Dr. Kroener strongly insisted on a single embryo transfer because of my age and the status of the embryos we froze...She is clearly busy, but always takes her time with me during my appointments. She answers my questions if I have them prepared, but doesn't often offer a lot of explanation unless I ask follow-up questions about specific elements...she was available via MyChart messenger to answer those questions after the fact
UCLA's strengths are great- lots of experience and professionalism. Convenient to get to, parking available, and blood work can be done in the same building during the week or on weekends...The nursing staff is very professional and supportive. I have no complaints other than sometimes there is a long wait for my appointment...[approx cost] Around $20,000 total, including a surgery for my husband
How was your experience with Lindsay Kroener at UCLA?
Dr. Kroener is very capable, personable, and direct. She is clearly busy, but always takes her time with me during my appointments. She answers my questions if I have them prepared, but doesn't often offer a lot of explanation unless I ask follow-up questions about specific elements. I always feel supported and safe with Dr. Kroener, and know she has my best interests at heart. She is very willing to answer questions if you ask them, but not often forthcoming with information otherwise - I found myself thinking of questions after appointments, and she was available via MyChart messenger to answer those questions after the fact, whenever this came up. She called to check up on my emotional wellbeing after my husband had a surgical procedure, and I feel supported by her as a care provider.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Lindsay Kroener at UCLA?
Come in with questions to ask, and don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions! She talks quickly but is happy to slow down if you ask her to.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Lindsay Kroener at UCLA?
Dr. Kroener always made sure to ask if I had any questions, if I understood what was going on, and if I needed any support. Especially after my husband went through a procedure the day before my egg retrieval, Dr. Kroener called me personally to check in on how I was doing emotionally after the news from my husband's procedure. I feel supported and in great care with Dr. Kroener.
Describe the protocols Lindsay Kroener used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
I have PCOS, and did an egg retrieval cycle which involved injectable hormones daily for 12 days before the egg retrieval. I was monitored with blood work and vaginal ultrasounds every other day for those 2 weeks before the retrieval. We then took a few months off before starting a medicated transfer cycle, which we are in the middle of right now! I am currently taking estrogen 4 times a day (for 2 weeks) which will continue through the first 11 weeks of pregnancy after the transfer, and will add injectable hormones one week before the retrieval. I was surprised by how many times the estrogen pill had to be taken- but I perhaps didn't ask enough questions before jumping into a medicated transfer cycle. Hoping for a healthy outcome!
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Megan)
The nursing staff is very professional and supportive. I have no complaints other than sometimes there is a long wait for my appointment, which is understandable.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
UCLA's strengths are great- lots of experience and professionalism. Convenient to get to, parking available, and blood work can be done in the same building during the week or on weekends. I would highly recommend this clinic.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Lindsay Kroener at UCLA.
Around $20,000 total, including a surgery for my husband. About $4,000 to Dr. Kroener's team to prepare for the egg retrieval, about $3,000 to cover an embryo transfer, and $2,000 in hormone injections. About $6,000 total for the payment to the transfer center - egg retrieval and transfer.
Describe Lindsay Kroener's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
Dr. Kroener strongly insisted on a single embryo transfer because of my age and the status of the embryos we froze. Knowing the risks of multiples in pregnancy, I was happy to go along with a single embryo transfer! I know there is a larger risk for twins/multiples with IVF anyway, so we are rolling the dice with one embryo transfer at a time, and I feel great about it.