Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.
Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.
Scheduling
9.1
9.1
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
7.6
7.6
Billing Department
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.
Nursing Team
9
9
Nursing Team
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.
LGBTQ+ Care
10
10
LGBTQ+ Care
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory LGBTQ+ care.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent LGBTQ+ care.
Attention to Detail
8.3
8.3
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.
Cares a lot but is not nurturing in personality. I was touched that he made sure to do all of my transfers after the first one he did which resulted in my first pregnancy. Zzzxxxxxxxxxzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcccccccccccccccccccccccccccvvvvvvvvv
Cares a lot but is not nurturing in personality. I was touched that he made sure to do all of my transfers after the first one he did which resulted in my first pregnancy. Zzzxxxxxxxxxzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcccccccccccccccccccccccccccvvvvvvvvv
How was your experience with Glenn Schattman at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Cares a lot but is not nurturing in personality. I was touched that he made sure to do all of my transfers after the first one he did which resulted in my first pregnancy. Zzzxxxxxxxxxzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcccccccccccccccccccccccccccvvvvvvvvv
Great doctor. Nothing bad to say.... I got pregnant on my fourth cycle ( third at Cornell, using on own eggs). I delivered my son one month after my 43rd birthday.
[Dr. Spandorfer was a] great doctor. Nothing bad to say.... I got pregnant on my fourth cycle ( third at Cornell, using on own eggs). I delivered my son one month after my 43rd birthday.
How was your experience with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
at the time (2002-2003) he had a lot of experience with the over 40 crowd. I got pregnant on my fourth cycle ( third at Cornell, using on own eggs. I delivered my son one month after my 43rd birthday.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Great doctor. Nothing bad to say
What specific things went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College?
He [Dr. Rony Elias] is a good doctor and very knowledgeable but not for my situation he is a good person and a good listener and help me to understand my situation at the beginning, but after my chemical pregnancy he was shocked and said that he didn’t know what to do I really like the doctor he tried his best to make me get pregnant , he fix my embryos quality after a weak embryo in first cycle, he did for me a tube treatment after a couple failed cycle that showed up that the third cycle is a positive but leads us to chemical pregnancy after two cycles after a two cycle without any positive results . In my experience I have a multiple chemical pregnancy that he didn’t take them into account and didn’t know how to fix this problem for me because all my blood results came back normal
They [Weill Cornell Medical College] was so organized and helpful about my appointments and my blood test. And all of the staff was so kind . And they was so friendly and lovely . And they are not rude when I asked them alot of questions they answered with a helpful answer, also the emergency number they was fast to contact me back and connect with the doctor and nurses. I have a good experience with them in my all egg retrieval and my tube treatment .
How was your experience with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
He is a good doctor and very knowledgeable but not for my situation he is a good person and a good listener and help me to understand my situation at the beginning, but after my chemical pregnancy he was shocked and said that he didn’t know what to do I really like the doctor he tried his best to make me get pregnant , he fix my embryos quality after a weak embryo in first cycle, he did for me a tube treatment after a couple failed cycle that showed up that the third cycle is a positive but leads us to chemical pregnancy after two cycles after a two cycle without any positive results . In my experience I have a multiple chemical pregnancy that he didn’t take them into account and didn’t know how to fix this problem for me because all my blood results came back normal
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Be patient and positive he is a trustworthy
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
At the beginning he was so supportive and seeker about my situation, then after I had a biochimechal pregnancy he was taking to me like a number I felt so down even though he suggested that he add for me more medication that my blood work showed that I didn’t need it he just want to try it either
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
They was so organized and helpful about my appointments and my blood test. And all of the staff was so kind .
And they was so friendly and lovely .
And they are not rude when I asked them alot of questions they answered with a helpful answer, also the emergency number they was fast to contact me back and connect with the doctor and nurses.
I have a good experience with them in my all egg retrieval and my tube treatment .
Describe Rony Elias's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
For my age he always suggested that transfer 1 embryo only
Dr. Melnick herself is very understanding and warm and responds to all questions thoroughly and with compassion...It was because of my interactions with her that I decided to stay with Weill Cornell for my IVF. Since my first visit to present, she has consistently answered all questions as quickly as she could and has taken the time to explain everything and also welcome more questions. The IVF world can be a cold and fast-paced one and extremely overwhelming. Dr. Melnick's expertise and personality is the combination that I needed to have the courage and assurance needed to keep moving forward with the process with hope and good presence of mind.
Holly is my assigned nurse [at Weill Cornell Medical College] and she is the perfect complement to Dr. Melnick. She is also very receptive to questions and answers everything with a positive and very helpful attitude. She makes you feel like you're in safe hands!...The clinic itself can feel cold, but the nurse I was assigned to is a blessing. The The mandatory IVF class is extremely helpful and you can ask all the questions you need to while practicing to handle your medications properly.
How was your experience with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick made me feel comfortable from my very first appointment which was a consultation and physical examination. It was because of my interactions with her that I decided to stay with Weill Cornell for my IVF. Since my first visit to present, she has consistently answered all questions as quickly as she could and has taken the time to explain everything and also welcome more questions. The IVF world can be a cold and fast-paced one and extremely overwhelming. Dr. Melnick's expertise and personality is the combination that I needed to have the courage and assurance needed to keep moving forward with the process with hope and good presence of mind.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Dr. Melnick treats all your questions with respect and kindness so ask anything you need to in order to have the assurances and answers you need.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick herself is very understanding and warm and responds to all questions thoroughly and with compassion.
Describe the protocols Alexis Melnick used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Holly)
Holly is my assigned nurse and she is the perfect complement to Dr. Melnick. She is also very receptive to questions and answers everything with a positive and very helpful attitude. She makes you feel like you're in safe hands!
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
The clinic itself can feel cold, but the nurse I was assigned to is a blessing. The The mandatory IVF class is extremely helpful and you can ask all the questions you need to while practicing to handle your medications properly.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I am not yet done with my first cycle but my medications have been covered so far by insurance. Medications for one cycle would have cost $11,300 if out of pocket.
Dr. G [Goldschlag] is a good physician. ... Follistim, Menopur, Ganirelix, estrogen priming. I'm over 40 so the doses were high. ... I have only had good experiences so far. ... I transferred 4 embryos, which is shocking for most people ... It doesn't matter who you see at Cornell, the place is busy and you won't have a ton of time with the physicians. ... While there is an insane number of patients at this clinic [Weill Cornell] and most of the NYC metro area ones, I felt like anything that concerned me was taken care of.
Cornell is great if you work full time. The monitoring hours are great and they are fully staffed with physicians rotating so you can get treated constantly, which is lacking at many other clinics. ... This clinic is too lenient with monitoring and it's a disaster with that many patients. ... The main weakness is they have out grown the UES location already. The waiting room is too crowded and loud so it is difficult to hear when they are calling you.
How was your experience with Dan Goldschlag at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. G is a good physician. Weill Cornell is another story. I work as a complementary healthcare practitioner, treating a lot of fertility patients, so I have seen firsthand how bad some physicians are. I have only had good experiences so far.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Dan Goldschlag at Weill Cornell Medical College?
It doesn't matter who you see at Cornell, the place is busy and you won't have a ton of time with the physicians. If you want to spend an hour talking about your health concerns, your diet, supplements, etc, I advise you to find an acupuncturist.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Dan Goldschlag at Weill Cornell Medical College?
While there is an insane number of patients at this clinic and most of the NYC metro area ones, I felt like anything that concerned me was taken care of.
Describe the protocols Dan Goldschlag used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
Follistim, Menopur, Ganirelix, estrogen priming. I'm over 40 so the doses were high. I got pregnant but miscarried.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
The nurses were OK. I wish Cornell would join this century and use electronic communications instead of calling to give me instructions.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Cornell is great if you work full time. The monitoring hours are great and they are fully staffed with physicians rotating so you can get treated constantly, which is lacking at many other clinics. The main weakness is they have out grown the UES location already. The waiting room is too crowded and loud so it is difficult to hear when they are calling you. The clinic also lacks that human touch.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College.
This clinic is too lenient with monitoring and it's a disaster with that many patients. I would stop walk in since everyone waits for the last possible moment and start using appointments (or the illusion of appointments). Monitoring is empty til 7:30 then gets overcrowded.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Dan Goldschlag at Weill Cornell Medical College.
My insurance covers infertility 100%, even IVF so my out of pocket was my deductible.
Describe Dan Goldschlag's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I transferred 4 embryos, which is shocking for most people. Physicians are not required to take calculus or any real math classes to get into med school or during med school. I did take advanced calc, probability and statistics. I calculated out the odds assuming each individual egg has a 15% chance of getting pregnant and even with 4 eggs, the odds are still under 50%. If you are over 40, don't waste time thinking you are going to have multiples cause statistically that's not going to happen.
Dr Davis is incredibly knowledgeable. He’s a very experienced doctor and knows what he is doing. He’s also great in explaining all issues...I also thought he was very compassionate during the treatment, but he’s realistic and show great ability to connect with patients...he added some progesterone shots and changed the medication dosage depending on my results...was always very attentive to my questions and concerns.
It was very busy, but they [monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College] were fast. One would need to learn busier times to avoid wait, but for the most part it was very efficient. They were also ok to bring my older child if needed (which I know is not allowed in some clinics)...Strength: organized, efficient, great lab, great doctors and staff Weaknesses: billing is complicated in general; medical coordination (for pre certification and questions about out of pocket, for example) is not straightforward
How was your experience with Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Davis is incredibly knowledgeable. He’s a very experienced doctor and knows what he is doing. He’s also great in explaining all issues - you need to pay attention not to loose anything, but you will learn so much from him. I also thought he was very compassionate during the treatment, but he’s realistic and show great ability to connect with patients
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Cornell is a large clinic and I find all doctor a bit aggressive in terms of number of embryos transferred. I think they are quite aggressive and that impacts their success rates positively. But risk of multiples is very real and that may not be a great idea for many women. Given my own experience, I would hope Cornell would advocate for lower number of embryos to be transferred.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Davis was always very attentive to my questions and concerns. He’s a very busy doctor, but shows total focus on his patients during consultations, exams, etc. finally he was also always available during critical moments
Describe the protocols Owen Davis used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
He used the antagonist protocol (similar to my previous clinic), but he added some progesterone shots and changed the medication dosage depending on my results (which did not happen before)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
They have a very busy nursing staff, but Nurses are helpful, organized and keen to help.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Strength: organized, efficient, great lab, great doctors and staff
Weaknesses: billing is complicated in general; medical coordination (for pre certification and questions about out of pocket, for example) is not straightforward
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College.
It was very busy, but they were fast. One would need to learn busier times to avoid wait, but for the most part it was very efficient. They were also ok to bring my older child if needed (which I know is not allowed in some clinics) - I avoided in respect to others, but I did have to take my child sometimes.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Very reasonable for 2
Cycles (doctor was out of pocket, but I got partial reimbursement; clinic was in-network); totally out of pocket for a 3rd cycle
Describe Owen Davis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Had a traumatic experience and would not transfer multiple embryos ever again - I know i was a true exception, but my recommendation is for people to be more conservative and save unnecessary complicated pregnancies
What specific things went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College.
At some point during 3 cycles few mistakes happened - syringes and needles were not ordered in one of the cycles and one regular pharmacy medication (antibiotics) was not ordered for my husband
Dr Zev Rosenwaks is a quiet man but a genius that knows what he’s doing and gave me my three children. ... Dr Rosenwaks explained everything & he made me feel better when I got emotional. He’s not all smiles & warm & fuzzy. ... He’s amazing, he’s a genius! My twins are 16 & my oldest is 19 and I so blessed to be their mother. I thank God & Dr Rosenwaks.
Like I said, I’ve been to 3 others, none compared or came close! They [Weill Cornell] were professional, compassionate, organized & so well-run. I was able to go in early am & able to get to work on time. ... They were great & knew how to deal with all types of patients. They took it all in & responded with compassion & patience. ... I tried at other facilities in Long Island and it didn’t work.
How was your experience with Zev Rosenwaks at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Rosenwaks explained everything & he made me feel better when I got emotional. He’s not all smiles & warm & fuzzy. I had Doctors like that but I didn’t get pregnant. Dr Rosenwaks just makes sure that you get pregnant. He’s very knowledgeable & is highly competent in every aspect or reproductive medicine.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Zev Rosenwaks at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Please be patient, hormones make you emotional. Just pray or do meditation to get relaxed. Have faith & trust in your doctor. He’ll make it happen.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Zev Rosenwaks at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Zev Rosenwaks is a quiet man but a genius that knows what he’s doing and gave me my three children. He gets the job done. He’s amazing, he’s a genius! My twins are 16 & my oldest is 19 and I so blessed to be their mother. I thank God & Dr Rosenwaks. I tried at other facilities in Long Island and it didn’t work. I’m so grateful that my sister-in-law was working at Weill Cornell at the time & she referred me. It was a hard, emotional time (hormones were all out of whack) but that’s a distance memory! I can’t go by the hospital without getting emotional and feeling a warm, happy feeling if joy.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Wally)
They were great & knew how to deal with all types of patients. They took it all in & responded with compassion & patience.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Only strengths, it’s great! Like I said, I’ve been to 3 others, none compared or came close!
They were professional, compassionate, organized & so well-run. I was able to go in early am & able to get to work on time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Zev Rosenwaks at Weill Cornell Medical College.
It was about $10k with our first son but then insurance covered more so our twins were about $5k but that was 15 & 20 years ago.
You can’t put a price tag in the miracle of a child .... you just can’t.
Describe Zev Rosenwaks's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr Rosenwaks transferred the current amount of embryos that would take and produce a liable pregnancy.
Dr. Rony Elias, is very profesional and warm doctor. Very polite and always greeter me by my name....The doctor is very professional, well knowledgeable. He explained very well the procedure and steps, and provide his recomendation based on his expertise. He is friendly and respectful always gree me by my name in a polite caring and warm smile....His staff are very friendly and efficient, they are fast and on point....When you first go, get a card for registration because I was not aware of it
They [Weill Cornell] were right onnpoint and efficient in calling names and doing the process i was in and out in great time. They need to spend at least a minute with each person to us feel more confortable and caring...All was very organized, and clean. All the room very clean, the set up is good. The process and fast and efficient specially taken the blood. Will be great to have a number to call til late for questions... When you first go, get a card for registration because I was not aware of it and every time I went early
How was your experience with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
The doctor is very professional, well knowledgeable. He explained very well the procedure and steps, and provide his recomendation based on his expertise. He is friendly and respectful always gree me by my name in a polite caring and warm smile.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
When you first go, get a card for registration because I was not aware of it and every time I went early I had to wait until the secretary arrived instead of other people who register on the computer with the card. Everything else is great.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Like a human. Dr. Rony Elias, is very profesional and warm doctor. Very polite and always greeter me by my name. His staff are very friendly and efficient, they are fast and on point. As six sigma profeaional their process is great.
Describe the protocols Rony Elias used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
I took the pills for 5 days which did not give me any side effect. I got the trigger injection and also no side effect.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
They were right onnpoint and efficient in calling names and doing the process i was in and out in great time. They need to spend at least a minute with each person to us feel more confortable and caring
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
All was very organized, and clean. All the room very clean, the set up is good. The process and fast and efficient specially taken the blood. Will be great to have a number to call til late for questions
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Iad to pay over 3,000 also paid for pills 50.00 and trigger shoot 125.00 but is worth it for having a baby
Describe Rony Elias's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Melnick exceeded my expectations and made an uncomfortable topic feel as comfortable as possible. She is compassionate, kind, and most importantly, she LISTENS...[she] is a clear communicator and engages with her patients in a compassionate manner. She is respectful and will answer questions regardless of how simple or complex...JUST WORK WITH HER! You will not be disappointed!
Cornell is a BIG machine and it can feel very impersonal and business-like at times. That said, everyone is very professional. The waiting room is a bit overwhelming and can be anxiety-provoking... I didn't love some of the other providers I saw when Dr. Melnick was available, but the techs were always very warm and professional. The billing department can be a bit disorganized, but they seem willing to answer questions.
How was your experience with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I was dreading beginning the process of fertility treatment and I have high standards for medical providers, as I previously worked in healthcare. Dr. Melnick exceeded my expectations and made an uncomfortable topic feel as comfortable as possible. She is compassionate, kind, and most importantly, she LISTENS. Her "support staff," including Holly (RN), Linsay (tech), Connie (Admin), and Jersey (admin), are ALL superb!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
JUST WORK WITH HER! You will not be disappointed!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick is a clear communicator and engages with her patients in a compassionate manner. She is respectful and will answer questions regardless of how simple or complex. She is a fantastic medical provider, which is rare in the world of western medicine.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Holly )
I called Holly the "wizard of Oz," because though I didn't see her often, she was in CONSTANT communication with me and was just the BEST!
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Ugh. Cornell is a BIG machine and it can feel very impersonal and business-like at times. That said, everyone is very professional. The waiting room is a bit overwhelming and can be anxiety-provoking, though it also normalizes the experience of struggling with infertility and makes you feel a little less alone. I didn't love some of the other providers I saw when Dr. Melnick was available, but the techs were always very warm and professional. The billing department can be a bit disorganized, but they seem willing to answer questions.
What specific things went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick is absolutely incredible! Going through IVF for the first time was nerve-racking and she could not have been a more amazing doctor...answered every question quickly and thoroughly. We were seeing Dr. Melnick when she was pregnant and responded to our email THREE days after she gave birth.
Strengths [of Weill Cornell Medical College]- multiple locations, great doctors and amazing facilities...Weaknesses - your doctor may not do the retrieval / transfer...The nursing staff was amazing - kind, compassionate and helpful...will take as much time as you need to get them answered.
How was your experience with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick is absolutely incredible! Going through IVF for the first time was nerve-racking and she could not have been a more amazing doctor. She answered every question quickly and thoroughly. We were seeing Dr. Melnick when she was pregnant and responded to our email THREE days after she gave birth. We couldn't recommend Dr. Melnick enough!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Ask all of your questions! She will take as much time as you need to get them answered.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick is absolutely incredible! Going through IVF for the first time was nerve-racking and she could not have been a more amazing doctor. She answered every question quickly and thoroughly. We were seeing Dr. Melnick when she was pregnant and responded to our email THREE days after she gave birth. We couldn't recommend Dr. Melnick enough!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
The nursing staff was amazing - kind, compassionate and helpful.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Strengths - multiple locations, great doctors and amazing facilities
Weaknesses - your doctor may not do the retrieval / transfer - ultimately wasn't a big deal for us but could be an issue for some people
Dr. Spandorfer is an outstanding physician for people who want a smart, straightforward doctor who is going to exercise his best judgment. He is not touchy-feely, but his medical advice is excellent. I trust completely trust his medical decision-making. He paid close attention to everything that was going on during my cycles and made important adjustments both during and after to improve our outcomes...straightforward doctor who is going to exercise his best judgment. He is not touchy-feely, but his medical advice is excellent. I trust completely trust his medical decision-making. He paid close attention to everything that was going on during my cycles and made important adjustments both during and after to improve our outcomes.
This clinic [Weill Cornell Medical College] is run like a well-oiled machine! The practice runs on time, and everyone is organized and responsive. I never had trouble reaching someone with questions--whether medical or administrative. It's an extremely pleasant place to go...Dr. Spandorfer is excellent at identifying individual infertility issues and tailoring treatment to meet individual needs. For each IVF cycle we did with him, he made important tweaks based on my prior cycles to improve our outcomes. He's not warm and fuzzy, but he's extremely smart and practical and practices evidence-based medicine.
How was your experience with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Spandorfer is an outstanding physician for people who want a smart, straightforward doctor who is going to exercise his best judgment. He is not touchy-feely, but his medical advice is excellent. I trust completely trust his medical decision-making. He paid close attention to everything that was going on during my cycles and made important adjustments both during and after to improve our outcomes.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Don't expect to be coddled, but expect to get results!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Spandorfer is excellent at identifying individual infertility issues and tailoring treatment to meet individual needs. For each IVF cycle we did with him, he made important tweaks based on my prior cycles to improve our outcomes. He's not warm and fuzzy, but he's extremely smart and practical and practices evidence-based medicine.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
This clinic is run like a well-oiled machine! The practice runs on time, and everyone is organized and responsive. I never had trouble reaching someone with questions--whether medical or administrative. It's an extremely pleasant place to go.
I appreciate Dr. Melnick in so many ways; she is a personable doctor and has a conversation with you about your experience through the infertility journey. I typically come with several questions, she with no hesitation spends time to help me understand the process. She seems to be certain of the next steps and I trust she has my health in mind though I would be comfortable with her being more exploratory with my reproductive health.
Like most fertility clinics in NYC, it's [Weill Cornell Medical College] very busy. When I'm working directly with Dr. Melnick, its a more personal vibe, but when I'm at the Center, its much more of a clinical process; in, wait, see someone maybe new to draw blood, sit in a room for awhile, have exam and out within 15 min...
How was your experience with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I appreciate Dr. Melnick in so many ways; she is a personable doctor and has a conversation with you about your experience through the infertility journey. I typically come with several questions, she with no hesitation spends time to help me understand the process. She seems to be certain of the next steps and I trust she has my health in mind though I would be comfortable with her being more exploratory with my reproductive health.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Ask her anything; she will be willing to discuss it with you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick spent time with me, she did not rush me out or make me feel like another infertile patient. I feel we have a relationship and she's genuine with her interaction with me. I also feel she is as vested in my fertility healthy as I am.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Holly)
Lovely, caring, gentle, and thorough.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Like most fertility clinics in NYC, it's very busy. When I'm working directly with Dr. Melnick, its a more personal vibe, but when I'm at the Center, its much more of a clinical process; in, wait, see someone maybe new to draw blood, sit in a room for awhile, have exam and out within 15 min.
Dr Schattman felt that at my age of 36 we have time to conceive again. He felt divorce rates are significant when twins are present and was clear in stating he wants a healthy baby, healthy environment and healthy marriage for us, which how could one argue with that philosophy [Eset approach]...He geared treatment to my needs and side effects of medications...Positive, humorous, real and trustworthy! Never made me feel like we met our final straw in our ability to conceive. Even when defeated, dr. Schattman was encouraging in that he created plans, with his colleagues, in a non hasty manner. He took the time to look at our history, our path and what can be changed to give us the success we wanted!
[Weill Cornell Medical College is] Organized, prompt, efficient. Easy to be a number in a large practice, but they made it work!...Dr Schattman felt that at my age of 36 we have time to conceive again. He felt divorce rates are significant when twins are present and was clear in stating he wants a healthy baby, healthy environment and healthy marriage for us, which how could one argue with that philosophy [Eset approach]...He geared treatment to my needs and side effects of medications...Positive, humorous, real and trustworthy! Never made me feel like we met our final straw in our ability to conceive. Even when defeated, dr. Schattman was encouraging in that he created plans, with his colleagues, in a non hasty manner. He took the time to look at our history, our path and what can be changed to give us the success we wanted!
How was your experience with Glenn Schattman at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Positive, humorous, real and trustworthy! Never made me feel like we met our final straw in our ability to conceive. Even when defeated, dr. Schattman was encouraging in that he created plans, with his colleagues, in a non hasty manner. He took the time to look at our history, our path and what can be changed to give us the success we wanted!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Glenn Schattman at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Ask clear questions. Tell him your thoughts/desires.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Glenn Schattman at Weill Cornell Medical College?
He geared treatment to my needs and side effects of medications
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Organized, prompt, efficient. Easy to be a number in a large practice, but they made it work! I would Advise one to speak up and become known in the center and be gracious even when heartbroken. It’s tough for us and the team works very hard for us!
Describe Glenn Schattman's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
My husband was previously divorced with two children from previous marriage. Dr Schattman felt that at my age of 36 we have time to conceive again. He felt divorce rates are significant when twins are present and was clear in stating he wants a healthy baby, healthy environment and healthy marriage for us, which how could one argue with that philosophy.
Dr. Melnick never rushed me and was always available to answer all of my questions...I had a great experience with Dr. Melnick. She is a great doctor who is honest and kind. She always kept me in the loop and explained everything thoroughly. She helped my partner and I to make fully informed decisions along the way. I would recommend her to anyone!...I did estrogen patches due to my FSH of 7. Once I started stimulation my dose was 300 fsh and 150 menopur with antagonist. I did ISCI and PGS. I had 10 eggs retrieved, 7 fertilized and made it to blastocyst stage, 3 were PGS normal
The clinic [Weill Cornell Medical College] can feel very busy at times but...The doctors are the best of the best and all of the treatments are evidence based. The team really cares about outcomes for each patient and they don’t push unnecessary and expensive extras on patients. The nurses are smart caring and will bend over backwards for their patients...The nursing staff is highly organized and manage hundreds of patients. They do this while remaining compassionate.
How was your experience with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I had a great experience with Dr. Melnick. She is a great doctor who is honest and kind. She always kept me in the loop and explained everything thoroughly. She helped my partner and I to make fully informed decisions along the way. I would recommend her to anyone!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Speak up and make sure to ask any questions you have.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Melnick never rushed me and was always available to answer all of my questions.
Describe the protocols Alexis Melnick used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
I did estrogen patches due to my FSH of 7. Once I started stimulation my dose was 300 fsh and 150 menopur with antagonist. I did ISCI and PGS. I had 10 eggs retrieved, 7 fertilized and made it to blastocyst stage, 3 were PGS normal
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Holly)
The nursing staff is highly organized and manage hundreds of patients. They do this while remaining compassionate.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
The clinic can feel very busy at times but Cornell is truly the best place you can be. The doctors are the best of the best and all of the treatments are evidence based. The team really cares about outcomes for each patient and they don’t push unnecessary and expensive extras on patients. The nurses are smart caring and will bend over backwards for their patients.
Describe Alexis Melnick's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I don’t think he [Dr. Owen Davis] paid enough attention to my individual case and what could have been causing my infertility. My treatment was not customized. It was generally very difficult to get in touch with the doctor...Good bedside manner...happy to just keep doing IVF cycles without alteration given my unlimited insurance benefit. I self-diagnosed that my fibroids may have driven my infertility which the doctors had ignored.
I frequently had to chase nurses [at Weill Cornell] to get them to call in prescriptions. They were overwhelmed and had short fuses with patients. Doctors were happy to just keep doing IVF cycles without alteration given my unlimited insurance benefit. I self-diagnosed that my fibroids may have driven my infertility which the doctors had ignored...$15k per cycle...Professional Experienced doctors...Clean facilities Accepts insurance Operates generally like a well-oiled machine Modern facilities Range of doctors and specialties onsite and within walking distance Weaknesses: It’s a money making machine Doctors don’t tailor protocols enough No examination of nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies
How was your experience with Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I don’t think he paid enough attention to my individual case and what could have been causing my infertility. My treatment was not customized. It was generally very difficult to get in touch with the doctor as well as the nurses.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
If it doesn’t work after a couple of tries and you don’t see active involvement in diagnosing what could be the issue, switch centers.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Good bedside manner
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Professional
Experienced doctors
Clean facilities
Accepts insurance
Operates generally like a well-oiled machine
Modern facilities
Range of doctors and specialties onsite and within walking distance
Weaknesses:
It’s a money making machine
Doctors don’t tailor protocols enough
No examination of nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Efficient
Describe the costs associated with your care under Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College.
$15k per cycle
What specific things went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to order appropriate test
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I frequently had to chase nurses to get them to call in prescriptions. They were overwhelmed and had short fuses with patients. Doctors were happy to just keep doing IVF cycles without alteration given my unlimited insurance benefit. I self-diagnosed that my fibroids may have driven my infertility which the doctors had ignored.
I would have love more explanations on next steps. Dr Elias was great to answer questions and definitely knowledgeable but there was many times I got out of my appointment without being clear of the next steps implications or timing. I had to prepare and get questions ready before I met him. Once I started doing so, things went a lot smoother.
[Weill Cornell] strengths : lots of nurses, open 7 days a week, easy to access, great staff. Weaknesses: wait time for each appointment could really run long when it was busy and some instructions could have been clearer for logistics but other than that the nurses were very professional and efficient...Nursing staff has been great, available and always followed up.
How was your experience with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I would have love more explanations on next steps. Dr Elias was great to answer questions and definitely knowledgeable but there was many times I got out of my appointment without being clear of the next steps implications or timing. I had to prepare and get questions ready before I met him. Once I started doing so, things went a lot smoother.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Make sure you get informed prior and know what questions to ask.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Nursing staff has been great, available and always followed up.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
strengths : lots of nurses, open 7 days a week, easy to access, great staff.
Weaknesses: wait time for each appointment could really run long when it was busy and some instructions could have been clearer for logistics but other than that the nurses were very professional and efficient
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Roughly around 16K$ (10.5K$ being covered by insurance)
Dr Davis was thorough and knowledgeable and answered EVERY question I had, wether is was in person or via email. He was very responsive and I appreciated that. He explained the entire process (as we did co-culture) which was very new to us at the time...My previous IVF facility did not have actually doctors monitoring the process, rather, techs who can not answer any questions you may have.
coming from a local clinic which was completely chaotic and factory like, I dont have any negatives comments. I did not feel like just a number [at Weill Cornell] and I appreciated all the doctors that were on hand to answer questions, if needed...I paid all OOP and the total cost was around 20k...She [our nurse] was also very responsive with phone calls and emails.
How was your experience with Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Davis was thorough and knowledgeable and answered EVERY question I had, wether is was in person or via email. He was very responsive and I appreciated that. He explained the entire process (as we did co-culture) which was very new to us at the time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
All your worries and concerns, just but it his hands. No matter the outcome for me, I know I went to the best.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I felt that Dr Davis took his time during our initial visit. My previous IVF facility did not have actually doctors monitoring the process, rather, techs who can not answer any questions you may have.
Describe the protocols Owen Davis used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
I can not remember
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Elizabeth)
I spoke with Elizabeth often during the process. She talked of off the ledge many times, because I was bleeding after a positive test and ultrasound. She was also very responsive with phone calls and emails.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
coming from a local clinic which was completely chaotic and factory like, I dont have any negatives comments. I did not feel like just a number and I appreciated all the doctors that were on hand to answer questions, if needed.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Owen Davis at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I paid all OOP and the total cost was around 20k
Describe Owen Davis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I left it up to Cornell to decide how many we were to transfer as I had complete faith in them
Dr Chung provided mediocre service and was dismissive about my concerns. He has no interest in reviewing my past ivf results. Resulted in poor quality embryos. Very dissaponted since my expectations were set high...No attention to the specific details of my case. Very dismissive...Willing to transfer multiple
I believe the new patient [at Weill Cornell Medical College] should be aware that they will have to advocate for themselves and really do own background research . I relied on the doctor and failed miserably . Doctor also seemed rushed and I was just a number...[nursing staff] Very disorganized but communicated what needed to be communicated
How was your experience with Pak Chung at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Chung provided mediocre service and was dismissive about my concerns. He has no interest in reviewing my past ivf results. Resulted in poor quality embryos. Very dissaponted since my expectations were set high.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Pak Chung at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Do your own research and advocate for yourself
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Pak Chung at Weill Cornell Medical College?
No attention to the specific details of my case. Very dismissive
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Very disorganized but communicated what needed to be communicated
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
I believe the new patient should be aware that they will have to advocate for themselves and really do own background research . I relied on the doctor and failed miserably . Doctor also seemed rushed and I was just a number
Describe Pak Chung's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Willing to transfer multiple
What specific things went wrong at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Going to see Dr Melnick was like going to see a friend. A real partner in the whole process. I never felt like just another patient - she really cares and wants to make sure I am comfortable through the whole process.... Conservative with rushing to IVF. Doesn’t push patients to go that route until it’s needed.... Hours for monitoring [Weill Cornell] are good. Doctors almost always are available. Good with working with billing and help to work with insurance.
Hours for monitoring [Weill Cornell] are good. Doctors almost always are available. Good with working with billing and help to work with insurance. They provide a lot of documentation to help you navigate the entire process. Very good about contacting you.... Going to see Dr Melnick was like going to see a friend. A real partner in the whole process. I never felt like just another patient - she really cares and wants to make sure I am comfortable through the whole process.
How was your experience with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Going to see Dr Melnick was like going to see a friend. A real partner in the whole process. I never felt like just another patient - she really cares and wants to make sure I am comfortable through the whole process.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
She can sometimes feel rushed but will slow down if you have questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Personable
Asked how I am doing and genuinely wanted to know
Very personable staff
Describe the protocols Alexis Melnick used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
Conservative with rushing to IVF. Doesn’t push patients to go that route until it’s needed.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Hours for monitoring are good. Doctors almost always are available. Good with working with billing and help to work with insurance. They provide a lot of documentation to help you navigate the entire process. Very good about contacting you.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexis Melnick at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr Kang was always approachable, kind, positive, and realistic.... Dr. Kang is well experienced, candid, kind and approachable. I had a positive experience and appreciate how Dr Kang spoke to me with positive energy. Questions were always answered in a timely fashion and she could sense when I was overwhelmed.... It was clean and comfortable and felt like a medical practice. Normal appearance. Very busy clinic. Felt like an airport waiting room. High quality furniture and equipment. Lots of turnover as well. Diverse crowd of patients
It [Weill Cornell] was clean and comfortable and felt like a medical practice. Normal appearance. Very busy clinic. Felt like an airport waiting room. High quality furniture and equipment. Lots of turnover as well. Diverse crowd of patients... Dr. Kang is well experienced, candid, kind and approachable. I had a positive experience and appreciate how Dr Kang spoke to me with positive energy. Questions were always answered in a timely fashion and she could sense when I was overwhelmed.
How was your experience with Hey-Joo Kang at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Kang is well experienced, candid, kind and approachable. I had a positive experience and appreciate how Dr Kang spoke to me with positive energy. Questions were always answered in a timely fashion and she could sense when I was overwhelmed.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Hey-Joo Kang at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Ask many questions
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Hey-Joo Kang at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr Kang was always approachable, kind, positive, and realistic.
Describe the protocols Hey-Joo Kang used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
Don’t remember
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Professional and kind
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
It was clean and comfortable and felt like a medical practice. Normal appearance. Very busy clinic. Felt like an airport waiting room. High quality furniture and equipment. Lots of turnover as well. Diverse crowd of patients
Describe the costs associated with your care under Hey-Joo Kang at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Mostly insurance... IUI out of pocket $800
Describe Hey-Joo Kang's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I did well with Lupron flare protocol [with Dr. Steven Spandorfer]...I have recommended him to all of my friends- he may not be as warm and fuzzy as some doctors but gets results. Won’t “hold your hand” but I don’t think that’s necessary. He is compassionate in an understated way...We did single transfer when it was off tested
I think IVF was 15k ish. FET are 4K [at Weill Cornell Medical College]...Amazing lab and so well organized but...very slow. Prepare to wait for all of your appointments. It’s a cattle call system. Procedures are also very long because of the admitting process. I would recommend...Nurses there are great...I did well with Lupron flare protocol [with Dr. Steven Spandorfer]...I have recommended him to all of my friends- he may not be as warm and fuzzy as some doctors but gets results
How was your experience with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I have recommended him to all of my friends- he may not be as warm and fuzzy as some doctors but gets results. Won’t “hold your hand” but I don’t think that’s necessary. He is compassionate in an understated way.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Ask questions even if you feel rushed.
Describe the protocols Steven Spandorfer used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
I did well with Lupron flare protocol.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Nurses there are great
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Amazing lab and so well organized but...very slow. Prepare to wait for all of your appointments. It’s a cattle call system. Procedures are also very long because of the admitting process. I would recommend
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Cattle call. Ugh.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I think IVF was 15k ish. FET are 4K
Describe Steven Spandorfer's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
[Dr. Roney Elias] was the third doctor I encountered in the process while freezing my eggs...I had low reserve. The private clinic in Providence told me I would never get pregnant or have the ability to freeze my eggs. Dr Elias was an amazing, brilliant and compassionate doctor. He told me I still had a chance to get pregnant and better yet he would successfully freeze my eggs. He did not give me false hope. I successfully froze ten. I am now on my way to using those eggs now...
The cost was not outrageous [at Weill Cornell Medical College]. It was comparable to most egg freezing clinics. Also, I feel safe with my eggs stored there...[Dr. Roney Elias] was the third doctor I encountered in the process while freezing my eggs...I had low reserve. The private clinic in Providence told me I would never get pregnant or have the ability to freeze my eggs. Dr Elias was an amazing, brilliant and compassionate doctor. He told me I still had a chance to get pregnant and better yet he would successfully freeze my eggs. He did not give me false hope. I successfully froze ten. I am now on my way to using those eggs now...
How was your experience with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Many clinics will turn you down because they are only concerned about their appearance and numbers. The best is Weill Cornell. Dr.Elias is outstanding. He is honest, compassionate, non judgemental and brilliant. You are not just a number to him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
You will breathe a sigh of relief when you meet Dr. Elias. He will do everything he can to help you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Elias was the third doctor I encountered in the process while freezing my eggs. The first was NYU. The second was a private clinic in Providence, RI not associated with Women and Infants. I had low reserve. The private clinic in Providence told me I would never get pregnant or have the ability to freeze my eggs. Dr Elias was an amazing, brilliant and compassionate doctor. He told me I still had a chance to get pregnant and better yet he would successfully freeze my eggs. He did not give me false hope. I successfully froze ten. I am now on my way to using those eggs now.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Compared to other Clinics they are the best and most professional. They outrank NYU by far. I encountered some IVF clinics that should not be allowed to exist. It was a scary and demoralizing experience when you encounter these clinics. Weill Cornell is the best in the world with the best IVF doctors. Compassion is #1 here.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Rony Elias at Weill Cornell Medical College.
The cost was not outrageous. It was comparable to most egg freezing clinics. Also, I feel safe with my eggs stored there.
Dr. Spandorfer has an excellent bedside manner. He puts you at ease with his humor. He gives you hope even in the most grim situation while still being frank about the circumstances. He gave me treatment even when a previous doctor had given me no hope. When the first round of IVF was unsuccessful, he carefully tailored and alternative method of treatment for the next cycle. Ultimately, he helped me to successfully have a baby girl and for that I am eternally grateful to him.
Several doctors [at Cornell] who meet together to determine e best course of treatment. Clean, modern facility. Very large so tons of patients...For 2 cycles about $40k including all medications...Know that you will not see him [Dr. Steven Spandorfer] at every visit which is typical of larger fertility clinics, however, he will call you back if you leave messages with his assistant...Jackie was absolutely amazing. She called me back instantly, was very informative and always full of hope. The other nurses at the clinic are nice and attentive as well.
How was your experience with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Dr. Spandorfer has an excellent bedside manner. He puts you at ease with his humor. He gives you hope even in the most grim situation while still being frank about the circumstances. He gave me treatment even when a previous doctor had given me no hope. When the first round of IVF was unsuccessful, he carefully tailored and alternative method of treatment for the next cycle. Ultimately, he helped me to successfully have a baby girl and for that I am eternally grateful to him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Know that you will not see him at every visit which is typical of larger fertility clinics, however, he will call you back if you leave messages with his assistant.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
The doctors and nurses at the clinic were very responsive and willing to take time to answer all of my questions. Dr Spandorfer puts you at ease with humor and gives you hope.
Describe the protocols Steven Spandorfer used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
39yo, dimished ovarian reserve, 6 failed IUI cycles at age 33 with another doctor, 1 miscarriage (natural pregnancy) at 7 weeks at age 36, 2 cycles IVF at 39 yo,1 live birth of singleton girl at 39 yo
1st IVF Cycle
4 eggs retrieved, 1 fertilized but did not make it to day 3, day 3 transfer cancelled.
Estrogen patch
Gonal-F
Menopur
Garilinix
2nd IVF Cycle
4 eggs retrieved, 4 fertilized with ICSI, 4 transferred on day 3 (14 cell, 10 cell & (2) 8 cell). 1 implanted. 1 successful live birth of healthy baby girl.
Birth control
Lupron
Gonal-F
Progesterone
Describe your experience with your nurse at Weill Cornell Medical College. (Assigned nurse: Jackie Stahl)
Jackie was absolutely amazing. She called me back instantly, was very informative and always full of hope.
The other nurses at the clinic are nice and attentive as well.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
Several doctors who meet together to determine e best course of treatment.
Clean, modern facility.
Very large so tons of patients.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Tons of patients, however, wait time was not too long.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
For 2 cycles about $40k including all medications
Describe Steven Spandorfer's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Because of my history, age, low AMH, we transferred all 4 embryos (per doctors suggestion)
Dr. Spandorfer was not a hand holder but he was efficient clear and willing to work with me despite my diminished ovarian reserve....Spandorfer was really not phased by my high FSH and low antral follicle count. Unlike my doctor at my previous clinic, Spandorfer told me he would be willing to go ahead to retrieval even if we only managed to produce one bag he said it was my decision. That made me feel like he respected my agency and like he wasn't fixated on statistics.
Weill-Cornell was like a breath of fresh air.... The facility was clean with new looking equipment...it's attached to a research university...I felt that Weill-Cornell is willing, therefore, to take risks on patients rather than pushing them to look elsewhere or opt for donor eggs....One thing I noticed it was different from the other clinic I attended is that they would call you up for monitoring by first and last name
How was your experience with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
I answered some of this in the previous question but I would say Dr. Spandorfer was not a hand holder but he was efficient clear and willing to work with me despite my diminished ovarian reserve. And by work with me I mean he was willing to do an egg retrieval and insemination and a transfer even with very few eggs produced by stimulation -- which by the way I had gotten from other doctors with various mixes of medication so I think it was inevitable .
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Be aware that you might not have your transfer with him. iIt might be another doctor and in my case that other doctor pushed for us to transfer two embryos even though we only wanted to transfer one.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
After a long, bad experience at a more commercial IVF clinic in NYC, Weill-Cornell was like a breath of fresh air. Literally, actually. The waiting room had natural light coming from big windows as opposed to being a cramped crowded dark space space. The facility was clean with new looking equipment as opposed to the other facility I'd been a patient at. And I found Cornell to be much more efficiently run. To answer the number versus human question a bit more directly, Spandorfer was really not phased by my high FSH and low antral follicle count. Unlike my doctor at my previous clinic, Spandorfer told me he would be willing to go ahead to retrieval even if we only managed to produce one bag he said it was my decision. That made me feel like he respected my agency and like he wasn't fixated on statistics.
Describe the protocols Steven Spandorfer used in your cycles at Weill Cornell Medical College and their degree of success.
I'm a bit hazy on the protocol specifics. I remember estrogen priming high doses of Gonal-F and something else I can't remember. None of the DHEA or anything else that I've heard some doctors use for diminished ovarian reserve cases.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
They were just really efficient organized professional .
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
It is clean and organized. It's a pleasant place to be relatively speaking. Most importantly though it's attached to a research university which I think is a very important aspect of any medical establishment. This means that the doctors are more informed of their more curious and innovative and they're less fixated on statistics and money than other places. I felt that Weill-Cornell is willing, therefore, to take risks on patients rather than pushing them to look elsewhere or opt for donor eggs.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Weill Cornell Medical College.
It was an efficient well oiled machine . One thing I noticed it was different from the other clinic I attended is that they would call you up for monitoring by first and last name. The other clinic would just use first names presumably for anonymity. I found that kind of stupid because of course you could see the person, so if you know them you know that they're there for infertility. But I also found the use of first names only at the other office in the monitoring hours to be subtly infantilizing. It did mean at Cornell that I noticed a colleague was there and I might not of noticed that she was there if she hadn't been called up to the desk by first and last name. But I didn't think this was a big deal since obviously were all in the same situation so it's not like I'm going to go gossiping to our mutual colleagues that she was at my infertility clinic, thus outing myself as a fellow infertile.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
I have insurance from the state of Massachusetts --" Romney care "-- which provides excellent coverage so I was not too aware of the price per procedure .
Describe Steven Spandorfer's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Weill Cornell Medical College.
We had a different doctor for the transfer I think his name was Dr. Cho . I was in the surgery room and he said something like, "Did Dr. Spandorfer talk to you about transferring one or two embryos?" He hadn't and then Dr. Cho sort of talked us out of our preference for a single embryo transfer even though we absolutely positively did not want to have twins and felt very strongly about single embryo transfer .
When I came to Dr. Spandorfer, I'd already been told by two other doctors that there was likely no hope for me to have a baby. Dr. Spandorfer said, "there's always hope," and agreed to treat me - unlike my previous two doctors who'd declined to treat me again because of two failed IVF cycles. ... Dr. Spandorfer was kind, funny, steadfast ... He was patient and kind with me ...
The clinic - at least when I went there a few years ago - was truly state-of-the-art. They really seemed to have everything under control and orderly, from making appointments, to timing of all the medical aspects, to moving patients through the process. ... The nursing staff is knowledgeable and extremely capable. That said, this is a very busy clinic. As such, once you've started the fertility protocol, you're on a somewhat rigid and set schedule of tests and injections, and the nursing staff sometimes doesn't have a ton of time to explain things in infinite detail.
How was your experience with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
It would be impossible to overemphasize how amazing my experience as a patient of Dr. Spandorfer's was. He took me as a patient, despite a history of failed IVF. At the time, many clinics were not taking patients like me because they didn't want to mess up their high ratings. He was patient and kind with me - and most importantly, there's now a beautiful little girl who exists because of him. I owe him my new life as a mom.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
Be patient and trust his advice.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Spandorfer at Weill Cornell Medical College?
When I came to Dr. Spandorfer, I'd already been told by two other doctors that there was likely no hope for me to have a baby. Dr. Spandorfer said, "there's always hope," and agreed to treat me - unlike my previous two doctors who'd declined to treat me again because of two failed IVF cycles. They didn't want to reduce their clinic's success ratings. Dr. Spandorfer was kind, funny, steadfast - and his expertise as a physician made me into the mom of a beautiful, amazing baby.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Weill Cornell Medical College.
The nursing staff is knowledgeable and extremely capable. That said, this is a very busy clinic. As such, once you've started the fertility protocol, you're on a somewhat rigid and set schedule of tests and injections, and the nursing staff sometimes doesn't have a ton of time to explain things in infinite detail. They're empathetic, but the process is such that it does feel rushed sometimes. That said, the internet exists to do the research of the super-fine details of procedures and protocols.
Describe your experience with Weill Cornell Medical College.
The clinic - at least when I went there a few years ago - was truly state-of-the-art. They really seemed to have everything under control and orderly, from making appointments, to timing of all the medical aspects, to moving patients through the process.
