Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health
Available Resources
Genetic counseling
Acupuncture
Mental health counseling
Nutrition counseling
Administration of shots
Coordinating at-home nursing
is not offered
is not offered
Selling medication
is not offered
is not offered
Providing backup medication
Warren
4700 13 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48902
(586) 576-0431
16 assessments
10
Age
30
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
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.
+ Read more
Age
30
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with the nursing staff.
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.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
- Lost paperwork
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and Women's Health.
N/A (didn't do IVF).
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10
Age
26 - 31
Treated
2011 - 2016
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
10
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.
+ Read more
Age
26 - 31
Treated
2011 - 2016
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with the nursing staff.
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 and 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 and Women's Health?
Have questions and prioritize them.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
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10
Age
28
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
7 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
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.
+ Read more
Age
28
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
Business Executive
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
7 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with the nursing staff.
I loved, loved, loved, Dawn and Cathy! They were so informative, compassionate, and on time. They made me feel so comfortable.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and Women's Health.
Doctor K. allowed me to transfer 1 or 2, and warned me of all the risks with transferring 2.
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10
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
10
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.
+ Read more
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Other
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with the nursing staff.
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.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
- Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
8
Age
29 - 30
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Unexplained
8
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.
+ Read more
Age
29 - 30
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Unexplained
8
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
She tried to work with us and out financial needs. She asked our opinions, and what we wanted.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
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 and 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 and 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.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and Women's Health.
N/a
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9
Age
36 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor
9
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
+ Read more
Age
36 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor
9
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with the nursing staff.
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 and 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 and 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.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and Women's Health.
None we got to choose what we wanted
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9
Age
36 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IVF, Donor Eggs, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor, Other
9
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
+ Read more
Age
36 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IVF, Donor Eggs, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor, Other
9
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with the nursing staff.
Everyone took the time to explain what was going on and what the next step would be. Always willing to answer questions and listen.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
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10
Age
33
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
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!
+ Read more
Age
33
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
Warm and friendly! Super helpful during everything.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and Women's Health?
You may not always see the dr but her PA’s Alexa and Emily are just as amazing as Dr. Kowalczyk!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
I was quoted 10,000 for IVF and another 5,000 to 7,000 for meds.
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9
Age
35 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
9
This is my 1st fertility clinic [Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] so I can not compare it to any others. I am pleased with my experience. I will not complain... if I had 1 thing to say I wish I would have known that BMI should have been under 40 before I went ... They all seem to remember me and call me by my name ... I was able to complete all the diagnostic testing to be IVF candidate. Also my husband did his part also
+ Read more
Age
35 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Black or African-American
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
9
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
This is my 1st fertility clinic so I can not compare it to any others. I am pleased with my experience. I will not complain... if I had 1 thing to say I wish I would have known that BMI should have been under 40 before I went
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
They all seem to remember me and call me by my name..... Dr K always congratulated/ big hugs on my weight loss progress ...
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Dr K. was very honest in letting me know that my weight was pretty much my only obstacle.... She gave me a lot of information and ways for me to loose weight ... She explained the risk of being obese while trying to conceive through IVF risk are very high
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Get your BMI under 40 before you even go
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health and their degree of success.
I didn't make it that far ... I was able to complete all the diagnostic testing to be IVF candidate. Also my husband did his part also.... But because I didn't loose the weight and now I have several other issues to put IVF on hold.... one thing including severe dysplasia ...I am preparing for a leep procedure soon
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
My insurance does not cover any of the costs
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10
Age
35 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS
10
Overall care of the patient is excellent. Everyone [MI Ctr for Fertility and Women's Health] is very friendly and they really care about the patients. Long wait times in the waiting room. Plan to be there for awhile if not the 1st appointment of the day.... Very compassionate and understanding. Always available to answer questions and returned phone calls in a timely manner.... Dr K [Kawalczyk] is an amazing doctor. She is patient, kind and caring. She is also very candid and honest. She doesn't blow smoke.
+ Read more
Age
35 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Other
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Business Executive
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Overall care of the patient is excellent. Everyone is very friendly and they really care about the patients. Long wait times in the waiting room. Plan to be there for awhile if not the 1st appointment of the day.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Coming to the realization that we needed help from a RE was heartbreaking. I cried during our 1st visit. She was patient, kind and very caring.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Very compassionate and understanding. Always available to answer questions and returned phone calls in a timely manner.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Dr K is an amazing doctor. She is patient, kind and caring. She is also very candid and honest. She doesn't blow smoke. She shared with us the reality of my condition (PCOS) and AMA. She gave us a plan to get pregnant and best case scenario. If that didn't work, she gave us our next steps. We were pregnant 2 months later.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Be patient. You will spend a lot of time in the waiting room.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health and their degree of success.
After 4 rounds of clomid with OBGYN, Dr K suggested letrozole with trigger shot. I also was taking baby aspirin, 2000mg of vitamin D ans 1000mg Metformin. One week after ovulation I began progesterone suppositories due to low progesterone. I remained on progesterone suppositories until the 2nd trimester.
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10
Age
27 - 31
Treated
2014 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, PCOS, Tubal Blockage
10
[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.
+ Read more
Age
27 - 31
Treated
2014 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, PCOS, Tubal Blockage
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Yes)
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 and 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 and Women's Health?
Wait times are long. Don’t be afraid to ask all of your questions.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health and their degree of success.
Birth control with lupron, before. Fresh and frozen transfer was successful.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and 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 and 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.
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9
Age
42
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF, 2 Embryo Freezing (cancer)
Diagnosis
Cancer, Endometriosis, Male Factor
9
Strength [at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health]-great staff, qualified and compassionate. The clinic offers group therapy, nutrition, accupunture, massage. Weakness-its a large practice, that is not always a weakness but because of that you don't see the Dr as often for scans and bloodwork...Nursing staff is great, they always get back to you usually the same day to answer questions or go over results.
+ Read more
Age
42
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF, 2 Embryo Freezing (cancer)
Diagnosis
Cancer, Endometriosis, Male Factor
9
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Strength-great staff, qualified and compassionate. The clinic offers group therapy, nutrition, accupunture, massage.
Weakness-its a large practice, that is not always a weakness but because of that you don't see the Dr as often for scans and bloodwork.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
I started seeing Dr. K after my doctor (that she had worked with) passed away. She was very sympathetic of our situation, infertility due to my husband's cancer treatment.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Nursing staff is great, they always get back to you usually the same day to answer questions or go over results.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Very educated, very good communicator, very compassionate. Only thing I would change is I don't see her as often as I would like, she took over a practice for my previous doctor who passed away, so she is very busy.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Dr. K will not transfer more than 2 embroys for patient safety.
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1
Age
38
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
1
their [Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] Lake Orion location didn’t offer many services when we were there as it was newer. I believe these clinics would be better suited to IVF patients versus IUI patients...When we scheduled our initial appointment we knew it was to be with the nurse practitioner. ...we never actually met the doctor [Dr. Kowalczyk]. We were initially handled by the nurse practitioner, then nurses only. While everyone was nice I didn’t feel important to the doctor.
+ Read more
Age
38
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
1
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Liked that there were 2 locations. However their Lake Orion location didn’t offer many services when we were there as it was newer.
I believe these clinics would be better suited to IVF patients versus IUI patients.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
I was a patient for all of 2016, did 4 iui’s (5 planned but one didn’t happen because I ovulated early), and we never actually met the doctor. We were initially handled by the nurse practitioner, then nurses only. While everyone was nice I didn’t feel important to the doctor.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
- Failed to call with results
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
In the almost 9-12 months we were at the practice we never even met Dr. Kowalczyk. When we scheduled our initial appointment we knew it was to be with the nurse practitioner. But assumed sometime before the iui we’d actually get to meet our doctor. I also thought the doctor would at least be present for the initial iui, that was not the case.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Be ready to not meet the doctor
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9
Age
33 - 35
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, PCOS
9
The ovulation induction nurses were always prompt with calling me back when I had a question. They made suggestions and recommendations for ways I could fill prescriptions for as low of a cost as possible, answered questions at my ultrasound appointments and when I left messages, and worked with me to schedule my appointments. ... The clinic is always clean and the office staff are friendly.
+ Read more
Age
33 - 35
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, PCOS
9
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
The clinic is always clean and the office staff are friendly. There is a wellness clinic called In Harmony that shares the office space and works with fertility patients, offering things like acupuncture and other holistic treatments. They also have a fertility counselor (her name is Claire and she’s wonderful!) who offers therapy/counseling to patients for a reduced rate. Claire also runs support groups for fertility patients.
Dr. Kowalczyk is always running behind, so if you have an appointment with her plan to be there for a while. While her running late is kind of an inconvenience, it’s because she doesn’t rush through patients; she spends time and answers questions thoroughly. She never made me feel like she was hurrying me along so she could get back on schedule, and I’d much prefer for her to be running late and still take her time with me than to be on time with appointments but rush.
They have a second office in Lake Orion and while it isn’t available for all appointments, it never hurts to ask to schedule your appointment for the Lake Orion office if it would be closer/more convenient for you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Dr. Kowalczyk was very comforting when we went for our first consultation back in 2016. After years of TTC and multiple losses, she was empathetic and gave me hope. I felt like the recommendations she made were personalized to my husband and I and not just a standard “cocktail” of meds/procedures.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nursing staff was friendly and helpful. The ovulation induction nurses were always prompt with calling me back when I had a question. They made suggestions and recommendations for ways I could fill prescriptions for as low of a cost as possible, answered questions at my ultrasound appointments and when I left messages, and worked with me to schedule my appointments.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Dr. Kowalczyk was very comforting and friendly. She demonstrated compassion for what we were going through and gave me hope. At our first consultation I couldn’t help but cry due to feeling overwhelmed and scared at the potential for another loss. Dr. Kowalczyk gave me a hug and assured me that we would figure out a way for me to be a mom. On our first round of treatment we conceived our son and had a successful pregnancy. We recently returned to Dr. Kowalczyk and had another consultation to discuss getting pregnant again, and I felt like she spent a lot of time beforehand re-familiarizing herself with our first round of treatment a couple years earlier. She demonstrated a combination of professionalism and friendliness that made me feel very comfortable with her.
My only complaint is that she is very busy and after our initial consultation back in 2016, we never saw her again. She has a PA who is wonderful and the PA is who we met with when we were graduated after conceiving our son.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Trust her and her experience, and know that even if you aren’t personally meeting with her at your appointments, she is monitoring your treatment and making decisions/recommendations for you. Also, always plan for appointments with her to be running late.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health and their degree of success.
She did an initial blood workup to determine what medications/supplements I needed to take. I take thyroid medication and have a diagnosis of PCOS, so she ensured that my thyroid medication was at the proper dosage, and she put me on 2,000mg Metformin/day. She also had me begin taking folic acid and vitamin D, and I followed a low-glycemic diet based on her recommendation.
For our fertility treatment, my husband had a semen analysis which came back fine. I had a baseline ultrasound done before treatment, which included a saline sono to make sure my tubes were open. Once all was decided to be ok, she had me do a round of letrozole cd 3-7 with an ovidrel injection. She chose letrozole for me because I had been on and off clomid for two years prior through a different doctor, and had multiple miscarriages during that time. Dr. Kowalczyk explained that letrozole worked in a different way and that her thought was my body would respond to it better.
Based on the doctor’s recommendation, my husband and I chose to do timed intercourse (since his analysis came back fine).
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
I cannot remember exact costs but I believe each blood draw was around $60-$70 and each ultrasound was about $200. So I ncluding medications, each medicated cycle cost my husband and I about $800-$900.
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8
Age
29
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Other
8
Strength [of MI Center for Fertility and Women's Health- Warren] is the actual visit. I never wait, I can always be seen. It’s very easy going and they run on time. Weakness is that sometimes younhave to call both offices to find your chart or speak to your nurse because they move among locations... She [the nurse] kept me up to date on medication and lab results. She followed up on the weekend when dosing needed to be changed. She always explains everything to me
+ Read more
Age
29
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Other
8
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Strength is the actual visit. I never wait, I can always be seen. It’s very easy going and they run on time.
Weakness is that sometimes younhave to call both offices to find your chart or speak to your nurse because they move among locations
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Her staff called me with updates, helped watch my daughter during blood draws. It made the process easy
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Kay)
She kept me up to date on medication and lab results. She followed up on the weekend when dosing needed to be changed. She always explains everything to me
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
So far she has been kind and follows up with me if I see any other provider at the clinic. There are good communication among providers. I wish I saw her for visits more . I also wish she was at every visit
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
I have had many friends with success out of this office. A doctor is important, but the staff is critical as well
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
So far we have paid about 450$ for work up and testing
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10
Age
23
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
10
[Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health- Warren's] Strengths are communication and their hearts. Weakness maybe would be jumping straight into IVF when they’re other options, felt blindsided. Go in the appointment with an open mind and be optimistic bc the office is great.... She [Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] was very calm and attentive. Hugged me if I was upset, went thru my treatment options. Was very informative. She had a nice office and kept things on a tight schedule. I appreciated her willingness to get things done
+ Read more
Age
23
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
10
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health.
Strengths are communication and their hearts. Weakness maybe would be jumping straight into IVF when they’re other options, felt blindsided. Go in the appointment with an open mind and be optimistic bc the office is great.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Very sweet and informative. Understood what we wanted from
Them.
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
She was very calm and attentive. Hugged me if I was upset, went thru my treatment options. Was very informative. She had a nice office and kept things on a tight schedule. I appreciated her willingness to get things done.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health?
Ask questions.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health and their degree of success.
I don’t exactly know the protocol and we are still going to her but she was very sweet and went thru everything step by step.
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