Meaghan Bowling

Dr. Bowling was the sweetest and most compassionate out of all of the doctors we have seen at the clinic. She never once made us feel uncomfortable based on our same sex relationship and went above and beyond to answer any and all questions we had (and there were many). We had a small setback during an IUI with her, involving the sperm count of our donor. She explained her reservations about using it, and went out of her way to help us resolve this with the sperm bank that gave us basically worthless sperm. This was our second time using this donor (first time with her though) but she was the only doctor that made us aware we were using low count sperm and potentially wasting a valuable IUI. Her help with getting our money back and recommendations for future donor banks as well as her genuine compassion when we were so utterly let down and defeated was matched by no others. We truly loved the experience with her, even the not so happy parts, and hope she is the one who helps us make our family a reality soon!

She is brilliant. Write down your worries and questions and ask. She will answer and answer on your level.

We did clomid as well as an trigger shot prior our IUI. This was to promote the growth of follicles and ovulation. We had multiple, well developed follicles form from both ovaries!!

Our first 3 IUI were covered under insurance. We only had to pay the co-pays for various treatment ($50-80) most visits depending on procedure done.

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There is so much to my story, I won't be able to cover it all here. But in a nutshell, I had many obstacles during this process. REAL obstacles, not anything made up or anything I could've prevented/avoided. I would hope a doctor in this situation would realize the stress I was under and work to give me hope and encouragement. Instead, I was made to feel like a waste of her time and a nuisance.

If you are an 'older' woman or a single woman.... I would look elsewhere. I feel she has a bias against these scenarios and holds them against her patients. If a woman who was younger and married encountered my exact challenges, I suspect she'd have treated them much differently.

She didn't do much beyond a consultation and then making me feel horrible about myself when I was unable to proceed in a quick fashion due to things out of my control such as an unexpected medical diagnosis and the discovery that the eggs I'd paid $5k to have held for me had been sold to someone else. These were issues I didn't cause and that required my working through before jumping in. She had no patience.

Since I had only consultations with her my costs were minimal. I don't have an exact dollar amount. But... this was the 2nd doctor who treated me. I'd spent a good deal more with my first doctor but then had to move out of state and start all over... which is why I ended up with Dr. Bowling.

I know she did have an opinion about single embryo transfer but... I was okay with that since I am single. While I'd have loved twins... I think I'd have a full plate with just one. So I didn't take issue with her on that.

Dr. Bowling is friendly and compassionate, but she is a bit passive and wishy washy. If you're looking for someone who is blunt, Dr. Bowling is not the right doctor for you. She explains her rationale behind treatment, but in my tough case I've had to do most of the thinking outside the box. Thankfully I'm the type of person who will do my own in-depth research, including searching medical journals and reviewing research studies, to educate myself on the most recent information available. Because of this, I've been able to ask more in-depth questions that have led to treatment options that may not have otherwise been suggested. Dr. Bowling, however, was willing to actually let me attempt IVF despite an expected poor response. One of the other doctors at the clinic told me he would not go to retrieval for less than 3 follicles, and he didn't think I'd make that minimum.

Do your own research and ask her about your findings and whether different approaches may be worth trying.

Dr. Bowling explained that my body is working very hard to produce follicles each cycle, so additional FSH provided via gonadotropins may not be helpful. However, she concluded that I should try high doses to attempt to recruit more follicles. TI cycle #1: 300 iu Follistim, Cetrotide, and Ovidrel trigger. Expected poor response to gonadotropins, hence the higher dose. I had an early recruited 14mm follicle at the baseline ultrasound that the attending RE thought was a cyst. Stimmed anyway, and only the lone follicle grew. Triggered after only a few days of Follistim. Negative test. TI cycle #2: Start Estradiol on day 20 of previous cycle. 7.5 mg Letrozole for first 5 days + 375 iu Follistim, Cetrotide, Ovidrel Trigger. Recruited 3 follicles, last ultrasound was on a Saturday and the nurse made the call to trigger. Two were large enough to be mature at trigger. Negative test. TI cycle #3: Start Estradiol on day 20 of previous cycle. Started 7.5 mg Letrozole and 450 iu Follistim on CD1. Stimmed for 12 days, four follicles grew, but not concurrently in size. Only two were large enough to be mature at trigger. Negative test. Currently planning to start a testosterone-primed Microdose Lupron Flare IVF cycle with Omnitrope. The hope is that adding testosterone and HGH will help recruit more and better quality follicles. The Microdose Lupron Flare protocol is often used for women with low ovarian reserve or who are poor responders.

My medication and ultrasounds/labs were covered by insurance, so only had to pay a copay for procedures (2-6 ultrasounds each cycle ranging from $30-$55). My medications for my first cycle cost $2,000+, which met my pharmacy deductible for the year. Office visit copays are $85. Medications for my IVF cycle will cost about $5,000+ and the IVF procedure (with Service Worker discount, PGS biopsy, anesthesia, and FET) totals $12,300. Ultrasounds and PGS testing are not included in this price.

Dr. Bowling prefers single embryo transfer.

At first I was not as happy with her as my primary doctor because I felt like just another number and that it was just the formality of processing and getting to the next patient, but as time went on we developed a better report and I still am keeping in touch with her via email on the progress of my pregnancy. I think that this has to do with some of the challenges and anomalies that have occurred through this process. I felt that once we got to a common ground of understanding and that she could be blunt with me that the relationship turned into a more positive and trusting relationship. I have to admit that I am not like most patients and have a very 'give me the facts and don't sugar coat it' type of approach that I can understand is not in typical character of most patients. I felt like once we got there things went great. The day I was released from CC, she came out and personally gave me a hug and asked me to keep in touch. She told me that I am officially on her list of "Amazing patient stories" and can understand why as I have had some crazy things occur.

I would say be open and up front with her about how you would like to receive information and communications. She is a great doctor and I think you just need to be up front with how you want to communicate.

We started using the 'basic' process which is what I found frustrating at first because I have some personal health issues that I felt were yielding different results and expected to have a plan tailored to me given that information. It was discovered that my Progesterone levels were coming back high so I went on a Lupron down regulation where the levels were still the same...went through with the transfer anyway and was not successful. The second round she wanted to test my levels at my baseline and send off for testing and it was discovered that my levels were normal. My only option was to either do a test to check my uterus readiness through a mock transfer and spend the same as a transfer or go in blind. We made the decision to go in blind to move forward with the transfer with success. (We tried to get me ready for a transfer 2 other times previously and I was denied because of the levels being off. I would have preferred to have been tested before since the test was ONLY done locally in their clinic. We could have saved a lot of time and money knowing that.)

$20K

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We only visited one time. After that visit I knew she was not the Doctor for me. I had no doubt she was extremely knowledgeable and capable, but personality and the way I felt rushed with very little info made me switch to another clinic.

Have an extensive list of questions and do not let the appointment end without them being addressed even if you have to push for that. Ask for additional tests (at the time I did not know what to ask or that I even should) as she did not give any other options.

I only had first consult.

I do know for my case, 1 embryo would have been the approach

After I scheduled my IUI last fall, I never saw Dr. Bowling. We set up the plan via email and I called the first day of my period to initiate ultrasound appointments. A nurse did my first ultrasound, another RE did my second, and yet another RE performed my IUI. I was disappointed that Dr. Bowling didn't seem to be involved in my care at all, but I'm fairly new to this world and wasn't sure what to expect. Going forward, I hope to work with her more closely on my personal care.

Be clear on the best way to reach her/communicate care options with her.

I took oral letrozole for 5 days before using the trigger shot at home. I had 2 ultrasounds (one with a nurse, one with another RE) and the IUI was performed by a third RE. This RE said with my husband's SA numbers at the time, we shouldn't have scheduled this procedure at all.

Between the 2 medications and the ultrasounds/IUI procedure, my IUI cost around $1,700.

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Meghan thinks before she speaks on giving advice. She took the time to look over bloodwork and ultrasounds before advising next steps. Dr. Bowling has a positive attitude and has helped uncover a handful of diagnosis that are contributing to infertility.

Sometimes she doesn't have all of the answers because there are so many factors that go into getting and staying pregnant when you have infertility issues.

We began with a saline sonogram to make sure my D&C was complete. In this procedure I learned I had endometriosis and some pretty large cysts. Next, we decided to start with follicle monitoring while on clomid and taking a trigger shot. I took progesterone suppositories after the trigger. We did timed intercourse. The clomid was the help boost my ovaries since my AMH was slightly low. The progesterone was given due to my mid cycle spotting and prior miscarriage. The first cycle I responded, the second I didn't. Since I didn't respond the second time surgery to remove the endo was recommended and completed. More bloodwork was completed to check AMH which rose to normal levels and thyroid which showed positive antibodies. This is linked to recurrent miscarriages, so I am on synthroid to combat that.

The drugs were $180 a month and the follicle scans were covered for the first 3 cycles. My surgery was $1,700. The scans will now be $250 each with 2-3 per cycle.

Dr. Bowling is always very kind and approachable when I have face-to-face appointments with her. She answers all of my questions. I feel comfortable even asking the silly questions. I always have a lot of questions! The only complaint I would have would be her timeliness answering emails. I know she is probably very busy with other patients so I hate to even bring this up. Sometimes she answers emails in an appropriate amount of time but other times it may take a few days before she answers.

Make sure to have all your questions ready before your appointment. Ask follow up questions to make sure you fully understand the process of a procedure/treatment.

I was on 1500mg/day of Metformin for all treatment cycles. My first two cycles with Dr. Bowling, I took 5mg of Letrozole on days 3-7 with timed intercourse. I did not fall pregnant with either Letrozole cycle. My third treatment - I took 5 mg of letrozole on days 3-7 and added Gonal-F (150 IU) on days 7-9 with timed intercourse. I chose to do this unmonitored to save money. I did not fall pregnant this cycle. IUI #1 - I took 5 mg of letrozole on days 3-7 and Gonal-F (150 IU) on days 7-9. I was monitored. I went in for a baseline ultrasound and and ultrasound on day 10. I had three mature follicles and triggered with Ovidrel. My IUI was done 36 hours after the trigger shot was taken. My husband gave his sample the day of the IUI. I did fall pregnant this cycle but it unfortunately ended in a chemical pregnancy. For IUI #2&3 I did the same treatment as IUI #1 but unfortunately I have not get pregnant.

My insurance did not cover any fertility expenses other than the consultation but I have a high deductible plan so I still had to pay $177 for my visit. Each ultrasound is about $250. Each IUI is about $400. Plus medication which ranged from $800-$1,200.

Dr. Bowling said she would only transfer one embryo because I was under 35 years old.

Visiting Dr. Bowling finally answered a lot of the questions we had about why we were unable to get pregnant after trying for nine months. Unfortunately, a key hormone level came back elevated after two blood tests and I was told IVF was our only option but that donor eggs were the only solution. After a bit of research, I came across many women who were in a similar situation that were allowed to try with their own eggs and some were successful. After bringing this up to Dr. Bowling, she pushed again for donor eggs which I assumed (correctly or incorrectly, I'm not sure) that she and her facility were not willing to let me try with my own eggs at least one cycle. This is why my recommendation for her is low and why I have moved on to another facility.

If you feel uncomfortable about any abnormal lab result, speak up. I was told initially about my elevated hormone level after the first draw but she said it wasn't anything to worry about at that time. Turns out it was and if I had known that then, I would've made more of an effort to get the repeat labs drawn sooner.

Unfortunately, the timing of our initial visit was just prior to a busy time in our lives where we would be separated for about two and a half months. So there wasn't much Dr. Bowling could do. She did prescribe letrazole to help with ovulation, methlyprogesterone to help start a period for the cycles that dragged on for over 40 days, and levothyroxine to lower my TSH. After reuniting, we used letrazole in a TI cycle but were unsuccessful. During all of this, I was finally able to get a repeat lab drawn and that's when we were told of my elevated hormone level and its effect on our chances of conceiving. Dr. Bowling then prescribed estrogen patches and progesterone pills to help create a more frequent cycle while we decided if we wanted to proceed with IVF and donor eggs (her only solution the situation). However, at the recommendation of another fertility physician, I did not start this treatment protocol.

We paid out-of-pocket for all of our visits and procedures but they offered a discount. The HSG was originally $850 but we paid $537, semen analysis (including strict morphology) was originally $227 but we paid $83, and initial lab workup was $330 with the follow-up test around $60. Medications were approximately $50 total.

We did not complete IVF at this facility.

Dr. Bowling was very transparent with us about the process from the beginning. She really laid it out there and was straight forward with everything. When communication was necessary with Dr. Bowling, she was very prompt in her responses back, or had someone contact us back in a timely manner. She is very compassionate and professional in her job.

Be open and detailed about what your conditions are and why you are going through everything. She takes the time to research the best methods to increase your probability of success.

I was on the Microdose Lupron protocol, due to diminishing ovarian reserve. - 10 iu microdose lupron - 225 Gonal F - 75 IU Menupeur - 250 Ovidrel (trigger shot) I did not respond well to the stimulants, and no eggs were retrieved.

Although fertility treatment is expensive, the financial team was very helpful and took the time to sit down with you to break down each cost.

Dr. B's strengths are she is smart, well informed, compassionate to the costs and decisions that have to be made, accessible to the patients via phone and email and the information given is accurate. I have yet to come across a weakness so far.

I would tell someone to do research prior to going so that you have questions about the entire process because Dr. B is a wealth of knowledge and will either correct a misconception OR expound on the answer!

I don't know all the process but my wife and I are both Cystic Fibrosis carriers and we had to terminate a pregnancy last year. Dr. B was fantastic in talking through that with us and understanding as to why we wanted to get the PGD and PGS for our next attempt at conception.

They were a bit of a shock but that's just the industry. We had an idea coming in and walked away needing to figure out how to fund it. It was definitely something that was surprising but hopefully worth it!

Dr. Bowling is extremely personable, knowledgeable, and friendly. She has taken the time to sit and talk with me several times, even when it may have been inconvenient for her. When I had questions and reservations about the next steps for our fertility journey, she was able to talk me through each step, making sure that I fully understood everything and felt comfortable as we went. She reassured me of my risks, offered practical advice about next steps, and was patient as my husband and I decided. We are hoping to begin the IVF process this summer, and it is largely because of her ability to comfort my concerns and address my needs as an individual, rather than as a statistic. I've been to other fertility clinics in the area and felt very un-heard, rushed, and valued only as a statistic in their office results. Dr. Bowling is NOTHING like that! I have loved every appointment I've had with her and it truly is because of her that we are planning to proceed with IVF to grow our family when I had previously rejected the idea of IVF altogether.

Ask questions! She is patient and willing to answer every concern, and is so sweet and knowledgeable as she answers!

We started with basic hormone pills (Letrozole), then adjusted to try to trigger a greater response when we didn't see the follicles we wanted. Then, Dr. Bowling added a small steroid to help the growth of the follicles on my left side because it wasn't responding as well--and we saw great results with that! Then, we did an HSG test to check for scar tissue from a previous ectopic pregnancy, and that is when Dr. Bowling diagnosed the tubal blockage on the right side. From there, we also discussed that my condition is not-quite PCOS, and Dr. Bowling explaining that because of the tubal blockage + ovary dysfunction, our chances of getting pregnant through TIC or IUI were extremely low. Dr. Bowling then met with me for nearly an hour to discuss both IVF and embryo adoption, giving me the time and space to process all the information. Our next steps will be to begin the IVF process this summer, when I am not teaching.

All nurse visits were approx. $35, but doctor visits were $85. Prescriptions were varying in prices, but most of the pills were fairly affordable. The Ovidrel was expensive, but mostly due to my insurance. About to start IVF and were quoted at roughly $18,000 for the procedure + medications.

Since we haven't started the IVF process yet, I don't know definitively, but she has definitely recommended that we are more conservative early on because I am just now 30 and there is not much of a reason to be overly aggressive.

Dr. Bowling added a personal touch to her treatment. I felt like she really cared about our success and was patient and caring when we met and I would share concerns and become emotional from past experiences. She also performed a hysteroscopy and walked me to the operating room. She met with my husband and provided a full explanation of her findings as well. She went above and beyond my expectations for providing a personal, yet very professional, consultation and service throughout the process.

Schedule an appointment to meet with her before beginning the process. She is kind and willing to discuss the entire process and answer any questions you may have. I'd also find out what her on-call schedule is so you can make sure she's available when scheduling the retrieval/transfer. The dates and timing are very dependent on the timing of the cycle but it's good to know ahead of time. If she's not scheduled to provide transfers/retrievals the day you're scheduled one of her colleagues will be there and they're all really great as well.

I financed a fresh cycle with frozen and ICSI for around $11,000. My insurance covers labs so I didn't need to include those in my loan.

Very personable and compassionate. She does not act like she feels sorry for us. Dr. Bowling called multiple times during our genetic testing to explain complication to us. When my husband had to have surgery for sperm retrieval, they called multiple times to check on us. When it came time to freeze our sperm they were very reassuring that our sperm would be safe. They called to let us know the outcome of our sperm and we’re very helpful and compassionate during a stressful and difficult time.

She’s amazing and very compassionate.

10,000

Dr Bowling explained all our options for fertility treatment while giving is time to ask questions. She was compassionate and understanding of our situation and treated us as we were very import to her. She was Genuine in wanting the absolute best for us and the end goal was for us to have a successful healthy pregnancy.

Dr bowling reviews all options and explains pros and cons of all.

I only saw her the first day when we decided to do IVF. She did not tell me if i should transfer just one embryo or more. I had more communication with the nurses than her. I thought that she was going to be the one doing my egg retrival and embryo transfer but she was not.

To ask her more questions at the beginnig

She never talked to me about any procedure

Ivf was aroud 10,000 and each visit for ultrasound and blood work was about 300 dollars.

She did not tell me what was better

Really like Dr. Bowling, did a great job explaining everything. I have been a challenging client for her as most of of my treatments have not gone as planned. Dr. Bowling has always explained what next steps look like and how we are going to move forward.

I like Dr. Bowling, but it get very confusing when you see multiple doctors. I would suggest sticking with your clients unless out on PTO/vacation.

NA

Currently we are up around $25,000

She has been nothing but the best, she always greets you with a smile. Very informative and reassuring. She doesn’t sugarcoat the situation, if she thinks it’s not going to work she tell you and give you the reasoning behind why certain procedure won’t work.

She’s very down to earth and will make you feel comfortable

Very considerate and took all concerns seriously. Dr. Bowling Was thorough and always was glad to see us like we were her only patients even when she was busy! She went above and beyond making time for an unscheduled ultrasound. Always considerate of our time since we were from out of town.

Go for it!

IUI with lexaprole and an ovidrel trigger shot.

250 first ultra sound 300 second 450 inseminatio

Amazing physician, who cares about patients and her work. Clearly loves what she does and wants to help others succeed in their infertility journey. She took the time to go through the whole process, answer questions, and was available when needed.

Understand that changes may occur in cycles and that is to give you the best chance of success

Ocps x two weeks Then on cd 5, Gonal f 225 nightly with 75/75 of menopur x8 days Three monitoring visits, on cd 9, 11, 13 with 2x ovidrel on cd 13 for cd 15 retrieval

$11,000 Insurance covered meds for one IVF cycle

Strongly recommend elective single embryo transfer

Dr. Bowling did her absolute best to help me and help me understand everything i had going on i would definitely go back to see her. She checked on me after my IUI the three times i had it with her was unsuccessful and she was able to tell me my next steps but I wasn't financially ready to take those steps and she understood and told me she will be there when I needef to come back

Be prepared financially if possible

When we first met Dr. Bowling she immediately offered the best treatment based on our history. She explained the reasons why she suggested this treatment and the possible outcomes. Throughout my treatment she fully explained what was being done, why and what the next steps will be. There was a time where Dr. Bowling needed to alter my treatment due to an unplanned surgery she needed to. Her quick decision still allowed me to have my embryo transfer in a reasonable time. In discussing my past miscarriages with Dr. Bowling, my pregnancy was monitored until 10 weeks instead of 8 weeks which is the normal time for monitoring pregnancies at her office. She extended my medication to prevent miscarriage. I am now 13 weeks pregnant without complications.

Ask all the questions you have, you will get the best advice from Dr. Bowling.