Dr. Coward did a varicocele repair, and it went very smoothly, and recovery was relatively easy...[he] wasn't exactly involved in cycles. He addressed male factor issues...He didn't seem rushed during our appointments. He was open to listening to us and took the time to explain things and answer questions. His kindness and acknowledgment our pain from infertility and miscarriage also meant a lot.
my biggest complaint about this [UNC Fertility] clinic is that I find the front desk very difficult to communicate with. They never answer the phone so you always have to leave a message...Sometimes they don't call you back at all (messaging through the patient portal is sometimes better)...related to costs, it wasn't always clear what was happening. For example, one time the front desk said we have a "credit", but we had never really gotten a bill for any of the clinic visits
How was your experience with Matt Coward at UNC Fertility?
Dr. Coward did a varicocele repair, and it went very smoothly, and recovery was relatively easy. I wish that was all that mattered, but during this emotional time, bedside manner also matters. And Dr. Coward is great. He isn't overly emotional or warm, but he has a way of showing respect and kindness. He was easy to talk to and seemed present during appointments. I trusted his medical advice and skills. He was clear about what he knew vs what he didn't, and it seemed like he was up to date on literature and also weighing general recommendations with our particular situation. I would definitely recommend him for any male-factor needs!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matt Coward at UNC Fertility?
Like many fertility doctors, it takes time to get in. Otherwise, this advice isn't specific to Dr. Coward, but it has helped me with him and other doctors. And that it is important to do your own homework too and be prepared with questions. In this instance, it was helpful to look at the semen analysis and other labs ahead of time. Then I could be prepared to ask him if something looks off but he hasn't brought it up. He was always willing to explain why that didn't concern him or thank me for bringing it to his attention.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matt Coward at UNC Fertility?
Dr. Coward seemed to really care and want the best for us. It didn't feel like he was pushing us into treatments. He didn't seem rushed during our appointments. He was open to listening to us and took the time to explain things and answer questions. His kindness and acknowledgment our pain from infertility and miscarriage also meant a lot.
Describe the protocols Matt Coward used in your cycles at UNC Fertility and their degree of success.
Dr. Coward wasn't exactly involved in cycles. He addressed male factor issues, primarily through varicocele surgery. It is too early to say if it has helped.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UNC Fertility.
I haven't interacted with them much, but all the interactions were positive so far.
Describe your experience with UNC Fertility.
Dr. Coward is great and worth the following! However, my biggest complaint about this clinic is that I find the front desk very difficult to communicate with. They never answer the phone so you always have to leave a message. And then sit by your phone all day hoping not to miss their call, which is hard if you're trying to work. Sometimes they don't call you back at all (messaging through the patient portal is sometimes better). When you finally talk to someone, it doesn't seem like they know what is going on and sometimes they can also be very rude. I get that their job is probably really hard sometimes, but these interactions have made a hard experience worse.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matt Coward at UNC Fertility.
About the previous group of questions - I'm not sure if I could answer them all appropriately given we haven't undergone assisted fertility treatment yet.
But related to costs, it wasn't always clear what was happening. For example, one time the front desk said we have a "credit", but we had never really gotten a bill for any of the clinic visits. The varicocele surgery was a different story as it was conducted in a different facility. We got bills and financial information from that, but that was luckily covered by insurance (after deductible and coinsurance).
Describe Matt Coward's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UNC Fertility.
N/A
What specific things went wrong at UNC Fertility?
- Lost appointments
- Lost results
- Scheduled the wrong procedure
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UNC Fertility.
As described in an earlier section, my main complaint is the front desk/scheduling people.
7
Clinic
UNC Fertility
Raleigh