This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
Richard Chetkowski
Education
Medical School
UCSF
Residency
Yale
Fellowship
UCSF
How Doctor Communicates
doctor, nurse available by email
doctor, nurse available by directline
not available by personal cell phone
Verified
2019, Unsuccessful
Many times I had to ask 2-3 times for clarification on the process, as I felt it was not explained well to me [by Dr. Richard Chetkowski]...Found him to be cold at the initial intake, but he seemed to warm up at subsequent appointments. I also found that his team did not take enough time to explain the process clearly. I wouldn't say don't go to him, as he has a good track record, but definitely be prepared to advocate for yourself, for as much information and alignment on the process.
team [at Alta Bates] did not take enough time to explain the process clearly...definitely be prepared to advocate for yourself, for as much information and alignment on the process...Need to be better at explaining the process and the costs. Be more proactive, especially when communicating via email. Understand this is a huge decision and some warmer treatment is appreciated. Patients should know to advocate for clearer communication.
How was your experience with Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed)?
Found him to be cold at the initial intake, but he seemed to warm up at subsequent appointments. I also found that his team did not take enough time to explain the process clearly. I wouldn't say don't go to him, as he has a good track record, but definitely be prepared to advocate for yourself, for as much information and alignment on the process.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed)?
Advocate for yourself.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed)?
Many times I had to ask 2-3 times for clarification on the process, as I felt it was not explained well to me.
Describe your experience with Alta Bates (closed).
Need to be better at explaining the process and the costs. Be more proactive, especially when communicating via email. Understand this is a huge decision and some warmer treatment is appreciated. Patients should know to advocate for clearer communication.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed).
I spent out of pocket about $4000 because much of my costs were covered by insurance.
2016 - 2017, Unsuccessful
Dr. Chetkowski was an excellent doctor! He always had time to sit down and explain every procedure and next step we took. I never felt uninformed or uncomfortable around him. He had a great bedside manner and was very quick, but still gentle. He understood my husbands and I situation very well and was concerned with all aspects of our life. He was supportive of our decisions, and listened well to the concerns we had. Although our procedures didn't end in pregnancy, I had a very positive and hopeful experience with him!
The clinic [Alta Bates IVF Program] is well organized, clean, welcoming and great staff!... The nurses were kind, informative, compassionate, helpful, understanding and friendly! ... We paid out of pocket for our IUI's which was around $300 for the procedure, and $200 for sperm washing. I also paid $100 for the trigger shot and $10 for Clomid.... We came to Dr. Chetkowski aware that we had male factor infertility, and were looking into IUI.
How was your experience with Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed)?
Dr. Chetkowski was an excellent doctor! He always had time to sit down and explain every procedure and next step we took. I never felt uninformed or uncomfortable around him. He had a great bedside manner and was very quick, but still gentle. He understood my husbands and I situation very well and was concerned with all aspects of our life. He was supportive of our decisions, and listened well to the concerns we had. Although our procedures didn't end in pregnancy, I had a very positive and hopeful experience with him!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed)?
Don't be afraid to ask questions! He will listen and explain any concerns that you may have.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed)?
I always felt comfortable and very informed on every situation. He answered any questions that I had, and was also interested in my life outside of fertility.
Describe the protocols Richard Chetkowski used in your cycles at Alta Bates (closed) and their degree of success.
We came to Dr. Chetkowski aware that we had male factor infertility, and were looking into IUI. After getting to know each other, we decided as a team that an IUI would be the right choice for us. For our first IUI, I was prescribed 25 mg of clomaphine, and was to do at home ovulation testing until I received a positive to go in for the procedure. I also had a couple ultrasounds leading up to ovulation to make sure I was on the right track. Unfortunately our first IUI ended in a negative pregnancy test, but we were eager to try again for a second time. Our next IUI, was much like the first, but I was on 50 mg of Clomid and didn't go in for the procedure until a positive at home ovulation test. Unfortunately that one wasn't successful either. Our third IUI, a few months later, I was on 50 mg of Clomid and took a tigger shot before our procedure to ensure ovulation. This third IUI resulted in a negative pregnancy test as well. All three of these procedures we used my husbands sperm and each time his average after washing was about 2-3 million. We were saddened that none of the IUI's were successful for us, but hopeful we still have more options. We are now looking into IVF.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Alta Bates (closed). (Assigned nurse: Jen)
The nurses were kind, informative, compassionate, helpful, understanding and friendly!
Describe your experience with Alta Bates (closed).
The clinic is well organized, clean, welcoming and great staff!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Richard Chetkowski at Alta Bates (closed).
We paid out of pocket for our IUI's which was around $300 for the procedure, and $200 for sperm washing. I also paid $100 for the trigger shot and $10 for Clomid.
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