Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.
Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.
Scheduling
8.3
8.3
Scheduling
Ratings of 1 mean it was difficult to schedule appointments with this clinic.
Ratings of 10 mean it was easy to schedule appointments.
Billing Department
6.9
6.9
Billing Department
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.
Nursing Team
8.3
8.3
Nursing Team
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.
Attention to Detail
7.1
7.1
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is on a 1 - 10 scale, and is scored based on the rate, and severity, of errors committed by the clinic according to the patients.
For example, a severe error might be failing to inform a patient of critical information, while a small error might be failing to call a patient with results.
CDC Success Rates
This is the most recent data from the CDC. The CDC cautions that it should not be used to compare doctors and clinics. This data represents the outcomes of IVF cycles when using a person's own eggs.
For more information please see our FAQs.
Where you see a “?” on the chart, a clinic has done fewer than 20 cycles in this category and age range, so the CDC says showing percentages from this small data set would be misleading and unreliable.
Dr Al-Safi has always made me feel like one of his top priorities - he is in constant direct communication with me, usually via phone or sometimes email. ... He explains everything so thoroughly and makes sure all of our questions have been answered. ... Additionally, and importantly, I really feel that he is going out of his way to make sure that nothing is missed in determining how/why things have not gone the way we expected.
Pros [of UCLA]: Evidence-based medicine, though you are really treated like a person. Dr [Al-Safi] and nurse a very personable and easy to communicate with. Made me feel well taken care of. Con: Takes a little bit of time to get through to a human on the scheduling line. ... Very flexible with which pharmacy I preferred depending on the day. Always calls right away.
How was your experience with Zain Al-Safi at UCLA?
He explains everything so thoroughly and makes sure all of our questions have been answered. He is always in direct, prompt contact with me, which I really appreciate. Additionally, and importantly, I really feel that he is going out of his way to make sure that nothing is missed in determining how/why things have not gone the way we expected. His treatments are evidence-based, and he knows what he's doing.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Zain Al-Safi at UCLA?
Dr Al-Safi has always made me feel like one of his top priorities - he is in constant direct communication with me, usually via phone or sometimes email.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Megan N)
Very easy to communicate with. Very flexible with which pharmacy I preferred depending on the day. Always calls right away.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
Pros: Evidence-based medicine, though you are really treated like a person. Dr and nurse a very personable and easy to communicate with. Made me feel well taken care of.
Con: Takes a little bit of time to get through to a human on the scheduling line. Better to make apt on way out of the clinic, or on the portal.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Zain Al-Safi at UCLA.
She [Dr. Kathleen Brennan] took the time to walk through all fertility options at first meeting. She smiles often and congratulated us when we got our positive test....Kind and thorough Ordered tests when I requested them Answered all my questions patiently Responds to questions over email via UCLA within 1 day Supervised her residents and took over if they needed help...Spent 18 months getting diagnosed with PCOS, starting metformin and getting ovulation to work.
Sometimes long waits [at UCLA - LA] Billing errors are common Parking is expensive -$12 Insurance card required at every visit which I find annoying Facilities are clean and nice Convenient lab downstairs...[Dr. Kathleen Brennan] Kind and thorough Ordered tests when I requested them Answered all my questions patiently Responds to questions over email via UCLA within 1 day Supervised her residents and took over if they needed help
How was your experience with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
Kind and thorough
Ordered tests when I requested them
Answered all my questions patiently
Responds to questions over email via UCLA within 1 day
Supervised her residents and took over if they needed help
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
Sometimes there’s a short wait
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
She took the time to walk through all fertility options at first meeting. She smiles often and congratulated us when we got our positive test.
Describe the protocols Kathleen Brennan used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
Spent 18 months getting diagnosed with PCOS, starting metformin and getting ovulation to work. Then got pregnant naturally first try. She sees me every week from 5-8 weeks.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
Sometimes long waits
Billing errors are common
Parking is expensive -$12
Insurance card required at every visit which I find annoying
Facilities are clean and nice
Convenient lab downstairs
........................
Dr. Brennan was informative but quick to explain...I felt like she was already on to the next thing while I was processing the last. Her notes where hard to read and follow...I am sure this is the same presentation she gives 10 times or more a day...somewhat annoyed to go over something twice. The ultrasound part of the appointment was done by her intern that was just poking around. That was really uncomfortable and why I gave her such a low score. I did not really like her intern.
Easy of appointment, somewhat informative, fast moving. Bloodwork done that day. The clinic [UCLA] was overall very friendly...No one called me with test results and the doctor would not release the information...ultrasound part of the appointment was done by her [Dr. Brennan] intern that was just poking around. That was really uncomfortable...
How was your experience with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
Dr. Brennan was informative but quick to explain. It’s a lot of information to go threw and a lot to take in. I felt like she was already on to the next thing while I was processing the last. Her notes where hard to read and follow. But I am sure this is the same presentation she gives 10 times or more a day. She seem somewhat annoyed to go over something twice. The ultrasound part of the appointment was done by her intern that was just poking around. That was really uncomfortable and why I gave her such a low score. I did not really like her intern.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
Keep on mind that an intern does the exam, not the doctor.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
The Doctor was very friendly and took her time to listen. I didn’t like the teaching aspect of appointment or the intern.
Describe the protocols Kathleen Brennan used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
She wanted me to do IUI first then try freezing an embryo. I was there to freeze my eggs. That is the treatment I was looking for, not anything else. Didn’t really listen to me needs.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UCLA.
The staff was nice. The financing coordinator was not that informative.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
Easy of appointment, somewhat informative, fast moving. Bloodwork done that day. The clinic was overall very friendly. I did have a 20 minute wait time, but once I was seen, I was quickly seen by a nurse who took my vitals, then by the intern. Again, I didn’t really like the intern and felt like it was a waste of time to talk to her then have her repeat what I said to the Doctor then have to go into the room, 45 minutes later to meet with the doctor to go over the same thing. And again the inter doing the exam.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Kathleen Brennan at UCLA.
$15,000.00
What specific things went wrong at UCLA?
Failed to call with results
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UCLA.
No one called me with test results and the doctor would not release the information
She [Dr. Brennan] is a great doctor and nice person, but if you are an older woman who have hard time to conceive, no, I would not recommend, because her skills was so so and able to make better decisions for her patient was lacking of. When there were 6 or 7 IUI involved, she should have stopped treatment and asked us to look around for IVFs and compare prices on our own, because IUI does not work for most older patients, and it was money wasted and time wasted.
They [nurses at UCLA] are wonderful and compassionate...when my insurance stopped paying after IUIs it was $2000 a cycle...I think this clinic has real good facility, and their staff are compassionate about what they are doing and they are devoted people. However, it is over priced if your insurance does not cover or cover limited fertility treatment...If you failed 3 -6 tries, move on, find a different fertility doctor and clinic. The private clinic is much cheaper and they are not a training institution for interns, but you will not stressed out financially as much. You do not need 10 IUIs to prove that you need to move on. 3 is enough.
How was your experience with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
If you are young and your infertility is just an easy or typical one, yes. She is a great doctor and nice person, but if you are an older woman who have hard time to conceive, no, I would not recommend, because her skills was so so and able to make better decisions for her patient was lacking of. When there were 6 or 7 IUI involved, she should have stopped treatment and asked us to look around for IVFs and compare prices on our own, because IUI does not work for most older patients, and it was money wasted and time wasted. IUI also only result one pregnancy if you do successful, if you are older than 40 you do not have time for a second round of fertility treatment. Dr. Brennan should not ask me what to do next and whether I wanted to continue IUIs, because I was not a doctor or even know anything about fertility. If you failed 3 IUIs, move on to go for IVFs. There are many private clinic cost you less than $10,000 compare to UCLA wanted to charge you at least $22,000.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
If you failed 3 -6 tries, move on, find a different fertility doctor and clinic. The private clinic is much cheaper and they are not a training institution for interns, but you will not stressed out financially as much. You do not need 10 IUIs to prove that you need to move on. 3 is enough.
Describe the protocols Kathleen Brennan used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
Colimd 100mg/day for 5 days and Folistem 300iu/day
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UCLA.
They are wonderful and compassionate
Describe your experience with UCLA.
I think this clinic has real good facility, and their staff are compassionate about what they are doing and they are devoted people. However, it is over priced if your insurance does not cover or cover limited fertility treatment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Kathleen Brennan at UCLA.
For the IUIs with my insurance was $1000 for medications, and when my insurance stopped paying after IUIs it was $2000 a cycle
Hysteroscopy [with Dr. Brennan]...to assess the inside of the uterus after removal of 20 fibroids in Oct 2019. She wanted to make sure I didn’t have scar tissue. After Hysteroscopy, she placed a balloon inside to prevent future scar tissue and placed me on Estrada x2 wks. This was to make the lining healthy...She has a busy clinic and because of that it sometimes gives a feel that you are just a number...is realistic and straight to the point. She understands our situation and desire to become parents. I can communicate with her easily using the electronic medical record. There are times I have to repeat out loud what her plan is in order to make sure I understood it.
[UCLA is] a busy clinic and because of that it sometimes gives a feel that you are just a number...They [nurses] are all very kind. They understand it can be stressful process and are empathetic when you need to retry for another cycle...They have a second clinic, but it’s rarely open because the primary clinic is so busy. It would be nice if they had another one. It would help with the drive and help me balance work life. The clinic is clean. Nothing out of the ordinary for a hospital/clinic setting.
How was your experience with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
Dr.Brennan is realistic and straight to the point. She understands our situation and desire to become parents. I can communicate with her easily using the electronic medical record. There are times I have to repeat out loud what her plan is in order to make sure I understood it.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
Be patient with yourself. Don’t feel bad if it take more than 3 IUIs to be successful. It’s a marathon not a sprint. What ever you do, don’t lose yourself in the process.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Kathleen Brennan at UCLA?
I think it’s the process. She has a busy clinic and because of that it sometimes gives a feel that you are just a number.
Describe the protocols Kathleen Brennan used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
Hysteroscopy in Feb 2020 to assess the inside of the uterus after removal of 20 fibroids in Oct 2019. She wanted to make sure I didn’t have scar tissue. After Hysteroscopy, she placed a balloon inside to prevent future scar tissue and placed me on Estrada x2 wks. This was to make the lining healthy. We did our 5th IUI last March 2020, but this was the first under the direct care of Dr. Brennan. Unfortunately, no pregnancy resulted from this attempt.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Ruth)
They are all very kind. They understand it can be stressful process and are empathetic when you need to retry for another cycle
Describe your experience with UCLA.
It’s primarily one clinic. They have a second clinic, but it’s rarely open because the primary clinic is so busy. It would be nice if they had another one. It would help with the drive and help me balance work life. The clinic is clean. Nothing out of the ordinary for a hospital/clinic setting.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Kathleen Brennan at UCLA.
I have an HMO. It has coverage for meds (50%). I have a $20 copay each ultrasound visit. One injectable medication costs $80. IUI procedure is under $500.
Describe Kathleen Brennan's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
Dr. Brower was always straight forward and very personable. She is very knowledgable and very good at communicating. She has a very warm bedside manner....We both have physical complications and a little more testing would have been beneficial. Instead, we were given donor options.... The new doctor performed some critical tests, that Dr. Brower did not do or recommend. These tests would have saved us a lot of trouble and money from doing the 3 unsuccessful cycles.
The staff [at UCLA] is friendly and we always felt comfortable there. Jessica was the nurse who usually greeted us and drew blood. She is very sweet, and seems to enjoy her job. Parking is expensive if you don't have an early morning appointment...Teri is the nurse who I worked with all 3 times. She is knowledgable and kind, but it could be a struggle to communicate with her via phone or email....My insurance did not cover IVF so, it was all out-of-pocket.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
We did 3 IVF cycles with Dr. Brower at UCLA Santa Monica. She started the 3rd cycle and setup the protocol, and left for maternity leave during the cycle. Dr. Rodi did the egg retrieval on the 3rd cycle. We were initially referred to Dr. Brower by my husbands urologist, and they communicated with each other during the process. We did a few tests in the beginning, such as a genetics test, blood work, urine analysis, and tested my husbands sperm motility. That was it, and we began stimulation. Each time we tried a different injection recipe with similar results. We were told there was no way to test the quality of the sperm and eggs. We both have physical complications and a little more testing would have been beneficial. Instead, we were given donor options. Dr. Brower has since transferred to a new facility, and we have chosen to seek a new doctor. The new doctor performed some critical tests, that Dr. Brower did not do or recommend. These tests would have saved us a lot of trouble and money from doing the 3 unsuccessful cycles.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
If you run into some complications, it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. That goes with any medical procedure from any doctor. She is very knowledgable, but there could be something she is missing. It happens to everyone.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower was always straight forward and very personable. She is very knowledgable and very good at communicating. She has a very warm bedside manner.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
Cycle 1 (max dosage): Birth Control 16 days, Androgel 12 days, Androderm 5 days, Gonal F 300 u 11 days, Menopur 11 days, Cetrotide 4 days, and Ovidrel trigger.
Cycle 2 (max dosage):: Androgel 18 days, Lupron 21 days, Gonal F 300 u 10 days, Menopur 10 days, and Ovidrel trigger.
Cycle 3 (lower dosage): Birth Control 16 days, Menopur 11 days, Omnitrope 8 days, Cetrotide 4 days, and Ovidrel trigger.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Teri Abraham)
Teri is the nurse who I worked with all 3 times. She is knowledgable and kind, but it could be a struggle to communicate with her via phone or email.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
The staff is friendly and we always felt comfortable there. Jessica was the nurse who usually greeted us and drew blood. She is very sweet, and seems to enjoy her job. Parking is expensive if you don't have an early morning appointment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
My insurance did not cover IVF so, it was all out-of-pocket.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
I began priming and OCP suppression later that month. When our first retrieval cycle did not go well (objective was to get something to test), she gave us the option to repeat the same protocol or to try a different one for our second cycle. I found Dr. Brower to be appropriately communicative, candid, and caring...My first cycle with Dr. Brower was antagonist - I testosterone primed with Androgel for 34 days and stimmed with 300 Gonal-F, 150 Menopur, and hgh for nine days (adding Cetrotide days 7-9), triggering with a single dose of Ovidrel on the 10th day. We retrieved 12 eggs, of which only 7 were mature and ICSI'd, of which only three fertilized. One became a morula, but the other two did not make it that far. We had no blastocysts to test and freeze as was our goal. Because that went poorly, we wanted to try a different protocol to see how that would go. The cycle after the first egg retrieval, I started OCP on CD3 preparing for another antagonist protocol. I testosterone primed with Androgel for 24 days (stopping 2-3 days before beginning stims as I ran out because it had been ordered before changing to the luteal lupron plan). We had subsequently decided on a luteal lupron protocol (without OCP), but I needed to remain on the OCP for about a week for hysteroscopy visibility. After that I had to monitor for ovulation with OPKs to ensure ovulation before starting lupron suppression (10u once daily) on CD20 for 13 days. I began stimming this time with 450 Gonal-F, hgh, and reducing the lupron to 5u for days 1-4. Beginning day 5, I reduced the Gonal-F to 300 and added 150 Menopur along with the hgh and lupron through day 10. I triggered on day 11 with a single dose of Ovidrel. We decided to try half IVF and half ICSI since all ICSI didn't work out well for us last time - we admit the human element with ICSI scares us a little bit and like the idea of some natural selection. We retrieved 10 eggs, of which 8 fertilized (5/5 IVF, 3/5 ICSI), and are currently waiting to see how they fare.
My only comparison [to UCLA] is with a private clinic (not affiliated with a large public university), and I had much better service (at a price!) at the private clinic. Monitoring was only every other day toward the end of stims, so I didn't know what my actual situation (E2, largest follicle size) was at trigger, whether hcg in my system was sufficient after trigger, etc. At my last monitoring appointment, I noticed that they do not measure all of the follicles (I didn't have that many being AMA), just the few largest to get an idea. While I understand that this appears to get the job done, I usually like more information when possible. Again, I like the frequency with which I got to see my own doctor, which I understand doesn't happen everywhere.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
I was referred to Dr. Brower by my ob/gyn after the loss of our first pregnancy. I consulted with her as we were coming up on six months (over the age of 35) without a successful pregnancy. My husband and I met with her after we got my initial blood work back. She was sympathetic about our loss, presented different treatment options, and was appropriately candid about the less than rosy statistics for them. We decided to proceed with IVF as it offered our best chance of success and we liked the prospect of being able to test to reduce the risk of another loss. I began priming and OCP suppression later that month. When our first retrieval cycle did not go well (objective was to get something to test), she gave us the option to repeat the same protocol or to try a different one for our second cycle. I found Dr. Brower to be appropriately communicative, candid, and caring.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Maybe not specific to Dr. Brower, but it's important to understand that infertility is a very frustrating branch of medicine that does not offer the same quality of data that others do. There are still a lot of unknowns and every patient is different.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
I appreciate that Dr. Brower considers the emotional aspect of infertility and related treatment. I also appreciated seeing Dr. Brower (or her partner in Dr. Brower's absence) for my ultrasound monitoring appointments instead of an ultrasound tech. She was very responsive to email/web portal inquiries.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
My first cycle with Dr. Brower was antagonist - I testosterone primed with Androgel for 34 days and stimmed with 300 Gonal-F, 150 Menopur, and hgh for nine days (adding Cetrotide days 7-9), triggering with a single dose of Ovidrel on the 10th day. We retrieved 12 eggs, of which only 7 were mature and ICSI'd, of which only three fertilized. One became a morula, but the other two did not make it that far. We had no blastocysts to test and freeze as was our goal.
Because that went poorly, we wanted to try a different protocol to see how that would go. The cycle after the first egg retrieval, I started OCP on CD3 preparing for another antagonist protocol. I testosterone primed with Androgel for 24 days (stopping 2-3 days before beginning stims as I ran out because it had been ordered before changing to the luteal lupron plan). We had subsequently decided on a luteal lupron protocol (without OCP), but I needed to remain on the OCP for about a week for hysteroscopy visibility. After that I had to monitor for ovulation with OPKs to ensure ovulation before starting lupron suppression (10u once daily) on CD20 for 13 days. I began stimming this time with 450 Gonal-F, hgh, and reducing the lupron to 5u for days 1-4. Beginning day 5, I reduced the Gonal-F to 300 and added 150 Menopur along with the hgh and lupron through day 10. I triggered on day 11 with a single dose of Ovidrel. We decided to try half IVF and half ICSI since all ICSI didn't work out well for us last time - we admit the human element with ICSI scares us a little bit and like the idea of some natural selection. We retrieved 10 eggs, of which 8 fertilized (5/5 IVF, 3/5 ICSI), and are currently waiting to see how they fare.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Teri)
Teri is an experienced IVF coordinator/nurse, but I'm not sure if her workload is too much handling all IVF patients. She was very helpful in getting my IVF cycles approved with my insurance, but sometimes I would not get responses to my emails.
The other nurses I saw for blood draws and to take my vitals were pleasant and professional.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
My only comparison is with a private clinic (not affiliated with a large public university), and I had much better service (at a price!) at the private clinic. Monitoring was only every other day toward the end of stims, so I didn't know what my actual situation (E2, largest follicle size) was at trigger, whether hcg in my system was sufficient after trigger, etc. At my last monitoring appointment, I noticed that they do not measure all of the follicles (I didn't have that many being AMA), just the few largest to get an idea. While I understand that this appears to get the job done, I usually like more information when possible. Again, I like the frequency with which I got to see my own doctor, which I understand doesn't happen everywhere.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
I had insurance coverage for my two IVF cycles with her. The office uses another fertility center or one of the university surgical centers for its surgeries, so bills came separately from different departments at UCLA (physician billing is different from hospital billing) or from the third party fertility center directly. Genetic testing (of me, not embryos) was also billed separately.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
Dr. Brower made clear that multiples basically increase the risk of everything that can go wrong. We would probably only transfer more than one if untested.
What specific things went wrong at UCLA?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UCLA.
I have had to follow up with the IVF nurse a couple of times regarding whether prescriptions had been called in.
During every single little step in the process she [Dr. Meredith Brower] was there. She is incredibly prompt and detailed in her response to any and all questions - day or night AND on the weekends. She is up to date on her research and studies and is willing to work with you to make your protocol personal and what you specifically need. She helps you find financial assistance, if needed. In addition to Dr. Bower, you get her wonderful team - Teri, IVF Coordinator, who knows where to get the protocol meds cheapest and gives a great injection tutorial, and Jessica, nurse, who is an incredible joy to be around even at 7:30am and can draw blood at first poke even with the tiny vein
Teri, IVF Coordinator [at UCLA Santa Monica], is so much fun and so incredibly nice. She has been in the IVF business for over ten years and worked at a couple different clinics. She's seen the industry evolve and really is a great help for injections. She knows the best pharmacy to have your protocol meds purchased through, regardless of them going through insurance or being out of pocket. Additionally, she will coach you on your injection trainings. She has the best tips for painless injections and knows how to administer an inje
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower is an amazing doctor with an incredible bedside manner. I unfortunately needed the assistance of a doctor to conceive, but my husband and I were lucky enough to have Dr. Brower on our side. IVF can be an emotional and time consuming process, nevermind the financial implications if insurance doesn't cover it. However, with Dr. Brower you feel like you have another person besides your spouse and/or any family and friends to turn to. Too often you hear a doctor say he/she understands what is happening to your body or knows what you're going through and they really don't. But this is not the case with Dr. Brower. During every single little step in the process she was there. She is incredibly prompt and detailed in her response to any and all questions - day or night AND on the weekends. She is up to date on her research and studies and is willing to work with you to make your protocol personal and what you specifically need. She helps you find financial assistance, if needed. In addition to Dr. Bower, you get her wonderful team - Teri, IVF Coordinator, who knows where to get the protocol meds cheapest and gives a great injection tutorial, and Jessica, nurse, who is an incredible joy to be around even at 7:30am and can draw blood at first poke even with the tiny veins I have! It is a true blessing to graduate from Dr. Brower's care to the care of a regular OB for the remainder of your pregnancy, but trust me when I say this (as you'll be thinking/saying the same thing) - you'll wish she delivered babies too! I did not want to leaver her office at my last appointment. She invited my husband and I into her office to see if we have any final questions - I always have questions (which she is beyond happy to answer) - and I couldn't muster one, not even to stay longer. I will miss her care immensely, but am excited to work with her again in the future when we want to conceive again.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
You made a great choice! Dr. Brower is patient, empathetic, sympathetic, and always available. Even if results aren't always great, you'll know that you have a support system always available.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower has an incredible bedside manner and treats every patient uniquely based on that patient's needs and protocol and how the patient like their news/information delivered.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
I am not infertile, but went through fertility treatment because I have a chromosomal dominant disease that I did not want my child(ren) to have so my protocol may be different. I started off on birth control and the reason for this is to regulate your cycle, calm your ovaries, and so your doctor knows when you are most likely to ovulate. I had ten days of ovarian stimulation which included Gonal-F and Menopur and the final four days included Cetrotide so I wouldn't ovulate. I have a Lupron based trigger shot, which is great if you're a candidate for it as it helps combat the likelihood/side effects of OHSS. Post-retrieval for seven days I took Cabergoline which continues to combat the likelihood/side effects of OHSS. After starting my period, post-retrieval, I started birth control again (I wanted to do the transfer as soon as possible) so that my doctor would know when I would ovulate. I stopped birth control pills about 10-12 days in and got another period and then started a protocol of Estrogen by transdermal patches on my abdomen, which helps produce a thick uterine lining making it more likely that your embryo transfer will produce a pregnancy (thick lining=easier implantation of embryo). The Estrogen also stops ovulation. The five days leading up to the embryo transfer I started Progesterone. Dr. Brower provided a protocol of two Endometrin suppositories and a 1ml evening injection of Progesterone. She allows for Progesterone to be administered in one of three ways: three Endometrin suppositories; two Endometrin suppositories and a 1ml evening injection of Progesterone; or a 2ml evening injection of Progesterone. I started on the original protocol, but found that the injection was a breeze and the suppositories were frankly quite messy that about two days into this (three days prior to transfer) I switched over to the last option - a 2ml evening injection of Progesterone. Big plus is the progesterone by injection is MUCH less expensive than the Endometrin. The Estrogen transdermal patches and Progesterone (whichever protocol you choose) is done until you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Teri and Jessica)
Teri, IVF Coordinator, is so much fun and so incredibly nice. She has been in the IVF business for over ten years and worked at a couple different clinics. She's seen the industry evolve and really is a great help for injections. She knows the best pharmacy to have your protocol meds purchased through, regardless of them going through insurance or being out of pocket. Additionally, she will coach you on your injection trainings. She has the best tips for painless injections and knows how to administer an injection that normally may sting so that it doesn't. Jessica, nurse for Dr. Brower, is so incredibly sweet and nice ALWAYS. I had doctor appointments at the crack of dawn, 7:30am, and she was always so nice and had a great attitude even at that time of day. A big plus is she is great with blood draws. I have tiny veins that sometimes like to roll, she gets the blood draw in the first poke, no bruises and no pain!
Describe your experience with UCLA.
First thing is it's in Santa Monica, which is notorious for awful, expensive parking. Go across the street and park in the meter spots if you have an appointment in the early morning, meter parking is free there until 9am! As for the clinic, it is always clean, comfortable, and warm. The staff are nice and quick with check-in and check-out. You're going to be there every other day sometimes, and they really do recognize you and get to know you. The bedside manner really is great across the board.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
0% of IVF and related expenses are covered by my insurance so it was fully out-of-pocket. One cycle of IVF cost about $3,000 and one transfer cycle monitoring cost about $2,000 - these are both paid directly to the doctor's office at the end of the cycle
She [Dr. Brower] was very clear about my chances of getting pregnant and didn't sugar coat anything. Also, her encouragement helped my spouse and I focus on the next step and kept us from drowning in the big picture. The big picture can be very overwhelming. Dr. Brower is very thorough in her explanations and she took the time to answer all of our questions. I never felt rushed which is important because this kind of treatment is very emotional. She is very compassionate and I feel that she is very invested in the success of her patients...
Scheduling and changing appointments [at UCLA - Santa Monica] is very easy and efficient here. Whenever I had questions about insurance, I felt like I received an informed answer. The UCLA online system is easy to use and I could send messages to my doctor without having to call. Don't park in the ramp as it is too expensive and there is no validation. Street parking in Santa Monica near the clinic is permit parking only...
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower is careful to be cautiously optimistic. She was very clear about my chances of getting pregnant and didn't sugar coat anything. Also, her encouragement helped my spouse and I focus on the next step and kept us from drowning in the big picture. The big picture can be very overwhelming.
Dr. Brower is very thorough in her explanations and she took the time to answer all of our questions. I never felt rushed which is important because this kind of treatment is very emotional. She is very compassionate and I feel that she is very invested in the success of her patients.
UCLA has a great online system where you can email the doctor, see test results, upcoming appointments, etc. Dr. Brower always answered my emails within 24 hours and often within 6 hours. I never had an inquiry go unanswered
Against pretty big odds, I am happy to say that I am 12 weeks pregnant today.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
I think this could be advice to anyone. Take really good notes, so when you are in an appointment you can give accurate answers about yourself and you ask every question that's on your mind.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower is very patient and calm. She took the time to answer all of my questions and I never felt rushed. When I received disappointing news, she stayed with me to comfort me.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
I pursued 2 cycles of IVF.
The first protocol: I prepped with bcp then I administered Gonal F, Menopur and Omnitrope. I had a poor response possibly due to the bcp over-suppressing the ovaries.
For the second protocol: I prepped with testosterone gel and clomid (and an estrogen patch? I can't remember). I administered Gonal F, Menopur and Omnitrope then triggered with Ovidrel.
We discussed doing something different if we needed to try another cycle, but I didn't have to!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UCLA.
I had very positive experiences with the nursing staff. The nurse I had most often, Jessica, really enjoys her job and gets excited about good news. It was nice to have people cheering for my pregnancy.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
Scheduling and changing appointments is very easy and efficient here. Whenever I had questions about insurance, I felt like I received an informed answer. The UCLA online system is easy to use and I could send messages to my doctor without having to call.
Don't park in the ramp as it is too expensive and there is no validation. Street parking in Santa Monica near the clinic is permit parking only. I would make morning appointments and park at the meters across the street. It gets busier as the day goes on. Parking always takes longer than you think it will!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
UCLA offers a package for IVF. If your treatment is cancelled, they break down the appointments and bill the appointments individually. Dr. Brower is knowledgable about billing and insurance and was able to explain the cost with me along the way. She identified cost savings when possible. For example, I was scheduled for a polyp removal procedure. I found out I was pregnant and Dr. Brower recognized that it was ectopic. While I was in surgery for the ectopic, she removed my polyp at the same time. This saved me from a separate procedure, a lot of extra expenses and more heartache.
I also qualified for a great discount for fertility medication through Compassionate Care. There was a time that I miscounted my meds and Dr. Brower was able to pull from the office supply (donations from previous patients) to cover me until I could get to the pharmacy the next day. She met me after hours and I was so grateful.
The IVF coordinator, Teresa Abraham, is very good about calculating how much medication is needed, so you don't have to buy more than you need. Not a drop of my Gonal F was wasted because she was able to extract more out of the used pens to make another dose. This is a big deal considering the cost of the injection pens.
I was very pleased with Dr. Rodi because she has a wonderful bedside manner and is blunt and to the point which I like. She is a very good doctor and I feel confident under her care. She knows who I am and did not treat me like another number...We used injectables to stimulate egg growth (Menopour, Gonal-F, Ganirellix) and the eggs were retrieved in an outpatient procedure. Dr. Rodi's anesthesiologist is outstanding and I felt so comfortable going into surgery.
The [UCLA] care coordinator knew exactly what information I needed and kept me up to date on embryo growth and freezing...I think new patients should know that they need to do their part and do their research on the IVF process. Don't rely on your doctor or clinic coordinator to explain everything in detail. They will send you resources to read on your own..
How was your experience with Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
I was very pleased with Dr. Rodi because she has a wonderful bedside manner and is blunt and to the point which I like. She is a very good doctor and I feel confident under her care. She knows who I am and did not treat me like another number. You should feel comfortable knowing that you're in great hands with Dr. Rodi.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
Make sure you ask questions and don't be shy. Dr. Rodi will answer all of your questions but you have to ask.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
Dr. Rodi was warm and friendly.
Describe the protocols Ingrid Rodi used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
We used injectables to stimulate egg growth (Menopour, Gonal-F, Ganirellix) and the eggs were retrieved in an outpatient procedure. Dr. Rodi's anesthesiologist is outstanding and I felt so comfortable going into surgery.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Janelle)
Nurses were compassionate and knowledgeable. The care coordinator knew exactly what information I needed and kept me up to date on embryo growth and freezing. No complaints at all.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
The clinic is nice because they are well staffed, attentive, and responsive. There is never a wait when I go to see Dr. Rodi and they always know what is going on and what rooms are available. I think new patients should know that they need to do their part and do their research on the IVF process. Don't rely on your doctor or clinic coordinator to explain everything in detail. They will send you resources to read on your own.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Ingrid Rodi at UCLA.
Dr. Rodi is generous with her time and very thorough...I trust her judgment and experience completely, I wish I could have remained under her care however our financial situation could not sustain it. She always made herself available, even when I moved on to another more affordable clinic...After our miscarriage she had us on menopur with an ovidrel trigger and timed intercourse. Unfortunately we did not conceive and moved on to a more affordable clinic for full IVF.
UCLA is a world renowned institution with experts in the field, I trust their knowledge. Dr Rodi has moved on to a private clinic and we have moved on to another clinic as well. I would recommend UCLA to anyone...Some [nurses] were wonderful, others a bit cold...After our miscarriage she had us on menopur with an ovidrel trigger and timed intercourse. Unfortunately we did not conceive and moved on to a more affordable clinic for full IVF.
How was your experience with Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
I trust her judgment and experience completely, I wish I could have remained under her care however our financial situation could not sustain it. She always made herself available, even when I moved on to another more affordable clinic.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
Come prepared and ask lots of questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
Dr. Rodi is generous with her time and very thorough.
Describe the protocols Ingrid Rodi used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
After our miscarriage she had us on menopur with an ovidrel trigger and timed intercourse. Unfortunately we did not conceive and moved on to a more affordable clinic for full IVF.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UCLA.
Some were wonderful, others a bit cold.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
UCLA is a world renowned institution with experts in the field, I trust their knowledge. Dr Rodi has moved on to a private clinic and we have moved on to another clinic as well. I would recommend UCLA to anyone.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Ingrid Rodi at UCLA.
Mostly covered by insurance, menopur and ovidrel were out of pocket.
Describe Ingrid Rodi's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
When my retrieval failed due to endometriomas, [Dr. Ingrid Rodi] was able to refer me to someone immediately who did excision surgery 2 weekend after the retrieval. I was able to get pregnant naturally 6 months after the surgery...She knew who I was when I went to the clinic every time. She was empathetic...She didn’t call me directly when all my embryos did not progress. A little impersonal. But nice and friendly. She seemed to care. She was kind. She also has residents with her so that may be a negative
[The nurses at UCLA] Made a calendar with drug start date and appointments. Helpful...I had to call daily to ask about the progression of my embryos. No one made the effort to call me...Nice office, seen on time, able to make early appointments...I produced 14 eggs but they were only able to retrieve 5 due to endometriosis...When my retrieval failed due to endometriomas, [Dr. Rodi] was able to refer me to someone immediately who did excision surgery 2 weekend after the retrieval. I was able to get pregnant naturally 6 months after the surgery
How was your experience with Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
She didn’t call me directly when all my embryos did not progress. A little impersonal. But nice and friendly. She seemed to care. She was kind. She also has residents with her so that may be a negative
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
Ask for more information.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Ingrid Rodi at UCLA?
She knew who I was when I went to the clinic every time. She was empathetic
Describe the protocols Ingrid Rodi used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
I don’t remember specifics. I did IVf with bracelet, menopur, and ovidrel, and ganirelix. I produced 14 eggs but they were only able to retrieve 5 due to endometriosis.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UCLA.
Nice. Made a calendar with drug start date and appointments. Helpful
Describe your experience with UCLA.
Nice office, seen on time, able to make early appointments. When my retrieval failed due to endometriomas, dr rodi was able to refer me to someone immediately who did excision surgery 2 weekend after the retrieval. I was able to get pregnant naturally 6 months after the surgery
Describe the costs associated with your care under Ingrid Rodi at UCLA.
About 15,0000
Describe Ingrid Rodi's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
Strong preference to transfer one egg
What specific things went wrong at UCLA?
Failed to call with results
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UCLA.
I had to call daily to ask about the progression of my embryos. No one made the effort to call me
