Michigan Center for Fertility & 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
Bloomfield Hills
4190 Telegraph Rd
Bloomfiled Twp, MI 48302
586-576-0431
Lake Orion
1455 S Lapeer Rd
Lake Orion, MI 48360
586-576-0431
Plymouth
9365 Haggerty Rd
Plymouth, MI 48170
586-576-0431
Warren
4700 13 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48902
(586) 576-0431
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27 assessments
10
9
Age
35 - 38
Treated
2016 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Other
10
9
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.
Age
35 - 38
Treated
2016 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European, Other
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Other
10
9
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.
- Read less
10
10
Age
45
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
2 IUI, IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
10
10
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.
Age
45
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI, IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
10
10
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.
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10
10
Age
28
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Unexplained, Other
10
10
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!
Age
28
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Business Executive
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Unexplained, Other
10
10
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.
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7
9
Age
38 - 39
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
7
9
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
Age
38 - 39
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
7
9
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.
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
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10
10
Age
28
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained
10
10
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.
Age
28
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Business Executive
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained
10
10
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.
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10
10
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
—
Diagnosis
PCOS, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Other
10
10
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
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Black or African-American
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
—
Diagnosis
PCOS, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Other
10
10
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
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10
10
Age
36 - 38
Treated
2017 - 2019
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
10
10
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.
Age
36 - 38
Treated
2017 - 2019
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Graphic Designer
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
10
10
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)
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10
10
Age
30
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
10
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.
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
10
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.
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.
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9
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
9
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
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
9
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.
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.
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10
10
Age
31
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Other
10
10
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!
Age
31
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Other
10
10
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.
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.
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10
10
Age
26 - 31
Treated
2011 - 2016
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
10
10
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.
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
10
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.
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.
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10
10
Age
28
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
7 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
10
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.
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
10
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.
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.
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10
10
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
10
10
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.
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
10
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.
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.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
8
7
Age
28
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Male Factor, Unexplained
8
7
. 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!
Age
28
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Ashkenazi Jewish
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Male Factor, Unexplained
8
7
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
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8
8
Age
29 - 30
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Unexplained
8
8
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.
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
8
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.
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.
N/a
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9
9
Age
36 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor
9
9
[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
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
9
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.
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.
None we got to choose what we wanted
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9
9
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Other
9
9
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.
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Other
9
9
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.
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10
10
Age
33
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
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!
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
10
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.
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.
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10
10
Age
27 - 31
Treated
2014 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, PCOS, Tubal Blockage
10
10
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.
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
10
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.
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10
9
Age
35 - 37
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
10
9
Dr K. [Kowalczyk] 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 ... Get your BMI under 40 before you even go ... I was able to complete all the diagnostic testing to be IVF candidate. ... Dr K always congratulated/ big hugs on my weight loss progress ...
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
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
10
9
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 & Women's Health?
Get your BMI under 40 before you even go
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 ...
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & 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
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
My insurance does not cover any of the costs
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10
10
Age
34 - 37
Treated
2014 - 2017
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
11 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
She [Dr. Kowalczyk] always reviewed our file beforehand and during while we were in the office with her. We have seen her outside of the office randomly here and there. She has always been pleasant. She gives you the good and the bad. Gives you options and let's you make the decision. ... For ultrasound and blood work, she has a great time that moves you through your appointment with ease.
Strengthens: They [MI Center for Fertility & Women's Health] are on time, effective and empathetic. I tell everyone to make sure you have them run ALL tests. You never know what they will find on you. If there lab hours were longer that would be even better. ... Everyone in her office is nice, warm and personable. They are emphatic and reasonable. Talk to you with real emotion. For some it is an emotional time and they understand that. They call you when they say they will. They want to develop a relationship with you.
Age
34 - 37
Treated
2014 - 2017
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
11 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She always reviewed our file beforehand and during while we were in the office with her. We have seen her outside of the office randomly here and there. She has always been pleasant. She gives you the good and the bad. Gives you options and let's you make the decision.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Tell her EVERYTHING - she needs to know it all
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Everyone in her office is nice, warm and personable. They are emphatic and reasonable. Talk to you with real emotion. For some it is an emotional time and they understand that. They call you when they say they will. They want to develop a relationship with you.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
For ultrasound and blood work, she has a great time that moves you through your appointment with ease. They also will give you feed back on timing. During these procedures - timing is everything.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The best staff!! They make this office what it is.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strengthens: They are on time, effective and empathetic. I tell everyone to make sure you have them run ALL tests. You never know what they will find on you. If there lab hours were longer that would be even better.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
$475 per IUI
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9
9
Age
42
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF, 2 Embryo Freezing (cancer)
Diagnosis
Cancer, Endometriosis, Male Factor
9
9
[Dr. Carole Kowalczyk is] 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...She was very sympathetic of our situation, infertility due to my husband's cancer treatment.
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.
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
9
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 & Women's Health.
Nursing staff is great, they always get back to you usually the same day to answer questions or go over results.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & 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.
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Dr. K will not transfer more than 2 embroys for patient safety.
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1
1
Age
38
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
1
1
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 [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...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.
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.
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
1
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 & Women's Health?
Be ready to not meet the doctor
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & 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.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
- Failed to call with results
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9
9
Age
33 - 35
Treated
2016 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
PCOS, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
9
9
felt like the recommendations she made were personalized to my husband and I and not just a standard “cocktail” of meds/procedures. ... 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. ... We recently returned to Dr. Kowalczyk and had another consultation to discuss getting pregnant again ...
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.
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
PCOS, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
9
9
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 & 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.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 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.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & 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.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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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9
9
Age
37 - 38
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IVF, 2 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Unexplained
9
9
[Protocols with Dr. Carole Kowalczyk included] Monitored clomid, ivf, fet, PGS. PGS testing on embryos ultimately provided the insight/information we needed after failed IVF/fresh transfers...She is very nice and competent. She helped with setting realistic expectations along the way and gave us hope when we felt like there was none...We did failed multiple fresh transfers of 2 embryos...eSET of a frozen embryo after PGS with positive result.
Some [nurses at Michigan Center for Fertility and Women's Health] are better than others, but overall good...The PAs are great and very helpful. I’ve had IVF procedures scheduled in the afternoon which is a real pain since you can’t eat/drink before anesthesia, etc. The front desk/reception could be better ....I recommend just leaving messages with the nursing staff and/or emailing them...This is a busy clinic but i felt like I had a customized plan and my needs were addressed. Every phone call was returned the same day.
Age
37 - 38
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$500K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 IVF, 2 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Unexplained
9
9
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
She is very nice and competent. She helped with setting realistic expectations along the way and gave us hope when we felt like there was none. We spent years trying to get pregnant and feel our toddler is a beautiful (IVF) miracle.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Dr K has a busy clinic and it can seem frustrating at times....but the protocols are in place and they are taking care of you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
This is a busy clinic but i felt like I had a customized plan and my needs were addressed. Every phone call was returned the same day.
Describe the protocols Carole Kowalczyk used in your cycles at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health and their degree of success.
Monitored clomid, ivf, fet, PGS. PGS testing on embryos ultimately provided the insight/information we needed after failed IVF/fresh transfers.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Some are better than others, but overall good.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
The PAs are great and very helpful. I’ve had IVF procedures scheduled in the afternoon which is a real pain since you can’t eat/drink before anesthesia, etc. The front desk/reception could be better ....I recommend just leaving messages with the nursing staff and/or emailing them.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
30k-40k
Describe Carole Kowalczyk's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
We did failed multiple fresh transfers of 2 embryos...eSET of a frozen embryo after PGS with positive result.
What specific things went wrong at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
- Scheduled the wrong procedure
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6
8
Age
29
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Other
6
8
So far she [Dr. Carole Kowalczyk] 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... Her staff called me with updates, helped watch my daughter during blood draws. It made the process easy
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
Age
29
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Other
6
8
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
So far she has been kind and follows up with me if I see any other provider at the clinic. There are good communication among providers. I wish I saw her for visits more . I also wish she was at every visit
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
I have had many friends with success out of this office. A doctor is important, but the staff is critical as well
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health?
Her staff called me with updates, helped watch my daughter during blood draws. It made the process easy
Describe your experience with your nurse at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health. (Assigned nurse: Kay)
She kept me up to date on medication and lab results. She followed up on the weekend when dosing needed to be changed. She always explains everything to me
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
Strength is the actual visit. I never wait, I can always be seen. It’s very easy going and they run on time.
Weakness is that sometimes younhave to call both offices to find your chart or speak to your nurse because they move among locations
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & Women's Health.
So far we have paid about 450$ for work up and testing
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10
10
Age
23
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
10
10
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.... 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.
[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
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
10
How was your experience with Carole Kowalczyk at Michigan Center for Fertility & 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 & Women's Health?
Ask questions.
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 exactly know the protocol and we are still going to her but she was very sweet and went thru everything step by step.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Very sweet and informative. Understood what we wanted from
Them.
Describe your experience with Michigan Center for Fertility & 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.
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