Dr. Platia was very knowledgeable and understanding. She explained the process very clearly and the results of my tests and IUI's. She was the main doctor that set dosages and procedures for each cycle and met with us after each cycle to discuss results and determine next cycle dosages. She did the actual IUI's maybe 2 out of the 6 times. The other times were done by another doctor.
Kaiser is a big hospital system and therefore has many policies and procedures. It's good to know what to expect, but also frustrating when they're unable or unwilling to change their policy or procedure, even if it would be better for you. The doctors and staff can only do so much, and I've gotten responses like, "Kaiser doesn't allow that" with no further explanation.
How was your experience with Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr. Platia was very knowledgeable and understanding. She explained the process very clearly and the results of my tests and IUI's. She was the main doctor that set dosages and procedures for each cycle and met with us after each cycle to discuss results and determine next cycle dosages. She did the actual IUI's maybe 2 out of the 6 times. The other times were done by another doctor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Definitely advocate for yourself and ask all the questions you need to ask. Dr. Platia is very supportive and tries her best to work within the Kaiser system to give you want you need.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr. Platia always checked in with how we were feeling and doing before getting into the details of our meeting. When I needed a break, she was supportive of it and didn't pressure me to do anything I didn't want to.
Describe the protocols Maria Platia used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente NorCal and their degree of success.
We started off with 2 rounds of letrozole and 4 rounds of clomid. She started with the lowest dosage first and then increased them each time. Her goal was to use the least amount of medication, but after we realized I was not responding as well as I could be, she increased it to the highest dosage to give me a better chance.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Kaiser Permanente NorCal. (Assigned nurse: Henning Chu)
Henning and her staff were always organized and on top of everything. They did their best to make me comfortable and keep me informed of the process and what they were going to do. I had done so many ultrasounds by the end, but each time, Henning always made sure to let me know when she would start the ultrasound, and if she had to apply more pressure. I appreciated that they treated me like a human.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Kaiser is a big hospital system and therefore has many policies and procedures. It's good to know what to expect, but also frustrating when they're unable or unwilling to change their policy or procedure, even if it would be better for you. The doctors and staff can only do so much, and I've gotten responses like, "Kaiser doesn't allow that" with no further explanation. Unlike a small clinic, you can't just take up issues with your doctor because they're not the boss in the end. You'd have to take up issues with someone invisible higher up the chain.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
My insurance covered 50% of IUI services. I did 6 cycles with medication, totaling about $2500 for all 6 cycles. I think the total cost for 6 cycles would have been much more without insurance because it seems like my insurance covered some items at 100%.
Dr. Platia is knowledgeable and thoughtful. She carefully explained the process and also sent helpful after-visit summaries to summarize our discussion and next steps. She was very open to discussing my concerns and thoughts and integrating them into the care plan...make sure you put together a list of questions beforehand so that you can make sure you don't forget to ask about key items...
The team at Kaiser has been very supportive of my partner and I. They spend a lot of time reviewing the process, answering questions and also send detailed summaries of next steps via the online patient portal...I have had a great experience with the clinical staff in the clinic, but also love that Kaiser is an integrated center and so labs, imaging, specialist referrals (e.g. clinical genetics) and medications are all within the same system...
How was your experience with Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr. Platia is knowledgeable and thoughtful. She carefully explained the process and also sent helpful after-visit summaries to summarize our discussion and next steps. She was very open to discussing my concerns and thoughts and integrating them into the care plan.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
As with any doctors visit, make sure you put together a list of questions beforehand so that you can make sure you don't forget to ask about key items.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
The team at Kaiser has been very supportive of my partner and I. They spend a lot of time reviewing the process, answering questions and also send detailed summaries of next steps via the online patient portal.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
I have had a very positive experience with the Kaiser Oakland fertility clinic. I have had a great experience with the clinical staff in the clinic, but also love that Kaiser is an integrated center and so labs, imaging, specialist referrals (e.g. clinical genetics) and medications are all within the same system. Since insurance coverage for infertility services varies significantly by insurance plan, I recommend confirming your coverage beforehand.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maria Platia at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Billing is based on your insurance plan and so will vary.