How was your experience with Christopher Herndon at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington?
Dr. Herndon is calm, detail-oriented, trustworthy and compassionate. He provides a lot of information, described a general overview of fertility, infertility treatment options available (pros and cons to all) and specifics associated with our case as it continues to unfold. I sometimes don't catch everything during an appointment so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if they arise later after an appointment, ask. A plus of the clinic is there tends to be a scribe so you can get detailed information after each appointment to review. His communication style tends to be direct yet compassionate.
My experiences so far have included personal attention, he remembers us, says hello and chats when seen around the building (getting bloodwork, elevator, checking in). It really feels like we are people, not just a case or number. I’ve had several phone calls from him outside of clinic hours or when he’s not in the clinic to go over concerns or results. Dr. Herndon and the whole clinic staff are well versed in trauma informed care and willing to take time to explain procedures, exams, protocols and willing to collaborate to modify if needed.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Christopher Herndon at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington?
Be prepared, which is advice I would give regardless of which doctor you see. Don't be afraid to ask questions but really listen to the answer.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Christopher Herndon at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington?
Dr. Herndon takes the time to answer any questions, discuss concerns and will reach out via phone when needed. Whenever we’ve run into him around the building, whether checking in at the front desk or in the elevator he knows us personally and takes the time to say hello and briefly chat.
Describe the protocols Christopher Herndon used in your cycles at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington and their degree of success.
E2 prime antagonist
Low dose luteal Lupron
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington.
A strength of this clinic is definitely their CNM who is the provider I see most often during monitoring and saw for early testing. She is incredibly kind, compassionate and has a sense of humor. While seen less often the other RNs have been absolutely wonderful going over protocol schedules, answering questions and having open clear lines of communication for next steps. The RN I have had for both of retrievals is also a highlight. She remembered us both, our conversations and was able to help put us at ease.
Describe your experience with University Reproductive Care - University of Washington.
As a small clinic you are less a number or chart and have more individual interactions with staff. This includes checking in at lab or clinic and seeing the same MA, RNs and MDs. The process is already stressful so when I check in and the front desk staff and MAs are excited to see me and know me it helps. Also, everything is located within the same building so you don’t need to go elsewhere for anything unless it is a weekend for bloodwork, and the main hospital is within a 5 min drive.
One weakness is I haven’t always understood what was covered by insurance, why costs have fluctuated and have needed to call two separate billing departments to resolve some billing errors. The hospital and physicians are billed separately.
Although the clinic is moving to another floor, they currently are located on the same floor as Pediatrics and Women’s health/OB-GYN. Obviously this is less than ideal for a fertility clinic location.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington.
Monitoring appointments were generally scheduled between 8am and 10am with labs done before for same day results. I had a couple of them scheduled at the beginning of my stimulation cycle and then each day they’d be scheduled around 2pm for the following day.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Christopher Herndon at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington.
Insurance coverage for testing, then approximately $13-$15,000 + medications and PGT-A testing for embryo preservation.
Describe Christopher Herndon's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at University Reproductive Care - University of Washington.
Upfront and direct from the beginning that transferring one is the most responsible and safe-especially PGT-A embryo. Provided statistics, research and rationale.