Dr. Ketefian is an extremely thoughtful healthcare provider and truly takes time to listen to patients to be able to make the most appropriate suggestions for their treatment plans. Dr. Ketefian also performed many different procedures (hysteroscopies, saline ultrasounds, retrieval etc.)...After I had a miscarriage with my first transfer and my husband and I were ready to try another transfer, Dr. Ketefian took the time to really think about what our options were and talked through all of our questions with us. She also suggested consultations with other specialists (in my case, a reproductive immunologist) and was always open to working with his approach
Overall, I think HRC - Pasadena is a lovely clinic. Their new location is beautiful and I appreciate the atmosphere that they've very mindfully curated. The reception staff is helpful. The phlebotomists are friendly and efficient. The one weakness I would highlight is that the finance department feels a little disconnected from the whole experience. (e.g. delays with processing, not-so-user-friendly online portal, etc.)...You will sometimes have to wait a little longer than expected at your appointments to see Dr. Ketefian, but it's definitely worth it! :)
How was your experience with Aline Ketefian at HRC Fertility?
After I had a miscarriage with my first transfer and my husband and I were ready to try another transfer, Dr. Ketefian took the time to really think about what our options were and talked through all of our questions with us. She also suggested consultations with other specialists (in my case, a reproductive immunologist) and was always open to working with his approach (adjusting cycles, etc., as needed). I truly always felt heard and that our questions were being addressed at every single appointment.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Aline Ketefian at HRC Fertility?
You will sometimes have to wait a little longer than expected at your appointments to see Dr. Ketefian, but it's definitely worth it! :)
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Aline Ketefian at HRC Fertility?
Dr. Ketefian is an extremely thoughtful healthcare provider and truly takes time to listen to patients to be able to make the most appropriate suggestions for their treatment plans. Dr. Ketefian also performed many different procedures (hysteroscopies, saline ultrasounds, retrieval etc.) and was always clear about why she was doing these and what I could expect. I had my first successful transfer in February 2021, but unfortunately had a miscarriage at 13w6d (which was long after I “graduated” from HRC). However, Dr. Ketefian personally reached out with her condolences.
Describe the protocols Aline Ketefian used in your cycles at HRC Fertility and their degree of success.
A mock transfer to determine my receptivity was something I am very grateful that Dr. Ketefian did prior to my first transfer. This helped determine how long I would take progesterone in oil leading up to my transfer. I also had a protocol of estradiol and endometrin. For my second transfer, I also used PiO, estradiol, and endometrin, but Dr. Ketefian also added in estrogen patches. As I mentioned previously, she was also open to hearing input from my Reproductive Immunologist and they worked together prior to my second transfer, which included 3 months of Lupron and Letrozole (after a Receptiva test that showed I had elevated inflammation).
Describe your experience with your nurse at HRC Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Cynthia Cruz)
Cynthia was extremely responsive and patient and kind. Cynthia went above and beyond to make sure that I had all of the information I needed after appointments, ordered the medications, and answered all of my questions about how and when to take said medications. I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about Cynthia - it was a true joy being able to work with her during the time I was receiving care at HRC.
Describe your experience with HRC Fertility.
Overall, I think HRC - Pasadena is a lovely clinic. Their new location is beautiful and I appreciate the atmosphere that they've very mindfully curated.
The reception staff is helpful. The phlebotomists are friendly and efficient.
The one weakness I would highlight is that the finance department feels a little disconnected from the whole experience. (e.g. delays with processing, not-so-user-friendly online portal, etc.)
Describe the costs associated with your care under Aline Ketefian at HRC Fertility.
I believe that the up front IVF package (retrieval, first transfer, and all associated appointments) was about $14,000. This did not include any medications.
Describe Aline Ketefian's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at HRC Fertility.
My husband and I ended up with 3 PGT tested normal embryos after my egg retrieval in 2020. For my first transfer, Dr. Ketefian recommended single embryo transfer with our most highly rated embryo. That transfer was successful (although I had a miscarriage at almost 14 weeks). When it came time for second transfer, based on the ratings of the two embryos we had left, Dr. Ketefian recommended transferring both. One did not "stick" and I am currently pregnant with a singleton pregnancy. (I believe that this was hands down the best decision and am grateful we transferred both of the remaining embryos.)
10
Clinic
HRC Fertility
Pasadena