Rachel McConnell
Columbia University
Available Lines of Communication
Doctor email
Nurse email
Nurse email
Direct line to doctor
Direct line to nurse
Direct line to nurse
Not available by personal cell phone
Medical SchoolLouisiana St
ResidencyTulane
FellowshipUSC
New York
5 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
(646) 756-8282
West Harrison
244 Westchester Ave
West Harrison, NY 10604
(646) 756-8282
21 assessments
10
Age
39 - 40
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor, Tubal Blockage
10
Dr. McConnel has a warm and direct bedside manner. She is very knowledgeable and factual and will answer any and all questions, but she is also caring and conveys enough warmth and compassion as she shares options, test results or the like. She always calls me personally with information to share about my results, particularly when they are difficult like when the last PGS testing resulted in no viable embryos....As we progressed through 3 IUIs she suggested the option to move towards IVF but I didn’t feel pressured by her at all. She gave us all the information we needed to make the big decision and was willing to work with anything we wanted to do.
+ Read more
Age
39 - 40
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor, Tubal Blockage
10
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
When we first met Dr Mc Connell I was immediately at ease with her and felt in good hands because of her vast knowledge about her area of expertise. She answered all our questions and made sure to get every preliminary test done so that we could have all the information we needed to move forward. As we progressed through 3 IUIs she suggested the option to move towards IVF but I didn’t feel pressured by her at all. She gave us all the information we needed to make the big decision and was willing to work with anything we wanted to do. After two IVF cycles, I inquired about donor eggs as well and she gave me all the information about that process, even though we weren’t ready to take that step yet. Another thing I really appreciate about Dr McConnell is that she always goes out of her way to be the one to do my morning monitoring if she is in the office. It’s a big office and for monitoring I don’t always see her, but I appreciate that she looks out for me and is there when she can be. We have developed a nice relationship and we are able to joke and connect as people not just as doctor and patient. I trust her expertise completely and I feel very lucky that I found her on my first try with a doctor. I will say that I don’t particularly need a doctor who is gushingly warm so Dr McConnell is great for me. She is sensitive when needed but tends to be very matter-of-fact which I appreciate, but I mention here because some people really might want a more warm bedside manner.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I would advise any prospective patient of Dr McConnell to ask any questions they have because she is more than willing to answer and fertility treatments can be daunting and there is so much to learn.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnel has a warm and direct bedside manner. She is very knowledgeable and factual and will answer any and all questions, but she is also caring and conveys enough warmth and compassion as she shares options, test results or the like. She always calls me personally with information to share about my results, particularly when they are difficult like when the last PGS testing resulted in no viable embryos. She is not pushy and is willing to go along with the ideas I suggest as well as help me understand what other options are available. I have appreciated her warm candor a lot.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
The first three cycles I did a basic IUI protocol with Clomid and a trigger shot. Dr McConnell has diagnosed me with low ovarian reserve, a blocked Fallopian tube and some male factor infertility in my partner but she wanted to start with a least invasive procedure and work up. I appreciated this because it also eased me into the treatments and shots as the IVF cycles we did later were much more involved. When we did our first IVF I was on Gonal-F, Menopur and later Cetrotide to prevent premature ovulation al followed with a Gonadotropin trigger shot. We did subcutaneous injections for everything - except the trigger shot. This first retrieval yielded 3 eggs but none made it to blastocyst stage. The second retrieval cycle we did a similar protocol but she upped the Gonal-F dosage to 450 from 300 units. That time we got one embryo and did a transfer supported by Oral Estrogen and Progesterone shots. The transfer was unsuccessful. We went back in for a consultation and decided to adjust some things for the third round including doing all shots intramuscularly - which Dr McConnell said could possibly increase absorption rates. In addition to the Gonal-F and Menopur, the third time she added Lupron shots. This time we retrieved 5 eggs and 3 made it to blastocyst but after PGS testing unfortunately none were genetically normal so there weren’t any to transfer. If we had done a transfer however, Dr McConnell had gotten me going on a mock transfer cycle to test my uterine lining with an ERA procedure to give us more information about the quality of the lining so that we could adjust the dosage of Progesterone or estrogen as needed to get the lining ideal for implantation.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Katrina )
I was assigned Nurse Katrina as my care coordinator and she was great. She would always return my calls quickly and was very helpful with any questions I had during the process. All the nursing staff I encountered at this office was great.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
The Columbia Fertility office is awesome! They average length of my morning monitoring appointments was about 20mins which I really appreciated because I can have an appointment at 7 and still get to work by 8. They assigned me a person for financial questions, a nurse care coordinator, and someone to help with pharmacy issues. There was always someone I could ask to get any question answered. They are always friendly and I am on first name basis with a few of the receptionists and phlebotomists. I feel very comfortable there and welcome and really at home there. Even though they have so many patients they really try to make you feel welcome.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
This is all very relative to the patient’s insurance but for me I usually had a $25 copay for the morning monitoring. The IUI costs were largely covered by my insurance per NYS law. I had a few balances I had to pay but it wasn’t much. I also had three rounds of IVF covered through my husband’s insurance, so there were costs associated with that, but again not all out of pocket. The PGS testing was a separate $3000 to a company each time and we had some other costs associated with freezing some of my husband’s sperm due to his travel in zika areas.
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
Dr. McConnell had a strong preference for transferring only a single embryo with my situation. I think it makes the most sense because I have only gotten one viable embryo after three transfers. She also doesn’t think that there is enough evidence that multiple embryo transfer increases chances. For me it wasn’t a big deal because I didn’t get many embryos anyway, but I can see this being an issue for others.
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9
Age
42 - 43
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IVF, Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
Uterine Fibroids, Other
9
She [Dr. McConnell] is very warm and smart. You gain a sense of co fidence and reassurance when speaking with her. I appreciated that she took her time to explain concepts and reviewed our concerns with us one by one. ... I am still in process but given our later age dual miscarriages and the fact that we are able to get pregnant IVF with genetic testing. (PGS) was recommended.
+ Read more
Age
42 - 43
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Black or African-American
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IVF, Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
Uterine Fibroids, Other
9
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She is very warm and smart. You gain a sense of co fidence and reassurance when speaking with her. I appreciated that she took her time to explain concepts and reviewed our concerns with us one by one.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Bring your questions with you that you could sister ahead of time and while there. She is readily available when in front of you and welcomes your questions. After she leaves the room you work with staff so it can be some phone tag getting back to her. So ask away when you have face to face time!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Human I felt mostly. It is a busy practice so one should be prepared with questions and ask while she’s there. Her spirit is warm and she took her time. Her staff always tried to help me but sometimes info was lost in the process of transfer. The postal does not post results yet so you may play phone tag I. Getting someone on the phone to review. However everyone was warm
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
I am still in process but given our later age dual miscarriages and the fact that we are able to get pregnant IVF with genetic testing. (PGS) was recommended. Hatching service will be done as well. We also did the genetic testing prior to starting IVF cycle
We learned that my husband has one gene for a disorder that could be passed to embryo however because I did not carry this we are not at risk. She was frank about the fact that he did not require testing if we wanted to save money but that it might delay our schedule 3-6 weeks. With this knowledge we were able to move ahead. She was frank that she did not know the cost of this test if paying or of pocket. We ended up with a whopping bill bit we should have followed up with the financial folks PRIOR to leaving office to learn details and if we wanted to proceed.
We will freeze embryos that are not implanted for future use. She was nonjudgmental about our decisions on what to do with embryo we do or do not use which is key since it’s a very sensitive matter.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Katrina and angela)
They are very willing to speak to us especially by email which I appreciated. When trying to reach by phone that is very difficult of you miss the call and have to call them back. Lots on phone tag. But I am fingind email best. I wish that I had access to results and more explanation on interpretation. However the portal does not provide this so that you have to request results more easily when in the office itself. Once they write the instructions down it became more easily understood otherwise I found the info jumbled. So I appreciated written and a call. I was emailed but missed the time sensitive email. This I almost missed a months schedule from this miscommunication so I would have appreciated receiving a call to inform me that en email was sent of they hadn’t heard back in 48-72 hours. This is especially for time sensitive matters.
In general they are a warm and excited staff and that makes a big difference
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
I wish they would expand the capacity of the portal so that we play less phone tag and increase clear and direct communication.
Warm staff and a hopeful one which is especially needed during stressful times. I like the ancillary service connections they make too (acupuncture)
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
Still ongoing. I dont have that much insurance coverage. So I believe it will be about $24,000. I had considered a more affordable center but the wait times were significant and the level of o ersight was diminished
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
We appreciated the fact that she reviewed the research about the services provided and allowed us to understand the science behind the number of embryos to be transferred at my age and risk factors
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to convey critical information
– Read less
10
Age
35
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained
10
Dr. McConnell is brilliant and also kind and comforting throughout what can be a very anxiety-producing process. She is patient with me and answers all of my questions, and I never feel rushed...She is knowledgeable and compassionate. I highly recommend her...I mainly see her in the Westchester office, but I have been to the new Manhattan location as well and it's amazing!!
+ Read more
Age
35
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained
10
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She is knowledgeable and compassionate. I highly recommend her. I mainly see her in the Westchester office, but I have been to the new Manhattan location as well and it's amazing!! I had an appointment with Dr. Forman once when Dr. McConnell was out of the office and he seemed great as well. The process of scheduling appointments is seamless, and I adore all of the nurses, secretaries, and phlebotomists I have interacted with.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Be proactive. Ask any questions you have.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I am so glad that I chose to use Columbia when my husband and I struggled to conceive. Dr. McConnell is brilliant and also kind and comforting throughout what can be a very anxiety-producing process. She is patient with me and answers all of my questions, and I never feel rushed.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Katrina)
They are very kind and thorough and answer all of my millions of questions;
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
I am so glad that I chose to use Columbia when my husband and I struggled to conceive. Dr. McConnell is brilliant and also kind and comforting throughout what can be a very anxiety-producing process. She is patient with me and answers all of my questions, and I never feel rushed. I mainly see her in the Westchester office, but I have been to the new Manhattan location as well and it's amazing!! I had an appointment with Dr. Forman once when Dr. McConnell was out of the office and he seemed great as well. The process of scheduling appointments is seamless, and I adore all of the nurses, secretaries, and phlebotomists I have interacted with.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
My insurance covered everything, but the patient financial coordinator is wonderful and helps with every step of the financial aspect of treatment. She responds to emails immediately.
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10
Age
40 - 41
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
4 IUI, 2 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
all of my morning monitoring was done by Dr. McConnell. She was always upbeat and personable and I never felt rushed, like I did woh other Drs in the practice.... For the first cycle I did a fresh embryo transfer using 2 5-day blastocysts. When this cycle was unsuccessful, Dr McConnell had a follow up appointment with my partner and I to recommend PGS testing for the next cycle. We had 4 embryos tested and 2 were deemed chromosomally normal. I transferred one which resulted in my current pregnancy, and the other is still frozen for a future transfer.
+ Read more
Age
40 - 41
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, 2 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
CWRC is a large clinic and serves tons of patients at their Manhattan location. Dr McConnell works part of the week there, and spends the other days running the Scarsdale location.If it is at all possible for you to get to the Scarsdale location, I highly recommend it. I went out of my way to come to this location because the one in Manhattan is such a zoo. You will still have to go to the Manhattan location for procedures like IUI, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. For those procedures you never know which Dr you’re going to get. But all of my morning monitoring was done by Dr. McConnell. She was always upbeat and personable and I never felt rushed, like I did woh other Drs in the practice.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Come with a list of questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I began seeing Dr McConnell after a negative experience with another Dr in the practice. I had just undergone 4 unsuccessful IUIs and it was time to move on to IVF. During our IVF consultation Dr McConnell was very informative as well as warm and took her time answering all of our questions.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
I did 2 IVF cycles with Dr McConnell. Both times I used injectables (Gonal F and Cetrotide) to prepare for the egg retrieval. For the first cycle I did a fresh embryo transfer using 2 5-day blastocysts. When this cycle was unsuccessful, Dr McConnell had a follow up appointment with my partner and I to recommend PGS testing for the next cycle. We had 4 embryos tested and 2 were deemed chromosomally normal. I transferred one which resulted in my current pregnancy, and the other is still frozen for a future transfer.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Chrissy)
Chrissy and Angela are both wonderful nurses. They are both extremely knowledgeable and personable.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
CWRC definitely had a factory feel because they treat such a high volume of patients, but it’s my understanding that all NYC clinics are like this. I had over 30 appointments at the Manhattan location. This location was very hit or miss in terms of the service received. Sometimes I only waited for 10 minutes for an appointment, and the staff was pleasant, other times there were long waits and the staff was curt and rushed. My worst experience was when I waited for 3 hours for my first embryo transfer, which was really difficult. This whole process is so emotionally fraught and my anxiety built with each hour that passed. But the worst part was how it was dealt with - my partner kept checking in with the receptionist, and he continued to assure her that we would be seen in “5 minutes,” which clearly wasn’t happening. When it became clear that she was getting upset he had the Dr on call come out and talk to us. When we complained that we’d been waiting for 3 hours, she replied “yeah, well I’ve been working for more than 3 hours.” It was just an obnoxious comment that was totally unnecessary. After that experience is when we switched to Dr McConell. The staff at her Scarsdale office are all wonderful, pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Columbia University.
Monitoring is done between 7 and 9, and at the Manhattan location there was often a wait. The Scarsdale location had Mich less wait time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
I spent about 20k total out of pocket, because my 4 IUI treatments were not covered at all under insurance. My IVF treatments were mostly covered. However, I needed to have a certain number of failed IUIs before the insurance deemed IVF necessary.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Provided conflicting information
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0
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Anovulation, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, PCOS, Other, Unexplained
0
I had a horrible experience with Dr. McConnell. She regularly failed to explain procedures or recommendations... I went through with a surgery that Dr. McConnell recommended for me, and unfortunately she failed to mention that it could have a significant negative impact on my ovarian reserve. She also did not help get me an appointment with a surgeon...After each failed cycle, Dr. McConnell just recommended the same protocol without additional testing. I'm not sure if it's Dr. McConnell's preference or the clinic's, but she doesn't individualize or alter a protocol even when it fails or the patient has an adverse reaction.
+ Read more
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Anovulation, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, PCOS, Other, Unexplained
0
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I had a horrible experience with Dr. McConnell. She regularly failed to explain procedures or recommendations and lied to me. Dr. McConnell said that one couldn't stop birth control pills mid-pack--apparently, it was easier to lie than share her reason for wanting me to continue the medication. She also made an error during an exam and said my uterus was retroverted; it's not and she had done ultrasounds on me previously. Most significantly, I went through with a surgery that Dr. McConnell recommended for me, and unfortunately she failed to mention that it could have a significant negative impact on my ovarian reserve. She also did not help get me an appointment with a surgeon.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Go elsewhere if possible. Otherwise, advocate heavily for yourself: push for answers, follow up repeatedly, and make sure you stay on top of every detail of your care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
After each failed cycle, Dr. McConnell just recommended the same protocol without additional testing. I'm not sure if it's Dr. McConnell's preference or the clinic's, but she doesn't individualize or alter a protocol even when it fails or the patient has an adverse reaction. The oral estrace that they use for FET cycles made me very sick, but she refused to let me do another FET protocol or consider one of the many alternatives forms of estrogen.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
unsuccessful medicated FETs with the same standard protocol each time (estrace, antagonist, progesterone suppositories, low dose medrol before transfer)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The only slight positive was that the support staff including the nurses were very kind. That said, I was frequently given misinformation and strange instructions by the nurses, who seemed overwhelmed and unorganized. One told me to avoid yoga/light exercise even before my frozen transfer because it would bounce my uterus!
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
The experience was a nightmare, and my treatment was unsuccessful. The set protocols made everything easier for the clinic/doctors but weren't successful for me and often left me with negative side effects for several extra days before my procedures. I could barely get a callback, and the clinical staff don't use email. Even though the clinic claimed to have a lot of experience with same-sex couples, they often had to make up the process along the way. Because they didn't have updated consent forms for same-sex couples, we had to solicit external legal council and advocate for changes to the forms in order to protect of our parental rights. The lead social worker was also highly unprofessional and shared obvious details about the identity of famous patients.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
They tried to have us pay out of pocket rather than use our insurance benefits. Luckily, insurance covered treatment. However, they routinely tried to bill me for covered procedures or at higher prices than I was told in advance. Sorting it out was almost impossible.
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
We went into the process knowing that we wanted eSET, so there wasn't much if any discussion about it with Dr. McConnell.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Lost appointments
- Failed to call with results
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
- Failed to consider drug intolerance
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0
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
4 IVF, Egg Freezing, Embryo Freezing, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
0
She [Dr. McConnell] did not ask about my goals or manage my expectations...Even after the first failed embryo transfer did not take, she did not discuss any possible changes to our protocol...Communication skills are poor. Next steps were spoken about in broad strokes. She dictated the next steps without asking for my input and paid little attention when we provided input/shared concerns. It always took a very long time for her to get back to us (by phone) - we resorted to carrying the phones with us into bathrooms etc. so as not to miss her calls.
+ Read more
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
East Asian, South Asian
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Consultant
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IVF, Egg Freezing, Embryo Freezing, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
0
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Communication skills are poor. Next steps were spoken about in broad strokes. She dictated the next steps without asking for my input and paid little attention when we provided input/shared concerns. It always took a very long time for her to get back to us (by phone) - we resorted to carrying the phones with us into bathrooms etc. so as not to miss her calls. There are far better and faster ways to communicate today e.g. email
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Do not expect any compassion or customized treatment. This is not a doctor I would recommend unless you know (and who does?) you only need to go through this once to be successful and you have no need for customized treatment/protocol.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She did not ask about my goals or manage my expectations. I was told we would get pregnant quickly and without any issue. Even after the first failed embryo transfer did not take, she did not discuss any possible changes to our protocol. I distinctively remember that in our follow up appointment to discuss our failed transfer, she sat back cross her fingers and asked "what can i do for you?" That question struck me as uncaring and cold. All she suggested was to follow the same protocol and transfer the next embryo. We did as we were told for the next 2 embryos (makes 3 total transfers) using the same protocol and received the same negative results each transfer.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
Results of my STIM cycles were very poor - I had very few follicles to work with. I requested adjustments to my treatment protocol to improve my chances e.g. estrogen priming but was told a flat no because I don't ovulate regularly and wouldn't fit into one of their standard protocols (I actually went on to have success with priming at another clinic). On another occasion, I was stimmed with a dominant follicle which ultimately resulted in a cancelled cycle. In summary, I was encouraged to keep repeating the same standard protocol even though the monitoring sessions revealed low follicle count and in some cases a clear dominant follicle.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
I can remember only 2 individuals who were our lifelines during our treatment there. 1) Michael worked the front desk and was always friendly, kind and efficient. 2) Erica was a blood tech there and is now at Sher NY. She was always friendly and efficient - uplifting and important qualities to help patients navigate this stressful time.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
Not suitable for someone who needs treatment that extends beyond their standard protocol e.g. estrogen priming in my case
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Columbia University.
Monitoring started at 7 am. I had to get there by 630AM to be the first few patients in line. I have literally run to the front door of the building to rush to be the first few in line. Consequence of not being the first 1 to 3 is waiting untill 745 am to be seen by the doctor. After seeing the doctor for monitoring, it could take another 20 mins to meet with the nurse. That means spending 1.5 hours for a 3 minute monitoring appointment is my best case scenario.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Failed to call with results
- Provided conflicting information
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0
Age
33
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
5 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
0
I saw Dr. McConnell during my consultation. She seemed friendly and was very positive about us succeeding...Unfortunately, we never saw Dr. McConnell again - EVER. We did 3 IUIs at the clinic and never once saw OUR doctor after the consultation. This is shocking to me as I had A LOT of visits over the course of 3 IUIs...she was not proactive. After having 2 failed IUIs with no drugs, I had to call the clinic myself and ask whether I could start taking clomid. I never heard back from her after my failed IUIs or after my request to start taking clomid.
+ Read more
Age
33
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
5 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
0
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnell seemed like a warm person and she was positive about the treatment she was prescribing for me. However, she was not proactive. After having 2 failed IUIs with no drugs, I had to call the clinic myself and ask whether I could start taking clomid. I never heard back from her after my failed IUIs or after my request to start taking clomid. The nurse called me back and said OK. How is that acceptable behavior for a doctor? After 3 IUIs failed, I simply never called the clinic again and Dr. McConnell never reached out to me. I can't adequately review her personally as a doctor as I only saw her once during my consultation.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Don't expect to have easy access to this doctor or even her nurses.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I saw Dr. McConnell during my consultation. She seemed friendly and was very positive about us succeeding. She indicated that the tests that my GYN ran were thorough and that our only issue was morphology (male factor). She believed we could easily get pregnant using IUI with no drugs. We were obviously excited to hear this and immediately signed up. Unfortunately, we never saw Dr. McConnell again - EVER. We did 3 IUIs at the clinic and never once saw OUR doctor after the consultation. This is shocking to me as I had A LOT of visits over the course of 3 IUIs. I felt like a number and not a human.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
My husband had low morphology (1%). That was our only known issue. Dr. McConnell did not believe morphology would impact our success and she strongly suggested we try natural IUI (no drugs at all). We did 2 failed natural IUI cycles before I grew frustrated and called the nurse asking to be allowed to do an IUI w/ clomid cycle. The nurse said OK. I never heard back from Dr. McConnell so I don't even know what her rationale was for saying OK.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nurse telephone line goes directly to voicemail. That is fine. The problem is, their voicemail numbers don't match the correct nurses with their corresponding doctors. I mentioned this several times and was met with deaf ears. Also, I would receive a call back only 80% of the time from the nurse. In one instance, I called 5 times over the course of 3 days pleading with them to call me back as my prescription hadn't been called in correctly. I never received any reply. I'm still waiting for that call back (haha!)
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
I have no issues with a clinic that is a cattle call. I understand that a cattle call isn't always a bad thing - it can show that the clinic is organized and efficient in how they see patients. This is not the case with Columbia. The waiting room is extremely uncomfortable and outdated. The chairs are lined up to face a television set that blasts HGTV very loudly every single day. I visited the clinic at all hours of the day and this was also the case. The exam rooms are extremely outdated and felt dirty to me. The walls were covered in marks and desperately needed fresh paint. The sterilizing machines would be left on and beeping non-stop for 10+ minutes at a time until someone would finally come in and turn it off. They do not have many lab techs to take blood work. I would estimate 3 techs at a time. The doctor's do not review your chart or paper before entering your exam room. I had several ask me why I was there today and one incorrectly said, "you're here for X today, right" - which was 100% incorrect.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
My insurance company paid for IUIs and visits associated with it as part of my coverage. I needed pre-authorization before each IUI.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Failed to order appropriate test
- Provided conflicting information
– Read less
Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
0
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Other, Unexplained
0
After each failed cycle, Dr. McConnell just recommended the same protocol without additional testing. I'm not sure if it's Dr. McConnell's preference or the clinic's, but she doesn't individualize or alter a protocol even when it fails or the patient has an adverse reaction...I had a horrible experience with Dr. McConnell. She regularly failed to explain procedures or recommendations and lied to me. Dr. McConnell said that one couldn't stop birth control pills mid-pack--apparently, it was easier to lie than share her reason for wanting me to continue the medication. She also made an error during an exam and said my uterus was retroverted; it's not and she had done ultrasounds on me previously.
+ Read more
Age
32 - 33
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Other, Unexplained
0
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I had a horrible experience with Dr. McConnell. She regularly failed to explain procedures or recommendations and lied to me. Dr. McConnell said that one couldn't stop birth control pills mid-pack--apparently, it was easier to lie than share her reason for wanting me to continue the medication. She also made an error during an exam and said my uterus was retroverted; it's not and she had done ultrasounds on me previously. Most significantly, I went through with a surgery that Dr. McConnell recommended for me, and unfortunately she failed to mention that it could have a significant negative impact on my ovarian reserve. She also did not help get me an appointment with a surgeon.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Go elsewhere if possible. Otherwise, advocate heavily for yourself: push for answers, follow up repeatedly, and make sure you stay on top of every detail of your care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
After each failed cycle, Dr. McConnell just recommended the same protocol without additional testing. I'm not sure if it's Dr. McConnell's preference or the clinic's, but she doesn't individualize or alter a protocol even when it fails or the patient has an adverse reaction. The oral estrace that they use for FET cycles made me very sick, but she refused to let me do another FET protocol or consider one of the many alternatives forms of estrogen.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
failed medicated FETs with the same standard protocol each cycle (estrace, antagonist, progesterone suppositories, low dose medrol before transfer)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The support staff including the nurses were really nice but overworked and unorganized. I was frequently given misinformation and strange instructions by the nurses. One told me to avoid yoga/light exercise even before my frozen transfer because it would bounce my uterus!
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
It was a nightmare, and my treatment was unsuccessful. The set protocols made everything easier for the clinic/doctors but weren't successful for me and often left me with negative side effects for several extra days before my procedures. I could barely get a callback, and the clinical staff don't use email. Even though the clinic claimed to have a lot of experience with same-sex couples, they often had to made up the process along the way. Because they didn't have updated consent forms for same-sex couples, we had to pay for a lawyer and advocate for changes to the forms in order to protect of our parental rights. The lead social worker was also highly unprofessional and shared obvious details about the identity of famous patients.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
They tried to have us pay out of pocket rather than use our insurance benefits. Luckily, insurance covered treatment. However, they routinely tried to bill me for covered procedures or at higher prices than I was told in advance. Sorting it out was almost impossible.
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
We went into the process knowing that we only wanted eSET, so there wasn't really a conversation.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Lost appointments
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to order appropriate test
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
- Failed to consider drug intolerance
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5
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2014 - 2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
5
I really only saw her [Dr Rachel McConnell] twice I think. The first visit was the initial intake. As previously mentioned, she seemed to briefly scan my paperwork and misinterpreted a letter. I had to keep correcting her. She was nice and all but she also didn't really care to diagnose me properly since "whatever it is, we'll be treating it the same way".
+ Read more
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2014 - 2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Business Executive
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
5
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I really only saw her twice I think. The first visit was the initial intake. As previously mentioned, she seemed to briefly scan my paperwork and misinterpreted a letter. I had to keep correcting her. She was nice and all but she also didn't really care to diagnose me properly since "whatever it is, we'll be treating it the same way".
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Assert yourself. If it seems like she's missing info don't be afraid to speak up. She won't get annoyed.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She spoke to me pleasantly for sure, not condescendingly. However, I felt like she wasn't really paying attention to my own personal history. For example, she said something several times about my endometriosis and... I don't have that! At all! I had to keep correcting her because she had read some letter wrong. I could have been mistreated because of that.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
I was lucky. I only had to go through one cycle of IUI. She said I had unexplained infertility and there was no particular reason I wasn't getting pregnant. She said because of that it would just be best to stimulate more egg production with clomid. I started clomid on cycle day 3, I went in for daily ultrasounds to check on the egg development. I had 2 good ones developing. At mid cycle I was told to check an ovulation stick daily and once I saw the surge to come in the next morning for my IUI. If it didn't happen by Thursday, I was to use an injection to stimulate ovulation. Luckily, the surge hit Wednesday night and I did not need to inject. (I really hated that because they don't work on weekends, I would have had to buy an expensive drug and inject it). I went in with my husband for my IUI, after they told me to lay down for 5 minutes. I had read that laying down for 15 minutes produced better results... so I stuck around for 15 anyway.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
They were all kind. They seemed knowledgeable and understanding.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
1. You will never see the same doctor twice. Make sure your comfortable with that.
2. You will be told the worst case scenario. It might make you panic. However, I'm glad I was prepared for the worst.
3. The front desk people are the most helpful people around. They know everything and they are really willing to work with your schedule to get you in.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
I had a 1k deductible for my insurance. I already met that for 2014 before I even showed up at the center. Everything was covered in full by my insurance. My actual IUI cycle in 2015 cost around $450- I only know since it was January and it the first thing to hit my deductible. The sperm was handled separately and I think it was around $100.
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1
Age
37
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
1
I did not become pregnant and Dr. McConnell was prepared to do the same treatment all over again.
+ Read more
Age
37
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Ashkenazi Jewish
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
1
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I was not happy overall with Dr. McConell or Columbia U.
There were several steps we had to go through in order to do IVF, and we were not told about all of the steps up front and so it took longer to begin IVF treatment which was stressful. There was a long wait in order to enroll in the IVF class. It turned out my estrogen priming would begin around the time of the start date of my IVF class and when I asked Dr. McConnell for instructions she refused to give them to me and suggested that I wait another month to start.
While Dr. McConnell was sometimes in a good mood I also found her to be moody and sometimes curt to me when I asked questions at consultation appointments.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
While Dr. McConnell was sometimes in a good mood I also found her to be moody and sometimes curt to me when I asked questions at consultation appointments.
After my first round of IVF i had 6 mature eggs and only 2 fertilized and they transferred one day 6 embryo. I did not become pregnant and Dr. McConnell was prepared to do the same treatment all over again. Instead, she should've suggested ICSI and a day 3 transfer (which Columbia apparently does not do).
Overall, I did not feel that Dr. McConnell gave my treatment a lot of personal attention.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
estrogen priming & aggressive protocol (450 gonal f with 150 menopur) - it did work for me in that i was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve and i had 6 mature eggs. however, it did not result in a pregnancy.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
I was not happy with their responsiveness. If i had a question about my treatment it would take 2-3 days to get a call back, and sometimes I never got a call back.
They also did not communicate clear instructions with IUI and it was very stressful.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Columbia University.
there was usually a long wait; the wait was shorter in the westchester office
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5
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2012 - 2013
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
5
I appreciated that her first reaction was not to send us right into IVF. If she had said "I think you need IVF" we would have listened to her, but she felt we should try IUI first and it was the right course of treatment for us. After my miscarriages, she made sure I got all of the appropriate testing to make sure everything was okay.
+ Read more
Age
34 - 35
Treated
2012 - 2013
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Lawyer
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
4 IUI
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
5
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She is a nice woman and a smart doctor. I appreciated that her first reaction was not to send us right into IVF. If she had said "I think you need IVF" we would have listened to her, but she felt we should try IUI first and it was the right course of treatment for us. After my miscarriages, she made sure I got all of the appropriate testing to make sure everything was okay. That being said, she's not the warmest person in the world, so if you need a doctor who will hug you, she's not it. She does listen. She does answer questions. I never felt talked down to.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
The same advice I would give to anyone who needs infertility treatment: educate yourself and advocate for yourself. Dr. McConnell is smart, I did a lot of research and I never asked her a question where I wasn't satisfied with her answer. She is nice and I did feel like she cared about getting me pregnant, but she's not a super enthusiastic or warm person, so if you need someone like that, I would try a different doctor. In the end, we trusted her guidance on our treatment, and I'm glad we did.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I think she was down the middle on this. She's a nice woman, she explains things well, she is never abrupt or rude. But she obviously sees a lot of patients and I doubt she'd know my name if she didn't look down at the chart. She's very calm and I think that can come across as disinterested. I did feel like she listened to me and I feel like she always answered my questions well.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
I had four cycles of IUI. She originally recommended that we only do 3 before IVF. I took 100mg of Clomid for days 2-6, with regular monitoring and then insemination after either a positive OPK or ovidrel shot. The first cycle was a biochemical pregnancy. Second cycle was negative. Third cycle resulted in a pregnancy that was ultimately not viable (no fetal heartbeat), followed by a D&C (performed by a different doctor). Fourth cycle resulted in my son. We met with her after the miscarriage and she recommended that we continue with IUI because they were clearly working in getting me pregnant, we just needed a viable pregnancy. She also ordered recurrent pregnancy loss blood tests at that time, all came back normal.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
It really depended on the nurse! Some were very kind and caring, some were quiet and a little cold. They were all competant.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
My insurance covered all of my testing and IUIs and D&C, minus co-pays. That's one of the benefits of CWRC - they took a lot of insurance.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call with results
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9
Age
35 - 36
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
12 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
9
She [Dr. Rachel McConnell] is incredible and will listen to you...Multiple medicated IUI, first with different doses of clomid and ovidril, then an adjustment to letrozolye after side affects. Treatment for uterine polyps and a DNC...has great bedside manner. Her demeanor puts you at ease. She is patient and listens to your concerns and questions and takes the time to treat you and address your particular situation...she repeatedly took the time to explain and always followed up with the outcome was not as anticipated. Her ability to humanize with her patients is something I really appreciated.
+ Read more
Age
35 - 36
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Operations
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
12 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
9
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
As a patient I really appreciated Dr. McConnell and her approach to my care, she repeatedly took the time to explain and always followed up with the outcome was not as anticipated. Her ability to humanize with her patients is something I really appreciated.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Be your own advocate, and educate yourself. She is incredible and will listen to you. The Scarsdale Office staff amazing , but it’s clear there is lack of communication with the Manhattan office, that can be frustrating.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnell has great bedside manner. Her demeanor puts you at ease. She is patient and listens to your concerns and questions and takes the time to treat you and address your particular situation.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
Multiple medicated IUI, first with different doses of clomid and ovidril, then an adjustment to letrozolye after side affects. Treatment for uterine polyps and a DNC.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Katrina)
Overall you have to be your own advocate and stay on top of your care coordinator, the financial person and your nurse for results. The lack of clear communication can at times be frustrating.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
Scarsdale vs Manhattan office is different. I appreciate the Scarsdale office and wish they offered ALL of the same services.
The follow up post blood work is lacking as well as the financial approvals with insurance.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
The costs were significant and the billing cycles were often delayed.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call with results
- Provided conflicting information
– Read less
Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
3
Age
41
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
3
The doctor [Dr. McConnell] seemed fine, but I didn't see her much during the fertility testing phase. She wasn't really that involved in my care, but I thought she was clear and confident in my conversations with her...She was mainly doing fertility testing. I changed doctors before the IUI cycle...
+ Read more
Age
41
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Graphic Designer
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
3
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
The doctor seemed fine, but I didn't see her much during the fertility testing phase. She wasn't really that involved in my care, but I thought she was clear and confident in my conversations with her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
You have to hound the clinic to get any information or responses to questions. Ask all questions when you're there.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
The office was a nightmare to deal with. They didn't answer questions, I had to call over and over again to get basic questions answered, they wouldn't send my records without being hounded. I saw people show up at the office just to ask questions because they couldn't get responses.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
She was mainly doing fertility testing. I changed doctors before the IUI cycle.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Disorganized. They didn't respond to frantic emails and calls for information I needed to order sperm. The nurse assigned to me simply never responded. I had to hound other nurses to get the information I needed. I didn't even know fully what all tests I had to do until I cornered someone.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
It's like you're just a number. They're churning people through. If you need your records you need to call and talk to a receptionist and then beg them to help you get in touch with the person who's responsible. It feels very frustrating to use this clinic. I saw several frustrated patients.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
It was very vague and I had to hound them to understand the costs. In the end, everything was covered.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Lost paperwork
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
- Lost results
- Failed to convey critical information
– Read less
9
Age
37 - 38
Treated
2013 - 2014
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality
9
in hindsight I wished that we had some things a little differently. I felt that she [Dr. Rachel McConnell] was willing to listen to me but just wanted to do the same dose over and over again...After my second ivf that failed, it took a long time to receive a phone call from my doctor. This was highly upsetting to me and I felt like I was not a priority...Very warm demeanor. Very knowledgeable as well.
+ Read more
Age
37 - 38
Treated
2013 - 2014
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality
9
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnell has a great vibe. Calm and collected, she always took her time with us and answered all questions without rushing us. She has a great sense of humor as well.
I was very happy with my treatment as we got our son from our first ivf. However, we ran into sole trouble for the second round, and in hindsight I wished that we had some things a little differently. I felt that she was willing to listen to me but just wanted to do the same dose over and over again.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Maybe push her to give you more options then what’s originally presented.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Very warm demeanor. Very knowledgeable as well.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
Antagonist ivf protocol with 5 day blast FET with PGS testing.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Katrina)
The nurses were all wonderful except for one that was very rude (and very pregnant, which was salt in the wound). The majority are lovely though.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
It is a factory so be prepared to be treated like a number. However, you get a lot of different eyes on your case, which I think is very positive. I also picked every doctor’s brain that I saw. Since you see so many different doctors, I could get a lot of good information.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Columbia University.
There were a lot of people every time. They were not flexible with my work schedule and I could only come at specified hours in the morning. This was not convenient for my job as a teacher and I had to take off a lot of time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
It was covered by insurance except for icsi and PGS testing. And co-pays for monitoring.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call with results
– Read less
9
Age
43 - 44
Treated
2013 - 2014
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Other
9
Re [Rachel] McConnell didn't give me false hope but she made judgements based on the specifics she saw with my treatment rather than simply based on my age. I was able to get a good number of eggs which increased my chances of a pregnancy. She was not frustrated by the fact that I got a second and third opinion and she was open to my suggestions. For example, she did a 5 day transfer with my first IVF and I didn't get pregnant. She was open to trying a 3 day transfer with my second IVF (resulting in may son.)
+ Read more
Age
43 - 44
Treated
2013 - 2014
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
—
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
2 IUI, 2 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Other
9
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I was 43 when my son was born so clearly on the high end as far as age. Re McConnell didn't give me false hope but she made judgements based on the specifics she saw with my treatment rather than simply based on my age. I was able to get a good number of eggs which increased my chances of a pregnancy. She was not frustrated by the fact that I got a second and third opinion and she was open to my suggestions. For example, she did a 5 day transfer with my first IVF and I didn't get pregnant. She was open to trying a 3 day transfer with my second IVF (resulting in may son.)
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
The same advice I'd give anyone undergoing fertility treatments. Be informed. Ask as many questions as you can.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Pamela was one nurse who went above and beyond for us in every way. We are so grateful. The clinic is busy and big and she made us feel cared for.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
It's huge and busy. I liked some of the doctors more than others and you even up seeing most/all of them. One of the doctors made a very scary suggestion without having all of my information--luckily I was informed.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
Thankfully treatment was covered by my insurance which was why I was at this clinic
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
We transferred all embryos that looked good--more than typical--because of my age. We transferred five 3-day which resulted in my son.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Provided conflicting information
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5
Age
44
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Uterine Fibroids
5
She is straight to the point and give you the facts. There is no doubt that she knows her job and is excellent at it. I would have just to show some compassion. This is a very hard process and jus wanted to feel more at ease.... The Doctor was straight to the point and stated the facts....I just would have liked them to follow up more and offer options if IVF isn’t affordable....Dr. McConnell is knowledgeable so do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.
+ Read more
Age
44
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Latino, Black or African-American
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Uterine Fibroids
5
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She is straight to the point and give you the facts. There is no doubt that she knows her job and is excellent at it. I would have just to show some compassion. This is a very hard process and jus wanted to feel more at ease.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnell is knowledgeable so do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
The clinic was extremely warm and friendly. The Doctor was straight to the point and stated the facts.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
Many important invasive testing.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Angela I think )
I just would have liked them to follow up more and offer options if IVF isn’t affordable.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
Just options if your insurance dors not pay for IVF. People that desperately want children do not like to hear their insurance will not pay and would love other options.
More Follow up would have been great. When I stop coming a phone call to find out how I am doing would have been great.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
Do not recall.
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
No
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call with results
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10
Age
—
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
10 IUI, 5 IVF, 5 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
—
10
Dr. McConnell treated us with the professional care we sought after having failed pregnancies at two different clinics over the course of five years. We knew we were in good hands from the beginning. After going through our history and conducting workups, she told us matter-of-factly that she could help us achieve our goal.... Dr. McConnell followed our desires regarding transfers. Both times we transferred two embryos. The first ones did not take. The second time, a frozen transfer, produced a pregnancy that gave us our son.
+ Read more
Age
—
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European, Latino, Black or African-American
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
5th of 5 Docs
Treatment
10 IUI, 5 IVF, 5 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
—
10
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnell treated us with the professional care we sought after having failed pregnancies at two different clinics over the course of five years. We knew we were in good hands from the beginning. After going through our history and conducting workups, she told us matter-of-factly that she could help us achieve our goal. And she did.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Trust her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr. McConnell took the time to know us and explained everything she was able to do. Most importantly, she listened to our concerns.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Columbia University. (Assigned nurse: Angela)
Angela was amazing- knowledgeable, kind, considerate, and informative.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
The best run clinic we attended. We never waited more than 15 minutes for any visit. The organization was impeccable. If we were there only for blood, we were in and out. If we had to see the doctor, the whole visit may have taken 45 minutes to an hour.
Describe Rachel McConnell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Columbia University.
Dr. McConnell followed our desires regarding transfers. Both times we transferred two embryos. The first ones did not take. The second time, a frozen transfer, produced a pregnancy that gave us our son.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Provided conflicting information
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0
Age
35
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
4 IUI, IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
0
The doctor [Dr. McConnell] was nice but didn't get much contact with her. I had the chance to meet her for the initial but that was all the only other time I saw her was passing in the hall and of course she didn't recognize me...Perhaps things would be different at a different facility but if you don't mind not having much direct contact with your doctor, go for it. If you do, go somewhere else. My friend had a great experience here but it was not a good fit for me...
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Age
35
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Black or African-American
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
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0
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
The doctor was nice but didn't get much contact with her. I had the chance to meet her for the initial but that was all the only other time I saw her was passing in the hall and of course she didn't recognize me .
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Perhaps things would be different at a different facility but if you don't mind not having much direct contact with your doctor, go for it. If you do, go somewhere else. My friend had a great experience here but it was not a good fit for me.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Rachel was very kind and warm.
Describe the protocols Rachel McConnell used in your cycles at Columbia University and their degree of success.
4 IUI's the last 2 included Clomid
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
It was a flurry of different faces but there was one I saw a few times and she was very kind, sadly I can't recall her name.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
It's a large clinic with access to a lot of resources but don't expect to much attention and support.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
They completely dropped the ball in this area and miscommunicated and overcharged me. I still have not been able to effectively communicate with them to correct this. They were rude and gave me the run around.
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5
Age
35
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality, Other, Unexplained
5
[Under Dr. Rachel McConnell's care] I had 6 fresh rounds and after the 1st round didn't stick (1 5day embryo at transfer) We decided to batch as many embryos as possible. Every round was very similar 4-8 eggs retreived with one embryo making it to a 5 day blast. One time no eggs made it. so we had 4 embryos that all all came back with genetic problems through PGS. I felt that nothing was changed in my IVF cycles and they just tried the same thing over and over. I wish they made an effort to change my meds or something.
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Age
35
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Race
—
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality, Other, Unexplained
5
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
I had 6 fresh rounds and after the 1st round didn't stick (1 5day embryo at transfer) We decided to batch as many embryos as possible. Every round was very similar 4-8 eggs retreived with one embryo making it to a 5 day blast. One time no eggs made it. so we had 4 embryos that all all came back with genetic problems through PGS. I felt that nothing was changed in my IVF cycles and they just tried the same thing over and over. I wish they made an effort to change my meds or something.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Ask as many questions as possible
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
Their billing department is terrible and very rude. Make copies of everything. It takes forever to get through on thier phone line and I was consantly trying to get information, they don't tell you anything utill you owe them money
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call with results
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10
Age
35
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
She [Dr. Rachel McConnell] is kind, brilliant, and does not rush me... will be honest with you as well as kind. She is up to date with the current research in her field. I feel safe in her hands.She knew what tests to run and was then able to help me get pregnant twice. Although they ended in miscarriages, she knows the next steps to take to ensure my next pregnancy is healthy...Don't be afraid to voice your specific fears, concerns, and needs
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Age
35
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She is smart and will be honest with you as well as kind. She is up to date with the current research in her field. I feel safe in her hands.She knew what tests to run and was then able to help me get pregnant twice. Although they ended in miscarriages, she knows the next steps to take to ensure my next pregnancy is healthy.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Don't be afraid to voice your specific fears, concerns, and needs
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
She is kind, brilliant, and does not rush me.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
The clinic is efficient and kind. Dr. McConnell, Karen, Chrissy, and Angela are my heroes. They are competent and caring. They make my experience at the clinic so much more manageable and stress-free. Thank you.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rachel McConnell at Columbia University.
all covered by my insurance
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7
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
6 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained
7
Dr Rachel McConnell is very caring. She makes you feel comfortable that she is choosing the right course of treatment for you. She is very gentle, All procedures she did were painless. She goes above and beyond...
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Age
33 - 34
Treated
2016 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
3rd of 3 Docs
Treatment
6 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained
7
How was your experience with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Dr Rachel McConnell is very caring. She makes you feel comfortable that she is choosing the right course of treatment for you. She is very gentle, All procedures she did were painless. She goes above and beyond.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
You have to have patience with the staff.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rachel McConnell at Columbia University?
Staff in the city office treat you like a number
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
It's impossible to get a nurse on the phone. You have to leave a message & hope they call you back the same day. Unnecessary stress if you ask me.
Describe your experience with Columbia University.
Billing department is not good. You have to double check everything. I had to wait 6 weeks for a pre approval that only takes one day to do.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Columbia University.
If you go to the city office you would wait at least 40 mins. Scarsdale office wait was so much better.
What specific things went wrong at Columbia University?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
- Provided conflicting information
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