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. Agarwal is not only an incredible fertility doctor, he is the AUTHORITY on endometriosis...treatment plans were all based on cutting edge research and the newest data possible. His bedside manner is a 10/10...Everything he recommended worked and I am now pregnant...treated me like family and truly cares about his patients.
Reproductive Partners truly is a state of the art facility...entire team of doctors, nurses, and support staff really made me feel like I was a part of their family. Everyone has excellent bedside manner and makes you feel important. Nurse Natalie was on the ball with all my appointments...very communicative and organized
How was your experience with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Agarwal is not only an incredible fertility doctor, he is the AUTHORITY on endometriosis. He teaches at UCSD and is well respected by other doctors at the college. His treatment plans were all based on cutting edge research and the newest data possible. His bedside manner is a 10/10 and I trust him with my life. Everything he recommended worked and I am now pregnant with a healthy baby. He treated me like family and truly cares about his patients.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Trust him! He is a genius and has written many medical articles and performed many studies on multiple drugs and procedures.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
After struggling with infertility for many years, it was discovered I had advanced stage endometriosis and poor egg reserves because of it. A specialty doctor at UCSD told me I HAD to go to Reproductive Partners if I wanted any chance at having a baby on my own. Thank God I did! Dr. Agarwal quickly came up with a plan to treat my endometriosis and get my body to a healthy state so I could try IVF. All of the procedures and medications he had me try were cutting edge and based on the newest research and data. I am so happy to say I am now 9 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl! The entire team of doctors, nurses, and support staff really made me feel like I was a part of their family. Everyone has excellent bedside manner and makes you feel important. Nurse Natalie was on the ball with all my appointments and medications and always answered right away whenever any questions or concerns came up. Reproductive Partners truly is a state of the art facility and their lab success rates are amazing. I am so grateful I found them and highly recommend them to anyone who is struggling to conceive. Thank you Reproductive Partners for making my dream of having a child come true!
Describe the protocols Sanjay Agarwal used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
First he ordered tons of blood work, a flush of my fallopian tubes, MRIs, and a hysteroscopy. He was very thorough. He had me get on Letrozole to shrink down my endometriosis. He removed some cysts in my uterus and made sure it was clear and ready for an embryo. I then started IVF. Egg retrieval was successful. We did a frozen transfer of only 1 PGTA tested day 5 embryo about a month later. It was successful and I am now 9 weeks pregnant. On progesterone and estrogen suppositories until week 12 to support the pregnancy. I have gone in every 2 weeks for an ultrasound and blood work.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Natalie)
Nurse Natalie was amazing! She was very communicative and organized. Walked me through each step of the process and explained every medication and procedure in detail. She provided clear calendars and schedules. She always had my medications ordered and ready to go right away. She answered my calls at all hours of the day and night and was extremely supportive and available.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
After struggling with infertility for many years, it was discovered I had advanced stage endometriosis and poor egg reserves because of it. A specialty doctor at UCSD told me I HAD to go to Reproductive Partners if I wanted any chance at having a baby on my own. Thank God I did! Dr. Agarwal quickly came up with a plan to treat my endometriosis and get my body to a healthy state so I could try IVF. All of the procedures and medications he had me try were cutting edge and based on the newest research and data. I am so happy to say I am now 9 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl! The entire team of doctors, nurses, and support staff really made me feel like I was a part of their family. Everyone has excellent bedside manner and makes you feel important. Nurse Natalie was on the ball with all my appointments and medications and always answered right away whenever any questions or concerns came up. Reproductive Partners truly is a state of the art facility and their lab success rates are amazing. I am so grateful I found them and highly recommend them to anyone who is struggling to conceive. Thank you Reproductive Partners for making my dream of having a child come true!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Luckily my PPO picked up a lost of the costs. The finance team was on the ball with my insurance and getting things approved. They never made any mistakes or charged me when they shouldn’t have. In total, we spent about $12,000 out of pocket for all testing, procedures, IVF, freezer, and visits.
Describe Sanjay Agarwal's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I’m so glad Dr. Agarwal only does single embryo transfer. The research on that is very clear that it is much safer for mom and baby.
Dr. Stanhiser is awesome...caring and knowledgeable...very experienced...able to see her for almost every visit...able to easily understand my situation, correctly diagnosed me with PCOS, and adjusted my treatment to account for my response...is calm and reassuring...positive and kind
[Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] lab is excellent, and they're open everyday. All the doctors seem awesome...you won't be able to see your doctor every single time...clinic is really experienced and has a lot of patients, so that really helps...don't think this clinic is owned by private equity...RPSD seems to be very established and experienced and here to stay
How was your experience with Jamie Stanhiser at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Stanhiser is awesome! She's caring and knowledgeable. She's very experienced. I love that she works M-F so I was able to see her for almost every visit. She was able to easily understand my situation, correctly diagnosed me with PCOS, and adjusted my treatment to account for my response. She is calm and reassuring, and she is just so positive and kind.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Jamie Stanhiser at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Check that she won't be on vacation when you're thinking about doing your cycle, and try to get clear on your own fertility goals before booking your consultation if you can because everyone at the clinic is quite busy, so while she's patient and will answer all your questions, you don't get to have endless consultation appointments to just chat and figure out what you want in life.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Jamie Stanhiser at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Stanhiser and the clinic staff get to know you, and it's great to see the same people each time at the clinic. It feels more comfortable and familiar. They're all very patient and caring. They didn't judge me or get annoyed with all my questions. They trusted me when I told them I was working with insurance on paying my balance.
Describe the protocols Jamie Stanhiser used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
She correctly diagnosed me with PCOS, which I had no idea about. My treatment was a MLEA SS No adj protocol. It involved Estrace priming, Menopur, Follistim, Ganirelix, Indomethacin, Lupron, and Pregnyl. My estrogen went up, so I was on the daily blood draw track. I took cabergoline, Miralax, and Ganirelix after egg retrieval. Everything was on schedule.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Sheri)
Sheri was great! Super calming and reassuring, like telling me the blood draw needles are pediatric ones and the injection needles are diabetic ones. She's very responsive, and she got me all the information I needed in a timely manner and checked in with me.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I think it's awesome we have this clinic in San Diego! The lab is excellent, and they're open everyday. All the doctors seem awesome, so that's really reassuring since you won't be able to see your doctor every single time. The clinic is really experienced and has a lot of patients, so that really helps. I also don't think this clinic is owned by private equity so that makes reassuring to me. RPSD seems to be very established and experienced and here to stay.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Jamie Stanhiser at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The egg retrieval is about $6k. Additional medical costs were about $4k. Medication through specialty pharmacy was about $13k (probably could've done 1.75 rounds).
Describe Jamie Stanhiser's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
N/A
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I had one issue with billing where my insurance company said that the clinic submitted a claim one way, retracted it and re-submitted, retracted it again and re-submitted again, and it ended up not getting covered even though it should be, so it's an ongoing back-and-forth. The clinic staff have been very patient and communicative about the issue though so I feel like it will get ironed out eventually.
From my initial consult with Dr. Su I felt listened to, and I felt confident I finally had someone who was going to bring a fine-toothed comb to my case...was willing to try a lot of things to work with my body’s natural cycle, but not dogmatic about it, and always explained the options to me in a way that helped me make the decision. I felt confident that even if we didn’t achieve success, Dr. Su would help us run down all our options within the bounds of reason so that we wouldn’t have any regrets.
I had a great experience at Reproductive Partners, and honestly experienced no significant weaknesses. Because it is affiliated with UCSD it’s important to know that the doctors may have residents/fellows shadowing, but will always ask for consent if you are comfortable allowing them to observe. I never minded and actually was very encouraged to see the next generation of doctors working in this field.
How was your experience with Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
From my initial consult with Dr. Su I felt listened to, and I felt confident I finally had someone who was going to bring a fine-toothed comb to my case. I had already been through two other clinics and so really wanted a doctor who would empower me in my own care but also bring a strong point of view about the latest science in the field of ART. Dr. Su brought all of that but at the same time really validated what I had been through and made me feel like she was invested in my mental and physical health, not just trying to get me in and out of the clinic. We discovered a few previously-undiagnosed health conditions during my first attempt at a cycle, but once that resolved my retrieval went smoothly. She brought me in nearly every single day of stims to do bloodwork and would adjust my dosages that same day. I had never been monitored so closely, and I credit that attention for this retrieval being my most successful. I found that Dr Su was willing to try a lot of things to work with my body’s natural cycle, but not dogmatic about it, and always explained the options to me in a way that helped me make the decision. I felt confident that even if we didn’t achieve success, Dr. Su would help us run down all our options within the bounds of reason so that we wouldn’t have any regrets.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
She follows the science but does not have a cookie cutter approach to her patients! That means more monitoring and bloodwork sometimes but it’s so, so worth it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Su has incredibly warm bedside manner but also explains things in a factual, straightforward way. She makes you feel like your individual case is unique and matters.
Describe the protocols Irene Su used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Because I had issues with fertilization and blastulation in the past despite no visible issues with my eggs, Dr. Su adapted my protocol to help with egg quality and activation as much as possible. I was on an adapted antagonist protocol with dual trigger, and was monitored nearly daily to adjust my dosages.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I loved my primary nurse (Robin) and being able to communicate easily through her direct line or email. She was incredibly compassionate and organized, and I never ever felt like I had to chase people down for answers to my questions or next steps. Even the general nursing staff I would meet for appointments or bloodwork were friendly and kind. Everyone seemed to value patients and despite the clinic getting busy sometimes, never made me feel frazzled or like a number.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I had a great experience at Reproductive Partners, and honestly experienced no significant weaknesses. Because it is affiliated with UCSD it’s important to know that the doctors may have residents/fellows shadowing, but will always ask for consent if you are comfortable allowing them to observe. I never minded and actually was very encouraged to see the next generation of doctors working in this field.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I had Progyny coverage.
Describe Irene Su's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I was comfortable with eSET and agreed with the clinic’s guidelines.
Dr. Quaas went above and beyond to make sure I was supported throughout the whole process, helping me overcome my fear of needles and shots and making sure I felt comfortable and taken care of throughout and after my retrieval. He always had time to answer any question, no matter how small, and was always present...
I had a different nurse [at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] most days for my blood draws, which was totally fine because they all stay in such great communication with each other. Nothing fell through the cracks, someone was always available to me (even after hours...I paid around $9700 to Reproductive Partners, and around $3100 for the medications...
How was your experience with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I had almost gone through a round of egg freezing at another clinic and cannot begin to describe my gratitude that I waited and found Dr. Quaas and Reproductive Partners despite that doctor also being very successful and well established within the field. I was definitely very certain that egg freezing was something I wanted to do, but I was also terrified of doing it. Dr. Quaas listened to all of my concerns and fears and broke down the entire process step by step. We talked about what my goals were and made a plan. I had more blood drawn the past two weeks than I have my entire life, I had never been on anesthesia before, and this was by far the most traumatizing thing that I've ever put my body through. Dr. Quaas was always clear about the risks and realistic about what could happen, but he was invested in me not just to get the best numbers and the best eggs but to make sure I felt supported and was as comfortable as possible through this. I feel like I won the lottery with both my results and the quality of my care.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I do think the choice of doctor is incredibly personal, but if you feel like you connect with him, I don't think you could ask for someone better to lead you through this journey.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Quaas went above and beyond to make sure I was supported throughout the whole process, helping me overcome my fear of needles and shots and making sure I felt comfortable and taken care of throughout and after my retrieval. He always had time to answer any question, no matter how small, and was always present.
Describe the protocols Alexander Quaas used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
We did the birth control protocol followed by nighttime shots of Menopur (75 IU each night) and Follistim (amount varied each night depending on my blood draws, but we started at 150 and went as low as 75 or none at all one night) with 50mg of Clomid.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Charlene)
The entire staff and nursing team was also extraordinary. I only met Charlene in person once (in part because of the holidays), but she was the person who called me each afternoon with my doses, responded to my emails and questions, and stayed on top of my case. I had a different nurse most days for my blood draws, which was totally fine because they all stay in such great communication with each other. Nothing fell through the cracks, someone was always available to me (even after hours -- I had to call the on-call doctor once, and that call was returned within 5 minutes), and each nurse just made me feel so comfortable and supported. I would definitely say that you need to stay on top of your case, your prescriptions, your body, etc., and be vocal if there was something you were told that you haven't seen happen, etc, but this whole team is really strong.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Everyone I interacted with was great. The facility is very clean and comfortable and up-to-date. For my retrieval, the blankets were even heated which again was just this small thing that made it more comfortable.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I paid around $9700 to Reproductive Partners, and around $3100 for the medications. There are a few other smaller costs (I had to get a Covid test, a LabCorp bill, the anesthesiologist, etc) that were in the $300 range.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Lost paperwork
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
There was one form that didn't end up in my file that I ended up needing to sign twice -- it was nothing stressful.
Dr. Quaas treated both my husband and I with respect. He explained all protocols and procedures and allowed us to ask as many questions as needed. He was available by phone...His personality is upbeat and funny which helps when going through a stressful process like IVF...eSET is preferred...gave us hope about conceiving but did not oversell a guarantee of success...frank and honest about our chances of conceiving.
The nursing staff really shine at RP. They are warm, professional, kind, and helpful. Our coordinator Amy Nelson was awesome. She is professional, patient, attentive, organized, and caring. We always had great communication and received prompt replies. She answered all our questions, sometimes multiple times...The receptionists are not very warm or welcoming...Don't let it discourage you
How was your experience with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
We almost always had a good experience with Dr. Quaas. He explained all the risks and possible outcomes. He was empathic about our recent losses. He gave us hope about conceiving but did not oversell a guarantee of success. He was frank and honest about our chances of conceiving. On one appointment, he seemed a little distracted and less attentive, but it did not affect our views of him. His personality is upbeat and funny which helps when going through a stressful process like IVF.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Write down questions, ask a lot of questions, ask what is everything in the process means, like what is a good FSH or AMH level.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Quaas treated both my husband and I with respect. He explained all protocols and procedures and allowed us to ask as many questions as needed. He was available by phone and his nurse, Amy, was available by phone and email. Amy was an excellent coordinator. She was attentive, professional, and caring. We always received a prompt response when we emailed on left a message.
Describe the protocols Alexander Quaas used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Low stimulation with 2 weeks of priming and emphasis on taking supplements to support IVF success.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Amy Nelson)
The nursing staff really shine at RP. They are warm, professional, kind, and helpful. Our coordinator Amy Nelson was awesome. She is professional, patient, attentive, organized, and caring. We always had great communication and received prompt replies. She answered all our questions, sometimes multiple times.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The receptionists are not very warm or welcoming. They don't smile very often or greet you warmly. They always appear busy with work on the computer or the phone or both. It is not a major issue for us, but it is something we noticed. Don't let it discourage you from the rest of the wonderful nursing staff and doctors.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Approximately, $15000 with labs and ultrasounds. Medications with discount programs about $2000.
Describe Alexander Quaas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Dr. Sanjay K. Agarwal is very sweet and has a wonderful bed-side manner. He addresses any concerns with gentleness and rationality. He seems to be an optimist and wants to do everything that he can to increase your chances with the least amount of intervention...always available if you need him. The hardest part about this journey is that he won't be as active in the retrieval side of things because he is only in office once a week
Everyone at the [Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] clinic is super kind. It is beautiful, clean, and open. It is a larger facility so appointments and wait times will vary. I do wish they had more educational information on their website and patient-focused support programs. I also wish fertility clinics, in general, had more information on financial support programs...I wanted more personal check-ins and coaching
How was your experience with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I love Dr. Agarwal! He is always available if you need him. The hardest part about this journey is that he won't be as active in the retrieval side of things because he is only in office once a week. However, I'll be taken care of 2 - 3 other doctors who follow a similar protocol as him. I much rather have one doctor to work with so there is less of a chance of inaccuracy or different readings on my own body, but I trust everyone at the center which is why we are choosing to move forward.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Make sure to come with a list of questions that are personal to your situation. While he goes through the process thoroughly with you, he won't go into EVERY detail because there simply isn't enough time. Come prepared with all the scenarios that you need clarity on and don't be shy to put it out there. My husband and I like to keep things as light as possible and are silly during the appointments, while it caught him off guard at first he quickly warmed up to our personalities and played along. So don't be shy to be yourself and create the environment that you need to feel safe and comfortable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Sanjay K. Agarwal is very sweet and has a wonderful bed-side manner. He addresses any concerns with gentleness and rationality. He seems to be an optimist and wants to do everything that he can to increase your chances with the least amount of intervention.
Describe the protocols Sanjay Agarwal used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
We worked with his partnered urologist to do a microTESE because my husband has cystic fibrosis and his vasdefrans was never fully developed or blocked. Dr. Hseih put him on Clomid for three months prior to surgery. Surgery went well and they were able to fulfill 11 vials for us to use for IVF. Dr. Agarwal had me go on multiple supplements and prescribed metformin to hopefully help my body respond better to medications. We are currently on pause with retrieval due to COVID-19.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Nurse Coordinator - Brooke)
I want to first and start off by saying our nurse is sweet and kind. She responds respectfully and with compassion. I do wish I had more contact during the beginning of the process even if we haven't started the protocol for IVF. I just needed a little more hand-holding considering this is our first go around so I wanted more personal check-ins and coaching in greater depth through our personal process.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Everyone at the clinic is super kind. It is beautiful, clean, and open. It is a larger facility so appointments and wait times will vary. I do wish they had more educational information on their website and patient-focused support programs. I also wish fertility clinics, in general, had more information on financial support programs.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
$9,500 for IVF
$3,000 per transfer
$4,000 - $8,000 for medications
2,000 - 3,000 for PGS / PGD Testing
about $1,000 Bloodwork and visits
Describe Sanjay Agarwal's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Dr. Sanjay K. Agarwal only does single embryo transfers and we will be doing ICSI.
She [Dr. Irene Su] only works on Mondays & Fridays and they do not guarantee that she will be there to do your egg retrieval. That said, she does everything in her power to be the one to do it...she said that my eggs were not synchronous meaning at retrieval some were huge (probably post mature) and some were small (pre mature). She gave us her vision for a second cycle with details on what she would change in order to have a more synchronous cycle with more similarly sized follicles/eggs. We proceeded with a second cycle (long estrace protocol) based on her plan and it was much better than the first! We got 7 eggs, 5 embryos and ended up with 2 day 5 blastocysts.
The nursing staff [at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] was kind and competent. They recognize and seem to genuinely care for patients...Given that we only ended up with one day 5, genetically normal embryo a single embryo transfer was our only option...we enjoyed the overall experience. It seemed like a very well oiled machine and we did not have any issues with their strategies or operations. Their financial team was very helpful as well...
How was your experience with Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
She is the perfect mix of data nerd and compassionate friend. She could deep dive into very scientific data and research if you want and she can sense when you are overwhelmed and speak to you like a normal person who doesn't specialize in fertility. She gets to know you and really invests in your success.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
She only works on Mondays & Fridays and they do not guarantee that she will be there to do your egg retrieval. That said, she does everything in her power to be the one to do it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
She was warm, forthcoming and seemed to genuinely care about our situation and helping us grow our family.
Describe the protocols Irene Su used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Our first cycle was a standard IVF cycle but we didn't get any day 5 embryos. We met with her to discuss why it was unsuccessful and she said that my eggs were not synchronous meaning at retrieval some were huge (probably post mature) and some were small (pre mature). She gave us her vision for a second cycle with details on what she would change in order to have a more synchronous cycle with more similarly sized follicles/eggs. We proceeded with a second cycle (long estrace protocol) based on her plan and it was much better than the first! We got 7 eggs, 5 embryos and ended up with 2 day 5 blastocysts.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Brooke Stavang)
The nursing staff was kind and competent. They recognize and seem to genuinely care for patients.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I don't have much to say about the clinic except that we enjoyed the overall experience. It seemed like a very well oiled machine and we did not have any issues with their strategies or operations. Their financial team was very helpful as well.
Describe Irene Su's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Given that we only ended up with one day 5, genetically normal embryo a single embryo transfer was our only option.
The IVF process is very daunting and stressful, and working with Dr. Su helped calm a lot of nerves. Dr. Su explains everything thoroughly and takes her time with each patient. We had three embryo transfers, unfortunately none ended in a successful pregnancy. We suffered two miscarriages and one failed cycle, and through it all she was compassionate and understanding.... she always greets her patients by name and shakes your hand.
The clinic [Reproductive Partners] is very busy, they usually are really good about not having a long wait for appointment or blood draw, but it does happen. Everyone I’ve met at the clinic has been very kind. The front desk ladies always greet you with a smile and as you move for way with treatment, the nurses get to know you and always greet you as well.... Dr. Su’s nurse Natalie is absolutely amazing. She responds to phone calls and emails in a timely manner.
How was your experience with Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
The IVF process is very daunting and stressful, and working with Dr. Su helped calm a lot of nerves. Dr. Su explains everything thoroughly and takes her time with each patient. We had three embryo transfers, unfortunately none ended in a successful pregnancy. We suffered two miscarriages and one failed cycle, and through it all she was compassionate and understanding. Moving forward we will do one retrieval and she walked us through the plan to change treatment for the second time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Advice could be applied to seeing any doctor. Ask questions, ask a lot of questions. It’s a lot of information and understanding the process is very helpful.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
We were treated like a humans, she always greets her patients by name and shakes your hand. Dr. Su is compassionate and very knowledgeable. She explained everything thoroughly and made herself available for phone follow ups to answer questions that may come up after our meeting.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Natalie M.)
Dr. Su’s nurse Natalie is absolutely amazing. She responds to phone calls and emails in a timely manner. She is very helpful and always answers my questions.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The clinic is very busy, they usually are really good about not having a long wait for appointment or blood draw, but it does happen. Everyone I’ve met at the clinic has been very kind. The front desk ladies always greet you with a smile and as you move for way with treatment, the nurses get to know you and always greet you as well.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Irene Su at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I don’t know the total cost exactly because insurance covered a portion.
Describe Irene Su's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
It is the clinic’s policy to transfer one embryo at a time.
Dr. Duleba is a strong advocate for quality and health over quantity and will only do IUI if there are 2 or less follicles. If there are 2+ follicles, he will cancel the cycle and try again next time...I felt treated as a human because my concerns were heard and met with sympathy and hope...is very knowledgeable and felt like he really provided objective options and did not pressure us at all to go one way or another. His accent did make it hard to understand him sometimes and I did not mind his fellows working with him, I felt it added to the moral support and more ideas on my case.
The nursing staff [at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] is great, they reiterated the next steps for the visit, gave me billing dept info, went over my after visit summary and always made me feel supported...My insurance covered the consultations and testing so far. Still pending approval for IUI. ..Their scheduling is limited, however, it seems that his fellows and team members can step in if Dr. Duleba isn't there which is okay with me as long as they re on the same page. The clinic is nice and quiet, the receptionist is pleasant and very knowledgeable on insurance.
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Duleba is very knowledgeable and felt like he really provided objective options and did not pressure us at all to go one way or another. His accent did make it hard to understand him sometimes and I did not mind his fellows working with him, I felt it added to the moral support and more ideas on my case.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He's great, a lot more willing to problem solve and be proactive in starting treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I felt treated as a human because my concerns were heard and met with sympathy and hope.
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
So far, I have only had consultation and testing done. I am set to have IUI when this pandemic slows down and the clinics are open again.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The nursing staff is great, they reiterated the next steps for the visit, gave me billing dept info, went over my after visit summary and always made me feel supported.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Their scheduling is limited, however, it seems that his fellows and team members can step in if Dr. Duleba isn't there which is okay with me as long as they re on the same page. The clinic is nice and quiet, the receptionist is pleasant and very knowledgeable on insurance.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
My insurance covered the consultations and testing so far. Still pending approval for IUI. IVF is not covered by my insurance, so we are preparing for that in case IUI is unsuccessful.
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Dr. Duleba is a strong advocate for quality and health over quantity and will only do IUI if there are 2 or less follicles. If there are 2+ follicles, he will cancel the cycle and try again next time.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to call with results
Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Honestly, it was more of following up with them even though they told me to wait until I am called with next steps. Definitely be on top of your progress and check in if you haven't heard when they were supposed to give you an update.
I loved working with Dr. Quaas and Reproductive Partners. I liked that I saw Dr. Quaas every ultrasound visit and he personally performed the ultrasound. I felt like he was open to trying different things and tailoring a treatment plan to me. I never felt like our visits were rushed and he spent hours discussing our care. We really liked that he is involved in the scientific community and evidence based research. He was fairly responsive to emails...We tried a maximum-dose stimulation protocol for our first egg retrieval, used max doses of Menopur, Gonal-F, HGH, clomid, and dexamethasone, used an antagonist and dual HCG/lupron trigger. The second cycle we tried a lower dose stimulation as I was worried that the high doses caused diminished egg quality. We used 300 units Menopur, HGH, clomid, and dexamethasone with an antagonist and dual trigger. Neither cycles were successful unfortunately, as we think my egg quality is poor.
the earliest ultrasound appointments were at 8 AM [at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center], although the wait times were usually very short. The nurses would normally call around 3-6 PM to adjust any doses. There is an affiliated pharmacy in the hospital where you can get all your medications. The lab is also in the hospital. A weakness of the lab would be that they do not currently do Zymot, PICSI, or time-lapse embryoscope...I primarily worked with Amy [nurse], who was great through the whole process. She always called in my medications promptly. We mostly communicated through the online portal system, and she usually responded within 1-2 days. My only complaint was that she was frequently out of the office, making communication with her difficult via e-mail and phone, although other nurses were usually available to answer any questions.
How was your experience with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I loved working with Dr. Quaas and Reproductive Partners. I liked that I saw Dr. Quaas every ultrasound visit and he personally performed the ultrasound. I felt like he was open to trying different things and tailoring a treatment plan to me. I never felt like our visits were rushed and he spent hours discussing our care. We really liked that he is involved in the scientific community and evidence based research. He was fairly responsive to emails.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
If you have an idea of what you are looking for or what treatment you want, advocate for yourself, as he was very open to changing protocols.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Quaas was always very empathetic and personable, he tailored his treatment plans to me.
Describe the protocols Alexander Quaas used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
We tried a maximum-dose stimulation protocol for our first egg retrieval, used max doses of Menopur, Gonal-F, HGH, clomid, and dexamethasone, used an antagonist and dual HCG/lupron trigger. The second cycle we tried a lower dose stimulation as I was worried that the high doses caused diminished egg quality. We used 300 units Menopur, HGH, clomid, and dexamethasone with an antagonist and dual trigger. Neither cycles were successful unfortunately, as we think my egg quality is poor.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Amy Nelson)
I primarily worked with Amy, who was great through the whole process. She always called in my medications promptly. We mostly communicated through the online portal system, and she usually responded within 1-2 days. My only complaint was that she was frequently out of the office, making communication with her difficult via e-mail and phone, although other nurses were usually available to answer any questions.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Excellent staff, including the billing department, which really saved us when they told us we would need to change our insurance to Cigna at the last minute. They have been great dealing with our insurance claims. Early morning visits could start earlier to accomodate the work day, as the earliest ultrasound appointments were at 8 AM, although the wait times were usually very short. The nurses would normally call around 3-6 PM to adjust any doses. There is an affiliated pharmacy in the hospital where you can get all your medications. The lab is also in the hospital. A weakness of the lab would be that they do not currently do Zymot, PICSI, or time-lapse embryoscope.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
All of our claims have still not been processed. With insurance, we only had to pay $300 upfront for embryo co-culture.
Describe Alexander Quaas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Dr. Quaas and the clinic as a whole only does frozen embryo transfers. They will not do day 3 or fresh transfers. He strongly believes in blastocyst FET.
He [Dr. Duleba] took the time to listen to my concerns and patiently address them... He validated some of my concerns with my previous protocols and was willing to try different methods. He felt invested in my care, and though he can be cheesy, it felt like he cared whether we succeeded or failed. I had many, many questions, and he was mostly patient about addressing them. It is a busy clinic, but he made every effort to make time.
Charlene [nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] is great, but this clinic is very busy, and she is not there all days. They prefer voicemail over email, which I find hard to manage. It is easier for me to send and receive information over email...The other challenge is reaching the embryologist. They provide updates via phone only, and only in person, no voicemail. While I appreciate the personal touch, it is impossible to live waiting for the phone to ring. If you miss their call, there is no option to call back for the embryology lab, you have to wait for the next day. This was a nerve-wracking experience. The staff is wonderful, some of their processes suck.
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He took the time to listen to my history and concerns. He validated some of my concerns with my previous protocols and was willing to try different methods. He felt invested in my care, and though he can be cheesy, it felt like he cared whether we succeeded or failed.
I had many, many questions, and he was mostly patient about addressing them. It is a busy clinic, but he made every effort to make time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He specializes in treating endometriosis. I do not have this, but I was very satisfied with my care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He took the time to listen to my concerns and patiently address them
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Antagonist with mid-luteal estrace, HGH and androderm patches and gel
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Charlene)
Charlene is great, but this clinic is very busy, and she is not there all days. They prefer voicemail over email, which I find hard to manage. It is easier for me to send and receive information over email.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Strength: Cozy atmosphere, very pleasant staff.
Weaknesses: Very busy, very crowded. Equipment and rooms look old, and like they haven't been updated in decades. No direct line to embryologist, and no email updates, which means you live your life waiting for the phone to ring.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
12,500 + meds + PGT
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
eSET
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The pharmacy ordering was complicated, as I was trying to get the best price from different pharmacies. Communicating what to order from where, and updates on when the order had been placed was difficult for this clinic.
They were flexible, and very helpful, but they are too busy for this level of communication.
The other challenge is reaching the embryologist. They provide updates via phone only, and only in person, no voicemail. While I appreciate the personal touch, it is impossible to live waiting for the phone to ring. If you miss their call, there is no option to call back for the embryology lab, you have to wait for the next day. This was a nerve-wracking experience.
The staff is wonderful, some of their processes suck.
He [Dr. Duleba] has a great bedside manner, we went through several setbacks and he made sure I fully understood the next step to ensure success. Those steps included multiple polyp removals, antibiotics, and time to recover so it took more time than I was initially ready for. He really wanted to ensure our success so he explained everything to us and allowed us to make the decisions with all of the information.
They [Repro Partners] have an amazing staff and are highly organized. Just don’t be surprised if the waiting room is often full, they work with a lot of patients. I honestly didn’t feel as though I was just a number- my nurse ensured I was always taken care of in every way. ... Alicia [nurse] was amazing and followed up regularly, communicated often and was great about answering questions.
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He has a great bedside manner, we went through several setbacks and he made sure I fully understood the next step to ensure success. Those steps included multiple polyp removals, antibiotics, and time to recover so it took more time than I was initially ready for. He really wanted to ensure our success so he explained everything to us and allowed us to make the decisions with all of the information.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Trust him. He really is extremely knowledgeable and has seen everything. He also is the Head of Reproductive Endocrinology at UCSD - so that says a ton.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He took the time to walk my husband and myself through every step of the egg retrieval process. I had several polyps which resulted in several surgeries because they didn’t want to implant anything in a hostile environment. Luckily, once those were gone after a few surgeries I was able to implant a single embryo and it took. I’m now due in 7 weeks - after trying to conceive for 8 years! We started this process in another state and worked with another doctor and when we moved here I was blessed to come across Reproductive Partners and was able to get into see Dr. Duleba. He was absolutely amazing and really walked me through ever single step of this very long process- but wanted to ensure success.
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Initially the strategy was to retrieve the eggs and then freeze the newly created embryo for best results. We ended up having to go through 3 surgeries to remove polyps prior to implantation.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Alicia )
Alicia was amazing and followed up regularly, communicated often and was great about answering questions.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
It is a great clinic - just very busy. They have an amazing staff and are highly organized. Just don’t be surprised if the waiting room is often full, they work with a lot of patients. I honestly didn’t feel as though I was just a number- my nurse ensured I was always taken care of in every way.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Unfortunately my health insurance didn’t cover much so most costs besides testing for infertility were out of pocket. I believe the retrieval was around $10,000 including all of the drugs and the FET was around $3,000 including all of the drugs. Monthly storage costs start around $75 a month and increase after a year, while a sperm sample is around $75 per quarter.
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I initially wanted to try for 2 embryos but Dr. Duleba really showed me statistics on success rates and healthy birth rates and so we only implanted one - and it took!
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Of all the things I only had one day where my results and medication numbers weren’t updated and I had to call. Of all the times I went through this (due to the retrieval and then FET) only once.
He talked to me and my partner like he was a part of our journey. He explained things in a way we can understand and answered all our questions. He gave us his personal cell number so we can always get in touch. He is also very funny! ... I don't remember the exact dosages but I know Dr. Quaas kept them low because I am so young he didn't wan't to hyper-stimulate me.
The office is small but by the time you are done you almost know everyone there which makes it feel like a second home. The parking does cost if you are there longer than 30 minutes but that is a minor inconvenience. The good they do out weighs that. ... Everyone at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center are amazing. They are so kind, caring and compassionate. Rachelle has been there every step of the way and is always there when I need her. She is great at communicating each stage of the process.
How was your experience with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Quaas really cares about you. He talks you through every step in a clear way that you can understand. He made sure we understood every part of the process. He is your partner in the journey. He has a good sense of humor which is calming in a process like this.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Have time for each appointment he is chatty but in a good way!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He talked to me and my partner like he was a part of our journey. He explained things in a way we can understand and answered all our questions. He gave us his personal cell number so we can always get in touch. He is also very funny!
Describe the protocols Alexander Quaas used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I can't remember the protocol name. Nut the first step was determining my peak fertility, then I was on Estrace for one month. Then injections started. My injections were menopur and follistium. I then took two lupor trigger injections before the egg retrieval. I don't remember the exact dosages but I know Dr. Quaas kept them low because I am so young he didn't wan't to hyper-stimulate me. He paid close attention during my stimulation to make sure that didn't happen. I have only got to the egg retrieval and am waiting to do a frozen transfer.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Rachelle)
Everyone at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center are amazing. They are so kind, caring and compassionate. Rachelle has been there every step of the way and is always there when I need her. She is great at communicating each stage of the process.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The office is small but by the time you are done you almost know everyone there which makes it feel like a second home. The parking does cost if you are there longer than 30 minutes but that is a minor inconvenience. The good they do out weighs that.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
From the moment we walked into his office, it was apparent that Dr. Garzo had already done his homework on as patients. He had read our medical history, as well as went over the test results from previous clinic we were working with. It was a relief that on the first visit we were able to get solid answer about our IVF plan, what the process entailed and how soon we would start. Every visit with Dr. Garzo has been equally satisfying.
Everyone [Reproductive Partners Fertility Ctr] is always so patient with us whenever we have had had any questions....They have been kind and caring. Its apparent that they love what they do and that is a testament to how the entire clinic operates.... I do not think this is a weakness - but an opportunity for process improvement. Sitting down with the financial coordinator early on would have been helpful. We already knew what to expect as far as the cost, but needed a little more hand holding.
How was your experience with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
From the moment we walked into his office, it was apparent that Dr. Garzo had already done his homework on as patients. He had read our medical history, as well as went over the test results from previous clinic we were working with. It was a relief that on the first visit we were able to get solid answer about our IVF plan, what the process entailed and how soon we would start.
Every visit with Dr. Garzo has been equally satisfying. He takes his time explaining what is happening and why adjustments needs to be made. I love his optimism and can trust him when he has to share any concerning news because he always provides alternatives.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dont shy from asking embarrassing or "dumb" questions, because there is nothing to hide from Dr. Garzo. He has always been professional and courteous with us. If anything he makes us feel like we have brought up a good point and appreciate us wanting to be knowledgeable patients.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Since day one, my husband and I have been warmly welcomed by not only Dr. Garzo, but his nurses and staff. Everyone is always so patient with us whenever we have had had any questions. My conversation isnt just limited to the nurse coordinator assigned to us. Any time I call office with questions regarding my treatment or dosage, there is always someone there willing to take my call answer my questions.
Describe the protocols Gabriel Garzo used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
At this point, I am on Stem Day 5 of the IVF cycle, and I have only had to make one adjustment to my treatment. Dr. Garzo and our nurse coordinators were able to articulate the reason for the adjustment, answering all our questions.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Amy Nelson)
Amy Nelson, our nurse coordinator, has been extremely patient with us!!! I have called/emailed her multiple times (a day) and she has been great about getting back to me in a very timely manner with answers to all my questions/concerns. i appreciate her expertise and knowledge about the whole process. Its been great working with her.
I would also like to add that every one of the nursing staff has been wonderful to work with. They have been kind and caring. Its apparent that they love what they do and that is a testament to how the entire clinic operates.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I do not think this is a weakness - but an opportunity for process improvement. Sitting down with the financial coordinator early on would have been helpful. We already knew what to expect as far as the cost, but needed a little more hand holding. A part of it could have been that we just didn't know what questions to ask.
The clinic's website also has a lot of useful resources which I happened to come across on my own.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
So far we have only paid for 1 round of IVF. Even though Dr. Garzo recommended two rounds of IVF, my husband and I made the decision to only go for 1 round at this time.
Describe Gabriel Garzo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Dr Quaas was such a wonderful RE for us, even though we didn’t get pregnant. He found issues our previous RE overlooked, was so kind and warm at every step, and clearly set expectations. We had a long shot at successful IVF with my numbers, and he clearly explained we may not be successful, but he wanted to try for us...Dr Quass has exceptional bedside manner and skill. He is warm, kind, patient and thorough
We were shocked to find the [Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] clinic (in La Jolla!) was run down. Many times the exam rooms had dust bunnies, the walls had gouges in them from doors opening into them or trash cans scraping them. It was not well cared for...[nurse] Amy was wonderful and very compassionate. We loved her!
How was your experience with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr Quaas was such a wonderful RE for us, even though we didn’t get pregnant. He found issues our previous RE overlooked, was so kind and warm at every step, and clearly set expectations. We had a long shot at successful IVF with my numbers, and he clearly explained we may not be successful, but he wanted to try for us. We were not successful with him or this clinic, because they practice traditional IVF, and my body ended up needing mini IVF to produce embryos. Dr Quaas and his partners do not believe in mini IVF, so after my treatment failed, they recommended donor embryos. I left Dr Quaas to try a mini IVF cycle, and am now pregnant from that cycle at a mini IVF clinic with Dr. Chang at Hanabusa. I loved Dr Quaas, but it would have been nice if he had a better understanding of mini IVF- if I hadn’t researched and advocated for myself, I wouldn’t be pregnant today.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
If your cycle fails because of high FSH, know you can likely still produce embryos with mini IVF.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr Quass has exceptional bedside manner and skill. He is warm, kind, patient and thorough,
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Amy )
Amy was wonderful and very compassionate. We loved her!
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
We were shocked to find the clinic (in La Jolla!) was run down. Many times the exam rooms had dust bunnies, the walls had gouges in them from doors opening into them or trash cans scraping them. It was not well cared for. I had a few appointments at the end of the hall in a room that felt like a storage or ‘junk’ room. I was so surprised that the clinic wasn’t more beautiful, spacious, or well-cared for.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexander Quaas at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I don’t remember the exact costs, but it was my most expensive cycle I paid for out of all three REs I saw.
Describe Alexander Quaas's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Reproductive Partners does not do day 3 transfers, which can really help women that don’t make strong embryos.
He [Dr. Agarwal] went above and beyond to make me feel important and really showed how much he cared about his patients...I instantly felt comfortable with him and trusted that he would be able to help me have a baby. He was understanding when I was emotional and always wanted my opinion on the plan of care. He was also honest and told me that after 4 Iuis the chance of conceiving was very low and we should move on to IVF.
For my retrieval [at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] we got 33 eggs and after everything 13 made it to freeze...Natalie [nurse] was amazing. She always kept me informed and never failed to answer a question or return a phone call. She was kind and compassionate and highly intelligent. From the beginning I knew I was in good hands...The retrieval cycle was around 16,000.00 without meds and the transfer was around 3,000.00 without meds. Appointments with ultrasounds and bloodwork ran about 3-400.00 each once a cycle was done. Overall we spent around 40,000.00 with meds and everything
How was your experience with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He was kind and compassionate. He also brought humor to the very anxious appointments. He went above and beyond to make me feel important and really showed how much he cared about his patients. I had switched to him from a different facility where I had felt like a number. From the first meeting I instantly felt comfortable with him and trusted that he would be able to help me have a baby. He was understanding when I was emotional and always wanted my opinion on the plan of care. He was also honest and told me that after 4 Iuis the chance of conceiving was very low and we should move on to IVF. I was lucky enough to have him as my IVF doctor as well. He always made me laugh and told me he would get me pregnant he felt very strongly it would work. He insisted on doing another hysteroscopy before transfer. He wanted to make my uterus perfect, and it did because I’m now holding my 3 month old. He called me several times throughout treatment to check on me and after my son was born he came to the hospital and visited us. He is such a warm and caring doctor and is the top fertility doctor at UCSD and I would recommend him to anyone.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Listen to him and trust him, he knows what he is doing.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He has an amazing bedside manner very warm but also very transparent. He was unable to do my retrieval due to a work trip but called me the night before and after to check on me and follow up with how I was feeling. He also called me after my transfer and visited me in the hospital when I had my baby after my successful IVF cycle with him.
Describe the protocols Sanjay Agarwal used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
When I transferred to him we were starting my third iui cycle. He decided to try clomid because my previous cycles were with letrozole and hadnt really had a good result from that medication. I did a cycle with clomid and it was negative. We then decided together to do injectables for my 4th iui and I used gonal f and that was also negative. For my egg retrieval process I used gonal f and menopur for stims. My estradiol and follicles really responded so I was started on ganirelix to prevent ovulation and dostinex to prevent OHSS. My estradiol was very high and my follicle count was around 40-50 so he decided to Coast and I did not do any injections the last day of stims. For my retrieval we got 33 eggs and after everything 13 made it to freeze. He automatically does icsi and only does frozen transfers. He also will only transfer one embryo if you are under a certain age. He feels he wants one healthy baby instead of twins who have growth issues or have health problems. He insisted on doing a 3rd hysteroscopy before the transfer so I was started on birth control which i also took before retrieval. When it came time to do the transfer I was started on estrogen patches and endometrin vagina suppositories. A week before the transfer I started pio shots. I continued the shots and suppositories until about 91/2 weeks when I graduated to my OB.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Natalie)
Natalie was amazing. She always kept me informed and never failed to answer a question or return a phone call. She was kind and compassionate and highly intelligent. From the beginning I knew I was in good hands.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
This clinic treats you like a person not a number. Everyone who is working greets you with a smile on their face. Janet who is at the front desk was a bright light and always compliment me on my outfit which means a lot when you are going through the emotional and stressful IVF circle. Jena was my favorite medical assistant. I was a hard poke and she would get it almost every time. She would always check in with me even if she wasn’t taking care of me that day. When my numbers weren’t looking good she was a shoulder to cry on and when my numbers came up she celebrated with me. She was in the room and helped transfer my baby boy and took pictures for me, even getting a group selfie with all of us and Dr. Agarwal. She was amazing.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I had no insurance coverage for IVF. The retrieval cycle was around 16,000.00 without meds and the transfer was around 3,000.00 without meds. Appointments with ultrasounds and bloodwork ran about 3-400.00 each once a cycle was done. Overall we spent around 40,000.00 with meds and everything
Describe Sanjay Agarwal's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
My Dr would not transfer more than one embryo because I was only 33. He felt very strongly about it. He had seen multiple embryo transfers go well but then the babies having health issues or being premature or sadly one of them dying. He wanted to give me one healthy baby and I agreed with him.
I can not say enough good things about Dr. Garzo. I went in to freeze eggs at age 35. Due to diminished ovarian reserve and cysts that would arise, this took two cycles over the course of about 1.5 years. Dr. Garzo and his team were so patient with all of my questions and concerns.... Dr. Garzo was great at adjusting my treatment and getting the best results we could. He presented as extremely knowledgeable and confident in his treatment plan.
All of the staff [Reproductive Fertility Center] are friendly, professional, and seem to genuinely care about you. A huge strength of the clinic is that your doctor sees you for ALL ultrasounds, which is not the norm in other clinics.... My two rounds of egg freezing were about $20,000, with another $20,000 total in medications. My current IVF cycle will be approximately $10,000.... I had 3-4 primary nurses over the years. They all are prompt in calling me back, are patient in explaining things to me, and are knowledgeable.
How was your experience with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I can not say enough good things about Dr. Garzo. I went in to freeze eggs at age 35. Due to diminished ovarian reserve and cysts that would arise, this took two cycles over the course of about 1.5 years. Dr. Garzo and his team were so patient with all of my questions and concerns. This is an emotional process and he and his nurses would comfort me when I had setbacks. Dr. Garzo was great at adjusting my treatment and getting the best results we could. He presented as extremely knowledgeable and confident in his treatment plan. He has decades of knowledge and expertise that allows him to adjust his treatment plans accordingly and get great results. Five years later, we are now in the process of unfreezing my eggs and doing IVF with Dr. Garzo. I have full trust in him and his team and wish I could see Dr. Garzo for all of my healthcare issues!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Present your desires and concerns and then trust he and his staff completely. They know what they are doing.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Garzo was always very patient and kind with me, listening to my concerns and warmly supporting me through disappointments I would have.
Describe the protocols Gabriel Garzo used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I don't remember the egg retrieval procedures. Currently we are doing a fresh IVF cycle.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Various over the years--currently Amy Nelson)
I had 3-4 primary nurses over the years. They all are prompt in calling me back, are patient in explaining things to me, and are knowledgeable. They are always warm and supportive.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
All of the staff are friendly, professional, and seem to genuinely care about you. A huge strength of the clinic is that your doctor sees you for ALL ultrasounds, which is not the norm in other clinics.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
My two rounds of egg freezing were about $20,000, with another $20,000 total in medications. My current IVF cycle will be approximately $10,000.
Describe Gabriel Garzo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
When meeting with Dr. Garzo he takes his time and is very Present with his interactions. He answered all of our questions directly and did not beat around the bush. He was clear with his treatment plans and explained why.... He put my husband and I on a whole new diet and supplement regimen. And because of this my AMH levels went from 0.4 to 0.89 in only 2 months!! He also had my husband tested for sperm DNA fragmentation, which our 1st doctor did not do. And we found out that my husbands sperm is fragmented by 28%
The clinic [Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] is great, sometimes there is no one at the front desk to greet you when you arrive, but then they eventually come and check you in after you sign in. The lab work girls are the best, and they let you request the one you like. I'm a super hard stick for blood draws, so it was always important for me to have Jenna or Fiona draw my blood---and Jenna could always draw from my hand when my arms were tapped out.
How was your experience with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
We are going to Dr. Garzo as our new IVF doctor after our 1st round of IVF did not work. He is amazing! He put my husband and I on a whole new diet and supplement regimen. And because of this my AMH levels went from 0.4 to 0.89 in only 2 months!! He also had my husband tested for sperm DNA fragmentation, which our 1st doctor did not do. And we found out that my husbands sperm is fragmented by 28%, anything above 15% is not normal. Dr. Garzo then referred us to a male fertility specialist, who will be performing a TESE procedure on the day of my egg retrieval do reduce the sperm DNA fragmentation! We are so blessed we changed doctors to Dr. Garzo and have high hopes for our 2nd round of IVF.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Get on SUPPLEMENTS and DIET! Always review with your RE which supplements to take and make sure you check your labs. I am on Ubiquinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Pyconogeol, prenatal, Fish Oil with DHA, and DHEA.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
When meeting with Dr. Garzo he takes his time and is very Present with his interactions. He answered all of our questions directly and did not beat around the bush. He was clear with his treatment plans and explained why.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Tiffany)
Tiffany is the BEST! She is the most compassionate nurse I've ever met, she is Perfect for this job and has truly found her calling. Before I even met her and I was inquiring about IVF the 1st time, she called and talked to me for 20 minutes because she could tell from my Email I was nervous, and she wanted to reach out to me and and un-load my questions. She is always kind and gentle. I am thankful for her.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The clinic is great, sometimes there is no one at the front desk to greet you when you arrive, but then they eventually come and check you in after you sign in. The lab work girls are the best, and they let you request the one you like. I'm a super hard stick for blood draws, so it was always important for me to have Jenna or Fiona draw my blood---and Jenna could always draw from my hand when my arms were tapped out.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Out of pocket IVF with genetic testing is estimated at $30,000-$35,000 that includes medication.
Describe Gabriel Garzo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
My doctor's office has a strong preference for eSET.
Dr Agarwal is very knowledgable and friendly. I feel confident in him as my doctor. I especially like that he specializes in endometriosis as this is a concern of mine. Sometimes I had to remind him of prior conversations but his medical work is on point....Dr Agarwal is a thorough surgeon. He takes extra time and care to get everything he can. He is very knowledgable and will give you a full assessment of odds.... Round one I started off light with menopur, follistim, and clomid
Reproductive Partners is on the higher end of costs, but the care is good, and they have packages and financing available.... This clinic is friendly, well organized, clean, has a great lab, and more than proficient doctors. A major weakness would be that you don't always get to see your primary doctor or have them do the surgery but the quality of care is mostly the same between them.... Robin has been a fantastic nurse. She is quick to respond and very kind.
How was your experience with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr Agarwal is very knowledgable and friendly. I feel confident in him as my doctor. I especially like that he specializes in endometriosis as this is a concern of mine. Sometimes I had to remind him of prior conversations but his medical work is on point.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr Agarwal is a thorough surgeon. He takes extra time and care to get everything he can. He is very knowledgable and will give you a full assessment of odds.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He is very kind and very knowledgable and answers all questions. Sometimes he is a bit rushed and forgets our prior discussions.
Describe the protocols Sanjay Agarwal used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Round one I started off light with menopur, follistim, and clomid to see my reaction to new drugs. My doses were upped quite a bit to of menopur and follistim because my E2s weren't rising. The results were great for my age 7 blastocysts 2 PGS normal. Round 2 dosage was similar but didn't produce any normals.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Robin HandShue)
Robin has been a fantastic nurse. She is quick to respond and very kind.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
This clinic is friendly, well organized, clean, has a great lab, and more than proficient doctors.
A major weakness would be that you don't always get to see your primary doctor or have them do the surgery but the quality of care is mostly the same between them.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sanjay Agarwal at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Reproductive Partners is on the higher end of costs, but the care is good, and they have packages and financing available.
Describe Sanjay Agarwal's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
My doctor strongly prefers 1 embryo transfer. It is safer for the mother and the fetus.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I was on a plan to egg freeze ( aware of the risks) but was strongly re-recommended to cancel 2 days and defer to make embryos after starting stim by the clinic due to low odds with my age, not due to response to drugs. Their advice was good but this was very stressful and would have been better communicated before the entire cycle.
I ended up retrieving and making embryos and have 2 PGS normals.
I really like Dr. Cook-Anderson's kind demeanor and straight-shooting. She always tells me like it is and keeps me hopeful when possible, but doesn't say things just because I want to hear them. She is honest and compassionate and conveys a genuine interest and care for my treatment.... After both failed transfers, we talked at our consultation and she went over every single detail to see if there was something different we could do or try.
The clinic staff [Repro Partners Fertility Ctr] at the front desk is really great. For the most part, the same "key" staff has been there since I've been a patient (low turn-over), though a few positions rotate which seems normal. I'm always greeted with a friendly smile and checked-in in a timely manner. Whenever I call, my questions are answered right away or I'm transferred to the right person. They have one person assigned to me for financial consultation, which is nice so I'm not bounced around through multiple people.
How was your experience with Heidi Cook-Anderson at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
I really like Dr. Cook-Anderson's kind demeanor and straight-shooting. She always tells me like it is and keeps me hopeful when possible, but doesn't say things just because I want to hear them. She is honest and compassionate and conveys a genuine interest and care for my treatment.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Heidi Cook-Anderson at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Be honest and don't be afraid to keep talking. Dr. Cook-Anderson is soft-spoken and a really good listener. She takes time before she speaks, so each thing she says is meaningful and has purpose and a point.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Heidi Cook-Anderson at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Each time I see Dr. Cook, she is so kind and calming. After both failed transfers, we talked at our consultation and she went over every single detail to see if there was something different we could do or try. She seems to genuinely care and remembers my history, which helps me feel more human!
Describe the protocols Heidi Cook-Anderson used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Prior to seeing Dr. Cook-Anderson, I had already had six IUIs. For treatment, I had already had two hysteroscopies and several tests (MRI, sonohysterogram, hysterosalpingogram). but had not been diagnosed with anything - simply unexplained infertility. I had an endometrioma which my RE and Dr. Cook-Anderson agree is not causing issue. I also have a large fibroid that is also not of concern.
For the first cycle, we did Clomid, Follistim and Menopur for the egg retrieval. I did not have enough mature follicles (5) and none made it to freeze.
After this cycle, she increased the stimulation medications and I stimmed for more days than before. We added Omnitrope. This resulted in more follicles (26), but not all were mature and we sent 10 out for testing and 4 embryos made it to freeze. I took one month off prior to the transfer, and did get a positive Beta result, but the second Beta number decreased and it was a failed cycle.
Following the transfer, at a consultation Dr. Cook-Anderson went over every piece of my chart history to see if there was something missed. She attempted to treat my endometriosis (small, but not diagnosed as endometriosis officially) and I did a three month course of Lupron and then I took one month off. The next transfer also was unsuccessful (didn't even make it past the Beta test).
I'm on my third cycle now, prepping for an egg retrieval in 36 hours. For this course, I've taken increased doses of Follistim (150) Menopur (150) for 9 days, then coasted one day on 50 Follistim and then back up to 75 Follistim and 75 Menopur. Things are looking good for retrieval.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Brook Stavang)
Brooke is so great and I really appreciate her. She's kept me organized and helps me manage all of the information and instructions for each cycle. I never feel like I'm bothering her and she spends as much time as I need until I'm confident with next steps. Whenever I talk with her she is aware of all of my history and it's comforting that she knows everything. I never have to remind her of anything, she always is on top of it.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The clinic staff at the front desk is really great. For the most part, the same "key" staff has been there since I've been a patient (low turn-over), though a few positions rotate which seems normal. I'm always greeted with a friendly smile and checked-in in a timely manner. Whenever I call, my questions are answered right away or I'm transferred to the right person. They have one person assigned to me for financial consultation, which is nice so I'm not bounced around through multiple people. They've always been very accommodating with questions and inquiries.
Sometimes the waiting room gets busy, but I think that would happen in any office.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Heidi Cook-Anderson at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The first cycle was $15,280 for the egg retrieval.
For the second and third cycles, I used the Attain plan and paid $20,800 for two retrievals and up to four transfers.
From May 2016 through December 2017 (which includes part of this current cycle I'm on), I paid Reproductive Partners $48,927. In addition to this cost, were medications for three retrievals (approx. $4,00 to 8,000 each) and two transfers (approx. $1,100 each).
Describe Heidi Cook-Anderson's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I have only transferred one embryo during each of the two procedures and feel, for the most part, okay with the choice given to me. With two failed transfers, I will ask about transferring two this next time around. In previous conversations, Dr. Cook-Anderson has expressed that pregnancies with multiples are considered high-risk, and I trust her opinion.
It was a low stimulation protocol with clomid, menopur, and follistim. We [with Dr. Gabriel Garzo] also used a medication (another injection) a few days before the retrieval to increase the egg quality. The first time we did ivf we had poor egg quality results, with only one embryo that resulted. This time around we ended up with 6 embryos, all decent quality. I would say the protocol we used for retrieval was much more successful.
Overall it [Reproductive Partners Fertility Center- La Jolla] is a great office. Great doctors and great staff. The embryologists are also very good. They explain things well, they are very thorough in their procedures and help you have the greatest success possible at achieving pregnancy. It is definitely more on the pricey side which is the only negative about it.
How was your experience with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He is very kind and thorough. He sometimes jumps to diagnosing and a couple of times has misdiagnosed me for things. But I know it’s just because he is really just trying to help us find the root of the problem and trying to help us have our best chance at success. He is very experienced and knowledgeable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Gabriel Garzo at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He has taken the time to make sure we have the best chance possible to conceive
Describe the protocols Gabriel Garzo used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
It was a low stimulation protocol with clomid, menopur, and follistim. We also used a medication (another injection) a few days before the retrieval to increase the egg quality. The first time we did ivf we had poor egg quality results, with only one embryo that resulted. This time around we ended up with 6 embryos, all decent quality. I would say the protocol we used for retrieval was much more successful.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Ashley Fuller)
My nurse/coordinator has been so helpful and is a great communicator. She has been so awesome throughout this process. The nursing staff in general is wonderful at this clinic. Everyone always has a smile on their face, they take great care of all their patients, even if they aren’t assigned to you.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Overall it is a great office. Great doctors and great staff. The embryologists are also very good. They explain things well, they are very thorough in their procedures and help you have the greatest success possible at achieving pregnancy. It is definitely more on the pricey side which is the only negative about it.
Describe Gabriel Garzo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Dr. Garzo feels very strongly that elective single embryo transfers are more successful than multiple embryos transfers.
He [Dr. Duleba] explained everything and due to my unique situation was very good at remembering me and monitoring me during IVF... He provided the right amount of optimism and the balance of the statistics for me. I also always felt he was doing the best to get me the best results. I had a migrated ovary and he did everything to be able to access and use that ovary without endangering me.... Due to a hysterectomy and a migrated ovary he monitored me every day. He adjusted my menopur to a heigher dose.
There sometime is a little delay in the staff [Repro Partners Fertility Ctr] communicating with each other to order meds or blood work etc. For example the meds they ordered for my surrogate was different than what they had said she would start. I also had to bring it to their attention that they had asked her to stop birth control and she would not resume. The nurse who was putting in the orders did not know this.... My Coordinator had back up for days she wasn’t there. However since I was on a daily schedule for blood work
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He provided the right amount of optimism and the balance of the statistics for me. I also always felt he was doing the best to get me the best results. I had a migrated ovary and he did everything to be able to access and use that ovary without endangering me.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He will be very honest with you so be prepared for the facts.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He explained everything and due to my unique situation was very good at remembering me and monitoring me during IVF
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Due to a hysterectomy and a migrated ovary he monitored me every day. He adjusted my menopur to a heigher dose.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Robin)
My Coordinator had back up for days she wasn’t there. However since I was on a daily schedule for blood work and almost daily ultrasounds which is not standard, sometimes the nursing staff wasn’t sure what I was there for, or to schedule an ultrasound for the next day.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
There sometime is a little delay in the staff communicating with each other to order meds or blood work etc. For example the meds they ordered for my surrogate was different than what they had said she would start. I also had to bring it to their attention that they had asked her to stop birth control and she would not resume. The nurse who was putting in the orders did not know this.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
All in for 1 round of IVF with medicationit wa about $27000
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
N/A, I only have one embryo to transfer.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to order appropriate test
Lost results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
They had not sent in my surrogates Uribe drug screen although she had provided the urine sample. She checked and they said they had it but later asked her to return to provide another sample since they did not have the results.
The experience with him [Dr. Duleba] was not the best. He’s more focused into research rather than clinical work. He is only at the office seeing patients twice a week. Therefore, it’s hard to get a consistent care from him...During the first cycle we rarely saw him. On our 2nd cycle, we saw him more frequently...Failed to communicate correctly with his nurse coordinator...He’s approachable via phone anytime.
The facility [RPFC] is good. All the procedures, visits, consultations, check ups and office visits are done in the same building. Nurse staff is friendly and nice to work with. The finance and accounting department is not the best...Failed to order prescription at the right pharmacy. We had to wait for 5 hours after egg retrieval to get the drugs for my wife. Communication between nursing staff and pharmacy should have been better
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
The experience with him was not the best. He’s more focused into research rather than clinical work. He is only at the office seeing patients twice a week. Therefore, it’s hard to get a consistent care from him. At times he gets us mixed up with another couple.
During the first cycle we rarely saw him. On our 2nd cycle, we saw him more frequently.
He seemed confused with PGD and PGS. Failed to communicate correctly with his nurse coordinator. We had to do our own research and figure things out on our own. I’d have expected him and his team to guide us seamlessly.
He’s approachable via phone anytime.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Just ask him questions and never leave unless you are clear about everything. Do your homework before and after seeing him regarding treatments and his diagnosis.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
We hardly got to see him during our first ivf cycle. Only saw him on our initial consultation.
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
First cycle was with the heavy injectable drugs for egg retrieval. It failed to produce a viable embryo.
2nd cycle was with clomid. Hanged the treatment. Slowler for the eggs to grow. But quality can be improved.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Charlene King)
The nursing staff are friendly and reacts to our needs promptly. There were some frustrations though. The nurse coordinator failed to provide us the correct treatment schedule and prescription for our 2nd Ivf cycle.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The facility is good. All the procedures, visits, consultations, check ups and office visits are done in the same building.
Nurse staff is friendly and nice to work with.
The finance and accounting department is not the best. They promised us discount for our 2nd cycle after our failed first cycle. The discount talk started when we saw the doctor after our failed first Ivf. They never got back to us after that. And when contacted, we were just pushed around. Once we signed the contract for the 2nd Ivf, they flat out said no to any discount. We felt like they made the discount promise just to lure us into doing a second cycle there and to make us feel good. I’d have been better off without any empty promises. It was also hard to get a statement from them for tax purpose. They wanted to take a month to produce it due to system changes initially. I had called and pressured them and got the statement emailed to me within 24 hours. I was pretty shocked.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Monitoring schedule and time was not a problem. They were open on weekends as well in the morning.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Roughly about $42k for two failed Ivf cycle including Genetic testings and medication.
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
He will only do single transfer.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Scheduled the wrong procedure
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
1. Failed to order prescription at the right pharmacy. We had to wait for 5 hours after egg retrieval to get the drugs for my wife. Communication between nursing staff and pharmacy should have been better.
2. Our 1st Ivf cycle and 2nd Ivf cycle used different drugs and treatment. The nurse coordinator basically send us the treatment schedule and drugs for the first cycle when we started our 2nd cycle. She just changed the date. Thank gosh my wife caught it and questioned them. That was very unprofessional and reckless. We could have wasted money if we had ordered the medications.
After our first IVF cycle failed with Dr. Duleba; he advised us to try a second and to not go directly forward with using donor eggs. We were ready to use donor eggs at that point. I felt like another number because as a patient I shouldn't have to fill my Doctor in on every little aspect of my infertility history after I've been under his care for over a year... I just felt like he didn't even truly know much about balanced translocations and my story/history. He was just doing his job duty of calling and giving the bad news.
The front office staff [at Repro Partners] is very friendly. The medical assistants are also very friendly and efficient at their work. It is a busy office and you can certainly feel like another number amongst the crowd but they do try to keep the wait-times down...You will not always see your assigned Dr at each appointment; especially with the ultrasounds. Most of the Dr's teach or do research over at UCSD and have limited hours at the clinic.
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Duleba has a very charming personality. During our initial consultation he made my husband and I feel at ease and relaxed. Going in to the appointment we did know that he only worked in the office on Tuesday and Thursday but all follow up ultrasounds would be performed by either himself or another Dr in the office. So, we felt comfortable moving forward with this office. Dr. Duleba had all of our records coming into our initial appointment which included a report from our genetic counselor which stated that I have a balanced translocation on chromosomes 3 and 9. He assured us that he had treated other women with translocations that he helped get pregnant successfully and that with two cycles we could get pregnant as well. After our second IVF cycle; Dr. Duleba called me personally with the results from our PGS testing stating that all five embryos again were abnormal...he went on to say that I really need to speak with a genetic counselor to see what my odds are on having children using my own eggs. I just felt like he didn't even truly know much about balanced translocations and my story/history. He was just doing his job duty of calling and giving the bad news. I shouldn't have had to fill him in on what the genetic counselor told my husband and I over a year ago...he himself should have advised us differently.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
He does have great bedside manner and a real charming- personality but if you or your spouse have a balanced translocation which is the cause of your infertility; please get second or third opinions before settling with this office and Dr. Duleba. Go with your initial gut instincts!! With all of his expertise and teaching which he continues to do at UCSD; he should know more about balanced translocations and odds of successfully getting pregnant with IVF.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Going into my initial consultation with Dr. Duleba I knew that I had a genetic condition, called a balanced translocation; which added on a 29% chance of any of my future confirmed pregnancies ending with an embryo that was unbalanced and which will end in a miscarriage or an embryo that is balanced such as myself. Dr. Duleba gave us reassurance that he had treated and helped other women get pregnant through IVF (using their own eggs) that also had balanced translocations. He had said that with two cycles; he could definitely get us pregnant. After two IVF cycles- 55 eggs retrieved, 10 abnormal embryos (diagnosed through PGS testing); and having spent over a year under Dr. Duleba's care...he asked us to see a genetic counselor to find out what our odds were at having our own children using my own eggs and my husbands sperm. Before starting care with Dr. Duleba we had already consulted with a genetic counselor at UCSD. We knew our odds going into treatment and this was relayed to Dr. Duleba. After our first IVF cycle failed with Dr. Duleba; he advised us to try a second and to not go directly forward with using donor eggs. We were ready to use donor eggs at that point. I felt like another number because as a patient I shouldn't have to fill my Doctor in on every little aspect of my infertility history after I've been under his care for over a year. He knew my balanced translocation issue from our first meeting and had copies of the report from our UCSD genetic counselor in my chart. He worked only two days at the office and just always seemed too busy; over-worked. His nurse also posted my incorrect treatment plan for our 2nd IVF cycle on my treatment calendar...I am a RN myself; I know how busy health-care can be but this was a huge mistake. Had I not spoken up, I could have been taking the wrong stimulation medications and spent thousands of dollars on medications that could have never been returned to the pharmacy. We've spent $40,000 on our IVF cycles and these mistakes should have never been made...I really hope that other couples don't succumb to these mistakes.
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I have PCOS along with a balanced translocation on chromosomes 3 and 9. Both of my ovaries have multiple follicles.
1st IVF cycle: 33 eggs retrieved; 5 embryos--all abnormal with PGS testing. I was prescribed Menopur, Follistim, Pregnyl, Decadron, an antibiotic, Lupron, and a growth hormone. Apparently this was their standard protocol for a basic stimulation and egg retrieval. Dr. Duleba was amazed at how many eggs were retrieved but shocked that we only ended up with five embryos and all five were abnormal with PGS testing. He thought that maybe I had almost been hyper-stimulated.
Our 2nd cycle- consisted of stimulating with just oral Clomid and Menopur. I was also prescribed the antibiotic, Decadron, Lupron, and growth hormone. Along with testosterone cream. This treatment protocol was used more for women with diminished ovarian reserve. They had retrieved 22 eggs, 5 embryos again; with all five being abnormal...again diagnosed with PGS testing.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Charlene King)
We were assigned an IVF coordinator at our very first appointment with Dr. Duleba; Charlene King. She has been working with him for years. We could always reach her through email and/or by leaving voicemails. For the most part she would respond in 24-48 hours. I just felt like the whole IVF process wasn't explained to us that well and we kept learning and finding new things out as we went along. First off, every patient should be told in advance of the medications that will be ordered for them and through which pharmacy. With our first IVF cycle, I had received a phone call from MDR pharmacy with my order and knew nothing of it. I didn't even know that that order was placed with them and that I needed to be home to receive the package/medications. Second, I had provided a list of medications that I already had on-hand from a family member which were okayed by Charlene. She went ahead and ordered them anyways. It's careless; had I not been on top of it; I would have spent thousands of dollars on medications that were already in my refrigerator and un-returnable to the pharmacy.
We also needed PGS testing done with both cycles on our embryos. She kept insisting that we only needed to do the PGD...which is completely untrue and left us to figure out and research which company should do our PGS testing for the embryos...we opted to go with iGenomix.
For my second IVF cycle she copied and pasted the wrong medication/treatment protocol to my calendar. I had to call and email and let her know that Dr. Duleba wanted to try a different approach and use the protocol for diminished ovarian reserve. I also clarified it with Dr. Duleba himself. I'm a nurse myself and that's a major error. Again, if I didn't follow up and clarify this; more money, stress and anxiety would have been wasted. We pay too much money for IVF for these mistakes to be made.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The front office staff is very friendly. The medical assistants are also very friendly and efficient at their work. It is a busy office and you can certainly feel like another number amongst the crowd but they do try to keep the wait-times down. Only a few times did I wait over 30 minutes to be seen. You will not always see your assigned Dr at each appointment; especially with the ultrasounds. Most of the Dr's teach or do research over at UCSD and have limited hours at the clinic.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
We spent $40,000 on two IVF cycles with Dr. Duleba. Both cycles failed; we only had the egg retrievals.
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
We never had the opportunity for an embryo transfer but were advised that if we did get to that point that a single embryo would be transferred due to less potential complications.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
A wrong IVF protocol was posted to my treatment calendar by the nurse; after I had an appointment with Dr. Duleba and we went over the changes in the medications.
Dr. Duleba always took time to explain everything, even if he was busy with lots of patients. He also gave me his cell phone number in case I needed any assistance with questions, and immediately responded whenever I sent him a text. I felt like he really cared about the outcome of the treatment, and always recommended the least invasive methods.
The clinic [Reproductive Partners Fertility Center] has multiple doctors and can help you even if the assigned doctor is away. All doctors that I saw showed compassion and were extremely knowledgeable, as well as had consistency with the guidance. It is also affiliated with UCSD which means everything is research-based. We especially enjoyed the lifestyle guidance that we still carry with us. The clinic is located inside a large medical building near UCSD, and the parking structure gets very busy, so frequent visits added a bit of stress. Be sure to get your parking tickets validated since the first 30 minutes is complimentary. The clinic also accepts donations of leftover fertility drugs so I ended up donating unused drugs, but they still charge for those drugs to new patients which kind of sucks.
How was your experience with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
We are so glad we chose Reproductive Partners La Jolla. Everything was research-based, and every time we had a question Dr. Duleba patiently answered them with science-backed, research-based explanations. We did see other doctors when Dr. Duleba was on travel, but made every effort to see us whenever he could, which was most of the time. He was always warm and funny, and made our journey much less stressful.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Document your questions and ask them when he is with you during your appointment to make the most out of your appointment. I believe you should also do your own research in terms of ICSI, etc. to have a good understanding and ask the right questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Dr. Duleba always took time to explain everything, even if he was busy with lots of patients. He also gave me his cell phone number in case I needed any assistance with questions, and immediately responded whenever I sent him a text. I felt like he really cared about the outcome of the treatment, and always recommended the least invasive methods.
Describe the protocols Antoni Duleba used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Dr. Duleba firmly believes in single embryo transfer for our IVF cycle and he believed I had a very high chance of getting pregnant the first time, even though he had suggested that we continue trying IUI, since it is less invasive. We decided that it was time for us for IVF after trying three failed IUIs, but appreciated his input since we've heard that other clinics definitely push for IVF right away. We did frozen transfer since fresh transfers are less successful based on research, per Dr. Duleba, which turned out to be correct. We now have a healthy baby boy and cannot thank Dr. Duleba enough for his warm and friendly support during the stressful period of our fertility journey. We have frozen our remaining embryos for a second child.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I had a nurse assigned to me at all times, but the assignment kept changing due to the nurse leaving the clinic, etc. I would've liked to have the same nurse, but I understand life happens. Overall I had a good experience with the nursing staff and appreciated that they only tell me what I need to hear at the current step, since there are so many things that you have to do in IVF journey. I was not overwhelmed but kept up to date at every step of the way.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
The clinic has multiple doctors and can help you even if the assigned doctor is away. All doctors that I saw showed compassion and were extremely knowledgeable, as well as had consistency with the guidance. It is also affiliated with UCSD which means everything is research-based. We especially enjoyed the lifestyle guidance that we still carry with us. The clinic is located inside a large medical building near UCSD, and the parking structure gets very busy, so frequent visits added a bit of stress. Be sure to get your parking tickets validated since the first 30 minutes is complimentary. The clinic also accepts donations of leftover fertility drugs so I ended up donating unused drugs, but they still charge for those drugs to new patients which kind of sucks.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Antoni Duleba at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
Thankfully, my insurance covered most of the costs.
Describe Antoni Duleba's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I am glad that Dr. Duleba transferred a single embryo based on my health and age. Multiple embryo transfers can result in twins or triplets, which increases complications.
What specific things went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Reproductive Partners Fertility Center.
I did have to ask my nurse coordinator to fax the prescription to my pharmacy once, but this nurse coordinator no longer works at the clinic. I believe it was an isolated incident.