[Dr. Schulte is] Extremely compassionate. Treated me like a intelligent person and made me a part of the treatment decision making process. Did not leave my husband out of the loop. Talked through options multiple times until I felt comfortable...Shared relevant personal information, called me personally after hours to talk about results...Strong preference for eSET...
This clinic [STL Fertility] was recently purchased (2021) by the two REs on staff. Their billing department sometimes miscodes for regular visits as infertility related and you have to ask them to recode. Front desk staff are nice but very busy. Appointment bookings are very easy, but they can sometimes get backed up, especially after holiday weekends...One appointment for an ultrasound was scheduled as bloodwork only. It was scheduled early AM, and I had to wait an extra hour for the u/s tech to arrive and fit me in...
How was your experience with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
Extremely compassionate. Treated me like a intelligent person and made me a part of the treatment decision making process. Did not leave my husband out of the loop. Talked through options multiple times until I felt comfortable.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
Do your research and be prepared to suggest ideas. Moe will tell you why or why not they are good ideas.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
Shared relevant personal information, called me personally after hours to talk about results
Describe the protocols Maureen "Moe" Schulte used in your cycles at STL Fertility and their degree of success.
Down-reg with Lupron and bcp. Retrieval started with normal doses of Follilism and Menopur, decreased at checks due to follicle growth and bloodwork. Stimmed low and slow to increase chances of getting a good cohort of eggs maturing together, since we could only afford one retrieval.
Describe your experience with your nurse at STL Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Merry Kay)
Merry Kay is a busy professional, but always answers portal messages and returns calls same-day. She can usually share reasons for a change, but sometimes the answer is "just because." If she can't answer and you press for one, she does get Moe to call back to explain. Other nursing staff are nice and able to fill in/answer questions when Merry Kay is not available.
Describe your experience with STL Fertility.
This clinic was recently purchased (2021) by the two REs on staff. Their billing department sometimes miscodes for regular visits as infertility related and you have to ask them to recode. Front desk staff are nice but very busy. Appointment bookings are very easy, but they can sometimes get backed up, especially after holiday weekends.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility.
About $10k for ER and 1 FET. $5k for meds for ER. $4k for 2 additional FETs, $2k for ERA testing cycle. $3k for surgery (at outside hospital, at Moe's recommendation for fertility purposes)
Describe Maureen "Moe" Schulte's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at STL Fertility.
Strong preference for eSET. Explained why, including sharing relevant peer reviewed research. Compelling evidence, and I too now strongly prefer eSET.
What specific things went wrong at STL Fertility?
Lost appointments
Scheduled the wrong procedure
Describe the specific things that went wrong at STL Fertility.
One appointment for an ultrasound was scheduled as bloodwork only. It was scheduled early AM, and I had to wait an extra hour for the u/s tech to arrive and fit me in.
I started IVF [with Dr. Schulte]...I only had one egg, so we canceled retrieval and I did the trigger shot and timed intercourse. No success...I know she prefers a single embryo transfer, I know that in my case if we’d been lucky enough to get two, she’d have done both, but normally she only does one...She took the time to get to know me personally. She treated more like a friend then a patient. She made it seem like we were really in this together...She was candid, yet comforting in advising me on my road to conceiving with and without the use of an egg donor. She spent as much time with me as I needed when any set backs occurred.
I think this clinic [SIRM] is absolutely wonderful and I’d highly recommend them. The only issue I faced was with the financial department. My insurance was covering some of it and it took a long time to get the amount, and then when we were finally told we needed to pay, it was immediate and we almost missed our cycle window because of the delay. It took like 2 weeks for insurance verification. Luckily we didn’t miss the window (not that it mattered), but it was added stress.
How was your experience with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
From the moment I met her she was warm and friendly. She treated me like a new friend and she was very open and honest about my course of treatment. She was candid, yet comforting in advising me on my road to conceiving with and without the use of an egg donor. She spent as much time with me as I needed when any set backs occurred.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
Be ready to hear the good and the bad news because she’ll be open and honest about your possibilities. In theory we may want a doctor to tell us we’ll all get a baby, but we need the ones who are honest about how likely that really is.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
She took the time to get to know me personally. She treated more like a friend then a patient. She made it seem like we were really in this together.
Describe the protocols Maureen "Moe" Schulte used in your cycles at STL Fertility and their degree of success.
We did an ultrasound to see my egg quantity (3). I then started birth control. At my next cycle I started IVF drugs (Lupron, Gonal, & Menopur). I went in for a blood test and ultrasound the first week. It didn’t look great and we decided that if we were lucky enough we’d do a fresh vs frozen transfer since they wouldn’t have a lot to test. I continued the drugs for another week. Went back in for blood work and ultrasound. I only had one egg, so we canceled retrieval and I did the trigger shot and timed intercourse. No success. Covid-19 cancelled current treatments, but when we have the money our next step will be using an egg donor.
Describe your experience with your nurse at STL Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Merry Kay)
Merry Kay was wonderful, she always seemed happy to answer my questions and respond to my emails.
Describe your experience with STL Fertility.
I think this clinic is absolutely wonderful and I’d highly recommend them. The only issue I faced was with the financial department. My insurance was covering some of it and it took a long time to get the amount, and then when we were finally told we needed to pay, it was immediate and we almost missed our cycle window because of the delay. It took like 2 weeks for insurance verification. Luckily we didn’t miss the window (not that it mattered), but it was added stress.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility.
$3400 was my portion after insurance, $580 for anesthesia (didn’t use and still waiting for refund), plus additional copays for specialist office visits.
Describe Maureen "Moe" Schulte's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at STL Fertility.
I know she prefers a single embryo transfer, I know that in my case if we’d been lucky enough to get two, she’d have done both, but normally she only does one.
All I knew was that I had aggressive cancer and we had one shot to have a family genetically...Dr. Moe [Maureen Schulte] took on my case as if we were long-time friends or immediate family members. Absolutely every single interaction was heartfelt, honest and meaningful. During the 10-day hormone injection period, Dr. Moe sent daily text messages of encouragement, support and love. To be honest, I often felt like I was Dr. Moe’s only patient during our egg retrieval because she was genuinely concerned about our health journey. It was extremely obvious that our situation was just as important to her as it was to us. Dr. Moe called to inform us that we had genetically normal embryos waiting for us when I was cancer free. To be Dr. Moe’s first “rescue retrieval” was a gift.
Every single time I walked into the clinic [SIRM St Louis], I felt like the only patient. The level of compassion and care was obvious and much needed...Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Caring. Loving. Having been recently diagnosed with cancer, the team of healthcare professionals at SIRM made me feel like having a family was not a dream but a reality someday post cancer. They provided me with a level of confidence I lost after I was diagnosed. Every interaction was positive and refreshing... Although booked solid, Andrea opened Dr. Maureen Schulte’s schedule for us to arrive the next day as a “rescue retrieval” case. We drove there in silence. The fear was palpable. We needed a win, however small, that day. Insert Dr. Moe. I arrived at SIRM with little to no hope. I did not understand the
How was your experience with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
The entire staff at SIRM was a complete Godsend for my husband and I in 2019. I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 31. Just 48 hours before, I had been playing with my wiggly and growing nephews with the desire to be a mom. Before my diagnosis, I thought our pregnancy journey would begin just a few months later in summer 2019.
Our “normal” life was stripped from us. We met with my radiation oncologist, oncologist and surgeon. For the first time in my life, I felt extremely hopeless when we were informed that I would very likely become infertile from radiation and chemotherapy. Our only option was invitro fertilization (IVF) and then surrogacy. Seeing that I had almost a complete obstruction in my rectum, my healthcare team was hesitant to allow fertility treatment to proceed. However, given my age and my current childless state, I was given the green light with specific instructions that I had three weeks to undergo IVF and then cancer treatment started.
Following referral from a close friend, I contacted SIRM the next day. I felt battered, beaten down and extremely fragile. In all honestly, I had an extremely negative attitude and felt powerless to my situation. Andrea McClain answered the phone. From the first interaction, we felt relief. Although booked solid, Andrea opened Dr. Maureen Schulte’s schedule for us to arrive the next day as a “rescue retrieval” case. We drove there in silence. The fear was palpable. We needed a win, however small, that day.
Insert Dr. Moe. I arrived at SIRM with little to no hope. I did not understand the IVF process. I had no idea if I was fertile. All I knew was that I had aggressive cancer and we had one shot to have a family genetically. Five hours later, I left SIRM rejuvenated with hope and encouragement that I was being taken care of by the best doctors before cancer treatment started.
Dr. Moe took on my case as if we were long-time friends or immediate family members. Absolutely every single interaction was heartfelt, honest and meaningful. During the 10-day hormone injection period, Dr. Moe sent daily text messages of encouragement, support and love. To be honest, I often felt like I was Dr. Moe’s only patient during our egg retrieval because she was genuinely concerned about our health journey. It was extremely obvious that our situation was just as important to her as it was to us.
Dr. Moe called to inform us that we had genetically normal embryos waiting for us when I was cancer free. To be Dr. Moe’s first “rescue retrieval” was a gift. When I had little hope and the possibility of having a family felt like it was slipping away, I received encouragement, love and tons of hugs from every single member of the SIRM family. Every individual, from the front desk, to lab technicians, to our administrative gurus and Dr. Moe, made our world seem a little less scary.
When I wanted to quit during my six months of chemotherapy, our future family kept me going more times than I can count. We dreamt of our family more in the last six months than ever before. That dream will one day become a reality because of Dr. Moe and her talented team.
Dr. Moe is living her calling in life. It is insanely obvious that she fully invests in her patients through her witty and adorable bedside manner, personal touch and follow-up interactions.
As a past patient and cancer survivor, I highly recommend SIRM for all your fertility needs. Make the right choice. Choose SIRM today.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
Do not be intimidated by the process. You are with the best. She will make you feel taken cared of and do everything in her power to help you start your family.
Describe your experience with your nurse at STL Fertility. (Assigned nurse: MerryKay Montgomery)
Every single time I walked into the clinic, I felt like the only patient. The level of compassion and care was obvious and much needed.
Describe your experience with STL Fertility.
Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Caring. Loving. Having been recently diagnosed with cancer, the team of healthcare professionals at SIRM made me feel like having a family was not a dream but a reality someday post cancer. They provided me with a level of confidence I lost after I was diagnosed. Every interaction was positive and refreshing.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility.
Roughly $5,000 for certain medications and genetic testing. My insurance covered the rest of the costs.
I had just found out my tubes were blocked...she [Dr Schulte] wanted to do a recanalization to see if we could get them open...They were able to get them open at uterus but couldn’t successfully get them open completely. After the test was over we talk and she told me that IVF would be the route I needed to take to have a child of my own.
[STL Fertility (formerly SIRM St. Louis] was nice and there was a huge parking lot...[Nurse] was very helpful she called and talk to my insurance to make the procedure was covered... if she couldn’t get an appointment she made sure she called me...She apologized to me because we had to keep rescheduling...When you walked in the door you were greeted. I never waited long after my appointment time.
How was your experience with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
In all honesty Dr Schulte is an amazing doctor. She was the first fertility specialist I been a patient of. So when meeting her I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous,scared,angry, and sad that I even had to meet her. That’s because I didn’t understand why I was going through what I was to be young. She made me feel like everything was going to be ok and that she will be there for me. My overall experience was great being in a first timer to infertility.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
I would tell them to make sure you express your feeling and you get all your questions answered
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility?
When frost meeting Dr Schulte and explaining to her my situation. She told that everything will be ok and they we will get to the bottom of it. We set a plan to redo a test to make sure the result were correct and if they were the next steps we would take. She also seen that I was struggling with everything she gave me a hug an reassured me that me that we will figure it out.
Describe the protocols Maureen "Moe" Schulte used in your cycles at STL Fertility and their degree of success.
I haven’t had any treatments done only testing. When I came to her I had just found out my tubes were blocked due to me requesting an HSG test from my OB. I showed Dr Schulte my result from the test and she suggested I take another HSG. That’s because there were only 2 images and their wording wasn’t exactly saying their were blocked. So she wanted to make sure they were and if their were blocked she wanted to do a recanalization to see if we could get them open. We did the test over they were initially blocked at the uterus . They were able to get them open at uterus but couldn’t successfully get them open completely. After the test was over we talk and she told me that IVF would be the route I needed to take to have a child of my own.
Describe your experience with your nurse at STL Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Ray)
Dr. Schulte nurses was Ray. She was very helpful she called and talk to my insurance to make the procedure was covered. She arranged the appointment with the hospital. She made sure she informed with the info and appointment date. I called her to let her know when I started my cycle so we could my the appointments. Then if she couldn’t get an appointment she made sure she called me and told. She apologized to me because we had to keep rescheduling even know it wasn’t on them but she understood that my situation was already hard and not knowing answers was even harder.
Describe your experience with STL Fertility.
The clinic is was nice and there was a huge parking lot. I was also already familiar with the building due to one of my patient attending a office there. When you walked in the door you were greeted. I never waited long after my appointment time
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maureen "Moe" Schulte at STL Fertility.
Office visit I just paid my copay fee and the procedure insurance paid for their percentage and I paid the rest
Describe Maureen "Moe" Schulte's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at STL Fertility.