How was your experience with Michael Hickey at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction?
Dr. Hickey is nice, soft spoken and likes to explain the science associated with conception in great detail. However, he rarely participates in appointments, instead leaving everything to the nursing staff. He is not at all aggressive in his treatment plans.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Hickey at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction?
If you are looking for a slow and steady approach, he is the doctor for you. If you are in a hurry to get things moving, I would look elsewhere.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Hickey at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction?
The staff is kind and very efficient. I’ve rarely had to wait for appointments. The nurses have positive attitudes and seem sympathetic to my lack of success. However, I rarely see the doctor himself which I find a bit frustrating.
Describe the protocols Michael Hickey used in your cycles at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction and their degree of success.
Lowest dose of clomid for 5 days, usually beginning on day three. Mid-cycle ultrasound to confirm lining thickness, follicle count and size, natural ovulation (no trigger shot), followed by IUI. A progesterone blood test was taken one week after insemination to confirm ovulation. This same treatment was done repeatedly with no variation. The rationale being that everything seemed to be in line for this protocol to be successful. Follicle count was 2-4 each cycle, lining was always good, progesterone was good all but one cycle. No pregnancies achieved.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction.
The nursing staff is pretty good. They are kind and extremely efficient. They basically manage all the testing appointments since the doctor is rarely available. They do their best to answer questions and try to be compassionate when cycles are unsuccessful. They are great about calling with blood test results.
Describe your experience with Hinsdale Center for Reproduction.
This is a small friendly clinic. They are extremely efficient and almost always on time with appointments. Being next door to the hospital means same day blood test results. The nursing staff runs the show here. Dr. Hickey rarely checks in unless you are having a procedure done (sometimes not even then. Occasionally the nurses will perform the IUI as well). Their protocols are perhaps not the latest and greatest. Dr. Hickey certainly seems to prefer a slow approach. They only do IVF 3 or 4 times a year because they use a traveling embryologist. It seems to be their default to say IVF is not covered by insurance. Definitely verify with your insurance company before starting treatment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Hickey at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction.
Ultrasounds and bloodwork was partially covered and Clomid was free with insurance. Refused to accept coverage for IUIs. These are $600 paid in advance the day of the procedure. I did not use them, but I know they sometimes have injectable medications donated from other patients that they can give out at no charge.
What specific things went wrong at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction?
- Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Hinsdale Center for Reproduction.
Because Dr. Hickey is rarely available, the nurses will sometimes give inaccurate information which they will later have to correct after consulting with him.