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.
Dr Fino is great. We did not see her every visit as the clinic's schedule rotated. Certain doctors did certain procedures on specific days. But our consultations and appointments with her were always great. She took time to listen to our concerns and fully explain things. It was never rushed.... NYU prefers and indeed recommends single embryo transfer, especially if you opt for PGS, due to the risks associated with a multiples pregnancy.
Clean and spacious facility Generally on time with appointments but book early because they are very popular. You could easily feel like a number [at NYU] because there are so many patients in and out every day, but the staff does a great job at showing kindness and empathy, while keeping things moving along too.... Monitoring was from 7-9am 7 days a week. I am sure exceptions could be made if needed but I never needed to request this.
How was your experience with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr Fino is great. We did not see her every visit as the clinic's schedule rotated. Certain doctors did certain procedures on specific days. But our consultations and appointments with her were always great. She took time to listen to our concerns and fully explain things. It was never rushed.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Book earlier than you think. They are very busy and it can take a while to get an initial appointment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
It's a little of both at NYU. They have A LOT of patients and a very well-run and well-organized system. I can see how people would easily feel like a number but the staff is so friendly and caring and compassionate that I always personally felt like a human, even if I was just one of many women getting shuffled through the morning monitoring process. They always had a smile and asked how I was doing.
Describe the protocols Elizabeth Fino used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
Honestly can't remember the specifics...
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Friendly and well organized.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Clean and spacious facility
Generally on time with appointments but book early because they are very popular.
You could easily feel like a number because there are so many patients in and out every day, but the staff does a great job at showing kindness and empathy, while keeping things moving along too.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Monitoring was from 7-9am 7 days a week. I am sure exceptions could be made if needed but I never needed to request this. It would be crowded but I always arrived before 7 and was one of the first patients to be seen. I actually appreciated the set up of a morning monitoring window because I could get in and out before starting my workday and get my results/instructions before the end of the day.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
On par with other NYC facilities but to be honest, I can't remember exactly.
Describe Elizabeth Fino's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU prefers and indeed recommends single embryo transfer, especially if you opt for PGS, due to the risks associated with a multiples pregnancy.
She [Dr. Hodes-Wertz] was extremely knowledgeable and kind. I felt like she meant business- she presented my options and was blunt and honest but not rude or mean. As someone with a larger BMI she never mentioned my weight as an issue and looked for actual causes of my issues...I took clomid, then had some ultrasounds and when a follicle matured they gave me the ovulation trigger injection ovidrel
That clinic apparently only does single from what she informed me at the time of my consult...This [NYU Langone Fertility Center] clinic is like a factory but I feel like they really know what they are doing and are experienced. I was not expecting a small town feel, but each time I walked in I was greeted by friendly staff. Each person I interacted with was kind and wanting to help. Their outcomes also speak for themselves.
How was your experience with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
She was extremely knowledgeable and kind. I felt like she meant business- she presented my options and was blunt and honest but not rude or mean. As someone with a larger BMI she never mentioned my weight as an issue and looked for actual causes of my issues.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
As with any provider, read up on your options first so you can be prepared to ask questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
This is certainly a busy clinic however they are efficient. I saw Dr Hodes each time and I felt like she knew what was going on with me.
Describe the protocols Brooke Hodes-Wertz used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
We got pregnant with our first IUI. I was on the last day of my period during the consultation, so taking that into consideration she started treatment with me that day since I agreed. I took clomid, then had some ultrasounds and when a follicle matured they gave me the ovulation trigger injection ovidrel. I then went back for bloodwork 2 weeks later and was called that day with positive news. I did bloodwork 6 days after that to check Hcg and an ultrasound with Dr Hodes where we heard the heartbeat 2 weeks later.
Describe your experience with your nurse at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic). (Assigned nurse: Audrey)
I worked with Audrey- she actually did my IUI and she was wonderful. Super knowledgeable. I had issues w getting insurance approval of ovidrel and she helped immediately. She also called me 3 hours after I had blood drawn to give me my results.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
This clinic is like a factory but I feel like they really know what they are doing and are experienced. I was not expecting a small town feel, but each time I walked in I was greeted by friendly staff. Each person I interacted with was kind and wanting to help. Their outcomes also speak for themselves.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
My IUI and all meds were covered by my insurance plan- my plan covers up to $20,000 of fertility treatments per lifetime.
Describe Brooke Hodes-Wertz's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
That clinic apparently only does single from what she informed me at the time of my consult.
He [Dr. Grifo] is very hard to reach and you barely ever see him. Having said that, his assistants are incredibly responsive. During our first consultation I felt he had all the time in the works for us and was going to do all he could. He also responded to us on an emotional level in a way that deeply resonated with me - something our previous doctor could not do.... Don’t expect to see him often. If you need to speak, his assistants will give you a small window in which he will call you.
[NYU is] So so busy and not as efficient as RMA. You will wait a long time for monitoring. Nurses are super nice. When you call you don’t get a person - you get a machine. But at least dr grifo has an assistant that is very helpful and responsive.... For the most part, they have great personalities and are very thoughtful and responsive.... [Cost Of Treatment] Between $15-20 for retreival and $2k for transfer... Strongly emphasizes transferring one embryo
How was your experience with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
He is very hard to reach and you barely ever see him. Having said that, his assistants are incredibly responsive. During our first consultation I felt he had all the time in the works for us and was going to do all he could. He also responded to us on an emotional level in a way that deeply resonated with me - something our previous doctor could not do.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Don’t expect to see him often. If you need to speak, his assistants will give you a small window in which he will call you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
He is the most empathetic doctor I have ever had. During our first consultation, I felt he understood on a complex emotional level what we were going through and what we needed to hear (even if it was tough to say).
Describe the protocols James Grifo used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
High doses of stims- it worked because I got 30 eggs (which is May more than my previous 5 retrievals).
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
For the most part, they have great personalities and are very thoughtful and responsive.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
So so busy and not as efficient as RMA. You will wait a long time for monitoring. Nurses are super nice. When you call you don’t get a person - you get a machine. But at least dr grifo has an assistant that is very helpful and responsive.
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Between $15-20 for retreival and $2k for transfer
Describe James Grifo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Strongly emphasizes transferring one embryo and warns against risk of multiples.
[Dr. Grifo is] very scientific and thorough. He gave me very realistic expectations with respect to the number of eggs retrieved and embryos created...we retrieved more eggs than expected and were able to freeze more embryos than expected...He was a strong proponent of eSET given my age and the fact that we used a PGS embryo...it takes months to book an appointment with him
I was pleasantly surprised how NYU's clinic was truly state of the art. I trusted the lab, the doctors, administrators, staff, and nursing team. Everyone was accommodating and understanding and worked with my schedule. I was able to start my cycle within a week of meeting with Dr. Grifo for the first time and was pregnant within less than two months...Monitoring appointments were an efficient, well-oiled machine.
How was your experience with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
He's the best in the field. He's absolutely brilliant, and I trusted him with all decisionmaking. I instantly felt that I was in great hands. He's very scientific and thorough. He gave me very realistic expectations with respect to the number of eggs retrieved and embryos created, and I was pleasantly surprised when we retrieved more eggs than expected and were able to freeze more embryos than expected.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Do your homework before you see him. He is happy to answer as many questions as you have even though his time is previous and it takes months to book an appointment with him.
Describe the protocols James Grifo used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
I don't remember.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The nursing staff was extremely competent and helpful. I was always able to connect with someone who could answer any of my random questions and concerns.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The clinic is phenomenal. I used a different clinic with my first IVF pregnancy in Florida, and I was pleasantly surprised how NYU's clinic was truly state of the art. I trusted the lab, the doctors, administrators, staff, and nursing team. Everyone was accommodating and understanding and worked with my schedule. I was able to start my cycle within a week of meeting with Dr. Grifo for the first time and was pregnant within less than two months.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Monitoring appointments were an efficient, well-oiled machine.
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Around $35,000
Describe James Grifo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
He was a strong proponent of eSET given my age and the fact that we used a PGS embryo.
Dr Keefe has an excellent consultative demeanor. He is careful with how he communicates with my wife, sometimes explaining things in several different ways to make sure we both understand what is going on. He takes as long as needed to be sure we understand our options, the pros/cons and are comfortable making our decisions. ... Dr. Keefe is a caring, knowledgable doctor who thoroughly explains the available procedures, explains the data clearly and is careful with the patients' emotions.
NYU Fertility has a good schedule of opening in the morning for blood work and calling with results in the afternoon. The key is to get there right when they open in order to get in and get the blood draw done. Generally, their process is like clockwork. ... For the most part, Carol [nurse] was good with us. At times, however she could be a bit gruff on the phone (not always) and there was a time or two when we had to follow up to make sure we clearly understood what we were supposed to be doing.
How was your experience with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Keefe is a caring, knowledgable doctor who thoroughly explains the available procedures, explains the data clearly and is careful with the patients' emotions. We've always felt we were receiving the best care with him.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr Keefe has an excellent consultative demeanor. He is careful with how he communicates with my wife, sometimes explaining things in several different ways to make sure we both understand what is going on. He takes as long as needed to be sure we understand our options, the pros/cons and are comfortable making our decisions.
Describe the protocols David Keefe used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
We used IUI three cycles. IUI with injections one cycle and an IVF cycle.
Describe your experience with your nurse at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic). (Assigned nurse: Carol was the main one)
For the most part, Carol was good with us. At times, however she could be a bit gruff on the phone (not always) and there was a time or two when we had to follow up to make sure we clearly understood what we were supposed to be doing.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU Fertility has a good schedule of opening in the morning for blood work and calling with results in the afternoon. The key is to get there right when they open in order to get in and get the blood draw done. Generally, their process is like clockwork.
Describe the costs associated with your care under David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
IVF was not insurance-covered so was about $12,500 + medicines and genetic testing (total $20-25k)
Describe David Keefe's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Dr Keefe believes in single embryo transfer if at all possible, but is open to discussing multiple embryo transfer if the patient truly wishes to follow that course after having a thorough discussion.
Dr. Maxwell was attentive and reassuring during our first consultation. She listened to all of my concerns and has been responsive to phone calls. I feel like she has my best interests at heart when determining my treatment plan. Her nurses are also super knowledgeable and helpful. ... I have only completed one IUI cycle so far (unsuccessful). I used Clomid 5 mg on days 5-9. Then Ovidrel injection when I had a big enough follicle. On the second cycle my labs showed that I ovulated that day so they did not do IUI and recommended intercourse.
NYU is organized, high tech, and although some people describe it like a “factory” I never felt like a number. It does run like a well oiled machine, but can be very crowded during the monitoring times. They do their best to accommodate your schedule, which is much appreciated. ... The nurses are all great. Responsive to messages, knowledgeable, compassionate, patient and encouraging!
How was your experience with Susan Maxwell at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Maxwell is easy to talk to, involves you in the treatment plan, and is on the conservative side, which I like. She gave me the pros and cons of doing IVF immediately, but also gave me the reasons for trying IUI first. She gave me her recommendations but also the choice to do what I felt was right for me and my husband.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Susan Maxwell at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Make sure you come in with questions, and ask if you don’t understand something.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Susan Maxwell at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Maxwell was attentive and reassuring during our first consultation. She listened to all of my concerns and has been responsive to phone calls. I feel like she has my best interests at heart when determining my treatment plan. Her nurses are also super knowledgeable and helpful.
Describe the protocols Susan Maxwell used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
I have only completed one IUI cycle so far (unsuccessful). I used Clomid 5 mg on days 5-9. Then Ovidrel injection when I had a big enough follicle. On the second cycle my labs showed that I ovulated that day so they did not do IUI and recommended intercourse.
Describe your experience with your nurse at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic). (Assigned nurse: Andrea and Laura)
The nurses are all great. Responsive to messages, knowledgeable, compassionate, patient and encouraging!
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU is organized, high tech, and although some people describe it like a “factory” I never felt like a number. It does run like a well oiled machine, but can be very crowded during the monitoring times. They do their best to accommodate your schedule, which is much appreciated.
Describe Susan Maxwell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
There was very little interaction after the 1st consultation.... Dr Berkeley seems very competent, however the clinic takes a conservative approach towards trying IVF. We likely wasted 4 months waiting for better FSH results. When we got a 2nd opinion, at age 42, it really made sense to try IVF as soon as possible. Thus, one might conclude they are interested in keeping their statistics up; on the side, they may be acting ethically in not performing expensive IVF procedures when success is unlikely.
Overall good, just conservative in their approach to using IVF. If you are older and have financial flexibility, get a 2nd opinion from RMA asap. They [NYU] refused to do an IVF cycle based on low FSH. However, we feel, that at age 42, we likely wasted 4 months waiting for a lower FSH level. I would suggest going to get a 2nd opinion asap in the process if you don't progress asap.... [Cost Of Treatment] $25-30k for an IVF cycle
How was your experience with Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr Berkeley seems very competent, however the clinic takes a conservative approach towards trying IVF. We likely wasted 4 months waiting for better FSH results. When we got a 2nd opinion, at age 42, it really made sense to try IVF as soon as possible. Thus, one might conclude they are interested in keeping their statistics up; on the side, they may be acting ethically in not performing expensive IVF procedures when success is unlikely.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
If you have financial flexibility and are told you cannot proceed with an IVF cycle because of various hormones, go get a 2nd opinion from RMA.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
There was very little interaction after the 1st consultation.
Describe the protocols Alan Berkeley used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
Pretty standard protocol for the 1st cycle. Increased hormone stimulation before the 2nd one.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Overall great.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Overall good, just conservative in their approach to using IVF. If you are older and have financial flexibility, get a 2nd opinion from RMA asap. They refused to do an IVF cycle based on low FSH. However, we feel, that at age 42, we likely wasted 4 months waiting for a lower FSH level. I would suggest going to get a 2nd opinion asap in the process if you don't progress asap.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
pretty good
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
$25-30k for an IVF cycle
Describe Alan Berkeley's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Dr Hodes-Wertz was clear and concise with how she explained all upcoming steps and managed our expectations throughout...I always felt Dr Hodes-Wertz was involved in the decision making. It would be easy to feel like just a number at the clinic, but I feel like they make every effort to diminish that, with great success for me. The nurses were all engaged and recognized you on each visit and cheered or empathized with you based on your progress. We were very happy with the outcome.
monitoring window [at NYU Langone Fertility Center] was conveniently in the morning before work, it also helped to get results in faster...is a Large organization and it would be easy to get lost in the system, but they ensure you don't feel like just a number - there are a lot of early morning visits in the process which I don't think i was fully prepared for.
How was your experience with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Although NYU Fertility is a large clinic and i often saw multiple different nurses and doctors, I always felt Dr Hodes-Wertz was involved in the decision making. It would be easy to feel like just a number at the clinic, but I feel like they make every effort to diminish that, with great success for me. The nurses were all engaged and recognized you on each visit and cheered or empathized with you based on your progress. We were very happy with the outcome.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Ask questions, have an open mind when she is suggesting treatment and if you have personal preferences, discuss them openly.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr Hodes-Wertz was clear and concise with how she explained all upcoming steps and managed our expectations throughout.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU Langone is a Large organization and it would be easy to get lost in the system, but they ensure you don't feel like just a number - there are a lot of early morning visits in the process which I don't think i was fully prepared for.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Teh monitoring window was conveniently in the morning before work, it also helped to get results in faster.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Very friendly and informative. He [Dr. Keefe] told me a lot about himself and his history. You can ask him questions but he will end the meeting after a few. He always run late and always has a student with him for training purposes. He doesn't offer much advice jn terms of things to do to help the process - vitamins, diet, exercise, etc. which would be more helpful.... Morning monitoring [NYU] typically takes about an hour with ultrasound due to wait times. The system seems kind of random after you check in though I'm sure there's a method to their madness.
Morning monitoring [NYU] typically takes about an hour with ultrasound due to wait times. The system seems kind of random after you check in though I'm sure there's a method to their madness. There is a process for follow-up calls, and they have never not provided instructions when expected. What would be helpful is if they provided you with a follicle count and size for each visit, in writing.... He told me a lot about himself and his history. You can ask him questions but he will end the meeting after a few. He always run late and always has a student with him for training purposes.
How was your experience with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Very friendly and informative. He told me a lot about himself and his history. You can ask him questions but he will end the meeting after a few. He always run late and always has a student with him for training purposes. He doesn't offer much advice jn terms of things to do to help the process - vitamins, diet, exercise, etc. which would be more helpful.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Ask questions you have. If you ade asking for advice, he will offer you his opinion of things which is helpful.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Morning monitoring typically takes about an hour with ultrasound due to wait times. The system seems kind of random after you check in though I'm sure there's a method to their madness. There is a process for follow-up calls, and they have never not provided instructions when expected. What would be helpful is if they provided you with a follicle count and size for each visit, in writing.
What specific things went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
The initial consultation with Dr. Fino was great and we left feeling optimistic about the next steps. Given that we received zero communication during the following three IUI's and the Dr wasn't present for any of the procedures...my wife was prescribed Clomid to assist in ovulating multiple eggs. In 2 of 3 cycles, the drug had no effect and only one egg was produced and in 1 of the cycles, two follicles developed
[NYU Langone Fertility Center is] a well-oiled machine, modern, clean, and efficient and seams to accommodate for many procedures every hour based on the number of people coming and going. The issue is, it feels more like a machine than an intimate clinic. However, for busy professionals who need to get in and out with minimal fuss, this might be the perfect option...Initial consultation plus scan $760. Each IUI round $1045
How was your experience with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
The initial consultation with Dr. Fino was great and we left feeling optimistic about the next steps. Given that we received zero communication during the following three IUI's and the Dr wasn't present for any of the procedures, we moved onto a new clinic with a more personal approach. NYU is clearing pushing patients through the system en-masse which may be perfectly fine for some individuals.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Follow up and insist on speaking with the Dr. You are unlikely to hear from Dr. Fino if you simply wait to be contacted
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
We received one initial consultation from Dr. Fino. After undergoing 3 IUI's we received zero follow up's from the Dr. Since this was our first experience with fertility Dr's, we just assumed this was the norm. Trying to contact the Dr was impossible, as you are consistently blocked by the assisting staff.
Describe the protocols Elizabeth Fino used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
From memory, my wife was prescribed Clomid to assist in ovulating multiple eggs. In 2 of 3 cycles, the drug had no effect and only one egg was produced and in 1 of the cycles, two follicles developed. Had the Dr been monitoring the results, I assume another drug may have been prescribed to assist.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
It's a well-oiled machine, modern, clean, and efficient and seams to accommodate for many procedures every hour based on the number of people coming and going. The issue is, it feels more like a machine than an intimate clinic. However, for busy professionals who need to get in and out with minimal fuss, this might be the perfect option.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Initial consultation plus scan $760. Each IUI round $1045
Dr. DeVore always heard me out and listened to my thoughts/feelings/questions. It was a very collaborative experience. She checked in on me frequently during my treatment and made sure to ask me about life outside of fertility. She was thoughtful, supportive, and down to earth. I feel so grateful to have found her...Ask your questions, she will answer all of them thoroughly and thoughtfully...She advocated for single embryo transfer
It [NYU] is a busy clinic and you don't see your doctor every visit, but she checked in frequently and made all of my plans. NYU is a reputable clinic with good outcomes so I felt the business was worth the while...It was well run, a few days I had to wait longer than others, the staff was always apologetic...Dr. DeVore always heard me out and listened to my thoughts/feelings/questions. It was a very collaborative experience. She checked in on me frequently during my treatment and made sure to ask me about life outside of fertility. She was thoughtful, supportive, and down to earth. I feel so grateful to have found her...Ask your questions, she will answer all of them thoroughly and thoughtfully...She advocated for single embryo transfer
How was your experience with Shannon DeVore at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. DeVore always heard me out and listened to my thoughts/feelings/questions. It was a very collaborative experience. She checked in on me frequently during my treatment and made sure to ask me about life outside of fertility. She was thoughtful, supportive, and down to earth. I feel so grateful to have found her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Shannon DeVore at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Ask your questions, she will answer all of them thoroughly and thoughtfully.
Describe the protocols Shannon DeVore used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
I don't remember
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
It is a busy clinic and you don't see your doctor every visit, but she checked in frequently and made all of my plans. NYU is a reputable clinic with good outcomes so I felt the business was worth the while.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
It was well run, a few days I had to wait longer than others, the staff was always apologetic.
Describe Shannon DeVore's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Talk to him [Dr. Grifo] about any doubts and ask questions regarding potential complications... Great patient care, vet knowledgeable, and personable. Good flexibility in connecting through the phone as opposed to only through office visits. Vet patient and personable. But I am still in the middle of the process at this time... Even though they [NYU] have lots of patients the level of care is individual.
Very experienced staff [NYU], well oiled machine. It feels like the do this all the time and know all of the possible complications. Even though they have lots of patients the level of care is individual. I would definitely recommend this center... Good flexibility in connecting through the phone as opposed to only through office visits. Vet patient and personable. But I am still in the middle of the process at this time
How was your experience with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Great patient care, vet knowledgeable, and personable. Good flexibility in connecting through the phone as opposed to only through office visits. Vet patient and personable. But I am still in the middle of the process at this time
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Talk to him about any doubts and ask questions regarding potential complications
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Great patient care
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Very experienced staff, well oiled machine. It feels like the do this all the time and know all of the possible complications.
Even though they have lots of patients the level of care is individual. I would definitely recommend this center
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
I would talk with dr Fino but someone else would perform the surgery. That left me feeling a bit concerned. She was very thorough and had me do several exams and screenings to ensure that I had optimal conditions for conception... it was very hard getting an appointment with Dr. Fino. sometimes I had a phone call scheduled and she called at an odd time or did not call.
[NYU was ]organized in terms of sending you to billing and taking blood. it was very hard getting an appointment with Dr. Fino. sometimes I had a phone call scheduled and she called at an odd time or did not call.... I had a few mix ups on scheduled appointments... No follow up, had to call several times to move to next stage in process... I would talk with dr Fino but someone else would perform the surgery.
How was your experience with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I would talk with dr Fino but someone else would perform the surgery. That left me feeling a bit concerned. She was very thorough and had me do several exams and screenings to ensure that I had optimal conditions for conception
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
be patient
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
No follow up, had to call several times to move to next stage in process
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
organized in terms of sending you to billing and taking blood. it was very hard getting an appointment with Dr. Fino. sometimes I had a phone call scheduled and she called at an odd time or did not call.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Well oiled machine
What specific things went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Lost appointments
Failed to call with results
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
After three transfers and no successful pregnancy, he [Dr. James Grifo] is not only encouraging me to continue but ensures me that this process will result in a baby it is just a matter of time and numbers (at some point it will work). He understands how frustrating that is and is constantly encouraging me and letting me know how well I'm doing despite the anxiety, fear, pain, discomfort and hormonal roller coaster.
Don't be overwhelmed by the size of the office or the staff [at NYU]...Despite its size, it is extremely well run. Signing in at the computer is arguably the only time I felt like a "number." I have never experienced a mishap or mistake on behalf of the clinic or a missed call etc...They [nurses] are exceptional, all of them. Caring, kind, compassionate and HUMAN. They know me by name and are all cheering me on.
How was your experience with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Grifo is all about numbers. He is extremely smart, continues to do research and I find him to be candid and honest with me. After three transfers and no successful pregnancy, he is not only encouraging me to continue but ensures me that this process will result in a baby it is just a matter of time and numbers (at some point it will work). He understands how frustrating that is and is constantly encouraging me and letting me know how well I'm doing despite the anxiety, fear, pain, discomfort and hormonal roller coaster. I find him open to working with other doctors (even when he doesn't agree with their ideology), he is willing to try different things than what his normal protocol allows for. He is open to my suggestions and patiently answers pages and pages worth of prepared questions I have presented him with after doing my own research. In dealing with autoimmune issues he has been particularly accommodating and his ongoing work on Chronic Endometritis has been extremely informative.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Don't be overwhelmed by the size of the office or the staff.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Nurses know my name, as does Dr. Grifo, all are patient, kind, attentive and in tune with my particular case.
Describe the protocols James Grifo used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
First retrieval cycle we did 150 Follistim, 150 Menopur. I had 13 eggs, 11 fertilized with ICSI. Did a fresh transfer and PGS tested the balance. Got 2 PGS normal embryos and 1 Mosaic. After failed fresh transfer we did an endometrial biopsy that was positive for Chronic Endometritis. Took months to treat that, once it cleared I did two frozen transfers that both resulted in chemical pregnancies. The first frozen transfer was done with Estrace and an autoimmune protocol that included Prednisone, Plaquenil and IVIG. The second FET was a natural cycle transfer with autoimmune protocol as well.
This current retrieval cycle I am doing 300 Follistim, 150 Menopur and Letrozol.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
I love these women! They are exceptional, all of them. Caring, kind, compassionate and HUMAN. They know me by name and are all cheering me on.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The clinic is big, there are always people in the waiting room. If you want a boutique experience this is not for you. Despite its size, it is extremely well run. Signing in at the computer is arguably the only time I felt like a "number." I have never experienced a mishap or mistake on behalf of the clinic or a missed call etc.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
A lot of women in the waiting room, if you show up at the very end of monitoring hours you will wait for sure. But once you put your name into the system that you arrived, you will be called in turn (usually within 20 minutes at the very longest) and from there it is a well oiled machine. You get to know all the doctors and PA's that are doing the sonograms and you know all the nurses drawing blood.
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
For a self-pay full cycle, with PGS testing, transfer and medications the OVERALL cost (everything included) is approximately $24,000.
Describe James Grifo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Dr. Grifo does not endorse multiple embryo transfer but is willing to do so at the patient's request or insistence.
Dr. Keefe is kind, warm and compassionate, and takes time to explain and answer questions in great detail. I've only seen hime twice, both times for consultation. My only negative is that I wish I would see him more throughout the process. I only saw him for initial consultations. The rest of the time you deal mainly with the nurse coordinator and other doctors and technicians...He's not the doctor to see if you want personalized, individual attention from your doctor at every stage during the IVF process. I feel very confident with the level of care that I'm receiving and his oversight over my care, but there isn't much face time with Dr. Keefe. Their practice is so highly respected and has high success rates, that it's worth it to me.
NYU is one of the leaders in IVF and has perfected the process. They know what they're doing and I highly trust them. The downside is that they've operationalized the process so much that the experience often feels like a factory. I'd love to see greater personalization and more guided interaction...I wasted 4 months trying to get someone to help me get started...the process wasn't nearly as seamless as I had hoped it would be
How was your experience with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Keefe is kind, warm and compassionate, and takes time to explain and answer questions in great detail. I've only seen hime twice, both times for consultation. My only negative is that I wish I would see him more throughout the process. I only saw him for initial consultations. The rest of the time you deal mainly with the nurse coordinator and other doctors and technicians.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
He's not the doctor to see if you want personalized, individual attention from your doctor at every stage during the IVF process. I feel very confident with the level of care that I'm receiving and his oversight over my care, but there isn't much face time with Dr. Keefe. Their practice is so highly respected and has high success rates, that it's worth it to me.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Keefe is extremely empathetic and passionate about what he does. He takes the time to make sure you're comfortable with the information.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU is one of the leaders in IVF and has perfected the process. They know what they're doing and I highly trust them. The downside is that they've operationalized the process so much that the experience often feels like a factory. I'd love to see greater personalization and more guided interaction
What specific things went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Lost appointments
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
After I confirmed with Dr. Keefe that I was ready to move forward with IVF, the process wasn't nearly as seamless as I had hoped it would be. I wasn't assigned a nurse coordinator and spent the next few months calling, asking questions trying to figure out the process. Finally I was put in touch with a nurse who put me in touch with a nurse coordinator. Now that that's happened, it's much better. But I wasted 4 months trying to get someone to help me get started.
Dr. Fino is exceptionally knowledgable, practical and compassionate. She spends at least 20 minutes with me every call we have and thoroughly answers all of my questions. She's also exceptionally open to hearing what research I have done or approaches I would like to consider. I appreciate that after my first failed transfer of a PGS tested embryo she gave me information on a reproductive immunologist to further explore additional options.
The NYU nursing staff is like my family. They all know me by name, are upbeat friendly faces to see every morning monitoring. Can't say enough about this staff. Really love them.... Well oiled machine. Check in at computers up front and wait to be called. Blood taken first then sent to room for the ultrasound. I always get there early and am in and out in no time.
How was your experience with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Fino is exceptionally knowledgable, practical and compassionate. She spends at least 20 minutes with me every call we have and thoroughly answers all of my questions. She's also exceptionally open to hearing what research I have done or approaches I would like to consider. I appreciate that after my first failed transfer of a PGS tested embryo she gave me information on a reproductive immunologist to further explore additional options.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Don't be discouraged by the fact that you don't see her very often or that you can't get immediate access to her. She is exceptionally responsive and thorough and if you schedule a call you will get all the time you want/need with her. She's been fantastic and I trust her completely.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
NYU is a large fertility clinic and well oiled machine. At first I felt like a number until I learned how to operate within the system. It's difficult to have direct access to your Doctor, which is understandable given the volume of patients they say day in and day out. However, any time I leave messages with Dr. Fino's assistant for Dr. Fino I get an immediate response. They went above and beyond for me several times. Dr. Masbou who is a fellow that works with Dr. Fino is super responsive and accessible by email as well. The staff at NYU has come to feel like family and they are very responsive and well organized.
Describe the protocols Elizabeth Fino used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
IUI protocol: letrozal (for PCOS)
First Egg Retrieval: Gonal F (150), Menopur (150) both tapered down to 75 toward end of stimulation, Cetrotide
First Transfer Cycle: Estrace (2 mgs, 4 mgs, 6 mgs), Progesterone 1.5cc
First cycle Vitamins/Medicines: 750 mg Metformin, 600 mg CoQ10, 800 mg Folic Acid, 2,000 mg Vitamin D3
After failed transfer Dr. Fino performed a saline sonogram to look for fibroids and/or endometriosis and an endometrial biopsy. The biopsy found Endometritis. Husband and I were treated with strong course of 2 antibiotics for 2 weeks.
Second Egg Retrieval: Gonal F (150), Menopur (150) both tapered down to 75 toward end of stimulation, Cetrotide. During this retrieval Dr. Masbou performed a follow up endometrial biopsy or scratch to both confirm Endometritis was cleared and at the recommendation of Dr. Jonathan Scher (reproductive immunologist).
Second Transfer Cycle: Includes protocols from Dr. Jonathan Scher (reproductive immunologist as well). Estrace (2 mgs, 4 mgs, 6 mgs), Progesterone 1.5cc, Baby Aspirin (81 mg), Lovenox (0.6mL), Intralipid 20%
Second cycle Vitamins/Medicines: 1500 mg Metformin, VitaCare (prescribed prenatal), 600 mg CoQ10, 1.4 mg Folic Acid (Metanx), 4,000 mg Vitamin D3, Fem-Dophilus pro-biotic, 400 mg Magnesium Citrate, Prednisone (15 mg per day), Synthroid (25 mg)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The NYU nursing staff is like my family. They all know me by name, are upbeat friendly faces to see every morning monitoring. Can't say enough about this staff. Really love them.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The clinic is extremely large so you have to proactively manage your care and be your own advocate. Do your research so you're prepared with your questions when you talk to your doctor or the staff. I keep a binder with all of my lab results, protocols, Insurance forms, Financial forms, general info etc. I have found absolutely everyone on this staff to be responsive and fabulous.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Well oiled machine. Check in at computers up front and wait to be called. Blood taken first then sent to room for the ultrasound. I always get there early and am in and out in no time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Elizabeth Fino at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Our first cycle was completely covered by United Healthcare with the exception of PGS testing. The first cycle totaled approximately $21,000. Our second cycle (retrieval, PGS testing and transfer) have been completely covered by Progeny.
Describe Elizabeth Fino's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU recommends single embryo transfer for PGS tested embryos. We discussed all of the risks.
I liked her [Dr. Hodes-Wertz] because she doesn't show any emotion. She tell you what she thinks right directly. But I felt that she didn't give me numerous options. "It's only one thing that you should do is this" something like that....She pretty much gives you straightforward answer. There is no hesitation....If you want just get to the business without emotional support then she is right for you.... she is good person but not friendly person
There is many nurses and workers at facility [NYU - W 52nd]. They won't remember you. They do their part. So you just show and tell your problems and they will try to fix them. There is no comfort or friendly atmosphere. If you don't want close relationship with doctor or nurse and just focusing on issues, this clinic is the best for you....There were nurses that I see at visit. But I don't know them well and they don't know me well either.
How was your experience with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I liked her because she doesn't show any emotion. She tell you what she thinks right directly. But I felt that she didn't give me numerous options. "It's only one thing that you should do is this" something like that. She is not bad person, she is good person but not friendly person. She tells me what's happening and what's going to happen to me without comfort. If you want just get to the business without emotional support then she is right for you.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I believe she is experienced doctor with knowledge. But you have to ask her. She is not gonna tell you 1 to 10. I think you should write down what you want to ask before visit. She is not gonna tell you extra info unless you ask.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I don't say it's her fault. But Because of big fertility center like NYU, I didn't feel connected with doctor. She pretty much gives you straightforward answer. There is no hesitation.
Describe the protocols Brooke Hodes-Wertz used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
She told me I might have PCOS. But not quite sure. I've tried letrozole 2.5mg for first IUI. Then increased dose to 7.5mg at 4th IUI till 6th.
I 've tried clomid one time. I have unexplained infertility. So her strategy was normal treatment that increase dose of letrozole.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
There were nurses that I see at visit. But I don't know them well and they don't know me well either. Most of them are well trained nurses. But because there are so many patients. Again they are doing their best. But you feel like you are on assembly line.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
There is many nurses and workers at facility. They won't remember you. They do their part. So you just show and tell your problems and they will try to fix them. There is no comfort or friendly atmosphere. If you don't want close relationship with doctor or nurse and just focusing on issues, this clinic is the best for you.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
It's NYU. I think it was expensive. But most of insurance will cover. Website of NYU says The self-pay fee for an initial consultation with physician is approximately $500. The cost of an IVF cycle using fresh eggs, without genetic testing, starts at $12,650.
Describe Brooke Hodes-Wertz's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
I was not there yet. But I think she would transfer one or two embryos. She didn't want me to have multiple babies.
I'm undergoing treatments as a single mother by choice. From the beginning Dr. Noyes has shared personal anecdotes and resource suggestions that support and validate this path. She's been candid about my treatment options and built a plan that is well-suited to my situation and personal desires...If you are comfortable with a straightforward/blunt doctor that you can count on to listen to you and help you shape a plan based on your individual needs, then she is for you.
There are several nurses that handle the IUI process and all of them have been pleasant to work with. Despite treating a large number of patients, they frequently remember my name and treatment history without having to look at my chart.... I chose it because I truly believe they're experts in this field and can help me get results. Make no mistake, it [NYU - 1st Ave] is a large practice and if you meander into the office during the last 15 minutes of Morning Monitoring hours on a weekend, it's going to be standing room only and it is going to take a while to be seen.
How was your experience with Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I like a straightforward doctor, which Dr. Noyes is. That doesn't mean she lacks compassion, just that like me, she gets to the point and I feel confident that she understands my situation and is committed to helping me get the results I want. While I am only about a third of the way through my overall fertility plan, my interactions with her so far have made me feel heard and given me hope that this process will be successful. Dr. Noyes has created a plan that perfectly aligns with the desires I shared with her, and as we've hit bumps in the road (like a miscarriage after success with my first IUI treatment), she's been compassionate and adjusted our plan accordingly.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
If you are comfortable with a straightforward/blunt doctor that you can count on to listen to you and help you shape a plan based on your individual needs, then she is for you. If you need someone to hand-hold you every step of the way, she might not be... but I've found her to be a caring and comforting doctor.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I'm undergoing treatments as a single mother by choice. From the beginning Dr. Noyes has shared personal anecdotes and resource suggestions that support and validate this path. She's been candid about my treatment options and built a plan that is well-suited to my situation and personal desires to "get this done as quickly as possible." She takes the time to listen to me and always answers my full list of questions. When I miscarried, she was sympathetic, but remains positive about the likelihood of me successfully carrying to term in the future. Additionally, her assistant Alyssa is a pleasure to work with and helps me squeeze into see her or speak with her when I have questions. I have never felt like a number or like I was on a conveyor belt at her practice.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
There are several nurses that handle the IUI process and all of them have been pleasant to work with. Despite treating a large number of patients, they frequently remember my name and treatment history without having to look at my chart. They've helped keep me positive about this process and frequently done a good job at answering questions before I even think to ask them.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
I believe this is a top rated clinic in the U.S. for a reason. I've had several friends have success with this practice, and I chose it because I truly believe they're experts in this field and can help me get results. Make no mistake, it is a large practice and if you meander into the office during the last 15 minutes of Morning Monitoring hours on a weekend, it's going to be standing room only and it is going to take a while to be seen. That said, all of the staff have treated me with courtesy and care and I have never been made to feel like a number - despite clearly knowing that I am one of a large number of patients.
She [Dr. Noyes] might not be characterized as overtly warm & friendly - her manner is more grounded, straightforward, blunt. I really appreciated this about her. Her direct manner and her honest, thoughtful input (as I made the decision to try this) was what I wanted and needed. I never felt rushed with her but also her directness cut to the heart of the matter so we were not wasting time in our meetings either. I found her to have an intelligent, dry sense of humor which I appreciated. She is very no-nonsense and can seem a bit distant as a result;
NYU I think is one of the larger 'factory' types of fertility clinics. And, at times I did feel that. But, that said, they do have a pretty well-oiled efficient system and I felt confident I was in good hands and that if my cycle was cancelled at any point it would not have been due to human error or balls dropped. Also, in spite of the assembly line feel at times, most of the staff (medical and administrative) I encountered were friendly and had a personality and tried to make a human connection for that brief encounter.
How was your experience with Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
She might not be characterized as overtly warm & friendly - her manner is more grounded, straightforward, blunt. I really appreciated this about her. Her direct manner and her honest, thoughtful input (as I made the decision to try this) was what I wanted and needed. I never felt rushed with her but also her directness cut to the heart of the matter so we were not wasting time in our meetings either. I found her to have an intelligent, dry sense of humor which I appreciated. She is very no-nonsense and can seem a bit distant as a result; however, she clearly cares about her work, her patients and helping them make a baby.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Don't expect warm & fuzzy, but you'll get so much more that this.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
A few aspects of my specific situation (which also then changed from first visit in 2015 to 2017/18) made the decision to try IVF a personal challenge to work through. She actively and patiently listened to me with each visit over the several year period before deciding to try it. Without trying to sway me either way, she offered her honest input - both the statistics/facts but also (and more importantly) her experience and observations as someone who has worked with many women though this decision and process.
Describe the protocols Nicole Noyes used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
I am just about to have my retrieval (tomorrow) so unclear yet how things will go in terms of a successful cycle or not. This is my first IVF cycle but in talking with others, I think what I was on was very typical. Menopur 300, gonal-f 300 - daily for 8 days w/ antagonist Centrotide last 3-4 (?) days. Ovadril trigger shot. I am old to be trying this (45) but my hormones and all that can be tested leading up to this indicated it was still a possibility, though a long shot (Dr Noyes was clear about this but also not hopeless).
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Overall i think they are too overloaded. They do very well given this, but I think it can at times compromise their focus and care. I have found them primarily to be professional, knowledgeable, friendly and understanding of the trial the IVF experience is. But I did sometimes feel shuttled through an assembly line at times. At times they seemed as grumpy as we were to be there at 7 a.m. on a Sunday.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
This has been my only experience with a fertility clinic so i don't have anything to compare it to. NYU I think is one of the larger 'factory' types of fertility clinics. And, at times I did feel that. But, that said, they do have a pretty well-oiled efficient system and I felt confident I was in good hands and that if my cycle was cancelled at any point it would not have been due to human error or balls dropped. Also, in spite of the assembly line feel at times, most of the staff (medical and administrative) I encountered were friendly and had a personality and tried to make a human connection for that brief encounter. Overall, I was impressed that everyone clearly had a sense of and respect for the difficulty & expense of this process. This was reflected in the tone of the facility and the care at each turn.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
It was well orchestrated for sure. I was never there for longer than felt appropriate for what needed to happen that visit. It was not perfect (first couple times, it wasn't clear who I was seeing for the ultra sounds (a doctor, my doctor, a tech?) or what they were looking for with the first couple visits) but I advocated for myself and if asked for more info immediately got it & the nurse realized she had been too quick.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Noyes at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
it is the same as far as i know for all the docs at nyu... nyu cycle is 11,700 because I'm doing PGS (PGS is another 2-3,000 i think it is ...plus the outside lab fees)...there are other fees too. If I make it to transfer that will be 2,000 i think
Describe Nicole Noyes's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Her policy I assume is that of NYU's, which is single only - they wont do multiples. Higher risk of multiple pregnancies compromising heath and development of each other. I'd be a single mom if this works...so twins was not something I was eager to get out of this anyway.
I also somewhat felt like a lot of her [Dr. Hodes-Wertz] recommendations were a shot in the dark guess rather than specific to me and my needs. She also hasn't followed up with me in months...From day one she wanted me to do IVF. However after my persistence, She put me on clomid for an IUI and it sped up my cycle too quickly and I missed the iui opportunity...She's very quick and always feels like she's in a hurry during appointments.
[NYU] There are many nurses and they all seem somewhat confused and overworked. The issue is their phone system. You can't call anyone directly. You have to always leave a message and they call you back. I really dislike this...Once they forgot to call in my trigger shot prescription and it arrived late....Biggest issue is you can't get anyone on the phone...I felt like just a number in all honesty...
How was your experience with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I felt like she had hesitation when I asked if any of the fertility treatments were linked to causing cancer. Once she told me no, other times she would say "well you wouldn't want to do 10 cycles"! And it left me feeling very uneasy and unclear. I also somewhat felt like a lot of her recommendations were a shot in the dark guess rather than specific to me and my needs. She also hasn't followed up with me in months. I feel like she only wants to push IVF because it's most profitable for her. Another reason why I felt like just a number in all honesty.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Ask questions and demand clear answers. She has a way of talking in circles. She wants to tell you what she wants to tell you. Not necessarily what you want to know.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
I feel like a number because she doesn't call me to check in and see how I'm doing. She's very quick and always feels like she's in a hurry during appointments.
Describe the protocols Brooke Hodes-Wertz used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
From day one she wanted me to do IVF. However after my persistence, She put me on clomid for an IUI and it sped up my cycle too quickly and I missed the iui opportunity (because I ovulated on like day 5!). So we lost 2 months because of this. Then she switched me to letrizole which made my cycle a normal 30 days but still no luck with the iui.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
There are many nurses and they all seem somewhat confused and overworked. The issue is their phone system. You can't call anyone directly. You have to always leave a message and they call you back. I really dislike this.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Biggest issue is you can't get anyone on the phone. They have an answering service where you leave a message and they call you back at their leisure and what's convenient for them. I'm sorry, but for the money they make they could hire an actual receptionist that works for the doctor.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Co pay only at this time. Insurance covered everything else.
Describe Brooke Hodes-Wertz's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
She is pushy for just implanting 1 embryo at a time. She herself has twins (from doing IVF) so I can only assume it's because she wants the potential for more money. However I was told I would have final say and could implant a max of 2 embryos.
What specific things went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to call with results
Provided conflicting information
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Once they forgot to call in my trigger shot prescription and it arrived late.
Because of my age, Dr. Berkeley felt it was imperative to get started on a treatment course quickly. Unfortunately, my diminished ovarian reserve resulted in two failed IVF cycles, which were heartbreaking to us. When we were ready, Dr. Berkeley recommended that our best option would be donor egg treatment.... Dr. Berkeley takes a considerable amount of time with his patients to get to know them, and thoroughly explain not only what he thinks is going on case by case, but his strategies for resolving the issues.
NYU is a large place, and there are always many people in the waiting room. Suffice to say, I have never once felt like a number at this clinic. I am always greeted with a smile by my caregivers, who call me by name, and am treated with respect. The billing process at NYU is always scary as you have to check out with full payment before you leave.... For this third cycle, Aleksandra has been my main nurse care coordinator. She is personable, skilled, scientific and warm.
How was your experience with Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
One person who knows Dr. Berkeley well at his clinic described him to us once as a man who can look at a set of numbers in front of him and explain patterns that he immediately sees amongst them. There is no doubt that he is has an extraordinarily scientific brain. But along with this, he is compassionate, honest and caring with his patients. Though NYU is large and sees many daily patients, not once has Dr. Berkeley or any of his staff made me feel like a 'number.' In truth, Dr. Berkeley spends more time with us one on one that any other doctor I've ever known. He always wants to make sure you fully understand what is going on in your treatment, both before and during any treatment course. One very positive thing I will also say about Dr. Berkeley is that he is very pro-patient in his patient counseling. I am sure many of us have experienced well meaning partners at times who have wanted to do treatments that require less financial risk, at the expense of not working as well. He reminds partners in the room that it is, in fact, the female patient undergoing treatment that has to undergo the procedures, and that they should really be the ones to consult carefully before making any hard and fast decisions. Dr. Berkeley is always in the patient's corner - and this is very reassuring.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Patients who are seeking an honest assessment of their fertility issues and chances at conceiving will do well under Dr. Berkeley's care. He is kind and compassionate, but he is not a man who will sugar coat your situation. If this is the type of doctor you seek, then you will be very happy with his treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
We first tried a different fertility clinic which we promptly left before the first cycle commenced as we felt this office was not really on top of things. After this experience, we decided to go to NYU and work with Dr. Berkeley after another friend gave us a good recommendation of him. Immediately upon meeting him, I sensed he had the wisdom of a highly skilled scientist, but the warmth of a family member. Dr. Berkeley takes a considerable amount of time with his patients to get to know them, and thoroughly explain not only what he thinks is going on case by case, but his strategies for resolving the issues. He is also a very straight shooter - and by this I do not mean he is brutal with his honesty. He simply explains odds in a realistic yet comforting manner. Although we had two failed cycles, we feel very happy under Dr. Berkeley's care and will soon be undergoing a donor egg cycle as our main issue is diminished ovarian reserve. I am so grateful to have found Dr. Berkeley and to be under his care.
Describe the protocols Alan Berkeley used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
Because of my age, Dr. Berkeley felt it was imperative to get started on a treatment course quickly. Unfortunately, my diminished ovarian reserve resulted in two failed IVF cycles, which were heartbreaking to us. When we were ready, Dr. Berkeley recommended that our best option would be donor egg treatment. We did not feel like he was pushing us against our will, or trying to 'sell' us on something. It took us awhile, but we felt very comfortable with the decision we made to work with him to accomplish our goal using donor egg as our next step. NYU is also really on top of making sure you not only understand what is going on in your cycle treatment, but also helping you through every step in the process, either with phone calls or emails.
Describe your experience with your nurse at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic). (Assigned nurse: Aleksandra)
For this third cycle, Aleksandra has been my main nurse care coordinator. She is personable, skilled, scientific and warm. I could not be more pleased with her care and the time she has taken to answer my questions and reply to my emails. She is a true compassionate caregiver and I am very grateful.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU is a large place, and there are always many people in the waiting room. Suffice to say, I have never once felt like a number at this clinic. I am always greeted with a smile by my caregivers, who call me by name, and am treated with respect. The billing process at NYU is always scary as you have to check out with full payment before you leave. Some of those bills will bill enough to give you a coronary. But hey let's face it - infertility treatment is prohibitively expensive no matter the clinic. With this in mind, I am more interested in the type of quality healthcare I get for my money. NYU has been a solid choice for us.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alan Berkeley at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The costs are astronomical no matter where you end up going. This is the reality of infertility treatment in the US.
Describe Alan Berkeley's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU uses the eSET approach unless the multiple embryo transfer is discussed first, and I believe this is used on a case by case basis. I am comfortable with the fact that Dr. Berkeley uses eSET as I am in my 40's and already at high risk if and when I conceive.
You see him [Dr. Grifo] once in a while in the corridors, and if you are lucky, he'll see you for 1 ultrasound out of 15. When you catch him, in your first appointment or a consultation call post PGS results, he is indeed a star. He will give you his full attention, the full truth, and will be blunt about your chances, which I appreciate, but I can see some women not being a fan of. He knows his numbers inside out, which is great, but that in itself can make you feel like another number
You feel like a human when you are seen by the team of doctors and nurses, but once you need a follow up call with one of the doctors or nurses, the answering system is efficient, but does make you feel like just another number. They [NYU] will call you back, but it's often someone you've never spoken to before...the billing team should be 200% better at their jobs...The FC NYU is a well-oiled machine. 1:1 interactions with nurses are great.
How was your experience with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Spotting Grifo in the clinic is like spotting a celebrity. You see him once in a while in the corridors, and if you are lucky, he'll see you for 1 ultrasound out of 15. When you catch him, in your first appointment or a consultation call post PGS results, he is indeed a star. He will give you his full attention, the full truth, and will be blunt about your chances, which I appreciate, but I can see some women not being a fan of. He knows his numbers inside out, which is great, but that in itself can make you feel like another number compounding that average, that median, and keep you on your tip toes secretly hoping for the moment he will pull you aside and say "look, I followed your case day by day, I know a lot about you now, and you are not part of this statistic anymore... you are you and this is what I think!" It's not going to happen, but emotionally I'm in that phase now, as I wait for for my 2nd IVF cycle yet (I'm banking after 1 PGS-tested euploid embryo already frozen).
The retrieval is performed by the doctor in attendance that day, so if Grifo is there 1 out of 5 days, your chances of seeing him are 20%.
I just went through the embryo transfer course from Fertility IQ and am now freaking out about the performance variances across different doctors within the same clinic. Looking forward to touching base with Grifo to know his POV on this.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Try to take your emotions out of the equation as much as possible. Convince yourself you are making the best possible choice by enduring IVF: 1) you are maximizing your chances, 2) you are controlling the outcome (if you are doing PGS you are screening the best quality embryos in advance, and you are lowering your miscarriage chances to lower rates than mother nature), 3) you are taking an expensive, emotionally tolling, short-cut to starting a family, if time is of the essence for you.
Personally, IVF me dread every evening of treatment, but I took one day at a time, and even tried to enjoy the fact that I was taking control over my destiny (vs. years worth of trying, especially if you are retrieving a high number of eggs per cycle --imagine the monthly disappointments, or even mourning a miscarriage (which happened to be in the recent past).
Grifo is a matter-of-the-fact person, so if you are able to rationalize all the facts above, he is the doctor for you. He can be personable, funny, and charmingly smart.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
You feel like a human when you are seen by the team of doctors and nurses, but once you need a follow up call with one of the doctors or nurses, the answering system is efficient, but does make you feel like just another number. They will call you back, but it's often someone you've never spoken to before. Also, sitting in a packed waiting room and having your name called among other 10 names, definitely feels like a manufacturing plant scale... The 1:1 interactions are great (with with exception of billing), but everything else around it is of inhumane scale.
Describe the protocols James Grifo used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
Gonal F, Menopur, Cetrotide and Lupron + HCG triggers. My body responded very well to drug stimulation, and all along, doses of Gonal F and Menopur were being adjusted by doctors so my follicles had time to mature appropriately. Cetrotide was taken to prevent early ovulation, and my triggers consisted of 2 days of Lupron and 1 day of HCG, at 36 and 24hrs prior to retrieval. Triggers are to be shot at specific times, so that generates a little anxiety, especially if you have to excuse yourself from a client meeting for a few minutes :(
My 1st cycle produced 20+ eggs and 2nd cycle 20+ eggs again. Quality is very different from quantity, so if you can, PGS will give you a good reality check and ensure a lower miscarriage/bad surprises rate.
I don't have final results yet as I'm still waiting on 2nd cycle results (1st one yielded 1 euploid embryo that is currently frozen).
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The FC NYU is a well-oiled machine. 1:1 interactions with nurses are great. And when you have to call for questions, the message service is tremendously impersonal, but efficient. Nurses will call you back in a couple of hours, and leave very unambiguous voice mails. They are great.
A few of them are more talkative and will give you invaluable tips (that should probably be part of orientation), such as: 1) if you are doing PGS, what is the best possible way to optimize timing (brith control pills); 2) if you are using the Gonal F or Follastim pens, don't throw them away if they are not completely finished as you can get a full day worth of dosage in it, or even combine it with a brand new cartridge, representing hundreds of dollars of savings in the end; 3) don't buy all drugs at once, get supplies worth a few days, because you never know how quickly your body will respond to drugs, and you might get stuck with a ton of expensive drugs you can't return.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Not a state-of-the art clinic. Success rates, doctors, equipment were what mattered to me, but if you are looking for premium waiting rooms, 1:1 attention from your doctor during the full length of treatment, immediate responses to follow up calls, this may not be the clinic for you. The academic association of this clinic warrants a team approach, so you will have to trust the team of doctors' best practices, proven protocols, years of research and published papers. The few star doctors of the clinic will be there for you if you really need them. But you will need to be a very patient patient.
In FC NYU there are great embryologists, so if you fear your age is determining a lower quality of your eggs, you want that team looking at your embryos and performing biopsies. You also want to go for the PGS testing lab they recommend and trust their interpretation of results.
One thing I absolutely loathed about this clinic was the billing department. Staff sitting there is misinformed, inefficient, insecure, and unprofessional. Even if you consider that dealing with any insurance is a dreadful process, the billing team should be 200% better at their jobs. Every time I know I have to deal with them, my adrenaline is through the roof. FC, please reassess billing staff + provide better "client services" training and make measurable improvements ASAP!
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Efficient well-oiled machine. Nurses are very personable despite the scale of the clinic. Well-mannered, up beat, rain or shine, as early as 7.30 on a holiday. They are GREAT!
Describe the costs associated with your care under James Grifo at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Depends. If insurance covers, the value per IVF cycle charged is lower (about $7,500), if you are paying OOP the iVF cycle is about $10,200. Retrieval anesthesia, cryo, transfer, PGS costs, drugs are all separate. I don't have all the info yet because of insurance processing delays, but if you are doing all OOP, costs are as follow (approx. total $: 24,000)
- $15,300 retrieval + cryo + PGS
- $1,000 retrieval anesthesia
- $2,500 PGS lab testing (minimum fee, pending # of biopsied embryos)
- $5,000 drugs
Insurance scam I leaned about after many hours on the phone amidst my full time job: my Express Scripts insurance drug coverage gives me a lifetime max coverage of $4,000. If I process through insurance 1 pen of Gonal F 900 units, the cost is of $1,900. If I pay OOP, the cost is of $850 through the same pharmacy. So.... with my insurance I was hoping to cover at least 80% of the drugs I needed for 1 cylce, and with 2 pens of Gonal F (approx. 10% of the drugs I actually needed) my life time max was done!
Appalling... specially when you read Australian blogs in which women go through 10 cycles of IVF for free...
Describe James Grifo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Not discussed with Grifo yet, but my philosophy is to take as little drugs as possible, especially after the recent bombarding I did to my body, and the fact that I have no issues ovulating and a well functioning endometrium.
What specific things went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Billing: Even if you consider that dealing with any insurance is a dreadful process, the billing team should be 200% better at their jobs. A few real life examples:
1) on day 2 of your cycle, you have to make the payment for the full treatment, already considering what your insurance will and will not cover. I got the initial information about the PGS test price during my first visit with Grifo months ago, but when I went to actually pay for the test, the billing department surprised me by saying that the lab costs were separate and could amount to almost the same price you pay for the biopsy in FC. No one ever told us that biopsy in FC and analysis in a lab are 2 separate costs, that are almost as equally costly. End result: by surprise, we spent 60% more for a test we were initially misinformed was going to cost "only" $3,600 (it's not covered by insurance).
2) on day 2 of my 2nd cycle I was the one to bring up the fact that my insurance was not going to cover my 2nd full cycle (they have a life time max that covers about 1.5 IVF cycles). The person from billing had already charged my new PGS $3,600 and forgot to check my coverage, so I had to bring it up myself. Once she started digging, she repeatedly stood up to ask for more info from her supervisors, and every time came back with a different number. A total nightmare. That day, I spent over $3,000, and all the "documentation" I got was a poorly hand-written post-it (front and back), a copy of my credit card receipt, and a verbal statement "there is no way for us to know how much your insurance has actually covered at this point, so at some point we can refund you in case you paid in excess, but I can give you this post-it with the itemized list of expenses". WHAT?!?!?!?!? I definitely expected to get better financial information from a billing department, specially since everything else in the clinic seems to be a large scale highly-functioning well-run BUSINESS. FC, please reassess billing staff + provide feedback + improvements ASAP - billing lady on 03/22/2018 at approx 9.30am.
3) on day 2 as I was making the payment for another cycle, I asked yet another billing lady for itemization of services and wanted to confirm that the price for the cryopreservation was already taken care of (specially if you are nervous you have 1 single good embryo in the freezer, you want to make sure the contractual/financial part is in good standing). Her answer "I don't have time for this now, I should not get into any details with you, look, there are other patients waiting, I'm alone here this Saturday, whereas there are 30 nurses here today. Are you going to make this $8,200 payment now on your card? We need to move on". WHAT?!?!?!??! I'm giving you almost $10,000 and you can't give me the time of day to answer a financial question? Well, she did give me another post-it I guess. I have no idea what was formalized into the system as paid or unpaid. I guess I still need to be open for surprises. FC, please reassess billing staff + provide feedback + improvements ASAP - billing lady on 03/24/2018 at approx 8.30am.
She [Dr. Goldman] also hears me when I am weighing the costs of IVF vs continuing to do IUIs, and never pressures me about IVF. She is wonderfully steady, warm, upbeat and quick to laugh - every single attribute I personally need on this journey...smart and patient. She walks me thru every step and every outcome. She is direct but kind, and in my case has been cautiously optimistic, which is just what I need to push thru the IUI efforts. When I have asked for additional testing, she and her team provided it as well as analysis of the results.
They [nurses at NYU] are amazing, all incredibly thoughtful, warm and capable women. All encouraging of the process and mindful of all the components involved (billing, meds, travel to the clinic, scheduling.) I have felt like they have held my hand every single step of the way...The clinic is great. It's clean and the systems in place (ipad registration, open hours for bloods, etc) are well organized. Everything moves so quickly and efficiently. It takes me longer to get to 1st Avenue than my time actually spent in the clinic. THAT is incredible. My only complaint is I have no cell coverage while in the clinic. And when I log in to guest wifi I am still not connected. Seriously, my only complaint is the shoddy wifi.
How was your experience with Kara Goldman at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Goldman is smart and patient. She walks me thru every step and every outcome. She is direct but kind, and in my case has been cautiously optimistic, which is just what I need to push thru the IUI efforts. When I have asked for additional testing, she and her team provided it as well as analysis of the results. She also hears me when I am weighing the costs of IVF vs continuing to do IUIs, and never pressures me about IVF. She is wonderfully steady, warm, upbeat and quick to laugh - every single attribute I personally need on this journey.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kara Goldman at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Be honest with her. Tell her all of your concerns and the circumstances that are affecting your life in the process, as they relate to the process. For example I had a myomectomy 12 months ago and have a major concern for the medications to increase the return of uterine fibroids. She and her team have been monitoring my fibroids along the way and been thoughtful about my medications. Since I am single and pursuing this on my own, I was also upfront about the costs that I can bear and those that I can't. While she is direct with me about the best possible outcomes I NEVER feel bullied into procedures that I cannot afford. She is truly wonderful.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kara Goldman at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Dr. Goldman is thoughtful and professional, honest and warm. This business is all a mixed bag: good numbers, science mingling with miracles, data on donors, genetic testing, but through it all Dr. Goldman and her team speak to me and my life and my choices as if I am their only patient.
Describe the protocols Kara Goldman used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
1) Testing everything: all bloods, genetic testing, mammogram, cancer genetic testing, donor counseling (SO IMPORTANT), Hysteogram (spelling?, but the fallopian tube test), sperm donor genetic testing. Once everything was good, then IUIs.
2) First attempt: 100 mg of Clomid, day 3 of cycle to day 7. Then u/s and bloods, three follicles (19, 20 and 22mm), trigger shot. Return next day for IUI. Negative pregnancy.
Second attempt: 100 mg of Clomid, day 3 of cycle to day 7. Then u/s and bloods, three follicles (17, 23, 24mm), trigger shot Ovidrel. Bloods one week later to test progesterone, result "as perfect as can be." Return next day for IUI. Negative pregnancy.
Third attempt: will follow protocol, after a one cycle break.
Describe your experience with your nurse at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic). (Assigned nurse: Andrea)
They are amazing, all incredibly thoughtful, warm and capable women. All encouraging of the process and mindful of all the components involved (billing, meds, travel to the clinic, scheduling.) I have felt like they have held my hand every single step of the way.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
The clinic is great. It's clean and the systems in place (ipad registration, open hours for bloods, etc) are well organized. Everything moves so quickly and efficiently. It takes me longer to get to 1st Avenue than my time actually spent in the clinic. THAT is incredible.
My only complaint is I have no cell coverage while in the clinic. And when I log in to guest wifi I am still not connected. Seriously, my only complaint is the shoddy wifi.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Kara Goldman at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
labs are about $150 each, IUI about $600, u/s $250, specimen handling fee $75, I believe.
I have met Dr. Keefe once with my partner and never saw him again. Nurse Carol has been my primary contact and caregiver. After 3 clomid treatments and 2 IUIs , we have not been successful yet...I would have appreciated a closer relationship with my doctor, especially having gone through 3 unsuccessful cycles...He didn’t reply my email where I explained what has and hasn’t happened the 5 months since we initially met with him and followed his treatment protocol. We are in the process of moving forward with IVF after IUIs and I haven’t been able to get a hold of my doctor to get a roadmap for treatment so I can prepare for cost.
the initial consultation [at NYU] was $500 and the cost of each IUI is around $1000-$1500 and the cost of IVF is $17,000 plus outside lab genetic testing fees...We are in the process of moving forward with IVF after IUIs and I haven’t been able to get a hold of my doctor to get a roadmap for treatment so I can prepare for cost...Gets very busy- some days feels like a factory. Check in is automated so it goes fast and smooth. What I really had trouble with that they take limited insurance. And won’t help you with submitting claims to The insurance company which most other doctors will do.
How was your experience with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
He was compassionate but After the initial half hour consultation there were no follow ups. I would have appreciated a closer relationship with my doctor, especially having gone through 3 unsuccessful cycles.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Stay connected closely. Ask questions. Be in touch
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
The NYU offices are very busy. I have met Dr. Keefe once with my partner and never saw him again. Nurse Carol has been my primary contact and caregiver. After 3 clomid treatments and 2 IUIs , we have not been successful yet.
Describe the protocols David Keefe used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
Clomid x2 a day- day 3-7
Ovidrel day 13
Describe your experience with your nurse at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic). (Assigned nurse: Carol)
Nurse Carol is the best thing in this place. She is thorough , professional, no nonsense, detailed and good communicator. Always immediately calls back with answers. Really like her
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
Gets very busy- some days feels like a factory. Check in is automated so it goes fast and smooth. What I really had trouble with that they take limited insurance. And won’t help you with submitting claims to The insurance company which most other doctors will do. Coordinators nurses and billing staff is very responsive. I have not been able to reach my doctor ever again after meeting him initially for consultation. He didn’t reply my email where I explained what has and hasn’t happened the 5 months since we initially met with him and followed his treatment protocol. We are in the process of moving forward with IVF after IUIs and I haven’t been able to get a hold of my doctor to get a roadmap for treatment so I can prepare for cost.
Describe the costs associated with your care under David Keefe at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
My doctorDoes not take my insurance so the initial consultation was $500 and the cost of each IUI is around $1000-$1500 and the cost of IVF is $17,000 plus outside lab genetic testing fees around $3000 plus the medication is From $2000 -$8000.
During the 3 cycles [with Dr. Hodes], only once was the treatment adjusted when i had poor response to the fertility drugs. i showed better results then. Not further tests were done to understand if there was another condition other than the obvious factor of age. Later, found by another doctor on the first visit, it was discovered i had a benign tumor on the pituitary gland that was causing lots of issues. this was discovered by simply checking my prolactin levels. I am told by other doctors this should have been checked.
from the computer check in, to the check ups done by whichever doctor in practice available that day [at NYU], you will begin to understand that if your case is slightly out of the norm and needs a bit of one on one, that you must go to another clinic...Most of them [nurses] are nice and warm but the issue here is that there is nobody really following your case, nor they have the time.
How was your experience with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Doctor Brooke is warm and i believe a great physician but i think the NYU set up is not conducive to spending time with any of their patients. Communication is hard since you have to go through a portal or an email. Answers most always come via a nurse and that nurse will be a different person every time. This combined with perhaps a complex case, makes a recipe for a lot of confusion.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Do tons of research and have a lot of questions prepared. I would suggest for anybody to visit an endocrinologist first prior to starting any fertility treatments. I would also suggest to ask if there will be a lead nurse on your case.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Brooke Hodes-Wertz at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
During the 3 cycles, only once was the treatment adjusted when i had poor response to the fertility drugs. i showed better results then. Not further tests were done to understand if there was another condition other than the obvious factor of age. Later, found by another doctor on the first visit, it was discovered i had a benign tumor on the pituitary gland that was causing lots of issues. this was discovered by simply checking my prolactin levels. I am told by other doctors this should have been checked.
Describe the protocols Brooke Hodes-Wertz used in your cycles at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic) and their degree of success.
the 3 rounds went pretty much the same. Gonal F + Menapure was always on the list with the same dosage indicated. the one time i showed better results was when Lupron was added for few days.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
During your cycles at NYU you will see a slew amount of nurses. Most of them are nice and warm but the issue here is that there is nobody really following your case, nor they have the time. for example:
1) i asked via email what to do with my leftover lupron? and why i had an unused medication called vivelle and what were those for? to that i was left a voicemail that said lupron expires in 30 days.
2) i was told once by one nurse during a cycle, i am confused by your protocol not sure what to do.
3) during the beginning of one of my IVF i realized i had a lot of medication left over from cancelled cycle. i requested that the nurse only provides a prescription for what i needed. but again since nobody is really following your chart she said she could not do that and would leave me on my voice mail the amount she requested to the pharmacy so i can cross reference with my inventory. Then, i called the pharmacy myself to reduce the count of each medication. it is important to call out that fertility medications like Menapure or Gonal can quickly add up to a bill of 5k to 10k depending of the amount. so for me it was really stressful and careless to have gone about it in this manner.
Describe your experience with NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
NYU fertility is a renowned for their in-vitro success rates. However, from the computer check in, to the check ups done by whichever doctor in practice available that day, you will begin to understand that if your case is slightly out of the norm and needs a bit of one on one, that you must go to another clinic.
What specific things went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic)?
Lost results
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at NYU Langone Fertility Center (Prelude Network Clinic).
we are not entirely sure if genetic testing results for my partner were lost or simply never performed. we only found this out when we tried obtaining them to move on to another clinic.