Carolyn Kubik
Reproductive Health Specialists
Available Lines of Communication
Doctor email
Nurse email
Nurse email
Direct line to nurse
Not available by personal cell phone
Medical SchoolGeorge Washington
ResidencyMagee-Womens UPMC
FellowshipMagee-Womens UPMC
Pittsburgh
419 Rodi Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
412-731-8000
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14 assessments
8
6
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
8
6
I think she’s [Dr. Carolyn Kubik] very knowledgeable about IVF treatments and seems knowledgeable about my POF diagnosis which is refreshing. She was understanding and open to answering questions about us choosing to pursue donor eggs or not due to the complications that brings. She seemed to know out case when we met with her.
My IVF coordinator [at Reproductive Health Specialists] knows nothing about my medicine and usually messes up until I correct her even though she has the correct info in the chart: she’ll say oh let me check... oh yes. Aloof... The office only does single embryo tranfers as they feel it produces the best outcomes for their patients.... It’s a nice facility. The ladies who draw blood are 110% amazing! They make you feel so welcome and they also are both so good at the blood draw you don’t feel a thing which is a plus for me. The ultrasound tech is also so amazing. Seemed to really care. I have a lot of issues and she was very gentle & kind. She also answered my questions. I do really appreciate the doctor as well. And wait time is great. The only thing I’m not happy with is my IVF coordinator.
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
8
6
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
I think she’s very knowledgeable about IVF treatments and seems knowledgeable about my POF diagnosis which is refreshing. She was understanding and open to answering questions about us choosing to pursue donor eggs or not due to the complications that brings. She seemed to know out case when we met with her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Have questions written down that you want answered! It’s the best way to remember! You won’t remember on the spot.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
I really like working with Dr. Kubik. She seems very knowledgeable and straightforward when discussing options. Also sympathetic to our situation mentally/emotionally/financially.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
Firstly we were looking to see if my lining would grow so she increased medicines to see. After seeing that it got thick enough we started discussing donor eggs. We have not had a transfer yet. But have chosen our donor.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists. (Assigned nurse: Annette)
Unfortunately I haven’t had a great experience with my IVF coordinator. She seems aloof and uninterested in my case as when I speak to her I have to remind her of aspects (since my case is a little different from the norm with my POF.) She doesn’t explain anything and almost expects me to know what to do. We have been planning my transfer so maybe she’ll be better since we will be speaking a lot more, but I’m honestly very frustrated. I had an amazing nurse working with me at first when I was getting my hormones balanced. I’m not sure if she left or maybe is no longer in the department. I’ve been very disappointed on muni iVF coordinators lack of communication and it hurts my feelings that she seems not to care. We have come too far/spent too much money and this point to change our course and switch clinics. So we are hoping our outcome is good with our upcoming cycle.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
It’s a nice facility. The ladies who draw blood are 110% amazing! They make you feel so welcome and they also are both so good at the blood draw you don’t feel a thing which is a plus for me. The ultrasound tech is also so amazing. Seemed to really care. I have a lot of issues and she was very gentle & kind. She also answered my questions. I do really appreciate the doctor as well. And wait time is great. The only thing I’m not happy with is my IVF coordinator.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Insurance doesn’t cover much so it was pretty expensive. I think the transfer with meds is about $10K not including our donor egg stuff... so I’m unsure how much an egg retrieval is additionally. My insurance did cover all testing/medicine up until we do the actual IVF.
Describe Carolyn Kubik's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Health Specialists.
The office only does single embryo tranfers as they feel it produces the best outcomes for their patients.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists.
My IVF coordinator knows nothing about my medicine and usually messes up until I correct her even though she has the correct info in the chart: she’ll say oh let me check... oh yes. Aloof.
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10
10
Age
30
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
10
We started with Dr. Kubik in May 2018, she was a second option, our first doctor we didn’t like . She met with us and went over all my medical history and from there we did bloodwork and sonohystagram. And she recommended we can do iui as a first step since it is unexplainable infertility. After two iui fails we took a month off . Then we decided to look into clomid but she didn’t push that it was our idea to take that step . We did one month clomid no iui and was no success.
The strength [Reproductive Health Specialists] was they were private , when we started here they were a private practice and everything in life is so much about money that we loved they weren’t like that . They were just taken over oct 1 by UPMC so we’re not sure how this will effect things down the road but as of now they don’t over book and usually we wear always taken on time for our appointment. I feel very comfortable and confident going here... Our care coordinator was awesome , anytime I sent a message through the portal I had a response very fast .
Age
30
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Entrepreneur
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
We truly felt comfortable going to her. Unfortunately she must be at the end of her career because she was a private practice and they are now owned by Upmc.
I started at Upmc Magee and the doctor there wanted to jump right into medication and iui so I sought a second opinion and started seeing doctor Kubik and she took her time with us
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Have all your questions written down to ask
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
She took the time to talk to me and explain things . They didn’t have a room
Full of people waiting for appointments like some places when they over book . She came in and talked with us anytime we wanted to sit down and go over a plan or know her thoughts on the next steps
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
We started with Dr. Kubik in May 2018, she was a second option, our first doctor we didn’t like . She met with us and went over all my medical history and from there we did bloodwork and sonohystagram. And she recommended we can do iui as a first step since it is unexplainable infertility. After two iui fails we took a month off . Then we decided to look into clomid but she didn’t push that it was our idea to take that step . We did one month clomid no iui and was no success. Then we did 1 month clomid and iui and now on our second month of clomid and iui . If your in a super
Hurry and want someone to pump you with drugs and spend a lot of your money this is the place . They like To take things slow and try the best option for you with multiple baby births. As we found our here multiples is not a good things when doing fertility treatments .
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Our care coordinator was awesome , anytime I sent a message through the portal I had a response very fast . She would answer any questions I had and if she couldn’t she would ask the doctor and get back to me. The portal was a great tool because it made me feel good to know I had that at my fingertips . The nurses were always so sweet to us there
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
The strength was they were private , when we started here they were a private practice and everything in life is so much about money that we loved they weren’t like that . They were just taken over oct 1 by UPMC so we’re not sure how this will effect things down the road but as of now they don’t over book and usually we wear always taken on time for our appointment. I feel very comfortable and confident going here
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
My iui appointments cost is $378
My clomid was $10
That’s all we used so far . My insurance covered my consultation
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2
1
Age
33 - 35
Treated
2015 - 2017
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
1 IVF, 1 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Unexplained
2
1
Felt like treatment was not individualized [with Dr. Kubik], and that things were not always discussed in a way that made me feel like my specific situation was important...Very intelligent and knowledgeable about the ivf process she uses but not willing to try anything outside of her general treatment plan. Dismissive of any research you might do yourself... nice and calming to speak to, but it kind of feels forced.
The lab techs (blood draws, ultrasound) are the nicest people I encountered at the clinic [Reproductive Health Specialists]. You see them the most, sometimes everyday...and they were so friendly and compassionate and easy to talk to. They were caring and reassuring and professional at the same time... I received “generalized” email responses that contained incorrect/opposing information from what I was verbally told in the office, and when I questioned it, I was made to feel like I was annoying or a bother to them.
Age
33 - 35
Treated
2015 - 2017
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF, 1 Embryo Freezing
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Unexplained
2
1
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Very intelligent and knowledgeable about the ivf process she uses but not willing to try anything outside of her general treatment plan. Dismissive of any research you might do yourself... nice and calming to speak to, but it kind of feels forced.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Ask a lot of questions and more important be your own advocate. Do your own research so that you know what to ask bc if you don’t ask questions you won’t get answers. Also so you can get as much information as possible.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Felt like treatment was not individualized, and that things were not always discussed in a way that made me feel like my specific situation was important. I received “generalized” email responses that contained incorrect/opposing information from what I was verbally told in the office, and when I questioned it, I was made to feel like I was annoying or a bother to them.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
I have pcos and complex atypical Endometrial hyperplasia. We Started with ovulation induction. Had a polypectomy and then at the suggestion on my oncologist, an inserted to keep the hyperplasia reversed for ivf. Stims meds were menopur, Ganirelix, and lupron trigger shot. Doses were super low, trying to avoid ovarian hyper stimulation bc of pcos and high levels of unopposed estrogen.We did a freeze all cycle as the iud was in place for the stim cycle. Retrieved 32 eggs, and had 10 embryos, 6 made it to freeze. We waited about 4 weeks, biopsied the endometrium. When the biopsy showed negative results, we removed the iud and started b.c. To prepare for the frozen embryo transfer. Used Lupron injections and the progesterone suppositories. Transferred 2 embryos each time over 3 Transfers. All failed.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists. (Assigned nurse: Annette)
Again, I felt that my concerns were dismissed. We didn’t know anything about ivf when we started, and I was scared. I felt like I was bothering them, and felt like I was meant with attitude.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
The lab techs (blood draws, ultrasound) are the nicest people I encountered at the clinic. You see them the most, sometimes everyday...and they were so friendly and compassionate and easy to talk to. They were caring and reassuring and professional at the same time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Approx 20k, before meds
Describe Carolyn Kubik's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Health Specialists.
She explained the risks and benefits of both.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Was on a freeze all schedule, and received an email that I needed to be back at the clinic for my transfer in a few days. I called and was told that was a “general” response. Billing was messed up multiple times, which I had to basically argue to fix... luckily I kept all of my receipts. Our 2nd transfer failed and instead of a phone call, I received an email about it, not even a phone call. The email said that the dr would call in a couple days. We had to stop mid cycle due to my limit mot being tri-laminar, but I didn’t understand what that was. Received that info via the portal too... but I wanted to talk to someone about it bc I didn’t understand. No phone call, it was only discussed through email which was very frustrating and scary considering the history or endometrial issues. Also was asked multiple times about my gestational carrier, which we weren’t using, but made me feel like maybe they knew something i didn’t... or didn’t know my case at all.
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7
7
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor
7
7
Strengths- she [Dr. Kubik] is very encouraging when you talk with her. She is thorough when going over test results...you deal more with staff than the doctor directly...We only got to talk to the doctor once so far...No follow up on how we want to proceed after the IUI failed...The treatment strategy is to run all of the female testing during one cycle which results in a lot of visits in a very short period of time. Test results were provided via a patient portal. Then a doctor visit to discuss the results and our options.
We only got to talk to the doctor [at Repro Health] once so far. Everything else was handled by a nurse or a nurse practitioner. Even the IUI was performed by a different employee. I don't think we saw the same nurse more than once. All results were provided through a patient portal and no phone calls; no face-to-face meetings... the patient portal can be used for some things, but the clinic forces you to use it for everything. It's easy to forget to update or to check. If you fail to keep updating the clinic no longer contacts you to see why. Sometimes a phone call is better.
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor
7
7
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Strengths- she is very encouraging when you talk with her. She is thorough when going over test results.
Weaknesses- it seems like the facility treats a lot of patients, so you deal more with staff than the doctor directly.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Do you own follow up and be proactive. Be your own advocate. Make sure you are ready to talk about everything and contour own research. Bring questions to the table.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
We only got to talk to the doctor once so far. Everything else was handled by a nurse or a nurse practitioner. Even the IUI was performed by a different employee. I don't think we saw the same nurse more than once. All results were provided through a patient portal and no phone calls; no face-to-face meetings. No follow up on how we want to proceed after the IUI failed.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
The treatment strategy is to run all of the female testing during one cycle which results in a lot of visits in a very short period of time. Test results were provided via a patient portal. Then a doctor visit to discuss the results and our options. IUI was scheduled for the next cycle based on at-home ovulation testing. I didn't get a positive ovulation result within the typical window, so they scheduled for day 14 regardless. IUI was performed but unsuccessful. We opted to hold off on future treatment until further male factor testing could be completed.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists. (Assigned nurse: Nikki)
Strengths- they are professional and good at getting you in and out. Good at taking blood. Thorough with all procedures.
Weaknesses- the facility seems to see a lot of patients so you may not get the same nurse every time which is disappointing when your concerns are already heightened.
The patient portal is insufficient. Sometimes a phone call is better than a message via the internet. It's easy to forget to update the portal so then the office doesn't follow up.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
Primary mode of communication is their patient portal which is good if you enjoy that type of thing, but I think with such a sensitive topic phone calls are more appreciated and more information can be passed along.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
All testing up until diagnosis was covered by my insurance except for co-host and co-insurance. Most of the tests were run on-site with the exception of one which was sent to an outside lab. The clinic and the outside lab have an agreement for reduced fees.
The IUI was out-of-pocket but their cost was reasonable when compared to other facilities.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists.
In my opinion, the patient portal can be used for some things, but the clinic forces you to use it for everything. It's easy to forget to update or to check. If you fail to keep updating the clinic no longer contacts you to see why. Sometimes a phone call is better.
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0
0
Age
30
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
0
0
My husband and I were in total shock when she [Dr. Carolyn Kubik] suggested canceling the cycle on day 4 because of lack of results. Ultimately, the cycle was cancelled before egg retrieval due to DOR and I was told by her nurse that she would not try another cycle with my own eggs. The nurse said the doctor would only move forward with IVF if I did donor eggs. It was horrible that the nurse was communicating this to me. I had so many questions, and she just kept suggesting that I make an appoint,net with the doctor to discuss donor eggs. After my husband and I gathered ourselves together, we began researching IVF clinics that specialize in DOR
All RHS [Reproductive Health Specialists] doctors worked or studied at UPMC, so they are all pretty similar in their decision making and treatment protocol. If you're unhappy with one doctor's treatment plan, then I doubt another doctor from that clinic would do anything much different. Most doctors in Pittsburgh treat patients conservatively, if you are looking for different approaches that are more aggressive look at east coast clinics. We interviewed 5 clinics before settling on Shady Grove and Dr. Bromer. Each clinic offered a unique treatment plan that was different from RHS.
Age
30
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
—
Occupation
Consultant
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
0
0
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
She is warm during her initial consults with you, but when you begin to have setbacks in therapy, she becomes appethetic.
The only way to talk to her, was via messages through her nurse or during phone/face to face consults.
She really downplayed the diminished ovarian reserve. My husband and I were in total shock when she suggested canceling the cycle on day 4 because of lack of results.
Ultimately, the cycle was cancelled before egg retrieval due to DOR and I was told by her nurse that she would not try another cycle with my own eggs. The nurse said the doctor would only move forward with IVF if I did donor eggs.
It was horrible that the nurse was communicating this to me. I had so many questions, and she just kept suggesting that I make an appoint,net with the doctor to discuss donor eggs.
After my husband and I gathered ourselves together, we began researching IVF clinics that specialize in DOR and have had better success at Shady Grove with Dr. Bromer.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
If you find out that you have diminished ovarian reserve, RUN! Find another clinic. Don't waste your time and money at RHS.
Look outside of Pittsburgh to find a doctor that is willing to work with your condition. PGH, is a conservative market, look at clinics on the east coast.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
300 Gonal F and 50 Menopur.
In talking to other clinics and having further labs run, I was prescribed DHEA 75mg and CoQ10 1200mg. When beginning IVF 2, I was put on Gonal F 450 and Menopur 375.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists. (Assigned nurse: Annette)
In all honesty, I think the nurses were overwhelmed and so care and communication suffer. i felt rushed anytime I had questions and received inadequate answers. Also, I hated having to communicate via a nurse to get answers from the doctor.
Also, when we decided to have our escorts transferred to other clinics, we were given a hard time and they charged us on a few occasions.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
RHS won't allow you to monitor anywhere, but there, so it's a pain to go for IVF monitoring if you don't live near Penn Hills.
RHS is very protective of their numbers. There's a reason they have such high IVF success rates. They don't take chances on candidates that may not be successful. Don't be fooled by those high rates.
All RHS doctors worked or studied at UPMC, so they are all pretty similar in their decision making and treatment protocol. If you're unhappy with one doctor's treatment plan, then I doubt another doctor from that clinic would do anything much different.
Most doctors in Pittsburgh treat patients conservatively, if you are looking for different approaches that are more aggressive look at east coast clinics. We interviewed 5 clinics before settling on Shady Grove and Dr. Bromer. Each clinic offered a unique treatment plan that was different from RHS.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
I think 1 IVF session cost $8,000. There were cost sharing packages, but I don't remember the particulars.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
- Failed to convey critical information
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3
3
Age
29 - 31
Treated
2011 - 2013
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
3
3
Dr Kubick was incredibly nice, and took time to explain things. However, she was not open to trying anything new or changing my treatment. After my 3rd chemical pregnancy she gave me the exact same speech in my regroup as she had given me four times before. No explanation, no new ideas, no suggestions to try something new. She just wanted to do the same thing again. My other complaint is that I believe I was over stimulated in my first cycle and that was the only transfer that was a complete negative (all others chemical). I asked her if I was overstimulated and she said 'no', but my next retrieval with her she just used the same protocol but stopped me earlier, resulting in less eggs. After sending my medical records to 3 doctors for another opinion, they all independently said that my estrogen was too high for a fresh transfer (both times). Two of the three doctors questioned if I had PCOS or PCO-like ovaries. The doctor I switched to put me on a different protocol that was more beneficial to me because of how many follicles I had (lower dose, longer stim), so
Dr Kubick was incredibly nice, and took time to explain things. However, she was not open to trying anything new or changing my treatment. After my 3rd chemical pregnancy she gave me the exact same speech in my regroup as she had given me four times before. No explanation, no new ideas, no suggestions to try something new. She just wanted to do the same thing again. My other complaint is that I believe I was over stimulated in my first cycle and that was the only transfer that was a complete negative (all others chemical). I asked her if I was overstimulated and she said 'no', but my next retrieval with her she just used the same protocol but stopped me earlier, resulting in less eggs. After sending my medical records to 3 doctors for another opinion, they all independently said that my estrogen was too high for a fresh transfer (both times). Two of the three doctors questioned if I had PCOS or PCO-like ovaries. The doctor I switched to put me on a different protocol that was more beneficial to me because of how many follicles I had (lower dose, longer stim), so
Age
29 - 31
Treated
2011 - 2013
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Other
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Investment Banker
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 3 Docs
Treatment
3 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
3
3
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr Kubick was incredibly nice, and took time to explain things. However, she was not open to trying anything new or changing my treatment. After my 3rd chemical pregnancy she gave me the exact same speech in my regroup as she had given me four times before. No explanation, no new ideas, no suggestions to try something new. She just wanted to do the same thing again.
My other complaint is that I believe I was over stimulated in my first cycle and that was the only transfer that was a complete negative (all others chemical). I asked her if I was overstimulated and she said 'no', but my next retrieval with her she just used the same protocol but stopped me earlier, resulting in less eggs.
After sending my medical records to 3 doctors for another opinion, they all independently said that my estrogen was too high for a fresh transfer (both times). Two of the three doctors questioned if I had PCOS or PCO-like ovaries. The doctor I switched to put me on a different protocol that was more beneficial to me because of how many follicles I had (lower dose, longer stim), something dr Kubik never considered.
Dr Kubik was nice, but nice doesn't mean you will have a baby. I feel like they have a set protocol and if it doesn't work for you, you are probably out of luck with dr Kubik.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Don't do more than one cycle with her! If you aren't an 'easy' case, then definitely look elsewhere. Don't fall for her kindness and 'try try again' attitude.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
She was compassionate and good bedside manner.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists. (Assigned nurse: Annette)
She was amazing! I truly consider her a friend to this day.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
All of the doctors collaborate, so I'm assuming my experience would have been similar with any of the doctors. I think it's a flaw of the clinic.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Approx $13k for IVF w ICSI incl fresh transfer. Approx $4k for a frozen transfer.
Describe Carolyn Kubik's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Health Specialists.
My first transfer was an eSET bc they were confident it would work- saying my eggs retrieved, fertilization and blast report were all above average.
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9
10
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS
9
10
She [Dr. Kubik] always answered all my questions. Sometimes blunt, but very specific and made sure I understood everything. Always took the time to explain things and felt confident in her treatment plan for me....All of my questions were always answered in a timely matter. No question was very dismissed or ignored....We started with clomid only. I asked about using a trigger shot and was quickly given the option, we spent many months using clomid and the trigger shot with timed intercourse.
[Repro Health Specialists] Very clean and inviting. Lots of pictures of success stories. Sometimes the pictures made me feel uncomfortable because I wondered if I would ever be lucky enough to have my baby’s picture hanging in their office...Wonderful nursing staff. They were always quick to answer my questions and supportive when I needed their support...Cost was always discussed up front, and I felt they were fair.
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS
9
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
She always answered all my questions. Sometimes blunt, but very specific and made sure I understood everything. Always took the time to explain things and felt confident in her treatment plan for me.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Be your own advocate, do research and come with an idea of what you want your treatment to be.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
All of my questions were always answered in a timely matter. No question was very dismissed or ignored.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
We started with clomid only. I asked about using a trigger shot and was quickly given the option, we spent many months using clomid and the trigger shot with timed intercourse. Prior to treatmeant I was only getting a period once every 4-5 months. After 6 months of timed intercourse she recommended IUI. Due to scheduling conflicts this wouldn’t take place for another few months. On our first attempt at IUI (with clomid and trigger shot) we got pregnant with 1 baby. We are currently 6 months pregnant!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Wonderful nursing staff. They were always quick to answer my questions and supportive when I needed their support.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
Very clean and inviting. Lots of pictures of success stories. Sometimes the pictures made me feel uncomfortable because I wondered if I would ever be lucky enough to have my baby’s picture hanging in their office.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Cost was always discussed up front, and I felt they were fair.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists.
After I become pregnant my thyroid number went up. I was also under the care of an endocrinologist, RHS mistakenly prescribed me thyroid medication that I was already taking.
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9
10
Age
30 - 31
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
4 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
9
10
Dr. Kubik was great! She never rushed me through an appointment. She was honest and kind. She gave me the facts but seemed hopeful and understood the costs and emotional challenges with moving forward. She was never pushy.... Because my AMH was very high, she didn’t use menopur on me. I still overstimmed so we do a Lupron shot before the egg retrieval and then I had to wait 2 months before I could do a frozen transfer but it was successful!
Strengths [for Reproductive Health Specialists] - friendly, experienced staff. High success rates. Always got into appointments on time. Convenient schedule for working women. Weakness- couldn’t think of too much - maybe just more time with the actual doctor. My 2 IUIs were not Done by Kubik but I wish they had been.... We spent about $18,000 total including medicine for IVF. I believe the IVf with ICSI was about $13,500
Age
30 - 31
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Marketer or PR
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
9
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr. Kubik was great! She never rushed me through an appointment. She was honest and kind. She gave me the facts but seemed hopeful and understood the costs and emotional challenges with moving forward. She was never pushy.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
You won’t see her every visit but she is there when it counts and she is one of the best!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr. Kubic was very compassionate yet honest. She didn’t give false hope but was enthusiastic and caring.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
Because my AMH was very high, she didn’t use menopur on me. I still overstimmed so we do a Lupron shot before the egg retrieval and then I had to wait 2 months before I could do a frozen transfer but it was successful!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nursing staff was my favorite. It felt like they had become my friends. I knew about their families, where they were going on vacation, etc. they were supe friendly and very educated!
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
Strengths - friendly, experienced staff. High success rates. Always got into appointments on time. Convenient schedule for working women.
Weakness- couldn’t think of too much - maybe just more time with the actual doctor. My 2 IUIs were not
Done by Kubik but I wish they had been.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
We spent about $18,000 total including medicine for IVF. I believe the IVf with ICSI was about $13,500
Describe Carolyn Kubik's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Health Specialists.
My doctor recommend one embryo for transfer and due to many preemies in my family, that’s all I wanted. She felt that due to my age and it being more male factor, one would be best for me.
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10
10
Age
35 - 39
Treated
2013 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
9 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
10
Dr. Kubik was always compassionate and explained everything thoroughly. I felt like she took my feelings and struggles into consideration during my treatments...I had 9 failed IUI's before I switched to IVF and got pregnant on my first fresh transfer. The first 3 IUI's were natural while the remaining 6 used different fertility medications (Clomid and Femera) to see how my body would respond best...I loved Dr. Kubik and would recommend her to anyone. She has a warm bedside manor and was always honest but kind. She never makes guarantees but gives all possible outcomes. I didn't see her at every appointment but she was always available via phone or through the patient portal.
I had 9 failed IUI's [at Reproductive Health Specialists] before I switched to IVF and got pregnant on my first fresh transfer. The first 3 IUI's were natural while the remaining 6 used different fertility medications (Clomid and Femera) to see how my body would respond best...This clinic is owned and operated by mostly women and many of them were patients at one time- this means they understand what its like and can sympathize with the struggles and difficult results. Because they are so busy, they do leave most communication to the patient portal which doesn't always seem personable but effectively gets communication to each patient.
Age
35 - 39
Treated
2013 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
9 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
I loved Dr. Kubik and would recommend her to anyone. She has a warm bedside manor and was always honest but kind. She never makes guarantees but gives all possible outcomes. I didn't see her at every appointment but she was always available via phone or through the patient portal.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Don't stress over everything but let Dr Kubik guide you through the process.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr. Kubik was always compassionate and explained everything thoroughly. I felt like she took my feelings and struggles into consideration during my treatments.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
I had 9 failed IUI's before I switched to IVF and got pregnant on my first fresh transfer. The first 3 IUI's were natural while the remaining 6 used different fertility medications (Clomid and Femera) to see how my body would respond best. The failure of the IUI's were just bad luck.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Health Specialists. (Assigned nurse: Annette)
The nursing staff at RHS is amazing- everyone one of them was kind, compassionate, flexible, and showed the upmost respect for us as patients.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
This clinic is owned and operated by mostly women and many of them were patients at one time- this means they understand what its like and can sympathize with the struggles and difficult results. Because they are so busy, they do leave most communication to the patient portal which doesn't always seem personable but effectively gets communication to each patient.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Don't remember
Describe Carolyn Kubik's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Health Specialists.
This clinic stresses the importance of one healthy baby so they are conservative with their approach to as to produce healthy embryos.
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10
10
Age
30 - 32
Treated
2014 - 2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
Dr. Kubik was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions thoroughly. She also treated us with compassion and understanding when we hit stumbling blocks, like having to convert our IVF cycle to a freeze-all when I developed symptoms of OHSS....If you have questions, ask! She knows her stuff and will give you an honest answer...Our daughter was conceived from a FET cycle two months later and was born last month after 4+ years of trying to conceive! We are so in love with this baby girl and can't thank Dr. Kubik enough for helping to bring her into the world.
It sometimes took them [Reproductive Health Specialists - Pittsburg] a few hours to respond to online or phone messages, but when they did they were so compassionate and helpful....About $25k for a shared-risk IVF program, not including tests and about $2k in drugs. Each of our 3 IUIs was $295....RHS has a very personal approach to care. It was nice to have the staff remember me and know my name when I walked in the door and had various tests and procedures....There was one instance when the protocol instructions I received in person varied from what the online portal said. This error was cleared up easily with a phone call.
Age
30 - 32
Treated
2014 - 2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European, Latino
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr. Kubik was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions thoroughly. She also treated us with compassion and understanding when we hit stumbling blocks, like having to convert our IVF cycle to a freeze-all when I developed symptoms of OHSS. Our daughter was conceived from a FET cycle two months later and was born last month after 4+ years of trying to conceive! We are so in love with this baby girl and can't thank Dr. Kubik enough for helping to bring her into the world.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
If you have questions, ask! She knows her stuff and will give you an honest answer.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
It sometimes took them a few hours to respond to online or phone messages, but when they did they were so compassionate and helpful.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
RHS has a very personal approach to care. It was nice to have the staff remember me and know my name when I walked in the door and had various tests and procedures.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
About $25k for a shared-risk IVF program, not including tests and about $2k in drugs. Each of our 3 IUIs was $295.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists.
There was one instance when the protocol instructions I received in person varied from what the online portal said. This error was cleared up easily with a phone call.
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10
10
Age
37
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
She [Dr. Kubik] actually cares and takes the time to make sure she is doing everything she can to help. She calls to check on my progress, offer support and encouragement. She was very caring during our consultation and also very informative.... I reached out to a few clinics and the only one that would even give me a consultation was RHS and Dr. Kubik. I am obese and need to lose weight prior to treatment and she calls to check in monthly....The nurses are all very caring
I reached out to a few clinics and the only one that would even give me a consultation was RHS and Dr. Kubik. I am obese and need to lose weight prior to treatment and she calls to check in monthly.... They are informative, caring, and encouraging. Very professional, but difficult subjects are talked about in a caring understanding manner. I have not any treatments yet, as I am still in the weight loss portion of our journey, but Dr. Kubik calls to check on my progress and encourage me. That's more than I can say about most other places.
Age
37
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
She actually cares and takes the time to make sure she is doing everything she can to help. She calls to check on my progress, offer support and encouragement. She was very caring during our consultation and also very informative.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Make the appointment!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
I reached out to a few clinics and the only one that would even give me a consultation was RHS and Dr. Kubik. I am obese and need to lose weight prior to treatment and she calls to check in monthly.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nurses are all very caring and willing to answer any questions that I had. They made me feel less nervous.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
They are informative, caring, and encouraging. Very professional, but difficult subjects are talked about in a caring understanding manner. I have not any treatments yet, as I am still in the weight loss portion of our journey, but Dr. Kubik calls to check on my progress and encourage me. That's more than I can say about most other places.
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3
3
Age
39
Treated
2014
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
3
3
Unfortunately we did not have a successful IVF cycle with RHS. The nurse called to give me the negative results. When I asked to speak with the MD I was told I had to schedule a phone appt, which took 5 additional days. When she called, she was short and lacked empathy. This was off putting to me especially considering on my initial appt she spent a lot of time with me and appeared compassionate.
All communication is thru a portal and it takes time to get a response. Then if you call, the nurse isn't always familiar with your case.
Age
39
Treated
2014
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 3 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
3
3
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Unfortunately we did not have a successful IVF cycle with RHS. The nurse called to give me the negative results. When I asked to speak with the MD I was told I had to schedule a phone appt, which took 5 additional days. When she called, she was short and lacked empathy. This was off putting to me especially considering on my initial appt she spent a lot of time with me and appeared compassionate.
At the end of our conversation she said I could make an appt with her face to face if I wanted to discuss more options. I would have appreciated a face to face conversation to discuss the results of my IVF cycle but that was not offered. Therefore I chose a different clinic to proceed with and I am now pregnant with twins :)))
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Be as compassionate when delivering negative results as you are when convincing the patient to chose your clinic.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
All communication is thru a portal and it takes time to get a response. Then if you call, the nurse isn't always familiar with your case.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Health Specialists?
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Lost results
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
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9
7
Age
33
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
—
9
7
Dr Kubik took the time to walk us through the reciprocal IVF treatment for my wife and I. She treated us with dignity and respect. As a Lesbian couple, my wife and I were concerned how we were going to be treated during this journey, but Dr Kubik and her staff were very welcoming and kind...Dr Kubic took the time to speak with my wife and I and answer all our questions. She and her staff were very kind to us and made us feel safe and wanted there...
The nursing staff [at Reproductive Health Specialists] have been great at answering any and all questions we have. They are friendly and informative...Pre Testing - $2,000 Egg Transfer & IVF Cycle - $13,500..The clinic is clean and professional..her staff were very kind to us and made us feel safe and wanted there...
Age
33
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
—
9
7
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr Kubik took the time to walk us through the reciprocal IVF treatment for my wife and I. She treated us with dignity and respect. As a Lesbian couple, my wife and I were concerned how we were going to be treated during this journey, but Dr Kubik and her staff were very welcoming and kind.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Know that she is not warm and fuzzy. But she is knowledgeable and understanding.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr Kubic took the time to speak with my wife and I and answer all our questions. She and her staff were very kind to us and made us feel safe and wanted there.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nursing staff have been great at answering any and all questions we have. They are friendly and informative.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
The clinic is clean and professional.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
Pre Testing - $2,000
Egg Transfer & IVF Cycle - $13,500
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8
10
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2019 - 2020
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
—
8
10
She [Dr. Kubik] struck me as so compassionate and caring after my first transfer was unsuccessful. She is clearly an expert in her field but doesn’t appear like a robot. She has been supportive of all my requests for additional testing and make me feel like I’m a part of the decision making and not just being told what to do...allowed me to speak first and listened to all my fears, concerns, and wishes. She was supportive yet direct which is something appreciate. She took time to explain all the information about each step which is also something I really appreciate and helps to alleviate stress.
The nurses [at Reproductive Health Specialists] are quick to respond and very supportive through difficult times...I have been given the cost of just over $3,000 for a frozen embryo transfer...All the staff is warm welcoming and responsive. They are quick to reply when you have questions or need information...Dr. Kubik allowed me to speak first and listened to all my fears, concerns, and wishes. She was supportive yet direct which is something appreciate. She took time to explain all the information about each step which is also something I really appr
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2019 - 2020
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
3rd of 3 Docs
Treatment
IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
—
8
10
How was your experience with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
She struck me as so compassionate and caring after my first transfer was unsuccessful. She is clearly an expert in her field but doesn’t appear like a robot. She has been supportive of all my requests for additional testing and make me feel like I’m a part of the decision making and not just being told what to do.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Be honest with what you want. And she will be honest if she believes it’s appropriate and why or why not.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr. Kubik allowed me to speak first and listened to all my fears, concerns, and wishes. She was supportive yet direct which is something appreciate. She took time to explain all the information about each step which is also something I really appreciate and helps to alleviate stress.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Kubik used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists and their degree of success.
We haven’t completed a cycle yet due to Covid Outbreak. But we plan to use the same protocol, Estrace and progesterone in oil.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nurses are quick to respond and very supportive through difficult times.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
All the staff is warm welcoming and responsive. They are quick to reply when you have questions or need information. The staff is supportive in difficult times as well and really realize how difficult it can be to be in these situations
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Kubik at Reproductive Health Specialists.
No coat as of yet as we haven’t been able to complete a transfer yet, but I have been given the cost of just over $3,000 for a frozen embryo transfer.
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