How was your experience with Debbra A. Keegan at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas?
Dr. Keegan is fantastic. Knowledgeable, up-to-date with current research, flexible, does not give up and has excellent bedside manner. I could not imagine not going through this "journey" without her. I trust her fully and knows she has our best interests at heart. With her by our side, we have not lost hope in having a family and believe it will happen soon for us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Debbra A. Keegan at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas?
Just because IRMS is not RMA, CCRM, Cornell, etc. does not mean Dr. Keegan isn't one of the best in her field. Go to her, she listens and wants to truly help. IRMS East Windsor isn't a mill, you will be taken seriously and treated well.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Debbra A. Keegan at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas?
Dr. Keegan is a god send. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and understands what an emotional and financial burden infertility is. She speaks to you as a regular person, not some lab experiment. Although we have not been successful yet, I am so grateful to be in Dr. Keegas's care and remain hopeful. The staff at East Windsor is also amazing. They take care of you and try provide any help you may need along the way.
Describe the protocols Debbra A. Keegan used in your cycles at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas and their degree of success.
1. Antagonist: only 4 eggs, 1 embryo and it tested PGS abnormal. Determined I was a poor responder.
2. Microdose lupron flare protocol: 10 eggs, 3 embryos for PGS testing: 2 abnormal 1 mosaic. Better response.
3. Microdose lupron flare protocol: 8 eggs, 2 embryos for PGS testing, both abnormal. Suspect egg quality as I am 37.
4. About to start an estrogen priming protocol followed with microdose lupron flare with HGH. Estrogen and HGH to help with egg quality.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas. (Assigned nurse: Jenn Malinconico)
Jenn Maliconico is compassionate and a great communicator. She has helped me understand all my test results, the cycle calendar (each time), has been an ear for all my concerns and doubts and each time offered condolences each time the cycle hasn't worked. Jenn has found donated medicine for me as paying OOP is a MAJOR concern. I am so grateful that she is my nurse coordinator.
Kelly, the clinical assistant, always greets me with a smile and puts me in a good mood.
Sara, the ultrasound tech, is always pleasure as well. Gentle, quick and down to earth.
Great group of people to see when going through the IVF rollercoaster.
Describe your experience with Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas.
IRMS East Windsor responds very quickly to any questions - whether via email or phone. Also, the staff if very willing to help with the documentation (Jenn M) and finances (Susan). I don't ever feel rushed out of there even though the office is very busy. Margo at the front desk has a wonderful demeanor sets the mood in the waiting room. The clinic is very sensitive to the patient needs and emotions.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas.
Bloodwork and Ultrasounds are done between 6-8am, first come first serve. Very quick and everyone is pleasant in the morning.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Debbra A. Keegan at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas.
Monitoring was billed to insurance, drugs from Schrafts are OOP between 3500-7000 each cycle, cycle costs range from 4500-12000 OOP, egg retrieval 1000 each time to the Surgical Center, CooperGenomics ~$350 per embryo tested, embryo transfer 1000.
Describe Debbra A. Keegan's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Institute for Reproductive Medicine & Science at Saint Barnabas.
Dr. Keegan is all about single embryo transfer. If we ever get that far, I will ask for multiple transfer as I am concerned about keeping embryos on ice for years and having issues later with implantation should I be 40+.