We underwent several IUIs, a cancelled IVF, and a failed IVF before Dr. McKinney happened to mention that in addition to advanced maternal age and low AMH (which was normal before the two-month delay we experienced after starting with TFC), we also had a problem on the male side...We worked with Dr. McKinney for over a year, and throughout the entire process, were provided nothing but incomplete information and frustration.
At our initial visit [at Tulsa Fertility Center], we were instructed to complete our lab work and then we’d be able to schedule our treatment. After not hearing back for two weeks, the nurse asked me to schedule a follow-up visit, which we had been told we didn’t need to do. In addition, I was assured that all of our previous records had been received, but in this two-week-later communication, was told that in fact, not all of the records were received.
How was your experience with Shauna McKinney at Tulsa Fertility Center?
We underwent several IUIs, a cancelled IVF, and a failed IVF before Dr. McKinney happened to mention that in addition to advanced maternal age and low AMH (which was normal before the two-month delay we experienced after starting with TFC), we also had a problem on the male side. His test results indicated that he was on the very low end of the range for a particular number (but in the “normal” range according to the report we have), and we were never told that it was a problem until our post-failed-IVF appointment. Dr. McKinney couldn’t believe that she never mentioned it, and just stated, “Well, that’s why we were doing ICSI,” but did not express any sympathy as to why were upset that we weren’t told specifically prior to that point.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Shauna McKinney at Tulsa Fertility Center?
Don't go here unless you like to feel like a statistic.
Describe the protocols Shauna McKinney used in your cycles at Tulsa Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I used the Ganirelix protcol with Follistim to stimulate ovarian production. My first attempt only produced 3 eggs, so she adjusted the next round to increase the dosage. I never felt that the doctor was able to manipulate her decisions or set expectations based on my specific situation.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Tulsa Fertility Center.
At our initial visit, we were instructed to complete our lab work and then we’d be able to schedule our treatment. After not hearing back for two weeks, the nurse asked me to schedule a follow-up visit, which we had been told we didn’t need to do. In addition, I was assured that all of our previous records had been received, but in this two-week-later communication, was told that in fact, not all of the records were received. TFC was missing my most recent pap smear and my boyfriend’s test results. You would think that it would be simple for one professional to be in contact with another to ensure that all these records had been received. Instead, I wasn’t notified until two weeks after-the-fact, after being told that everything had been received, that they were missing my Pap smear result. In all, it took 6 weeks and at least 10-20 phone calls on my part to get that last little bit of information transferred, which of course, delayed our treatment for two months. It’s entirely possible that these were my last fertile months; my bloodwork afterward showed a decreased hormone level.
I underwent many IUIs and two IVFs without any significant pain, so I’m not a wimp. However, there was one procedure after which I experienced such extreme cramping, I had tears in my eyes and could barely stand up. I hobbled out of my exam room and asked if they had any Tylenol or Advil, and not one person looked up from their computer or offered to help me up front.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Shauna McKinney at Tulsa Fertility Center.
First round was covered by insurance, 2nd was about $15,000 (Including meds) because we had reached our insurance max.
What specific things went wrong at Tulsa Fertility Center?
- Failed to call with results
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Tulsa Fertility Center.
My advice for people seeking fertility treatment in the Tulsa area: go somewhere else. We worked with Dr. McKinney for over a year, and throughout the entire process, were provided nothing but incomplete information and frustration. To be clear, this review and our experience would be the same regardless of the outcome. We did not get pregnant after 2 cycles of IVF, but I’ve been planning to write this review regardless of the outcome.
We had started IUI cycles before we moved to Oklahoma, and our initial impression of TFC was very positive due to their organized process. Unfortunately, that process is not flexible for those who have already undergone treatments elsewhere. Problems with starting their treatment after starting at another clinic was the beginning of our tiresome journey, and I wish we had moved to a different clinic when these problems first arose.
At our initial visit, we were instructed to complete our lab work and then we’d be able to schedule our treatment. After not hearing back for two weeks, the nurse asked me to schedule a follow-up visit, which we had been told we didn’t need to do. In addition, I was assured that all of our previous records had been received, but in this two-week-later communication, was told that in fact, not all of the records were received. TFC was missing my most recent pap smear and my boyfriend’s test results. You would think that it would be simple for one professional to be in contact with another to ensure that all these records had been received. Instead, I wasn’t notified until two weeks after-the-fact, after being told that everything had been received, that they were missing my Pap smear result. In all, it took 6 weeks and at least 10-20 phone calls on my part to get that last little bit of information transferred, which of course, delayed our treatment for two months. It’s entirely possible that these were my last fertile months; my bloodwork afterward showed a decreased hormone level.
Although the staff seems very nice, they are fairly insensitive. I underwent many IUIs and two IVFs without any significant pain, so I’m not a wimp. However, there was one procedure after which I experienced such extreme cramping, I had tears in my eyes and could barely stand up. I hobbled out of my exam room and asked if they had any Tylenol or Advil, and not one person looked up from their computer or offered to help me up front.
We underwent several IUIs, a cancelled IVF, and a failed IVF before Dr. McKinney happened to mention that in addition to advanced maternal age and low AMH (which was at a normal level before the two-month delay we experienced after starting with TFC), we also had a problem on the male side. His test results indicated that he was on the very low end of the range for a particular number (but in the “normal” range according to the report we have), and we were never told that it was a problem until our post-failed-IVF appointment. Dr. McKinney couldn’t believe that she never mentioned it, and just stated, “Well, that’s why we were doing ICSI,” but did not express any sympathy as to why were upset that we weren’t told specifically prior to that point.
Our final IVF cycle failed, and instead of getting a phone call (which they indicate you will receive if it fails), I found out on the portal. Logging into their portal expecting good news (since we didn’t get a phone call), and seeing a blank egg report with the words “no viable embryos” was just beyond words. The only good thing about having completed our cycles with TFC is that we don’t have to deal with them anymore. If we decide to continue treatment, we will travel outside of Oklahoma.
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Clinic
Tulsa Fertility Center
Tulsa