nursing staff and loved working with them. Takes a little bit of time to get the first appointment. The nurses do the IUIs but the doctor is available to talk to by phone with questions after hours. There are a few PAs but I only met one she was really nice!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Insurance covered most appointments but with testing and two cycles of IUIs shots etc around $2,000
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Haven’t done IVF yet by definitely they suggest eSET
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] tried to work with us and out financial needs. She asked our opinions, and what we wanted.... She wanted what we wanted, a successful pregnancy. She gave us options and catered to our financial abilities. She made sure we knew risks when we had multiple follicles, she was empathetic after our chemical pregnancy, and she was very encouraging.... Each medicated cycle started with an ultrasound to make sure that everything was all right. Clomid was given cycle day 5-9, then a follow up ultrasound was done to count the number of follicles and to make sure everything was all right.
It's a very relaxing environment [Michigan Center for Fertility] everyone is extremely friendly everyone is extremely welcoming and just the environment is a place where you want to be. I love the fact that it is connected to the office that offers a massage and acupuncture and homeopathic medicine.... Everyone is so welcoming and inviting, everyone knows the struggles that you are facing otherwise he wouldn't be there.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She wanted what we wanted, a successful pregnancy. She gave us options and catered to our financial abilities. She made sure we knew risks when we had multiple follicles, she was empathetic after our chemical pregnancy, and she was very encouraging.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She's very straight forward, blunt, and tell it like it is. I really liked this, I didn't want things sugar coated.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She tried to work with us and out financial needs. She asked our opinions, and what we wanted.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
Each medicated cycle started with an ultrasound to make sure that everything was all right. Clomid was given cycle day 5-9, then a follow up ultrasound was done to count the number of follicles and to make sure everything was all right. We were instructed went to trigger, went to have sex, and then came back for a progesterone blood draw, then the following week the pregnancy blood draw. She was very thorough and I felt very safe.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Everyone is so welcoming and inviting, everyone knows the struggles that you are facing otherwise he wouldn't be there.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
It's a very relaxing environment everyone is extremely friendly everyone is extremely welcoming and just the environment is a place where you want to be. I love the fact that it is connected to the office that offers a massage and acupuncture and homeopathic medicine.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Unfortunately our insurance doesn't cover anything, each monitored medicated cycle including medication cost approximately $600.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
[During the cycle with Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] things were switched around during the process to taylor the treatment to me and how my body was responding...The doc took the time to explain thing...If you needed to speak to the doc and she was not available there would be a follow up call...We already knew our only option was ivf based on both of our factors so she did not push us to try other options prior to starting the process.
Everyone [at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] was very helpful from appointments to billing. The biller sat down with us and explained the cost and coverage and helped with any questions we had along the way as why something was or was not covered...Everyone was willing to answer any questions and explain why things happen in the order that they did. Why certain blood tests and ultrasounds were needed
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Me and my husband cake to the office after a bad experience with another doc. Dr. Kowalczyk reviewed our chart and said she could do better and she was able to. We already knew our only option was ivf based on both of our factors so she did not push us to try other options prior to starting the process.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Go with an open mind. The office may feel a little different than many it’s more calm and friendly and there are many different support groups and thing to help aid in the process.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
The doc took the time to explain thing as did the staff. They knew who you were when you came to your appointments and if you had questions they were answered. If you needed to speak to the doc and she was not available there would be a follow up call.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
I do not remember I know we used a different protocol than previously and things were switched around during the process to taylor the treatment to me and how my body was responding
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Everyone was willing to answer any questions and explain why things happen in the order that they did. Why certain blood tests and ultrasounds were needed
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Everyone was very helpful from appointments to billing. The biller sat down with us and explained the cost and coverage and helped with any questions we had along the way as why something was or was not covered
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We paid approximately 12,000 including sperm removal from my husband
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I've always felt cared for and listened to by Dr. Kowalczyk. Given my age and diagnosis, I decided to only met once with a physician assistant and always opted for appointments with Dr. Kowalczyk. During our appointments, she always took the time to listen to our questions/concerns and I never once felt rushed...has a great bedside manner. She is warm and is a great listener. She's always explained our next steps in great detail and has set realistic expectations. My only complaint is that I wish she was more available during the IVF process.
The nurses I have worked with at Dr. Kowalczyk's office [Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] have been great. They show a lot of compassion and always listen to my questions/concerns. They have reassured me more times than I can count...The staff has been very helpful in finding available appointments when I need to get squeezed in to make a quick decision. The weakness of the clinic is definitely the size and lack of time with Dr. Kowalczyk through the beginning steps.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr. Kowalczyk has a great bedside manner. She is warm and is a great listener. She's always explained our next steps in great detail and has set realistic expectations. My only complaint is that I wish she was more available during the IVF process.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Advocate for yourself and ask a lot of questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
While it is a big clinic, I've always felt cared for and listened to by Dr. Kowalczyk. Given my age and diagnosis, I decided to only met once with a physician assistant and always opted for appointments with Dr. Kowalczyk. During our appointments, she always took the time to listen to our questions/concerns and I never once felt rushed.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The nurses I have worked with at Dr. Kowalczyk's office have been great. They show a lot of compassion and always listen to my questions/concerns. They have reassured me more times than I can count.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The nurses and ultrasound techs are fantastic. They are very knowledgeable and take the time to explain what is going on and answer my questions. The staff has been very helpful in finding available appointments when I need to get squeezed in to make a quick decision. The weakness of the clinic is definitely the size and lack of time with Dr. Kowalczyk through the beginning steps.
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] is great at giving compassion during this rough journey. When I first met her I was ready to jump into IVF but she was cautious due to our issue being male infertility and had me proceeded with lab work, a baseline ultrasound, and saline sonogram. Results were discussed in great detail and I walked out of the office fully confident in her and her staff... You may not always see the dr but her PA’s Alexa and Emily are just as amazing as Dr. Kowalczyk!
It is easy to make appointments, phone wait times can be longer than other places, but they [Michigan Ctr for Fertility] are busy and it is worth the wait. The front desk staff is great with confirming appointments and discussing protocols to follow prior to procedures. They are in great hands in this clinic.... I was quoted 10,000 for IVF and another 5,000 to 7,000 for meds.... You may not always see the dr but her PA’s Alexa and Emily are just as amazing as Dr. Kowalczyk!
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She is great at giving compassion during this rough journey. When I first met her I was ready to jump into IVF but she was cautious due to our issue being male infertility and had me proceeded with lab work, a baseline ultrasound, and saline sonogram. Results were discussed in great detail and I walked out of the office fully confident in her and her staff during our IVF journey.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
You may not always see the dr but her PA’s Alexa and Emily are just as amazing as Dr. Kowalczyk!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She discussed everything with me in great detail and did not jump to IVF and wanted us to follow up with urology to see if there was a cheaper option. My follow up with her discussing IVF put me at ease.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Warm and friendly! Super helpful during everything.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
It is easy to make appointments, phone wait times can be longer than other places, but they are busy and it is worth the wait. The front desk staff is great with confirming appointments and discussing protocols to follow prior to procedures. They are in great hands in this clinic.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
I was quoted 10,000 for IVF and another 5,000 to 7,000 for meds.
She [Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] is a very passionate doctor. She is extremely versed in her field and is a very personable doctor. She takes her time and explains current paths and possibly alternatives if necessary. Will personally follow up with patients as needed.... Very personable and always asks how you are or what is going on in life or over the weekend. Takes time to answer questions and has a heart.
[MI Center for Fertility and Women's Health is] Very organized. Warm environment. Nice decoration everywhere so you don’t feel like you are at a normal doctors office. It’s not just a white sterile feeling office. Waiting area is calming. They are going for a spa like feel.... Nurses and support team are all very passionate and direct. Calls and questions are answered quickly and fully.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She is a very passionate doctor. She is extremely versed in her field and is a very personable doctor. She takes her time and explains current paths and possibly alternatives if necessary. Will personally follow up with patients as needed.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Wait times are long. Don’t be afraid to ask all of your questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Very personable and always asks how you are or what is going on in life or over the weekend. Takes time to answer questions and has a heart.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
Birth control with lupron, before. Fresh and frozen transfer was successful.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Yes)
Nurses and support team are all very passionate and direct. Calls and questions are answered quickly and fully.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Very organized. Warm environment. Nice decoration everywhere so you don’t feel like you are at a normal doctors office. It’s not just a white sterile feeling office. Waiting area is calming. They are going for a spa like feel.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Egg retrieval and fresh transfer was roughly 10k without the cost of meds.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
She will only transfer 2 at a time unless there is a lower chance of success from personal history. Recommends 1 in most cases.
