Dr. Baker is great...She is thorough and talks to me like a smart human being. She will draw diagrams and pull up our data to help us interpret it... I wish all my interactions were just with her. Unfortunately, it's mostly with RNs. She's only available for consults or irregular procedures...She was very thorough in explaining treatment and very warm...Dr. Baker also works at USC...
It's frustrating to see a different nurse each time [at Kaiser]. Some did a good job of explaining the ultrasound every time (whether we're looking at the uterus, how many follicles there are, etc). Others, I had to ask things like the size of the follicles. I wish they would share that information in the after-visit summary. Instead, I have to take out my phone to take notes during visits...Receptionist, though efficient, is not pleasant...
How was your experience with Marsha Baker at USC?
She is thorough and talks to me like a smart human being. She will draw diagrams and pull up our data to help us interpret it.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Marsha Baker at USC?
Dr. Baker is great. I wish all my interactions were just with her. Unfortunately, it's mostly with RNs. She's only available for consults or irregular procedures.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Marsha Baker at USC?
She was very thorough in explaining treatment and very warm. Her receptionist, Alma, was not. Most of my anxiety/negative experiences are with the receptionist, who does not smile, does not explain things clearly, and makes me feel like a number, not a human.
Describe the protocols Marsha Baker used in your cycles at USC and their degree of success.
All the tests came out fine, so the plan was to start with Clomid. Clomid only lasted for 2 months because it only yielded 1 and then 2 good-sized follicles, respectively. Then we moved onto injectables (Menopur). I got a good response 3-4 follicles. For this next cycle, she'll increase the dosage of Menopur.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at USC.
it's frustrating to see a different nurse each time. Some did a good job of explaining the ultrasound every time (whether we're looking at the uterus, how many follicles there are, etc). Others, I had to ask things like the size of the follicles. I wish they would share that information in the after-visit summary. Instead, I have to take out my phone to take notes during visits.
Describe your experience with USC.
This is at Kaiser, so you have to have Kaiser insurance. Dr. Baker also works at USC.
Strengths:
- Dr. Baker is wonderful.
Weakness:
- I rarely see my doctor; the NPs are the ones who do ultrasounds and prescribe meds
- No consistent NP.
- wish the after visit summary would include more data (number & size of follicles)
- Receptionist, though efficient, is not pleasant.
- Payment, though transparent, is obtuse. When you visit, you pay for the time AND the ultrasound. It should just be combined in 1.
- Sometimes payment is required before services are rendered (lab tests, pregnancy test) whereas others are after.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Marsha Baker at USC.
I have 50% insurance coverage, which covers most things except for IVF. The annoying this is even if you just go for an ultrasound, the charge you for their time (15 mins).
ultrasound (including time)- 119
blood estradiol test - 24.5
suppositories (projesterone)-102.73
ovidrel Shot- 61
needles and shit- 2.33
10 Menopur shots- 322.5
IUI- 69
Sperm wash - 12.5
10 min visit - 50
Preg test - 13.5
What specific things went wrong at USC?
- Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at USC.
I was told to get a HCG test on a specific date. When I went, they said it wasn't ordered. So the receptionist had to call my Dr.'s office to confirm, and then had it ordered. But I had to pay for it before I could get the test, so I had to give my credit card number over the phone. I was upset that it was not ordered and that I couldn't just pay for the test with the current receptionist. All this took 15 minutes and I held up the line at the lab.