Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
2015 - 2019, Unknown Success
10
8
She [Dr. Hipp] is always willing to support our choices - as long as there are still options on the table. I have never felt left out of the conversation or the decisions we have made in my treatment and surgical plans... is knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate...is willing to advocate for your care to fit you and your needs - all while competently addressing the issues at hand. She is willing to look under all the rocks for possible adjustments or procedures and is willing to allow your body to work hard in its own unique time.
I have missed critical pre-op appointments with my RE [at Emory University] that were never scheduled. I have had a balloon catheter placed without prior discussion. I have had medications I wasn't ready for called in on my behalf. I have been brought in for procedures in the past despite being in the wrong phase of my cycle for the test. I've had a nurse answer a personal call whilst an ultrasound wand was inside my vagina...is a teaching environment and not all of the nurses have the same approach to sharing treatment results.
How was your experience with Heather Hipp at Emory University Reproductive Center?
Dr. Hipp was my personal choice having met with her for the various procedures that began my treatment. We immediately built a report. She is always willing to support our choices - as long as there are still options on the table. I have never felt left out of the conversation or the decisions we have made in my treatment and surgical plans. While still in the burgeoning years of her career, Dr. Hipp is knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Heather Hipp at Emory University Reproductive Center?
Dr. Hipp is willing to advocate for your care to fit you and your needs - all while competently addressing the issues at hand. She is willing to look under all the rocks for possible adjustments or procedures and is willing to allow your body to work hard in its own unique time.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Heather Hipp at Emory University Reproductive Center?
Dr. Hipp is warm and friendly. She is realistic and gentle-of-spirit - even when the subject of conversation is not the news you'd like. At one point in my treatment, Dr. Hipp called me personally to share some troubling news and immediately went to work to have my tests reevaluated so that we had plenty of options and information to work with. She is so caring and hopeful for us, with us, and is always direct without being unkind.
Describe the protocols Heather Hipp used in your cycles at Emory University Reproductive Center and their degree of success.
We have worked hard for years combating unexplained scar tissue - pills, injections, tests, surgeries, balloon catheters - together we've thrown out the rule books and have made tremendous progress. We've had varying levels of hormones serve as roadblocks along the way and through Dr. Hipp's guidance, have corrected and been able to keep moving forward. And we haven't stopped yet - we finally got the last surgical procedure aligned with the right combination of injections, acupuncture, a proper cath... - and low and behold, my cycles even came back unassisted for the first time in years! Dr. Hipp's recommendations have been strategic and considerate of my unique circumstances. We will likely move forward with IVF in the coming weeks and I know that I am in good hands as we attempt this next phase.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Emory University Reproductive Center.
ERC is a teaching environment and not all of the nurses have the same approach to sharing treatment results. As an example - follicles like mine respond very slowly - but they are responding. Some nurses see the slow response not match what is considered to be large enough to get excited about. Some tell you every detail. For me, I want and need to know that I have growth at xx size and at xx amount on each ovary - as opposed to being told there has been "no response" simply because the sizing hasn't reached the size that nurse has been trained to disclose. So, I've had to say - "Put it in my chart that I want to know every detail. You can't tell a 40-year-old woman there's 'no response' to 225 daily units of Follistim when what's really happening is 8 follicles measuring at 8s and 9s." For me, any progress is progress and I've been able to take the information and use it to determine if the cycle was still viable for IUI. So far, so good. The staff is open to making adjustments - but you have to advocate for yourself in this environment. Otherwise, the lessons tend to be more focused by-the-book.
Describe your experience with Emory University Reproductive Center.
This clinic is a teaching environment and that is an environment I've had to make adjustments for. On occasion, I've had the ultrasound tech that is nervous or the nurse that answers her cell phone. There have been some surprises along the way. If you choose to seek treatment here, remember that it is okay to refuse to let 4 fellows in the room for your SHG or whatever heinous and scary test you may have to have run during your journey and take opportunities to share your constructive feedback. You are first and foremost!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Heather Hipp at Emory University Reproductive Center.
My insurance covers a great deal of the costs. My deductible is $2700. In 2018, my IUI medications cost me $5300 out of pocket in addition to meeting my individual deductible.
What specific things went wrong at Emory University Reproductive Center?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Lost appointments
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Emory University Reproductive Center.
I have missed critical pre-op appointments with my RE that were never scheduled. I have had a balloon catheter placed without prior discussion. I have had medications I wasn't ready for called in on my behalf. I have been brought in for procedures in the past despite being in the wrong phase of my cycle for the test. I've had a nurse answer a personal call whilst an ultrasound wand was inside my vagina. I've had a fellow perform an SHG and endured the replacement/adjustment of the speculum 6 times - SIX....times during the procedure. I had one of my catheters removed by a male fellow that I had never met before without prior consult. It's been an adventure.