Fertility Specialists Medical Group

3 doctors work here

Rated 7.8
Strongly recommend: 57%Neutral: 19%Don't recommend: 24%7.8
57% strongly recommend
58 reviews
LGBTQ+ Competent Care
LGBTQ+ Competent Care

Based on reviews from the LGBTQ+ community.

Operations
8.4
8.4
Operations

Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.

Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.

Scheduling
8.7
8.7
Scheduling

Ratings of 1 mean it was difficult to schedule appointments with this clinic.

Ratings of 10 mean it was easy to schedule appointments.

Billing Department
7.7
7.7
Billing Department

Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.

Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.

Nursing Team
8.6
8.6
Nursing Team

Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.

Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.

LGBTQ+ Care
6
6
LGBTQ+ Care

Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory LGBTQ+ care.

Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent LGBTQ+ care.

Attention to Detail
7.5
7.5
Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is on a 1 - 10 scale, and is scored based on the rate, and severity, of errors committed by the clinic according to the patients.

For example, a severe error might be failing to inform a patient of critical information, while a small error might be failing to call a patient with results.

CDC Success Rates

This is the most recent data from the CDC. The CDC cautions that it should not be used to compare doctors and clinics. This data represents the outcomes of IVF cycles when using a person's own eggs.

For more information please see our FAQs.

Where you see a “?” on the chart, a clinic has done fewer than 20 cycles in this category and age range, so the CDC says showing percentages from this small data set would be misleading and unreliable.

Annual Cycles
605
National Avg
738
This Clinic
National Avg
00%
20%
40%
60%
<35
35-37
38-40
>40

Available Resources

Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling
Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Mental health counseling
Mental health counseling
Nutrition counseling
Nutrition counseling
Administration of shots
Administration of shots
Coordinating at-home nursing is not offered
Coordinating at-home nursing is not offered
Selling medication
Selling medication
Providing backup medication
Providing backup medication

This clinic has 2 offices

Carlsbad
6125 Paseo del Norte, suite 120
Carlsbad, CA 92011
San Diego
8010 Frost Street, suite P
San Diego, CA 92123

58 patient reviews

2018, Unsuccessful
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 32
1 IVF
Male Factor
Latinx
Income $0 - $49K
Nurse or HC Services
Only Doc Seen
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Unsuccessful
She [Dr. Shelly] is very compassionate and sympathetic. Also, Friendly, approachable, professional and caring. She made us feel well take cared of. Explained everything throughly. She kept on top of our treatment and was readily available if we had concerns... She called herself to answer questions my husband or I had....Follistim, micro hcg, lupron, progesterone suppositories, Estrace, cetrotite, pregnyl... do not hesitate to ask questions
I would have preferred that we didn't have to go to two different locations for different things. Especially when one location is further away. We had to trave for retrieval and transfer. Other than that everyone [Fertility Specialists Medical Group] had good customer service... 10, 500 for IVF with ICSI. 500 for anesthesia. Medications about 1500... She [nurse] was very approachable and did not treat us like a number. She is very caring and professional
How was your experience with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
She is very compassionate and sympathetic. Also, Friendly, approachable, professional and caring. She made us feel well take cared of. Explained everything throughly. She kept on top of our treatment and was readily available if we had concerns
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
To trust her with their care and treatment and do not hesitate to ask questions
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
She called herself to answer questions my husband or I had.
Describe the protocols Wendy Shelly used in your cycles at Fertility Specialists Medical Group and their degree of success.
Follistim, micro hcg, lupron, progesterone suppositories, Estrace, cetrotite, pregnyl
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility Specialists Medical Group. (Assigned nurse: Jessika )
She was very approachable and did not treat us like a number. She is very caring and professional
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
I would have preferred that we didn't have to go to two different locations for different things. Especially when one location is further away. We had to trave for retrieval and transfer. Other than that everyone had good customer service
Describe the costs associated with your care under Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
10, 500 for IVF with ICSI. 500 for anesthesia. Medications about 1500
NPS
10
Doctor
Wendy Shelly
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
4 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
NPS
10
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
4 of 5
Billing Department
5 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
5 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
2017, Unsuccessful
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 35
2 IUI
Poor Egg Quality
Income $0 - $49K
1st of 2 Docs
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Unsuccessful
Over all great caring dr [Dr. Wendy Shelly]. I felt very comfortable. I really liked her a lot. Very precessional, knowledgeable, caring, sweet. Alswwys listebs to what you say. Answers and questions. Always returns your emails and calls. Very compassionate.... She used cloned pills and then injections for a couple of weeks to get ready for IUI. Didn’t work both try’s.
Very perfessiinal. Great friendly staff [at Fertility Specialists Medical Group]. Always there to help. Always willing to answer your questions orconcerns. Know things and don’t act like they don’t. Very nice and sweet. I don’t see any weaknesses at all. Great office and staff.... Very knowledgeable, caring, sweet, always there to help and available. Great staff.
How was your experience with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Over all great caring dr. I felt very comfortable. I really liked her a lot. Very precessional, knowledgeable, caring, sweet. Alswwys listebs to what you say. Answers and questions. Always returns your emails and calls. Very compassionate.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
She really Kirsten’s and does all she can to help and test everything. Like your friend.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
She was a great doctor. Listened and cared.
Describe the protocols Wendy Shelly used in your cycles at Fertility Specialists Medical Group and their degree of success.
She used cloned pills and then injections for a couple of weeks to get ready for IUI. Didn’t work both try’s.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Very knowledgeable, caring, sweet, always there to help and available. Great staff.
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Very perfessiinal. Great friendly staff. Always there to help. Always willing to answer your questions orconcerns. Know things and don’t act like they don’t. Very nice and sweet. I don’t see any weaknesses at all. Great office and staff.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
IUI and medication like 2500-2800
NPS
10
Doctor
Wendy Shelly
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
5 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
3 of 5
NPS
10
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
3 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
2013 - 2018, Unknown Success
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 33 - 38
9 IUI
1 IVF
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Male Factor
Income $100K - $199K
Nurse or HC Services
Only Doc Seen
Fertility Medications With Other Docs
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Success w/ Doc Not sure
[Dr. Wendy Shelly is a] Caring and compassionate doctor. Sees all her own patients and performs all ultrasounds and procedures. Provides detailed information about all treatment options. Never makes you feel pressured into any decision or treatment. Tailors care specifically to each individual...Caring bedside manner, warm, friendly, never makes you feel rushed. Explains information with detail and answers questions thoroughly.
[The nursing staff at Fertility Specialists Medical Group is] Responsive to questions and returned calls quickly...Smaller clinic, clean, organized, professional. Staff knows you by first name. Ancillary clinical staff and front office does have a somewhat high turnover rate but are all trained well. Feels like family!...Caring and compassionate doctor [Dr. Wendy Shelly]. Sees all her own patients and performs all ultrasounds and procedures. Provides detailed information about all treatment options. Never makes you feel pressured into any decision or treatment. Tailors care specifically to each individual.
How was your experience with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Caring and compassionate doctor. Sees all her own patients and performs all ultrasounds and procedures. Provides detailed information about all treatment options. Never makes you feel pressured into any decision or treatment. Tailors care specifically to each individual.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Caring bedside manner, warm, friendly, never makes you feel rushed. Explains information with detail and answers questions thoroughly.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Responsive to questions and returned calls quickly.
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Smaller clinic, clean, organized, professional. Staff knows you by first name. Ancillary clinical staff and front office does have a somewhat high turnover rate but are all trained well. Feels like family!
NPS
10
Doctor
Wendy Shelly
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
5 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
NPS
10
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2014 - 2015, Unsuccessful
NPS
8
NPS
8
Age 29 - 30
3 IUI
1 IVF
1 Egg Freezing
1 Embryo Freezing
South Asian
Income $200K - $499K
Engineer
1st of 2 Docs
Donor Sperm
Neutral
Neutral
Unsuccessful
Very personal, very compassionate, very detail oriented...Very compassionate doctor [Dr Wendy Shelly] but things just didnt work out..when we finally did IVF after 3 unsuccessful iuis and even that didnt workout..she took the time to jot every detail down and look carefully if we are missing something...
Very personal, very compassionate, very detail oriented...Very compassionate doctor [Dr Wendy Shelly] but things just didnt work out..when we finally did IVF after 3 unsuccessful iuis and even that didnt workout..she took the time to jot every detail down and look carefully if we are missing something...
How was your experience with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Very compassionate doctor but things just didnt work out..when we finally did IVF after 3 unsuccessful iuis and even that didnt workout..she took the time to jot every detail down and look carefully if we are missing something...
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
None
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Very personal, very compassionate, very detail oriented
NPS
8
Doctor
Wendy Shelly
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
5 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
NPS
8
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
4 of 5
Scheduling
4 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
4 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
5 of 5
Educational Resources
6 of 5
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2019 - 2020, Unknown Success
NPS
9
NPS
9
Age 33 - 34
3 IUI
1 IVF
Poor Egg Quality
Unexplained
European
Income $100K - $199K
Only Doc Seen
Donor Sperm
LGBTQ+
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Success w/ Doc Too early to know
Dr. Wendy Shelly has been excellent to work with. She genuinely cares about your family building journey and fertility success...takes a thoughtful approach to treatment and uses what she thinks is the best medical approach to help you reach your fertility goals...straightforward and will always offer all available options to you while explaining in detail all of the pros and cons...caters her approach to our results.
[Nurses at Fertility Specialists Medical Group] show genuine care for the patient...lead IVF nurse was extremely knowledgeable...always responsive to all emails and calls...strengths of our clinic included appointment availability that fit with customers working a standard M-F work schedule...excellent customer service and quality of care...weaknesses of our clinic included paid parking and lack of an electronic form completion system.
How was your experience with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Dr. Wendy Shelly has been excellent to work with. She genuinely cares about your family building journey and fertility success. She takes a thoughtful approach to treatment and uses what she thinks is the best medical approach to help you reach your fertility goals. She is straightforward and will always offer all available options to you while explaining in detail all of the pros and cons.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
She always takes time to listen to our questions, provide thoughtful answers and caters her approach to our results.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility Specialists Medical Group. (Assigned nurse: Stephanie Peck)
The nursing team was amazing! They all show genuine care for the patient and are warm at each visit. The lead IVF nurse was extremely knowledgeable and helpful guiding us through the IVF process. She explained the IVF process in great detail and walked us through the entire way. She was always responsive to all emails and calls.
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
The strengths of our clinic included appointment availability that fit with customers working a standard M-F work schedule, they provided excellent customer service and quality of care. The weaknesses of our clinic included paid parking and lack of an electronic form completion system.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Wendy Shelly at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Approximately $1,500 per IUI and aprroximately $11,500 for IVF Egg Retrieval (no embryos were available for preservation or transfer).
What specific things went wrong at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
  • Provided conflicting information
NPS
9
Doctor
Wendy Shelly
NPS
Humanity
4 of 5
Communication
4 of 5
Frequency Seen
4 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
4 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
NPS
9
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
4 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
4 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2021, Consult
NPS
4
NPS
3
Age 46
5 Fertility Medications
Latinx
Black or African-American
Income $50K - $99K
Operations
2nd of 2 Docs
2 IVF With Other Docs
Donor Eggs With Other Docs
Donor Sperm
Surrogacy With Other Docs
LGBTQ+
Doesn't Recommend
Doesn't Recommend
Unsuccessful
I feel they [Dr. Arlene Morales} are very respectful and caring. Unfortunately we had very bad luck with our two egg donors, both our sperm, and the three gestational carriers we have used. We feel positive that others might have a meaningful and positive experience...I wish it was more acceptable to transfer more than one embryo. With all our pre genetic tested embryos our outcomes were not positive either.
The [Fertility Specialists Medical Group] strengths are communication and understanding of infertility issues. I wish there was a bigger educational process. If I repeated this process I would advocate more for myself and my understanding of the process...Our sperm was left out. Our pregnancy test results call took all day to receive. They left it for end of business day. We feel nobody wanted to give us the bad news. We wish we had a different 3rd party coordinator.
How was your experience with Arlene Morales at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
I feel they are very respectful and caring. Unfortunately we had very bad luck with our two egg donors, both our sperm, and the three gestational carriers we have used. We feel positive that others might have a meaningful and positive experience.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Arlene Morales at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Take your time learning about all your options. Get educated.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Arlene Morales at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Because my partner and I feel they were caring but realistic. We were told we are very unlucky and no matter what we try the results would not be favorable.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility Specialists Medical Group. (Assigned nurse: Marianne )
I feel this is where things did not go well.
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
The strengths are communication and understanding of infertility issues. I wish there was a bigger educational process. If I repeated this process I would advocate more for myself and my understanding of the process.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Arlene Morales at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
The costs were excessive. My heart pounds every time I think about it. We are in debt for the next decade.
Describe Arlene Morales's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
I wish it was more acceptable to transfer more than one embryo. With all our pre genetic tested embryos our outcomes were not positive either.
What specific things went wrong at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
  • Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
  • Failed to call with results
  • Provided conflicting information
  • Failed to convey critical information
  • Lost or damaged samples
  • Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Our sperm was left out. Our pregnancy test results call took all day to receive. They left it for end of business day. We feel nobody wanted to give us the bad news. We wish we had a different 3rd party coordinator.
NPS
4
Doctor
Arlene Morales
NPS
Humanity
4 of 5
Frequency Seen
1 of 5
LGBTQ+ Care
4 of 5
Trustworthiness
4 of 5
Explained risks
4 of 5
Adaptability
2 of 5
NPS
3
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
4 of 5
Scheduling
4 of 5
Billing Department
3 of 5
Nursing Staff
3 of 5
LGBTQ+ Care
3 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
5 of 5
Educational Resources
5 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2020, Consult
NPS
9
NPS
9
Age 29
European
Income $100K - $199K
Only Doc Seen
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Success w/ Doc Too early to know
My husband and I were referred by our Perinatalogist due to two second trimester pregnancy losses that were very traumatic and Kristi [Dr. Maas] was very empathetic to our unique situation and explained the options moving forward in a compassionate way. She was very knowledgeable and was clearly a trusted expert in her field. She outlined the process and timeline for PGD and IVF and potential risks well.
Very friendly, knowledgeable staff [at Fertility Specialists Medical Group-San Diego]! Flexible with appointments for my schedule as I had to reschedule multiple times. A lot of the testing can be done on site promptly but also have the option to follow up and have some testing done at OB which was helpful...Costs being worked out but in line with other major providers
How was your experience with Kristi Maas at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
My husband and I were referred by our Perinatalogist due to two second trimester pregnancy losses that were very traumatic and Kristi was very empathetic to our unique situation and explained the options moving forward in a compassionate way. She was very knowledgeable and was clearly a trusted expert in her field. She outlined the process and timeline for PGD and IVF and potential risks well.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kristi Maas at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Ask questions if you don't understand anything!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kristi Maas at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
My husband and I were referred by our Perinatalogist due to two second trimester pregnancy losses that were very traumatic and Kristi was very empathetic to our unique situation and explained the options moving forward in a compassionate way.
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Very friendly, knowledgeable staff! Flexible with appointments for my schedule as I had to reschedule multiple times. A lot of the testing can be done on site promptly but also have the option to follow up and have some testing done at OB which was helpful.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Kristi Maas at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
Costs being worked out but in line with other major providers
Describe Kristi Maas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
We haven't gotten to this point but she did advise eSET due to other factors which made a lot of sense to me as a patient.
NPS
9
Doctor
Kristi Maas
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
1 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
4 of 5
NPS
9
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
4 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
5 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2017 - 2020, Successful
NPS
7
NPS
7
Age 32 - 35
3 IUI
2 IVF
2 Embryo Freezing
Male Factor
Poor Egg Quality
Unexplained
European
Income $100K - $199K
Marketer or PR
1st of 2 Docs
Neutral
Neutral
Successful
Dr. Morales is a brilliant physician, but not the warmest. I would recommend her if the latter doesn't matter to you. There is no doubt about her skill when it comes to fertility treatment. After several years as her patient, and not having the results we hoped for, we felt defeated and wanted a doctor who showed us compassion. It wasn't that Dr. Morales isn't compassionate; I would just say she's a bit more blunt than some other physicians. But again, her skill is top notch...
This is a good clinic [Fertility Specialists Medical Group]. I didn't find it to be the warmest or most compassionate, but they produce results and that's most important to a lot of patients. They have a very good embryology lab run by Kate...Dr. Morales is a brilliant physician, but not the warmest. I would recommend her if the latter doesn't matter to you. There is no doubt about her skill when it comes to fertility treatment...
How was your experience with Arlene Morales at Fertility Specialists Medical Group?
Dr. Morales is a brilliant physician, but not the warmest. I would recommend her if the latter doesn't matter to you. There is no doubt about her skill when it comes to fertility treatment. After several years as her patient, and not having the results we hoped for, we felt defeated and wanted a doctor who showed us compassion. It wasn't that Dr. Morales isn't compassionate; I would just say she's a bit more blunt than some other physicians. But again, her skill is top notch.
Describe your experience with Fertility Specialists Medical Group.
This is a good clinic. I didn't find it to be the warmest or most compassionate, but they produce results and that's most important to a lot of patients. They have a very good embryology lab run by Kate.
NPS
7
Doctor
Arlene Morales
NPS
Humanity
3 of 5
Communication
4 of 5
Frequency Seen
3 of 5
Trustworthiness
4 of 5
Compassion
3 of 5
Explained risks
4 of 5
Adaptability
3 of 5
NPS
7
Clinic
Fertility Specialists Medical Group
San Diego
NPS
Operations
4 of 5
Scheduling
3 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
4 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
4 of 5
Educational Resources
6 of 5

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