How was your experience with Ruben Alvero at Stanford University?
Initially I thought he was very informative and easy to talk to. However; upon explaining my test results he was very cold and matter of fact. I didn’t feel that he saw me as a person just another patient. I was given a very low percentage in regards to getting pregnant and I asked for an explanation especially since my test results had been received by the doctor minutes before my appointment. I was essentially told not to have high hopes in getting pregnant with very little explanation.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Ruben Alvero at Stanford University?
Go in informed. Be prepared to potentially be treated as a number and not a person. That’s terrible to say but true.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Ruben Alvero at Stanford University?
I went in on my own and I explained I wished to conceive but have never tried to do so. I was given somewhat high hopes in my first visit. I was sent for some tests. After completing said test I had to call back and schedule another appointment. During that appointment Dr. Alvero and Teo unknown doctors who were never introduced to me and I was never asked if I was okay with being present followed him into my room. I again was all alone. All three were straight-faced when Dr.. Alvero told me I could not conceive due to various reasons. I’m addition he said I shouldn’t waste my money in attempting an IUI and I should forget about using my own eggs and use donor eggs and even then with IVF my percentage to conceive is very low. I sat there in shock not wanting to cry as all three doctors stared at me coldly. It was as if they were saying “ok, now you know you can’t conceive on your own. Chose a method and get back to us.”
Describe the protocols Ruben Alvero used in your cycles at Stanford University and their degree of success.
I went in having already had a few test completed by my obgyn. The results were not great. I was asked to complete them again. The tests included hormone levels, thyroid test etc. I was asked to conduct a scan as well during my first cycle due to symptoms I had exhibited. My tests results showed I had poor egg quality, a diminished ovarian reserve and Salpingitis isthmica nodosa.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
I felt like I had to call in all the time. I was always unsure of what I was doing. Nothing was explained well. One nurse was very kind and helped me set my appointment at another facility for my scan. This clinic has little room to actually preform exams the day they are needed.
Describe your experience with Stanford University.
Strengths are the phlebotomist was very kind. One nurse was also kind and listened to me when I became emotional. Weaknesses, the financial coordinator was terrible. She misinformed me about my insurance coverage; she told me I had 100% coverage when I only have partial coverage. Good thing I called before hand. I was also given a treatment plan without having completed my exams and scan. The doctor I saw was not the most kind or informative. The front desk was also kind and cordial. The building was clean and there was plenty of parking.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Ruben Alvero at Stanford University.
I had to pay $500+ for a scan. Overall I believe I paid $500 for visits. There were few because I went to another doctor.
Describe Ruben Alvero's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Stanford University.
N/A
What specific things went wrong at Stanford University?
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
- Lost results
- Provided conflicting information
- Scheduled the wrong procedure