Fabiola Balmir
Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny
Available Lines of Communication
Doctor email
Nurse email
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Direct line to nurse
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Medical SchoolMorehouse School of Medicine
ResidencyStony Brook University Hospital
FellowshipUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center Magee
Pittsburgh
9335 McKnight Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412.578.5588
7 assessments
10
10
Age
34
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 Egg Freezing, IVF
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
10
She [Dr. Balmir] even took the time to call me at night before we started treatment to talk through last minute questions I had. We felt truly cared for from the second we walked into her office for a consult. During the transfer she played classical music for us and our embryo. She has been such a big cheerleader for us too. Seeing Dr Balmir was the best decision we’ve made on our journey...Freeze all cycle. (She knew I was going to over-stimulate) Follistim, Ganarelix and Menopur. Lupron trigger (no HCG) Estrace vaginally and progesterone in oil shots for transfer Antibiotics and steroids before transfer Baby aspirin daily
[Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny is] the smallest clinic in Pittsburgh but they recently revamped their lab and many of their protocols...They do IVF in batches - so all retrieval’s are scheduled in one week and all transfers scheduled the following week. So they will put you on birth control to “take over” your cycle and get you on their schedule. The office is a little dated and very clinical looking - like a doctors office. Which is fine. But there are some fertility clinics that are decorated more homey.
Age
34
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
5th of 5 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 Egg Freezing, IVF
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
10
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr Balmir will take however much time you need with you and she will answer every single question. She wants to make sure you are 100% comfortable and confident. She will make you feel so appreciated. She is the only doctor who showed sincere sympathy for the journey we’ve been on. She will be your biggest cheerleader and supporter. I have nothing but fantastic things to say about her. GO SEE HER! You will not regret it!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
GO SEE HER! And bring all your questions!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr Balmir is nothing short of fantastic. We have been to multiple REs in our day, and she is the only one that spent time with us. She explained everything clearly (she even drew us pictures!). I had loads of questions and she answered every single one. She even took the time to call me at night before we started treatment to talk through last minute questions I had. We felt truly cared for from the second we walked into her office for a consult. During the transfer she played classical music for us and our embryo. She has been such a big cheerleader for us too. Seeing Dr Balmir was the best decision we’ve made on our journey.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Antagonist protocol. Freeze all cycle. (She knew I was going to over-stimulate)
Follistim, Ganarelix and Menopur.
Lupron trigger (no HCG)
Estrace vaginally and progesterone in oil shots for transfer
Antibiotics and steroids before transfer
Baby aspirin daily
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Valerie )
Staff is great! Everyone was very nice to me. My only complaint is that you can’t talk to them right away. You have to leave a voicemail or email. But they will respond usually the same day.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
It’s the smallest clinic in Pittsburgh but they recently revamped their lab and many of their protocols. They are now state of the art. They have the BEST embryologists in Pittsburgh. They do IVF in batches - so all retrieval’s are scheduled in one week and all transfers scheduled the following week. So they will put you on birth control to “take over” your cycle and get you on their schedule.
The office is a little dated and very clinical looking - like a doctors office. Which is fine. But there are some fertility clinics that are decorated more homey.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My insurance covered most of it (minus our 20% copay)
I had to pay for freezing and thawing out of pocket
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My insurance only covered single transfer
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8
8
Age
28 - 31
Treated
2016 - 2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Other
8
8
For the first 2 cycles [with Dr. Balmir] we did letrozole only then clomed only. The other 6 cycles were clomed and letrozole combined with trigger shots...is always so positive! She tells me everything she planned and why we are doing what we are doing...is on top of her research. If you read it on the internet and have questions she always seems to know what shes talking about. She goes over treatment styles, courses, and medications. Her return communication is lacking tho. There were times id send a message on the mychart or ask a nurse to relay a message to her and ive never gotten responses unless i see her in the office.
The fertility clinic [Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] opens before the building so sometimes you have to use the back entrance and they forget to tell you that at 6am appointments. The carpet is old and stained and the waiting room is really small. There is plenty of parking and 2 spots for expecting mothers but i never see anyone park there...There are times she [nurse] forgot things, like how i dont get periods, but thats usually only happened when they were taking on new patients. The nurses call the day you get bloodwork and ultrasounds done and go over meds. The one complaint i have is they arent always detailed. When doing my egg retrieval i was just told to adjust this med or stop this med, if i wanted to know how many follicles and sizes i always had to ask.
Age
28 - 31
Treated
2016 - 2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 3 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Anovulation, PCOS, Other
8
8
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is on top of her research. If you read it on the internet and have questions she always seems to know what shes talking about. She goes over treatment styles, courses, and medications. Her return communication is lacking tho. There were times id send a message on the mychart or ask a nurse to relay a message to her and ive never gotten responses unless i see her in the office.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
If you have a question that only she can answer please make sure the nurses get her on the phone otherwise youll be waiting awhile for a response. Her bedside manner and positive attitude with her knowledge make her an awesome doctor nonetheless.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is always so positive! She tells me everything she planned and why we are doing what we are doing.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
We had to do 6 failed cycles in a 12month period before insurance would cover ivf. I had already done 2 cycles prior but the insurance didnt count those. For the first 2 cycles we did letrozole only then clomed only. The other 6 cycles were clomed and letrozole combined with trigger shots
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Sarah)
My nurse was and is Sarah. Ive had her for almost the full 3 yrs ive been there. There are times she forgot things, like how i dont get periods, but thats usually only happened when they were taking on new patients. The nurses call the day you get bloodwork and ultrasounds done and go over meds. The one complaint i have is they arent always detailed. When doing my egg retrieval i was just told to adjust this med or stop this med, if i wanted to know how many follicles and sizes i always had to ask.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The fertility clinic opens before the building so sometimes you have to use the back entrance and they forget to tell you that at 6am appointments. The carpet is old and stained and the waiting room is really small. There is plenty of parking and 2 spots for expecting mothers but i never see anyone park there.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My insurance covered everything once my deductible was met so i only paid copays when i had to see the doc or for meds
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Due to us getting 10 day5 blasts she strongly recommended 1 eset. My plan only covers eset anyways so it worked out
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
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10
10
Age
28 - 29
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Anovulation, Male Factor
10
10
Dr. Balmir was sensitive, listened, was reassuring, and made us feel like it was truly her passion and pleasure to help us have the family we imagine...gave us the worst news of our entire lives and we still left the appointment loving her and feeling confident in our decision to choose her as our doctor. She is compassionate, responsive to concerns, questions, and anxieties, and makes all her patients feel understood, valued, seen, and important.
The nursing staff [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] is responsive and sincere, they answer all questions and are sensitive to worries and concerns. Their communication isn't as open as I would like it to be and as a teacher that is not free to answer my phone whenever they call, we have been known to play games of phone tag, but they are persistent and never gave up, no matter how inconvenient my job made my treatment.
Age
28 - 29
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European, Latino
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Anovulation, Male Factor
10
10
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir gave us the worst news of our entire lives and we still left the appointment loving her and feeling confident in our decision to choose her as our doctor. She is compassionate, responsive to concerns, questions, and anxieties, and makes all her patients feel understood, valued, seen, and important.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Don't ever hesitate to ask her questions, she will make time for you an your concerns and she will do her best to make sure you're comfortable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir was sensitive, listened, was reassuring, and made us feel like it was truly her passion and pleasure to help us have the family we imagine.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Dr. Balmir supervised my husband through his male factor infertility diagnosis and had an extensive meeting with us regarding our options afterwards. She explained everything, with pictures and definitions, and we left armed with information about IUI, IVF, donor sperm, donor embryos, and adoption . We chose to move forward with donor sperm IUI, with letrozole and ovidrel before our IUIs. I
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nursing staff is responsive and sincere, they answer all questions and are sensitive to worries and concerns. Their communication isn't as open as I would like it to be and as a teacher that is not free to answer my phone whenever they call, we have been known to play games of phone tag, but they are persistent and never gave up, no matter how inconvenient my job made my treatment.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The clinic is beautiful, clean, and well kept. It is thoughtfully organized and in an easy location. It is large enough that wait time isn't long, but small enough that you truly feel like a priority and valued patient.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
So far, our treatment costs have been minimal. We pay $165 for lie ovidrel each cycle, and about $5 for the letrozole. We also pay about $75 for the donor sperm analysis and IUI procedure, but our biggest cost is the $1,100 a cycle for the donor sperm. Unfortunately, neither the clinic nor the insurance can cover that cost for us.
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10
8
Age
31 - 33
Treated
2017 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
—
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Uterine Fibroids
10
8
We are getting ready to begin our first IVF round in the coming weeks, but [Dr. Fabiola Balmir] is helpful, honest, smart, and explains every thing we need to know thoroughly. She’s kind and caring, which is important to us...takes the time to get to know you. When you go into the office for bloodwork, etc., even if you don’t have an appointment with her that day, she makes it a point to say hello to her patients by name. She’s thorough and answers every question that we have without making us feel like we are a burden.
I wasn’t told to get my trial transfer done [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] prior to starting IVF, and had to delay starting IVF because of it...All of the nurses were helpful... but it can be a challenge to connect with them. You typically have to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back...it can be intimidating to call because you feel like you’re constantly leaving voicemails, but don’t hesitate to do that so that your questions get answered. They also wait to assign you a nurse until you’re getting closer to starting a procedure,
Age
31 - 33
Treated
2017 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 4 Docs
Treatment
—
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Uterine Fibroids
10
8
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
We are getting ready to begin our first IVF round in the coming weeks, but Dr. Balmir is helpful, honest, smart, and explains every thing we need to know thoroughly. She’s kind and caring, which is important to us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. She’s always incredibly helpful.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is caring and takes the time to get to know you. When you go into the office for bloodwork, etc., even if you don’t have an appointment with her that day, she makes it a point to say hello to her patients by name. She’s thorough and answers every question that we have without making us feel like we are a burden.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
We are at the beginning stages of IVF. I’d be able to better answer this question in a month or two.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Valerie)
The nurses are helpful but it can be a challenge to connect with them. You typically have to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Getting to talk to a nurse can be a challenge because they screen their calls, but they do call you back and are always happy to answer questions. When you’re new to this, it can be intimidating to call because you feel like you’re constantly leaving voicemails, but don’t hesitate to do that so that your questions get answered.
They also wait to assign you a nurse until you’re getting closer to starting a procedure, so you are talking to a different nurse all the time in the beginning. Personally, I felt much more comfortable since being assigned a nurse and knowing that she would be my main point of contact moving forward.
All of the nurses were helpful, though.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
We’re expecting it will cost around $15,000.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
NA
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
- Failed to convey critical information
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9
9
Age
31
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
5 IUI
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained
9
9
Dr. Balmir is very warm and compassionate. She sat down and answered all of our questions and set expectations of success. As someone who is obsessive researcher on Google, she answered each of my questions with an answer complete with research backing it. We never felt rushed out of the room with Dr. Balmir.... While Dr. Balmir is warm and compassionate, she is not going to beat around the bush with your chances of success.
Everyone at the clinic [Jones Institute] is very nice. They do sometimes seem a little disorganized but nothing that's ever caused any issues. The offices themselves are a little dated but they seem to have up to date equipment so that is all that matters.... Both IUI cycles cost around $200. We had already met our insurance deductible for this year so that did help costs.... All of the nurses are extremely nice. They will answer your questions to the best of their ability and seem to have already discussed the answer with the doctor.
Age
31
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
5 IUI
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained
9
9
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very warm and compassionate. She sat down and answered all of our questions and set expectations of success. As someone who is obsessive researcher on Google, she answered each of my questions with an answer complete with research backing it. We never felt rushed out of the room with Dr. Balmir.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
While Dr. Balmir is warm and compassionate, she is not going to beat around the bush with your chances of success.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir took the time to talk with my husband and I to discuss treatment and expectations and also to answer my questions.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
I was first put on 5mg femara and Gonal F injectables (75iu) for two IUI's. We are now going to try and increase the dose of Gonal to 100 for the next IUI which should give us more information on my response to fertility medications so that we can hopefully move forward to IVF.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Sara)
All of the nurses are extremely nice. They will answer your questions to the best of their ability and seem to have already discussed the answer with the doctor.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Everyone at the clinic is very nice. They do sometimes seem a little disorganized but nothing that's ever caused any issues. The offices themselves are a little dated but they seem to have up to date equipment so that is all that matters.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Both IUI cycles cost around $200. We had already met our insurance deductible for this year so that did help costs.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
N/A
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
- Lost appointments
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
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10
10
Age
29
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
10
Dr Balmir made me feel like family. Her enthusiasm towards my treatment is great.... Dr Balmir is a fantastic Doctor she is compassionate and enthusiastic about all of my appointments and is always looking forward to what she is able to help with and always willing to talk or answer any questions you may have.... The clinic [Reproductive Health Specialists] is very helpful. They have a very short wait time and keep me very informed with everything going on.
The clinic [Reproductive Health Specialists] is very helpful. They have a very short wait time and keep me very informed with everything going on. I love there honesty. The staff is very courteous and sweet as well. I would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone looking for a new specialist in the Pittsburgh area.... Dr Balmir is a fantastic Doctor she is compassionate and enthusiastic about all of my appointments and is always looking forward to what she is able to help with
Age
29
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Operations
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
10
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr Balmir is a fantastic Doctor she is compassionate and enthusiastic about all of my appointments and is always looking forward to what she is able to help with and always willing to talk or answer any questions you may have.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Be honest with her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists?
Dr Balmir made me feel like family. Her enthusiasm towards my treatment is great.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
They are very helpful and as informational as they can be.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists.
The clinic is very helpful. They have a very short wait time and keep me very informed with everything going on. I love there honesty. The staff is very courteous and sweet as well. I would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone looking for a new specialist in the Pittsburgh area.
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10
10
Age
33
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Tubal Blockage
10
10
Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope...is knowledgeable, ask questions! She is very open and honest while at the same time understanding
This Allegheny Health Network - Jones Institute for Fertility - communicates very well and is understanding. I have had no problems scheduling or calling and getting answers. All staff has been very friendly...Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope...is knowledgeable, ask questions! She is very open and honest while at the same time understanding
Age
33
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Tubal Blockage
10
10
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Doctor Balmir is knowledgeable, ask questions! She is very open and honest while at the same time understanding
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
This Allegheny Health Network - Jones Institute for Fertility - communicates very well and is understanding. I have had no problems scheduling or calling and getting answers. All staff has been very friendly.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I am getting IVF which is very expensive and insurance does not cover this.
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