Melanie Ochalski

Melanie Ochalski has a pleasant demeanor and automatically you feel welcome...spent time drawing diagrams to help explain what the body does during each cycle and how that contributes to infertility and relates to us...she was able to quickly interpret the results and put my mind at ease with any anxiousness I was feeling about the results...I understand optimism, but I want to know truly if moving forward with one treatment or another is not going to work

The nursing staff [at Shady Grove Fertility of Philadelphia] that I have seen so far have all been very nice and welcoming in the facility. They have provided me with care and helped to calm my nerves each time...The care coordinator we were assigned at the beginning of this journey was very informative...The clinic has always been clean and sterile...There has been very little wait time to get into the appointments

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Melanie Ochalski has a pleasant demeanor and automatically you feel welcome when you step into her office. Obviously, that is a main component when working with a fertility specialist. For us, Dr. Ochalski took the time to get to know our history further than what we had written down on paper and took the time to get to know our fears and concerns. During our appointments, she spent time drawing diagrams to help explain what the body does during each cycle and how that contributes to infertility and relates to us. She did this each cycle and I felt that I understood more of what was going on. She took time to answer questions that we had and would take time to reexplain what we may not have understood. During my HSG exam and Saline sonogram, she was able to quickly interpret the results and put my mind at ease with any anxiousness I was feeling about the results. During my HSG she had a calming presence that allowed me to relax and not feel as tense about what was going on. The only weakness that I felt was that there were times where I couldn't tell if she was just giving me a line about our fertility journey and where we were headed. I understand optimism, but I want to know truly if moving forward with one treatment or another is not going to work. As we are not too far in the journey, maybe she will be more blunt further on.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Go into the appointment with questions and concerns ready to go. They may change once you hear results or discuss further, but it was helpful to have items to discuss. She spent time addressing those questions for us and it helped to alleviate some of our stress and concerns.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Dr. Ochalski took the time when we first met to get to know who we both were as individuals. She took the time to allow us the opportunity to tell our side of the story. My husband and I are both quiet by nature but she sat and listed to us during that appointment. After our results came back, she explained to us the results and what we were looking at moving forward. Of course, it is hard to digest the words that we were hearing, but she allowed us to feel our feels and ask any questions that we had. She offered us at many times to reach out to her with questions as we continue in our fertility journey. Overall, it felt like we were heard with concerns and with questions that we had. My only hesitation with saying i felt fully human was when she was talking about IUI and how this was our best option (later, we found out it would not be) she mentioned that we both are healthy individuals and that we would have no problem with the IUI. She then gave us numbers and it felt like that was something she might tell many patients, almost like a "line." However, that was the only instance in which I didn't feel like a number. At this time, we have only recently started our journey but it feels good to be heard.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania and their degree of success.

At this time, we are early in our journey and only had the diagnostic testing along with the consult about what our steps our. It was first recommended that we do IUI to begin with. However, after a sperm wash on my husband, Dr. Ochalski rejected this method because the sperm wash did not have as many good sperm as she thought would be there. Her next recommendation is IVF. Specifics for this treatment have not yet been fully discussed. We were looking into it and beginning the steps, but of course, with CO-VID 19, we are unable to do anything at the present moment.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania. (Assigned nurse: Care Coordinator- Cierra Steffe )

The care coordinator we were assigned at the beginning of this journey was very informative. She was very active on the patient portal and explained everything in the messages that she sent so we knew what we needed to do. If she needed to call to schedule appointments or provide information, she would have the phone conversation and then within 15 minutes would already have sent out a message on the portal explaining everything in writing. The nursing staff that I have seen so far have all been very nice and welcoming in the facility. They have provided me with care and helped to calm my nerves each time.

Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

Shady Grove Fertility Clinic is a well known clinic in many states in the northeast. For this reason, I trusted them to provide the best care and was not disappointed. The clinic I frequent is small and friendly and each time I enter the doors I feel welcomed into the office. One nice thing is that there are very little patients there at the same time, so you don't feel awkward waiting in the waiting room with lots of people. There are usually only 1-2 other couples there at the same time. Since it's a smaller building, it can be awkward leaving the exam room and walking back out the door if other people are waiting in the waiting area, but it hasn't been a problem. The clinic has always been clean and sterile. Each room is set up and ready for the patient prior to them entering. Each appointment check have gone smoothly and quickly because of this. There has been very little wait time to get into the appointments, so I am quickly able to go early in the morning prior to work as I know I won't have to wait around for a long time. In the times that I have gone to the clinic for check-ups I have not had any bad experiences. There have been times in which I have gone in and had to wait until the front desk receptionist was back at her desk. She often seemed to be elsewhere in the building and I had to ring the bell or someone else had to get her.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

When looking at IUI, the cost was about $2,000 dollars for the treatment which didn't include medications or anything like that. For IVF, there were three tiers of options that were offered to us along with genetic testing and not genetic testing. The tiers for us can be seen below. For IVF there are three options to choose from. Option #1 - IVF Global (1 freeze all cycle includes cryopreservation, does not include the frozen embryo transfer (FET): $10,500 Option #2 - IVF Multi-Cycle (2 fresh cycle attempts): $18,500 Option #3 - IVF Shared Risk (6 fresh cycle attempts): $19,500 *Must be approved by Dr. Ochalski* If you have PGS genetic testing of embryos: Option #1 - IVF with PGS Global (1 cycle attempt includes cryopreservation. FET not included): $13,900 Option #2 - IVF with PGS Multi-Cycle (2 fresh cycle attempts): $23,500 Option #3 - IVF with PGS Shared Risk (6 cycle attempts): $24,500 *Must be approved by Dr. Ochalski* This of course does not include medications, but Dr. Ochalski had mentioned that I would probably need about 2,000 units of medication and each unit translated to about $1.00 so we were looking at about $2,000 dollars in medication. Our whole IVF cycle would not be covered under insurance.

Describe Melanie Ochalski's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

I remember that in our phone consult about IVF she mentioned a single embryo transfer based on the number of viable embryos we got. She would transfer one per month. This was the last of the information we were given.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

2019 - 2020, Unknown Success

Age 28 - 29

4 IUI

Unexplained

European

Income $100K - $199K

Teacher

2nd of 2 Docs

Strongly Recommends

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Dr. Ochalski is a caring professional. She listen to our concerns about continuing IUIs and also our worries about IVF to help us come to a conclusion that was best for us. She did not pressure us into anything and was there for support through our choices. ...Dr. Ochalski made us feel like humans, first by getting to know us. She knows our names, our story and why we came to her. She has excellent bedside manor but tells us what we need to hear. She also took it upon herself to be in contact with me during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had a plan to begin our first IVF cycle when our clinic was a.) worried about being shut down and then b.) shutting down new treatments.(I had just finished a week of BC pills and was scheduled to start injections as the pandemic exploded.) She did not ask a nurse to call or give advice and support, she called herself, daily, as things were changing daily at that point.

Shady Grove Fertility has a strong sense of community. It is very clean and organized. They have a portal to receive emails and where everything is easy to get access. They are easy to get a hold of when you call and they maintain a high sense of professionalism. ... Kayla is great at maintaining communication and explanations when needed!

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

If you’re thinking about it, go see her! ASAP! She’s worth it!

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Dr. Ochalski made us feel like humans, first by getting to know us. She knows our names, our story and why we came to her. She has excellent bedside manor but tells us what we need to hear. She also took it upon herself to be in contact with me during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had a plan to begin our first IVF cycle when our clinic was a.) worried about being shut down and then b.) shutting down new treatments.(I had just finished a week of BC pills and was scheduled to start injections as the pandemic exploded.) She did not ask a nurse to call or give advice and support, she called herself, daily, as things were changing daily at that point.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania and their degree of success.

She helped us determine if continuing IUIs would be benifical or if IVF would be a good next step. We are diagnosed with unexplained infertility and we had a poor experience with a previous doctor who was pushing us in a direction we did not understand and we were not getting support or answers. She was able to provide those explanations and made us feel comfortable with our choose to continue with IVF after she helped us discover a potential male factor.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania. (Assigned nurse: Kayla)

Kayla is great at maintaining communication and explanations when needed!

Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

2015 - 2016, Unsuccessful

Age 34 - 35

5 IUI

Unexplained

European

Income $50K - $99K

Teacher

1st of 2 Docs

Neutral

Unsuccessful

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

Dr. Ochalski was willing to listen to my concerns. I was never interested in rushing into IVF despite multiple failed IUI attempts. While I left the practice to try another one, I believe she would have let me continue IUI despite her intention to move me onto IVF. She was very patient at consultations and at explaining procedures....hadn't had a period in a few months. Started me immediately on clomid without inducing a period...Dr. O was pleasant to work with. She was kind and compassionate. She would take time to answer questions.

I liked Dr. Ochalski, but did not prefer the times I met with Dr. Filer. I didn't think he responded well to concerns. The front desk [AT The Fertility Center of PA] was great to work with. The ultrasound tech was super sweet and felt like she was truly concerned with my success...I remember them [nurses] all being pleasant and easy to talk to. They were always willing to answer questions. They would ask about my life outside of receiving care....

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Don't hesitate to ask questions. I never felt like she put me off.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Dr. O was pleasant to work with. She was kind and compassionate. She would take time to answer questions.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at The Fertility Center of PA and their degree of success.

1 - hadn't had a period in a few months. Started me immediately on clomid without inducing a period. I ovulated while taking it based on temperatures. She did bloodwork to verify and stopped taking clomid 2 - tried just clomid (lowest dosage). Had excessively high estrogen levels. Did an ultrasound to check for multiple follicles and discovered hugely enlarged ovary. While waiting probably missed ovulation. 3,4,5 - moved on to Femara based on clomid scare. Dosage increased in hopes of getting more than 1 mature follicle. 6,7 - Femara with IUI. Still generally only getting one follicle 8,9,10 - Femara with follistim injectibles with IUI. Would sometimes get 2 mature follicles, but no pregnancies. Some cycles I supplemented with progesterone based on lab results. I had spotting without being on supplemental progesterone, and decided to always supplement with progesterone.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at The Fertility Center of PA.

I don't remember them individually, but I remember them all being pleasant and easy to talk to. They were always willing to answer questions. They would ask about my life outside of receiving care.

Describe your experience with The Fertility Center of PA.

I liked Dr. Ochalski, but did not prefer the times I met with Dr. Filer. I didn't think he responded well to concerns. The front desk was great to work with. The ultrasound tech was super sweet and felt like she was truly concerned with my success.

Describe Melanie Ochalski's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at The Fertility Center of PA.

N/A

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

The Fertility Center of PA

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

2014 - 2017, Unsuccessful

Age 26 - 29

2 IUI

Unexplained

Other

Income $0 - $49K

Only Doc Seen

Neutral

Strongly Recommends

Unsuccessful

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

Dr ochalski. Spoke to me in terms I could understand. She was through with her exams and testing. She called me on non treatment cycles to check in how I was doing. When having an iui perform she would explain exactly what she was doing. When finished she gave me her best wishes on my treatment cycle. On day 21 testing she let me know I had low progesterone and started me on medication. While at the appt she would go over a treatment plan Incase the that cycle did not work.

The clinic [Fertility Center of PA] is clean and relaxing. They don’t have to many people coming in and out at once. Their prices are on the reasonable side. The nurses always call when they say they will with results or protocols... The nursing staff was compassionate. Answered all questions with empathy.... Dr ochalski. Spoke to me in terms I could understand. She was through with her exams and testing. She called me on non treatment cycles to check in how I was doing.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Ask as many questions as you can think if she is very knowledgeable

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

She spoke to me in great detail and called for follow ups to see how I was feeling

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at The Fertility Center of PA and their degree of success.

I started off with a clomud cycle 50 mg for an iui. That resulted in a negative next two treatment cycles I was given 100mg of clomid. I was not producing eggs on my left ovary so those cycles were cancelled due to a possibility of a blocked right tube. Last cycle I was given injectables with iui that also resulted in a negative test.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at The Fertility Center of PA.

The nursing staff was compassionate. Answered all questions with empathy.

Describe your experience with The Fertility Center of PA.

The clinic is clean and relaxing. They don’t have to many people coming in and out at once. Their prices are on the reasonable side. The nurses always call when they say they will with results or protocols

Describe the costs associated with your care under Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA.

Initial consult was 300$ iui 450$ sperm analysis 90$ blood work 100$ and up

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

The Fertility Center of PA

York

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

2021 - 2022, Unknown Success

Age 28 - 29

1 IUI

Unexplained

Other

Income $100K - $199K

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Melanie is very nice and easy to talk to. Our first consult was virtual which felt a little impersonal. I never met her in person until the day of our first IUI. She seems very knowledgeable, however a little unavailable. I'm sure she has a lot of patients but sometimes I do feel like a number. With that being said, she is very kind and willing to make the adjustments I see fit...

Sometimes you do feel like a number, especially when going through monitoring. The office is very nice, but small. I love that they have an online portal that you can always access. The staff is very friendly and I always feel welcomed...[the SGF nurse] always answers my questions in a timely manner and I never feel like she is giving a rushed response.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Be open and know this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania and their degree of success.

She recommended vitamins for both my husband and I, and said to limit alcohol to 6 drinks per week. She put me on a thryoid medication. She put me on 50mg clomid for 5 days. and then progestrone suppositories after IUI

Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania. (Assigned nurse: Amanda Randisi)

I love my nurse! she always answers my questions in a timely manner and I never feel like she is giving a rushed response.

Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

2019 - 2020, Consult

Age 30 - 31

4 IUI

Male Factor

Unexplained

European

Income $100K - $199K

2nd of 2 Docs

Strongly Recommends

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Dr. Ochalski is compassionate, and knowledgable. she explained things as they really are but with a tone and understanding that these options are not to be taken lightly. She helped us as we were to start our treatments as the Coronavirus started to spread in our area. She called us multiple times to help us through the difficult time.... We saw her once for a consultation, she remembered us when we came back in. Not just our names or our chart, but us. What we do, where we work. She felt like a longtime friend.

[Shady Grove Fertility of Philadelphia] is in an office complex, very clean and friendly. It is comfortable and has wonderful equipment. They have a communication portal that keeps everything organized. This is a branch location, but I never felt slighted.... Kayla is a great communicator, communicating through email, and through calls. She makes sure you know exactly what to expect and what you need to do next. She is friendly and compassionate.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

We saw her once for a consultation, she remembered us when we came back in. Not just our names or our chart, but us. What we do, where we work. She felt like a longtime friend.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania and their degree of success.

She used facts to explain to us where we are and where we could go with our treatments. She explained different studies and showed us our own personal outcome predictions.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania. (Assigned nurse: Kayla)

Kayla is a great communicator, communicating through email, and through calls. She makes sure you know exactly what to expect and what you need to do next. She is friendly and compassionate.

Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

It is in an office complex, very clean and friendly. It is comfortable and has wonderful equipment. They have a communication portal that keeps everything organized. This is a branch location, but I never felt slighted.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Clinic

Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

2014 - 2017, Unknown Success

Age 27 - 30

3 IVF

Male Factor

Prefer not to answer

1st of 2 Docs

Strongly Recommends

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

Dr O [Melanie Ochalski] always makes you feel comfortable. She will explain things in a manner that most anyone is able to understand, even if she has to draw a picture or discuss it with you 3 different times. She is sincere and you can tell that when you are hurting she actually cares. She is delicate and treats everyone with respect. She always is sure to discuss something with you on a personal level, outside of what you're coming in for. She is professional but also has a way of making you feel like a friend. The only negative I can even mention is that she is working in 2 locations and I am not always able to see her, but I do know that she is willing to adjust her schedule for you even if it affects her personal life.

The hours for any ultrasound appointment [at The Fertility Center of PA-York] are very difficult to work around, especially with the work you are already missing for treatments, tests, and procedures.... The only negative I can even mention is that she is working in 2 locations and I am not always able to see her, but I do know that she is willing to adjust her schedule for you even if it affects her personal life.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Dr O always makes you feel comfortable. She will explain things in a manner that most anyone is able to understand, even if she has to draw a picture or discuss it with you 3 different times. She is sincere and you can tell that when you are hurting she actually cares. She is delicate and treats everyone with respect. She always is sure to discuss something with you on a personal level, outside of what you're coming in for. She is professional but also has a way of making you feel like a friend. The only negative I can even mention is that she is working in 2 locations and I am not always able to see her, but I do know that she is willing to adjust her schedule for you even if it affects her personal life.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Feel free to open up and be honest with how you are feeling.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Dr. O has a way of making you feel like you are special, like you aren't just another patient that walked through the door. She sincerely wants success for you, and she is disappointed when things don't work out.

Describe your experience with The Fertility Center of PA.

The hours for any ultrasound appointment are very difficult to work around, especially with the work you are already missing for treatments, tests, and procedures.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

The Fertility Center of PA

York

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

2016, Successful

Age 37

1 IUI

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Unexplained

European

Ashkenazi Jewish

Income $100K - $199K

Professor

2nd of 2 Docs

Strongly Recommends

Successful

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

Dr. Ochalski was very supportive and took time to thoroughly address my questions and concerns. She's just what we needed while dealing with the challenges of unexplained infertility...Dr. O and Michelle have been great to work with. They explain every aspect of treatment very clearly and in a caring manner. My husband was impressed that Dr. O went out of her way to introduce herself...

I felt like The Fertility Center [Lancaster] understood my needs and priorities. I felt heard and supported. Even if I wouldn't have conceived right away, I would still recommend them. It's so important to feel comfortable with your provider...[Nurses were...] Friendly, punctual, and informative...Don't hesitate to get scheduled and feel free to bring up any questions or concerns...

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Dr. O was very supportive and took time to thoroughly address my questions and concerns. She's just what we needed while dealing with the challenges of unexplained infertility.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Don't hesitate to get scheduled and feel free to bring up any questions or concerns.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

Dr. O and Michelle have been great to work with. They explain every aspect of treatment very clearly and in a caring manner. My husband was impressed that Dr. O went out of her way to introduce herself.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at The Fertility Center of PA and their degree of success.

Clomid and IUI

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at The Fertility Center of PA.

Friendly, punctual, and informative.

Describe your experience with The Fertility Center of PA.

I got pregnant on my first cycle! I know that was fortunate. If it wasn't for the fertility center I do not think I would be pregnant. The combination of clomid and IUI worked great for me. I'm so glad I switched to them. My prior provider was still doing diagnostic tests after months of visits. I felt like the fertility center understood my needs and priorities. I felt heard and supported. Even if I wouldn't have conceived right away, I would still recommend them. It's so important to feel comfortable with your provider.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA.

Costs were consistent with rates in this area.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

The Fertility Center of PA

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

2017, Unsuccessful

Age 32

5 IUI

IVF

Prefer not to answer

Income $0 - $49K

Accountant

1st of 2 Docs

Strongly Recommends

Unsuccessful

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

She [Dr. Melanie Ochalski] was the most compassionate and empathetic doctor i could have asked for, especially at that time. She made me feel like she cared about me personally, not just as a patient. I was so grateful for her...gentle when she told me i was having a heterotopic pregnancy. She called me at home to discuss my levels after receiving my bloodwork, and made sure to be present at my next ultrasound so she could be there with me.

I have always felt very supported by the nursing staff [at The Fertility Center of PA]. They know me by name which is comforting every time i walk in the office...I don't think there are any weaknesses. All staff members have been supportive, positive and always encouraging. Underlying faith based practice which I love. They are always on time for appointments and very open and specific about what is happening.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

She was the most compassionate and empathetic doctor i could have asked for, especially at that time. She made me feel like she cared about me personally, not just as a patient. I was so grateful for her.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

She was amazing. She was so mind and gentle when she told me i was having a heterotopic pregnancy. She called me at home to discuss my levels after receiving my bloodwork, and made sure to be present at my next ultrasound so she could be there with me.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at The Fertility Center of PA.

I have always felt very supported by the nursing staff. They know me by name which is comforting every time i walk in the office

Describe your experience with The Fertility Center of PA.

I don't think there are any weaknesses. All staff members have been supportive, positive and always encouraging. Underlying faith based practice which I love. They are always on time for appointments and very open and specific about what is happening.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA.

all my monitoring was covered under my insurance, IUI was about $400

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

The Fertility Center of PA

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

2015, Unsuccessful

Age 31

1 IUI

Anovulation

Unexplained

Other

Income $0 - $49K

1st of 3 Docs

Strongly Recommends

Unsuccessful

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

She's [Dr. Ochalski] amazing! Very understanding and sympathetic towards my infertility journey. Very encouraging. Very caring!

[The Fertility Center nurses were]compassionate and caring...There were a few issues with financing...Some people that worked there gave me the impression they didn't care.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

She's amazing! Very understanding and sympathetic towards my infertility journey. Very encouraging. Very caring!

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

She will help you get through this journey

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at The Fertility Center of PA?

In a way, some people that worked there gave me the impression they didn't care but the doctors and one nurse were very caring.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at The Fertility Center of PA.

How compassionate and caring they were

What specific things went wrong at The Fertility Center of PA?

Failed to call with results

Describe the specific things that went wrong at The Fertility Center of PA.

Needs an iui during a snow storm and they still showed up even though it took hours to get there but my husbands sperm had been in the cup for longer than the time alotted but they still said it was ok. There were a few issues with financing as well and the practice manager was rude about it.

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

The Fertility Center of PA

York

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski The Fertility Center of PA

2020, Unknown Success

Age 30

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

European

Income $50K - $99K

Strongly Recommends

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Dr. Ochalski was extremely compassionate and understanding. She seemed to truly care about the loss of our daughter and the pain of secondary infertility...We are starting with timed intercourse and then moving to IUI if no success after 2 cycles. Medically, starting with IUI would be best, but my insurance does not cover it. Dr. O has been great at balancing our medical, emotional, and financial needs. I am unable to report on results yet. We personally did not want to discuss IVF as an option, so this was our choice, not the doctors. She was supportive of this!

They [Shady Grove Fertility staff] have a lot of resources and seem to really care about patients. They have a good system set up for scheduling and consults. However, every time we have been in they are running very late. Often, no one is at the front desk, so you just sit there wondering if they know you are here or not. Appointment times are limited and not convenient for working women/men, I assume it is probably everywhere though.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

We have not got far into treatment yet, especially with delays due to COVID-19. However, I am extremely pleased to Dr. Ochalski. She has explained everything each step of the way and been wonderful.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

She is wonderful, the clinic is okay. So far, we believe dealing with the clinic is worth seeing her!

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Dr. Ochalski was extremely compassionate and understanding. She seemed to truly care about the loss of our daughter and the pain of secondary infertility.

Describe the protocols Melanie Ochalski used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania and their degree of success.

We are starting with timed intercourse and then moving to IUI if no success after 2 cycles. Medically, starting with IUI would be best, but my insurance does not cover it. Dr. O has been great at balancing our medical, emotional, and financial needs. I am unable to report on results yet. We personally did not want to discuss IVF as an option, so this was our choice, not the doctors. She was supportive of this!

Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania. (Assigned nurse: Amy)

We have had mostly good experiences with nursing staff. I have had some concerns, like the nurse not being aware of an allergy and almost exposing me to an allergen. I have not been impressed with the level of communication from nurses regarding changes due to the pandemic. I understand things are changing daily, but we were ready for a cycle and then after I called to report start of period it no one called me back for hours, then I finally got an email from our nurse saying to try again next month due to COVID. I think this should have been communicated sooner and more compassionately.

Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

They have a lot of resources and seem to really care about patients. They have a good system set up for scheduling and consults. However, every time we have been in they are running very late. Often, no one is at the front desk, so you just sit there wondering if they know you are here or not. Appointment times are limited and not convenient for working women/men, I assume it is probably everywhere though.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

Too early to be sure full cost. Estimated $1800 for IUI cycle. Testing was covered by my insurance.

What specific things went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Provided conflicting information

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

The communication regarding changes in protocol due to COVID 19 has been terrible. They exposed me to latex when I am allergic. They have had blood samples with patient code sitting on front desk (unprofessional and HIPPA issue).

Doctor

Melanie Ochalski

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Clinic

Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Lancaster

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

2020, Unsuccessful

Age 38

2 Fertility Medications

European

Income $50K - $99K

Accountant

Doesn't Recommend

Unsuccessful

Review of

Melanie Ochalski Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania

Not good [experience with Dr. Ochalski] from the male perspective...I was on a medication that reduced sperm count short term and told her...she made me take the sperm test right away knowing this. She then called me up and told me I had a sperm count of 1. Went again to take my sperm test over independently and had over 110 Million sperm in the sample. How could a "fertility expert" make such a reckless mistake!!! Not good for the male!!! Do the sperm test independently.

Most items are not covered by insurance but their [Shady Grove Fertility of Philadelphia's] billing team claims that they are. Check with your insurance directly before you get a huge bill...Not good [experience with Dr. Ochalski] from the male perspective...I was on a medication that reduced sperm count short term and told her...she made me take the sperm test right away knowing this. She then called me up and told me I had a sperm count of 1. Went again to take my sperm test over independently and had over 110 Million sperm in the sample. How could a "fertility expert" make such a reckless mistake!!! Not good for the male!!! Do the sperm test independently.

How was your experience with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Not good from the male perspective. Was on a medication that lowered my sperm count temporarily. Made sure that she was aware of this. Told me to take the sperm count anyways. She called me up and recklessly told me I had 1 living sperm in the sample and that I needed to see the "excellent" urologist in Towson, MD. I went to see a urologist independent in Lancaster after I was off the medication and ended up with a sperm count of 110 Million. She gave me a lame excuse, but the mental trauma was still there from her misdiagnosis. How could a so-called "fertility expert" make such a bad diagnosis?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Do as much as you can independently of SGF.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Melanie Ochalski at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?

Not good from the male perspective...I was on a medication that reduced sperm count short term and told her...she made me take the sperm test right away knowing this. She then called me up and told me I had a sperm count of 1. Went again to take my sperm test over independently and had over 110 Million sperm in the sample. How could a "fertility expert" make such a reckless mistake!!! Not good for the male!!! Do the sperm test independently.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania. (Assigned nurse: Nurse Amy)

Did everything that the Doctor told her to do even though I told her that I was on the medication as well. Did not go back to Ochalski to confirm.

Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania.

Do as much as you can independently. They try to lead you in with misinformation and trap you. Most items are not covered by insurance but their billing team claims that they are. Check with your insurance directly before you get a huge bill.

What specific things went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania?