Kaiser Permanente Hononlulu

Out of many there was only one appointment where I felt rushed, and even still she took the time to answer all my questions. She is very personable but also detailed in clinical explanation. There are a few times I have to confirm I understood correctly due to her accent, but it has never impeded our communication. I feel like I am getting a completely custom treatment plan and we are working together to decide what is best for me and my family & have never felt judged when questioning her.

Ask if you don’t understand, she is willing to explain but may not offer additional information initially.

I had done 4 rounds of Clomid & 3 IUIs before seeing Dr. Hou. On our first appointment, per my request, we jumped right in and started Letrazole. I developed 2 mature eggs and was unable to do an IUI because I ovulated over a holiday weekend. After I started my next cycle we discovered I had a cyst and put the next cycle on hold to see if it would shrink. After it grew I did a trigger shot to try to get rid of it, which worked. I then was scheduled for an SIS, which discovered the possibility of polyps, we discussed doing a hysteroscopy but decided to wait at least one cycle. I then did my second round of letrazole which began to develop 4 eggs. I then took estrogen vaginally to try and slow the maturation, but ended up ovulating all 4 naturally before we got to an IUI because I was on vacation. We were told to not try naturally due to the risk of multiples. After confirming I was not pregnant I was scheduled for a hysteroscopy. The hysteroscopy removed several polyps and discovered a uterine lining infection. I was put on a 2 week course of antibiotics & we will resume treatment next cycle.

My only costs have been copayments which are $10 per visit, $0 for consultation, & varied for lab tests and medications.

Dr. Hou genuinely wants the best outcome for her patients. She educates her patients and ultimately has the patient decide their next actions. For example, choosing between fresh transfer and frozen transfer; I received pros and cons to both and did not push her preference on us. She allowed us to decide and created a plan moving forward. However, it can be frustrating at times, as sometimes, as a person going through ivf, you are tired of making decision after decision.

Dr. Hou is extremely intelligent and competent. A true expert in her field. It seems her original language is Chinese, so sometimes accent is heavy. If you believe that may be a barrier in communication to you, that is something you may want to consider as communication and understanding is key when going through ivf.

Although I had an extensive infertility history and record, I had to go through the same initial blood work and diagnostic imaging again since I was new to her as a patient and the kaiser Permanente system. She did the standard SIS, and from there saw that I had uterine polyps which needed intervention via hysteroscopy. Additionally, since choosing to move forward with a fresh transfer, it was imperative that this was corrected ASAP, prior to attempting an egg retrieval. She was able to remove my polyps, treat incidental chronic endometritis.. this has delayed my egg retrieval process, however, she is able to ensure a better uterine state prior to egg retrieval and potential transfer.

Currently, I have good coverage with KP. Meds for an egg retrieval process have cost approx $300-400 OOP. KP also offers ivf a 20% copay

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