I often did not hear back from him [Dr. Kalan] in a timely manner, especially important when we were waiting on results and corresponding medication instructions. I do feel like he was up on the latest technology and willing to think outside of the box, which I liked... don't be afraid to mention alternatives if you feel strongly about them. Luckily, Dr. Kalan is pretty open there...I appreciated Dr. Kalan's suggestion of using milder stimulants, which I wanted to try given my situation. I was on the standard protocol utilizing Menopur and Gonal F, and later Cetrotide. As mentioned, we started out with fantastic results, many eggs retrieved/fertilized/sent for genetic testing. But unfortunately, we ended up with negative results. I do feel like Dr. Kalan tried to consider all avenues. We are considering next steps.
Dr. Kala [at Pacific Fertility Center LA] did try to work with our budget. I was a grant recipient and he offered an additional discount. I felt like he was mindful of our finances when suggesting options... I think the doctor and clinic are just too busy and need more help. Scheduling is tough, and I was met with mixed emotions about it. I think they do care, but are too rushed sometimes to convey that the way they may wish to.
How was your experience with Marc Kalan at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles?
I did appreciate Dr. Kalan being available for each visit. And when I asked, he did review details with me and help explain results. He also did try to work with my budget and to see if there was any way to work with disappointing results, which I appreciated. I didn't necessarily feel like he really empathized with our setbacks, which I had heard was a strong trait. I often did not hear back from him in a timely manner, especially important when we were waiting on results and corresponding medication instructions. I do feel like he was up on the latest technology and willing to think outside of the box, which I liked.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Marc Kalan at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles?
I have said this in my other reviews, you have to be your own advocate. I did have to ask many questions and follow up with the doctor and staff several times for clarification. Also, don't be afraid to mention alternatives if you feel strongly about them. Luckily, Dr. Kalan is pretty open there. I would say you do have to have a pretty flexible schedule, the plus and minus of seeing Dr. Kalan at each appointment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Marc Kalan at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles?
I must admit, I felt like the level of service was hot and cold with Dr. Kalan and the clinic. I appreciated that I actually saw him at my appointments, but I had to work around his very difficult/tight schedule (and no weekend appointments), which became very problematic for me. And I did not feel much sympathy there. Initially, I was responding very well to treatment, which was well received. But later when we did not get the results we had hoped for, I did feel a bit dismissed. I guess I just never felt like the team was necessarily on my side.
Describe the protocols Marc Kalan used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles and their degree of success.
I appreciated Dr. Kalan's suggestion of using milder stimulants, which I wanted to try given my situation. I was on the standard protocol utilizing Menopur and Gonal F, and later Cetrotide. As mentioned, we started out with fantastic results, many eggs retrieved/fertilized/sent for genetic testing. But unfortunately, we ended up with negative results. I do feel like Dr. Kalan tried to consider all avenues. We are considering next steps.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles.
I feel conflicted about the nursing staff. Again, I received hot and cold service. My main two nurses could be very nice to my face, especially one of them (who was more consistent). But one time I showed up for my appointment, made eye contact with the nurse, then was told by reception that my nurse was out to lunch and I would need to wait to meet with someone else. After rearranging my schedule that day, and driving over an hour to get there, I thought it was insensitive that she would not meet with me for five minutes before handing me over to someone else. But on the flip side, she gave me her personal cell number and was there for me when I texted her late one night, which was very kind. I did not find one of the front staff receptionists helpful or warm. I would have liked to book next appointments while I was there, especially since it was very hard to fit in to the schedule, as the doctor travels between several clinics - one in Bakersfield. To note, the staff I was speaking of are at Dr. Kalan's new clinic, Los Angeles Reproductive Center. I did like the staff at Pacific Fertility LA, who helped with my egg retrieval. Overall, I just feel like Dr. Kalan and the clinic are getting very busy and may need to hire more help to continue to give the quality care they desire.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles.
As I mentioned earlier, I think the doctor and clinic are just too busy and need more help. Scheduling is tough, and I was met with mixed emotions about it. I think they do care, but are too rushed sometimes to convey that the way they may wish to.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Marc Kalan at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles.
Dr. Kalan did try to work with our budget. I was a grant recipient and he offered an additional discount. I felt like he was mindful of our finances when suggesting options.
Describe Marc Kalan's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles.
Dr. Kalan's policy is to do eSET. I am fine with that decision.
What specific things went wrong at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Lost appointments
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles.
I had to confirm appointments and medications a couple of times, and follow up on results/next steps. But not too bad.
5
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center Los Angeles
Westwood