The Fertility Center of PA (closed)

I chose TFC because of its size and dual locations (one office is where I live and the other where I work). They were quick to address my needs and were honest about our chances. For example, we prepped for an IUI cycle only to learn that my husbands count was way low. Other clinics would have still done the IUI and taken out money, but they were upfront and honest...IUI wouldn’t have helped our chances with that count. I’m now prepping for my first IVF freeze all then FET cycle and everyone has been wonderful.

Ask questions! He’ll answer them without making you feel dumb like some doctors can do.

The original plan was for fresh transfer, but after reviewing my baseline results, they recommended freeze all and FET due to my increased risk of OHSS. I also appreciate the advice to skip PGS testing based on our age and medical background and issues.

Fertility treatments are expensive and sadly my insurance covers very little. I diligently compare my costs here to others and it is comparable.

Not sure yet. At consultation, he indicated no more than two. Seemed like he really left it up to the patient absent any serious medical concerns.

Dr. Filer is a little quirky but thoroughly explains the procedures both before and during the processes. He welcomes any questions and ensures patients understand the next steps and are comfortable with the information. I was very happy with him as my doctor and plan to see him again for future procedures.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Dr. Filer is very knowledgeable about the latest research and fertility issues (PCOS in my case). He is happy to discuss and patiently explain next steps specific to your situation.

Two drug cycles with metformin and progesterone to attempt to induce ovulation. Both failed. Four IUI cycles with progressively increasing doses of Gonal-F. Based on bloodwork, ovulation was successful but IUIs were not. Fourth IUI was cancelled due to hyperstimulation at a dose of 225 units of Gonal-F. However, it proved positive for IVF success. Egg retrieval produced 23 eggs, of which 18 fertilized and 11 survived to Day 5. Freeze all/frozen cycle was recommeded for my PCOS due to the hyperstimulation (which occurred again with the egg retrieval. Birth control was used for the retrieval and implantation cycles to "reboot" my hormones due to historic anovulation and amenhorrea. Implantation cycle placed two embryos of which one successfully implanted. Currently 28 weeks and all looks healthy. Progesterone and estrogen treatments were maintained through the first 10 weeks. Metformin (1500 mg) and Synthroid remain in use. We have 9 remaining embryo's frozen for use in future implantation(s) and hope to have 2-3 children.

In total our treatments cost upwards of $55,000 out of pocket. This does not include insurance discounts for in-network doctors and pharmacies. This included at least two medical cycles, four IUIs and enrollment in the Shared Risk IVF program ($22,000). The Shared Risk program allows for six implantation cycles for the prices of two and a full money-back guarantee if a live birth is not achieved. High cost medical cycles (Gonal-F, progesterone, estrogen, etc.) began with IUI #1 and dosage increased through IUI#4 and IVF retrieval.

Dr. Filer was open to discussion of our interest in implanting two embryos as within the normal range and with his knowledge of our specific circumstances. We understood the risks and the chances of multiple births.

Dr. Ochalski was willing to listen to my concerns. I was never interested in rushing into IVF despite multiple failed IUI attempts. While I left the practice to try another one, I believe she would have let me continue IUI despite her intention to move me onto IVF. She was very patient at consultations and at explaining procedures.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. I never felt like she put me off.

1 - hadn't had a period in a few months. Started me immediately on clomid without inducing a period. I ovulated while taking it based on temperatures. She did bloodwork to verify and stopped taking clomid 2 - tried just clomid (lowest dosage). Had excessively high estrogen levels. Did an ultrasound to check for multiple follicles and discovered hugely enlarged ovary. While waiting probably missed ovulation. 3,4,5 - moved on to Femara based on clomid scare. Dosage increased in hopes of getting more than 1 mature follicle. 6,7 - Femara with IUI. Still generally only getting one follicle 8,9,10 - Femara with follistim injectibles with IUI. Would sometimes get 2 mature follicles, but no pregnancies. Some cycles I supplemented with progesterone based on lab results. I had spotting without being on supplemental progesterone, and decided to always supplement with progesterone.

N/A

He had good bedside manner. I guess I would have wanted to go more aggressive to see results. I would have also liked to have had more tests done on my husband. But with the aggressive route of treatment, I guess budget could definitely play a factor, but when you are doing multiple cycles it can be frustrating. But that could be in any clinic and with any doctor.

Ask about exploring the diagnosis more.

I had two iui's with clomid with a trigger shot. And I believe we used a some form of an injectable shot on my 3rd that was a little more aggressive.

I don't believe it was above average

Dr. O was very supportive and took time to thoroughly address my questions and concerns. She's just what we needed while dealing with the challenges of unexplained infertility.

Don't hesitate to get scheduled and feel free to bring up any questions or concerns.

Clomid and IUI

Costs were consistent with rates in this area.

She was the most compassionate and empathetic doctor i could have asked for, especially at that time. She made me feel like she cared about me personally, not just as a patient. I was so grateful for her.

all my monitoring was covered under my insurance, IUI was about $400

Dr. Filer is always willing to answer any question I have. He never rushes me. I feel like he could do a better job explaining things such as lab results sometimes but overall I think he is a great doctor. The first IVF retrieval I only got 4 eggs but had 15 follicles so he was expecting more. He made a few tweaks to the next cycle and we got 10 mature eggs.

Ask any and all questions you might have along the way.

First IVF round I was on menopur and gonal f. They only retrieved 4 eggs and 2 made it to blasts. He was expecting to get more because I had 15 measurable follicles. The next cycle he put me on 300 of gonal f and let me go a little longer to help mature some eggs. That time they got 10 mature eggs and 6 made it to blasts

Our insurance doesn't cover anything so we paid all out of pocket. Each IUI was roughly $1000 between all the ultrasounds, labs, and the actual procedure. We qualified for their shared risk program and it is $22k (not including medications). Although that is more expensive than 1 round of IVF I would do shared risk again in a heartbeat because it takes so much pressure off.

He was willing to answer every question I presented, and I did ask a lot of questions. But, he was not personal. He didn't ask me about any symptoms I was having or how I was feeling during the process. I had to be my own advocate and mention things that I felt were out of the ordinary. Which I only knew were not normal/good because of my own research and THANKFULLY for all the wonderful women who share their on experiences. He had not ever suggested that maybe there were some further explorations that needed to take place to see why I wasn't becoming pregnant. Just pushed me through to the next round.

Do your own research. You will need to advocate for yourself and ask questions. They will not probe to get to the solution.

I started with clomid for (2) IUI cycles. The first cycle the symptoms were mild and I produced (3) follicles that cycle. Ovidrel trigger shot. Donor Sperm. No takers. Second cycle clomid again. The headaches and hot flashes were BAD and continued until after I ovulated. (2) follicles. LH surged on its own. Donor Sperm. Not pregnant. Felt like I was... delayed AF. So possible an undocumented chemical as I never went for my Beta. Third cycle I went to letrozole (2.5 mg). No symptoms. My lining was was much better and my follicle resulted much the same. (2) follicles. Ovidrel trigger. Donor sperm. Not pregnant. Fourth cycle, letrozole again (2.5 mg). No symptoms from that. My follicles took forever to grow. Two looked to be mature and I surged on my own. Chemical pregnancy. HCG only at 12 on Beta. Fifth cycle... a glutton for punishment at this point. Combo cycle with letrozole (same dosage) and 75 units of Gonal-F starting on CD 8 through CD 11. Only one follicle... ONLY ONE. Started to surge on my own but still was told to trigger with Ovidrel. No pregancy.

I was quoted at $395 for an IUI after they consulted with my insurance company. I did have co-pays for every appt and bloodwork. At the end of 2018, I received a statement in the mail from them saying I had a credit of over $700!!! It took a month and a half for me to get said credit after several phone calls. For my last IUI (in 2019), I didn't pay the cost for the IUI because I didn't want to wait again for reimbursement. Ended up that my insurance covered all but $100 out of pocket.

She is very thorough with learning history and answering any questions. She has made clear each step of the process, we are scheduled to meet again to discuss IVF as our plan moving ahead after an HSG found I have tubal blockage. She was very emphatic during my procedure and has given me hope that she is confident she can help us achieve a successful pregnancy.

Ask questions, tell your story. She is listening and wants nothing more than to help you reach your goal of becoming a parent.

Initially our protocol would include fertility drugs, timed intercourse and supplements. She first wanted to complete all blood work and check my tubes with a HSG test. After the HSG I was found to have complete right side blockage and she then sat down with us to explain that IVF is our next step if we so desire. She said we needed to speak much more in-depth and set up a second consultation to get us ready to start the process.

So far everything has been covered, a price sheet was given to us describing each service and cost. IVF without medication is close to $9200

Dr.Filer is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. He often cites research statistics and facts. I appreciate that he tells you the truth or what would be best without sugar-coating what you may want to hear. I believe he is very personal and friendly. I trust him and feel confident that he is doing everything he can to help us achieve a successful pregnancy.

Always ask any questions on your mind. Dr.Filer always takes time answering them and doesn't make you feel rushed or as they're invalid questions.

After using clomid, Dr. Filer suggested I switch to Letrozole/Femara. My uterine lining responded better and I was producing mature follicles. We switched doses to find what worked (IUI #1-3). For IUI #4 cycle, we incorporated Gonal F injection for a Letrozole/GonalF combo-cycle. I got pregnant with 1 mature follicle. Unfortunately, it ended in a miscarriage at 7 weeks due to being Partial Molar & Triploidy. After waiting 6 months, Dr. Filer encouraged us to follow with the same protocol. This time, for IUI #5, I became pregnant with only 1 follicle. Again, it ended in a miscarriage at 8 weeks and we are awaiting the testing results. Dr. Filer said we can do IUI 6 with more Gonal F.

My insurance only covers ultrasounds, bloodwork, and some other lab costs (semen analysis). The nurses/receptionists were very patient in sitting down with me to review all of my insurance coverages vs. out-of-pocket responsibilities. They explained everything very clearly.

Dr Filer took time to sit with us to explain everything with compassion and care. I felt like he truly cared about us and our desire to have a baby. He shared in the joys and supported us in the failures.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and know all your options.

I came to Dr Filer on my 6th round of clamor from my oh. He allowed us to do timed IUI that round. He determined that the clomid was not working for my lining. We moved on to a combo round and iui then moved onto injectibles with iui. He also determined my prolactin level was high and found a medicine they worked for me. We had a chemical pregnancy. During the cycles we would have good response ones, one that overstimulated with too many eggs that had to be cancelled, and some we had to cancel for lack of sufficient semen samples. After several Cycles and about a year, we decided to move into iVF. We did a shared risk plan but we were successful on the first fresh transfer.

22,000 for shared risk up to 6 fresh cycles and FETs until live birth plus medicine which was about $2500 for one cycle (all we had to do). Iui was $350 each time plus meds

Dr Filer left it up to me to transfer 1 or 2 and discusses the risks and benefits of both options.

Dr. Filer is very compassionate. I am conscious of the fact that I may be one of tens of thousands of patients he has seen. I do feel like a person in his care, and that he is genuinely in our corner, rooting for the chance of us starting a family.

Be patient with the process. There are not clear cut answers right away. Trust the practitioners and the process.

Imaging and blood tests for both me and my partner; clomid to promote ovulation & progesterone following ovulation for an attempt at natural conception. We began IUI for one cycle so far - clomid, ovidrel (injectable), and progesterone were prescribed. Weekly visits for blood monitoring during the treatment cycles.

We have completed an HSG, several rounds of blood testing, one cycle of medication supported natural conception attempt, and one cycle of IUI. Total cost around $6,000

Dr ochalski. Spoke to me in terms I could understand. She was through with her exams and testing. She called me on non treatment cycles to check in how I was doing. When having an iui perform she would explain exactly what she was doing. When finished she gave me her best wishes on my treatment cycle. On day 21 testing she let me know I had low progesterone and started me on medication. While at the appt she would go over a treatment plan Incase the that cycle did not work.

Ask as many questions as you can think if she is very knowledgeable

I started off with a clomud cycle 50 mg for an iui. That resulted in a negative next two treatment cycles I was given 100mg of clomid. I was not producing eggs on my left ovary so those cycles were cancelled due to a possibility of a blocked right tube. Last cycle I was given injectables with iui that also resulted in a negative test.

Initial consult was 300$ iui 450$ sperm analysis 90$ blood work 100$ and up

Dr. Filer was always patient with us with all the questions we had. Made us feel comfortable with what we were doing and the process we were going through. Never once did I worry about our treatment as he guided us through each procedure.

Know that not every patient is the same and treatment is not instantaneous give them time to create the best treatment for you

Luckily we had insurance that partially covered our procedures. However from all of my research I did with infertility treatments their pricing was within the typical range

Dr O always makes you feel comfortable. She will explain things in a manner that most anyone is able to understand, even if she has to draw a picture or discuss it with you 3 different times. She is sincere and you can tell that when you are hurting she actually cares. She is delicate and treats everyone with respect. She always is sure to discuss something with you on a personal level, outside of what you're coming in for. She is professional but also has a way of making you feel like a friend. The only negative I can even mention is that she is working in 2 locations and I am not always able to see her, but I do know that she is willing to adjust her schedule for you even if it affects her personal life.

Feel free to open up and be honest with how you are feeling.

I love Dr. Filer! Whenever I see him, I feel like I have his complete attention. He answers all my questions, he is always caring and gentle and he has a great sense of humor. When I finally do get pregnant, I will be sad to leave the practice. I wish Dr Filer or Michelle could deliver babies too!!

Ask lots of questions! He’s always great about answering them.

She's amazing! Very understanding and sympathetic towards my infertility journey. Very encouraging. Very caring!

She will help you get through this journey

I would definitely recommend him as a doctor, he answers every question and doesn’t make you feel stupid for asking even if it is a dumb question. He’s very upfront and doesn’t sugar coat things which is great in this journey. I truly believe he will do everything he can to help me get pregnant.

Be open minded, I went into these appts at first thinking it was going to be so simple and it’s not but he makes it so easy there which is great

First round we did 5 mg of letrozole and I had no follicles that were large enough. Second cycle we did 7.5 mg of letrozole and I had one follicle that was good and we did an IUI everything went well but we did not get pregnant. Third cycle we did 7.5 mg of letrozole again and I had no follicles that were large enough. Fourth cycle we are in now and am doing 7.5 mg of letrozole and adding in gonal-f injectables.

Because we are still in treatment and not everything is back from our insurance I’m not positive yet but IUI they said was about $500 per cycle

I really wanted a successful pregnancy it’s hard because with doctor filer he wants you to go through 4 IUI cycles before he will try anything else i think if that’s not working if you choose you should be allowed to try the next thing but that’s not an option. Do not take insurance and do not have payment plan available

1,400 for each iui treatment 300 for consultations