Anthony Wakim

Dr. Wakim is quite obviously incredibly skilled and knowledgeable in his field. I think he has a no nonsense approach and doesn’t sugar coat things which can be a bit hard for people. I found he was incredibly diligent and dedicated to helping us...[he] was incredibly transparent that I could navigate this process however I felt comfortable. He merely suggested letrozole, injectables and IUI would give me the highest chance of success.

I encountered several of the [Jones Institute] staff on a regular basis. Overall I found them very supportive and helpful. Sometimes they are a bit difficult to get a hold of which can be stressful but I think they are doing their best...Strengths are definitely the staff. People are put off by the effectiveness of fertility clinics I find it reassuring. I don’t think at all we are herded, I appreciate being scheduled seen and continuing on very much.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

Trust he knows what’s best for you. Advocate for yourself but know that while he may not exhibit the most emotion towards you he truly does care for his patients. I felt he guided me during a difficult time incredibly well.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

I had read a lot of negative reviews on Dr. Wakim and felt a bit apprehensive. We met him only virtually which can be a bit disconnecting but I never felt that way. When I got emotional during one of our meetings he was incredibly caring and warm.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.

We started with testing all our levels, AMH,FSH, estrogen and my husbands sperm. My thyroid was a bit under functioning so I was prescribed medication. I then inquired if we could flush my tubes to help provide answers, he was fully open to that. When that was not resulting in pregnancy we moved to 3 medicated IUIs. Dr. Wakim was incredibly transparent that I could navigate this process however I felt comfortable. He merely suggested letrozole, injectables and IUI would give me the highest chance of success.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Erica )

I encountered several of the staff on a regular basis. Overall I found them very supportive and helpful. Sometimes they are a bit difficult to get a hold of which can be stressful but I think they are doing their best.

Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

Strengths are definitely the staff. People are put off by the effectiveness of fertility clinics I find it reassuring. I don’t think at all we are herded, I appreciate being scheduled seen and continuing on very much.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

We paid for 1IUI out of pocket. The most expensive aspect being the injectables that came to about $1,000. The IUI itself was only $400. The rest were covered with insurance.

Describe Anthony Wakim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

We have not gotten to this point yet but he did tell me he is a proponent of single embryo transfer.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

2019 - 2020, Unknown Success

Age 28 - 29

1 IUI

Unexplained

Income $100K - $199K

Teacher

2nd of 2 Docs

3 Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Neutral

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Dr. Wakim for the most part was very cut and dry to the point, but I felt like he made a plan that he thought would be the most beneficial for us in our situation...The treatment strategy Dr. Wakim thought was best for use was a medicated IUI cycle with a trigger shot...There was really no change to my plan. Then, the pandemic hit and all of my further treatment was put on hold.

I think the clinic is great, but needs more help! They are extremely busy and growing every day. I think they need to hire more staff and doctors to accommodate their growing number of patients. This would help the patients feel less rushed and more like a person than a number and hopefully that they would be able to communicate more with their patients...I did have to pay $200 for a trigger shot. My Clomid was covered. I also paid $500 for my IUI and ultrasound.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dr. Wakim is older but is great at what he does. I know multiple women who he has treated who have ended up with families. I only was able to see him one time, and felt like I dealt more with his staff that him. During the initial meeting and reviewing, he was very straight forward and honest. He did not sugar coat anything and was very factual.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

If you are looking for someone who is warm and fuzzy, Dr. Wakim may not be the doctor for you.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dr. Wakim for the most part was very cut and dry to the point, but I felt like he made a plan that he thought would be the most beneficial for us in our situation.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

The treatment strategy Dr. Wakim thought was best for use was a medicated IUI cycle with a trigger shot. Unfortunately, it took 3 months for me to even be able to have the IUI because during baseline testing, my uterine lining would be too thick or they had already missed my ovulation. The month that I did have my IUI, I took Clomid as prescribed and had 4 mature follicles when I did my trigger shot. Unfortunately, my IUI failed. The next month, my uterine lining again was too thick. The following month, same thing. I did ask his nurses if we could discuss a different course of action considering that this kept happening and I was getting very frustrated with not being able to have treatment. There was really no change to my plan. Then, the pandemic hit and all of my further treatment was put on hold.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

Some of the staff at the Center for Reproductive Medicine was wonderful and we grew familiar with each other from seeing each other so often. There were only a few that I did not particularly like due to their lack of communication. There were times I was waiting for a phone call (for a time sensitive matter) and was getting frustrated and left several messages and one nurse got very snippy with me. This same nurse then delivered results very insensitively ( I think due to her frustrations with me) and was very hurtful. Otherwise, their staff is great aside from being extremely understaffed!

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

Because I have a high deductible plan, I didn't have very many costs associated with this journey yet due to meeting my deductible. I did have to pay $200 for a trigger shot. My Clomid was covered. I also paid $500 for my IUI and ultrasound.

What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?

Failed to call with results
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information

Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.

The lack of communication from some of the staff caused us an issue with some genetic testing. Their staff had told us that if we were to get this testing done in their downstairs lab that it would only cost $50 and if we did it elsewhere it would be thousands. So obviously we went and had it done at their lab. A few weeks later we got two $3,000 bills for one tube of blood each when we had this genetic testing done. I had fought with the insurance company for a few days and talking to several people who said that there was nothing they could do unless I appealed it. So I wrote appeal letters to the insurance company stating that this is what we were directed to do. I also tried to get in touch with the financial coordinator at the clinic for several days to talk to her about this matter as well, but was unable to get in touch with her. The appeals were declined so I was advised to call the genetic testing company to speak with them to see if there was anything that could be done on their end. The first person that I spoke to at the genetic testing facility told me that my fertility office should have told me that I had to contact them and I was to pay them the $50 and then they would take care of the rest with the insurance company. I was extremely frustrated that I was sick over this for days and that that information was not ever divulged to me. I then was eventually able to get a hold of the financial coordinator and she told me the same thing and that she was sorry that it wasn't told me to me sooner.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2019, Unsuccessful

Age 27

4 IUI

Unexplained

European

Income $100K - $199K

1st of 2 Docs

6 Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

We are quickly sent through every appointment. Dr. Wakim doesn't even take the time to read your file before appointments and doesn't seem to take any notes...While Dr. Wakim seems like a nice enough guy, he doesn't really spend much time with you. Just told me I was lucky I was young, all my and my husbands tests looked perfect, and that there was no real answer as to why I wasn't getting pregnant...We did 4 rounds of hybrid IUI cycles (letrozole + gonal f + trigger shot). I needed about 400-475 units of gonal f each cycle and did 2.5 or 5 mg letrozole for days 3-7.

I have no IVF coverage and they [UPMC Magee] told me I'd need approx. $15,000 up front before they'd allow me to be seen for an appointment. I asked about WinFertility and financial counselor told me that they lose money when patients use that service "but it might be cheaper for me to use it."...You will be required to monitor your own medications (know when its time to reorder) and read your own test results. Test results are never explained. Calls from the nurses are either "Continue your current dose and come back or trigger and come for your IUI". Then a week later the results come to the online portal and you have to look at them yourself and ask questions.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

While Dr. Wakim seems like a nice enough guy, he doesn't really spend much time with you. Just told me I was lucky I was young, all my and my husbands tests looked perfect, and that there was no real answer as to why I wasn't getting pregnant.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

Find a different doctor

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

We are quickly sent through every appointment. Dr. Wakim doesn't even take the time to read your file before appointments and doesn't seem to take any notes.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.

We did 4 rounds of hybrid IUI cycles (letrozole + gonal f + trigger shot). I needed about 400-475 units of gonal f each cycle and did 2.5 or 5 mg letrozole for days 3-7.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

The nurses and staff are horrible. The only person who I loved was the ultrasound tech. She was great. Nurses and front desk staff are rude and constantly complaining or gossiping with each other.

Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

I actually go to AHN Fertility Center. Dr. Wakim is no longer with UPMC. New patients should understand that they will be pretty much on their own through this process. You will be required to monitor your own medications (know when its time to reorder) and read your own test results. Test results are never explained. Calls from the nurses are either "Continue your current dose and come back or trigger and come for your IUI". Then a week later the results come to the online portal and you have to look at them yourself and ask questions.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

IUI tends to be about $1,000 per cycle w/insurance coverage. I have no IVF coverage and they told me I'd need approx. $15,000 up front before they'd allow me to be seen for an appointment. I asked about WinFertility and financial counselor told me that they lose money when patients use that service "but it might be cheaper for me to use it." She told me about 3 times that the program doesn't pay their clinic fairly. I suspect thats why she didn't tell me about it until I asked about it.

What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Lost paperwork
Failed to order appropriate test
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Lost results
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information

Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

Test results are "lost" and not added to the electronic record, one nurse tells me to order meds the other calls and says not to worry about it, you can only leave a message and get a call back - there isn't an actual phone line.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

2018, Unknown Success

Age 40

1 Fertility Medications

Anovulation

PCOS

1st of 3 Docs

Neutral

Strongly Recommends

Success w/ Doc Not sure

Review of

Anthony Wakim Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

He read my chart prior to my follow up visit and was very familiar with my plans and my timeline. He laid out the treatment plan for the next 6 months (provided I do not become pregnant within the timeframe) just so I know what to expect each step of the way instead of waiting until that treatment to lay everything on me...Dr. Wakim took the time to listen to the concerns I had and helped me develop a plan for treatment going forward. With the understanding that we are on a strict timeline, we're taking an aggressive approach

[Jones Institute] Debbie was very compassionate and encouraging. She has been professional and personable each time I've seen her....He [Dr. Wakim] read my chart prior to my follow up visit and was very familiar with my plans and my timeline. He laid out the treatment plan for the next 6 months (provided I do not become pregnant within the timeframe) just so I know what to expect each step of the way instead of waiting until that treatment to lay everything on me.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

I'm on a very strict timeline. I will be turning 40 this year and I had a miscarriage previously and a successful rainbow baby also. My pregnancy was incredibly difficult and I understood that should I become pregnant again, that it would likely be just as difficult. But Dr. Wakim took the time to listen to the concerns I had and helped me develop a plan for treatment going forward. With the understanding that we are on a strict timeline, we're taking an aggressive approach, but it just means more testing and exams for me. A small price to pay for such a large return, in my opinion.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

Tell him exactly what you want and what your plans are.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.

I'm undergoing my first treatment right now, and I'm currently taking Letrozole (5mg) for days 3-5 of my cycle. That will be the treatment plan for the next 2 months should this one not work, but then we'll go with IUI.

Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Debbie)

Debbie was very compassionate and encouraging. She has been professional and personable each time I've seen her.

Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

If you're new to this, go in prepared with any questions you may have. From what meds will I be taking, to how many ultrasounds/blood tests/etc. If you've been through this before, go with expectations and have a plan in mind to discuss with him.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.

So far, all of my treatments have been covered by my insurance. I have had to pay my usual co-pay and the prescriptions were also covered under my prescription plan.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Clinic

Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny

2016 - 2017, Successful

Age 33 - 34

1 IVF

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Poor Egg Quality

Tubal Blockage

Income $100K - $199K

Marketer or PR

Only Doc Seen

Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Neutral

Successful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Dr. Wakim has years of experience helping women in our area with becoming pregnant. He is hands down the best for difficult cases as mine was (1 tube, 1 ovary, only tube blocked, diminished ovarian reserve). He was thoughtful during consultation and no nonsense during the procedures.... Ask all your questions when you are with him. You speak to the nurses for the rest of the treatment (other than during retrieval and transfer). He is blunt, tells you exactly what is going on, but not harshly. I actually prefer this.

Strengths [UPMC] - long history of treating patients in our area, experience with difficult cases, clean, convenient hours for scans and bloodwork. Weaknesses- after initial appt with doctors, you only see and speak to them for retrieval and transfer. The nursing staff could be a little more compassionate considering where they are working.... this clinic doesn’t have adjusted guidelines for patients that have only one ovary.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Ask all your questions when you are with him. You speak to the nurses for the rest of the treatment (other than during retrieval and transfer). He is blunt, tells you exactly what is going on, but not harshly. I actually prefer this.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

For the first part of the treatments (consultation, work-ups), he was very kind and listened to everything we had concerns with. Once in treatment, we were only able to speak with the nurses which made us feel more like a number, and very stressful.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

Antagonist protocol. We were “going to squeeze out all the eggs we could” as he said. I was on an average dose of Gonal-f, and menopur. I was not on birth control prior as this doesn’t help a sleepy ovary (my ovary was in temporary POF due to a traumatic ovarian rupture from an ovarian ectopic). The dosage was adjusted after no major change in Estrogen level after 5 days. I was maxed out on both and continued to stimulate for another 10 days. We added the holding drug in at day 10. He was successful in getting my ovary to respond with this protocol. The goal was to take an aggressive approach and it worked. We had 8 eggs retrieved (again, only one ovary so this was great for us), 6 fertilized, 4 made it to day 3. Our clinic has a requirement on number of embryos to do a day 5. So we did a 3 day transfer of 2, then held our breath for our other 2. We ended up being able to freeze the remaining 2!!

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

During the treatment this was the most stressful part. I was never able to speak to dr. Wakim if I had any questions. I was on cancellation notice for the first 7 days due to poor initial response (before it was increased). The nurses were generally cold and straight down to business. There was no flexibility in assisting with medication needs short notice, no compassion for a bad bloodwork, or scan. No suggestions on ways to help my body respond (ended up doing acupuncture to help E2 levels). The phlebotomist team though was AMAZING!

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Strengths - long history of treating patients in our area, experience with difficult cases, clean, convenient hours for scans and bloodwork. Weaknesses- after initial appt with doctors, you only see and speak to them for retrieval and transfer. The nursing staff could be a little more compassionate considering where they are working. For out of pocket (we were completely out of pocket), the estimates should be more realistic. We stimmed for a long period of time and spent $15,000 on the medication alone, this was completely underestimated during our earlier appts with finance team, and finally, this clinic doesn’t have adjusted guidelines for patients that have only one ovary. You have to hit a set number of follicles and E2 level or they won’t continue. This can be difficult for patients with DOR or in my case, one ovary.

Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at UPMC Magee.

They offered early morning monitoring appts which while early, worked wonderfully for anyone working long hours.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

Procedure - $11000 (retrieval, transfer, scans, etc) Medications - $15000 Storage - $750

Describe Anthony Wakim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UPMC Magee.

Due to my age at transfer (33), they recommended one but left it up to us. He made sure to explain why they recommend one at my age.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2016, Unsuccessful

Age 30

Unexplained

European

Income $50K - $99K

1st of 3 Docs

4 IUI With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

We received full diagnostic testing through Dr. Wakim. He did explain what each test was evaluating. However after everything came back as “normal” and we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility, we were not explained what to do next. It was like we were done.... experience doesn’t equal showing compassion. After he diagnosed us with unexplained infertility, next steps were never discussed. It was almost like he was saying “your situation isn’t so bad, good luck and just keep trying.”

[UPMC] Magee is a busy place. New patients should expect to wait because it was always crowded. The clinic itself was nice and the environment was relatively inviting. I would suggest asking to meet with a financial representative before entering into any treatment so that you know what the costs are BEFORE you begin anything.... We felt like we were just a number and not people. We also were never given options for next steps after our diagnosis.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He is older and clearly has experience, but experience doesn’t equal showing compassion. After he diagnosed us with unexplained infertility, next steps were never discussed. It was almost like he was saying “your situation isn’t so bad, good luck and just keep trying.” It really felt like we were kicked out with nothing to look forward to and we didn’t know what to do next.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Be persistent. Be a pest. Don’t be afraid to ask TOO MANY questions.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

With the exception of the very first consultation, we were shoved along like cattle. It always felt like we weren’t important - not very personal at all.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

Dr. Wakim’s assistant was so fabulous - she showed compassion and understanding. The nursing staff was not very warm, always made you feel like you were bothering them.

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Magee is a busy place. New patients should expect to wait because it was always crowded. The clinic itself was nice and the environment was relatively inviting. I would suggest asking to meet with a financial representative before entering into any treatment so that you know what the costs are BEFORE you begin anything.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

We had all of the diagnostic tests; no treatment and we paid out of pocket roughly $4,000.00

What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?

Failed to call with results
Failed to send your chart to another clinic

Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.

We felt like we were just a number and not people. We also were never given options for next steps after our diagnosis. This clinic overall made the stressful experience even more stressful.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2013 - 2014, Successful

Age 29 - 30

Unexplained

European

Income $0 - $49K

1st of 2 Docs

2 IUI With Other Docs

Neutral

Successful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Our testing showed perfect fertility for both my husband and I, so his [Dr. Anthony Wakim] recommendation was IUI and clomid with monitoring... he listened to all my questions and concerns, and seriously considered my experiences and knowledge about my body...Dr Wakim was very thoughtful about the process we were taking (mostly diagnostic). He carefully explained the steps ahead of us and encouraged us that our path was going to lead to success. He also performed a needed procedure and was very calm, clear, and helped to lighten the mood while still quickly performing his tasks.

We loved seeing Alisha [nurse at University of Pittsburgh] ! She was supportive, kind and compassionate. She always had a smile and was ready to encourage us on our journey...Consult - $180; HSG - $700, fertility blood panel - $900, sperm washing test - $300, ultrasound - $600. (Approx)...The clinic is busy and difficult to schedule with. Plan ahead. They are very used to this process and very organized, which is important since so much fertility care is time sensitive. This can feel impersonal though, which is overwhelming at timees.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dr Wakim was very thoughtful about the process we were taking (mostly diagnostic). He carefully explained the steps ahead of us and encouraged us that our path was going to lead to success. He also performed a needed procedure and was very calm, clear, and helped to lighten the mood while still quickly performing his tasks.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He isn't always gentle as he communicates results from testing or expected outcomes, but he is very thorough and wishes to see his patients have success. Be patient and know that his experience makes him very good at his job.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

The office was very busy, like a revolving door, and I didn't feel personally know. But he listened to all my questions and concerns, and seriously considered my experiences and knowledge about my body.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

Our testing showed perfect fertility for both my husband and I, so his recommendation was IUI and clomid with monitoring. This protocol did eventually work though we ended up at a different clinic for the sake of proximity to our home.

Describe your experience with your nurse at UPMC Magee. (Assigned nurse: Alisha)

We loved seeing Alisha! She was supportive, kind and compassionate. She always had a smile and was ready to encourage us on our journey.

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

The clinic is busy and difficult to schedule with. Plan ahead. They are very used to this process and very organized, which is important since so much fertility care is time sensitive. This can feel impersonal though, which is overwhelming at timees.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

Consult - $180; HSG - $700, fertility blood panel - $900, sperm washing test - $300, ultrasound - $600. (Approx). These prices are before insurance; we ultimately paid about $600 total. IUI - $2200 with monitoring.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2015 - 2018, Unsuccessful

Age 26 - 29

4 IUI

1 IVF

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Unexplained

Income $50K - $99K

1st of 2 Docs

1 Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Neutral

Strongly Recommends

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Dr. Watkim was a great doctor. He always knew my name and what was going on with me without looking in my chart....Dr. Watkim was great but just maybe not the right doctor for me. I feel like he needs to be refreshed on new research. If I suggested something he never took it into consideration. I feel like I should have done icsi and he said it wouldn’t make a difference. With all my transfer I got pregnant but then quickly misscarried. I feel like if we would have done that we would have more embryos.

The clinic [UPMC Magee] is amazing! They all greet you and know you by name when you walk through the door. The truly feel sad for you when your cycle fails. They always return your call within an hour. I would recommend this clinic to everyone!... Jennifer was an amazing nurse. She herself has also delt with infertility so it really helped that she knew how it truly feels to be in my shoes. She was always there for me and answered all my question. She was never in a rush.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dr. Watkim was great but just maybe not the right doctor for me. I feel like he needs to be refreshed on new research. If I suggested something he never took it into consideration. I feel like I should have done icsi and he said it wouldn’t make a difference. With all my transfer I got pregnant but then quickly misscarried. I feel like if we would have done that we would have more embryos.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He is a very compassionate doctor

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dr. Watkim was a great doctor. He always knew my name and what was going on with me without looking in my chart.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

For the iui cycles I took letrozole days 3-7. Then triggered once I got a positive ovulation. I did that for two cycles and no pregnancy. So switch to the hyper iui cycle and I used gonal f 150 I forget how many days. I had 8 total eggs and we went ahead and did the iui and still no luck. I hen switch to IVF since the iuis all failed

Describe your experience with your nurse at UPMC Magee. (Assigned nurse: Jennifer)

Jennifer was an amazing nurse. She herself has also delt with infertility so it really helped that she knew how it truly feels to be in my shoes. She was always there for me and answered all my question. She was never in a rush.

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

The clinic is amazing! They all greet you and know you by name when you walk through the door. The truly feel sad for you when your cycle fails. They always return your call within an hour. I would recommend this clinic to everyone!

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

We we’re very fortunate to have fertility coverage.

Describe Anthony Wakim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UPMC Magee.

Dr. Watkim insisted on eset for my fresh cycle. I did get pregnant but the mc shortly after

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2014, Unsuccessful

Age 33

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Endometriosis

European

Income $50K - $99K

Only Doc Seen

Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

He delivered the news of my diagnosis without an ounce of compassion and didn't even offer me a tissue. I guess if I could sum it up in one word, I would say that the whole experience made me feel small.

They didn't bother to call with test results on one occasion that definitely would have changed our course of action... All of the interactions with everyone in the office, from the receptionist to the doctor himself were very impersonal and the office felt like an assembly line.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He was very impersonal all the time and downright unprofessional at several points too. He delivered the news of my diagnosis without an ounce of compassion and didn't even offer me a tissue. I guess if I could sum it up in one word, I would say that the whole experience made me feel small.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He seems knowledgable enough about the ins and outs of fertility but he lacks bedside manner and compassion. If you can deal with this, he may be a good fit.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Even more than a number, I felt like a dollar sign. Throughout the entire process we were never asked how we felt about the recommended treatments. It was just assumed that we would do whatever he said. All of the interactions with everyone in the office, from the receptionist to the doctor himself were very impersonal and the office felt like an assembly line.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

I've repressed many of these memories, I think, but the nursing staff as a whole seemed very cold and business-like. I don't know if I saw a single person in that office smile.

What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?

Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Failed to convey critical information

Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.

They didn't bother to call with test results on one occasion that definitely would have changed our course of action. On a second occasion, they refused to forward a copy of my history to a regular GYN clinic (NOT another fertility clinic) after we discontinued treatment. Then I was told that I would have to pay $1 per page for them to make copies and I would have to pick up the paperwork in person. This was simply unacceptable.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2015 - 2017, Unsuccessful

Age 27 - 29

4 Fertility Medications

PCOS

European

Black or African-American

Native American

Income $0 - $49K

2nd of 3 Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Neutral

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

He [Dr. Wakim] is a good at what he does just isnt very personable...Never remembered what we discussed or i guess didnt write down everything, and not very compassionate...And when treatments fail no reassurance of furture treatments working...Just not what i was expecting, wanted more conpassion and understanding.

Clinic [UPMC Magee] is great. Sometimes there were emergencies that took priority over scheduled appointment so sometimes making back to school or work aren't always possible. With so many appointments it is hard when you dont get seen in time...The nurses were why i kept going, they motivated me and hugged me when i left his office in tears. They were so respectful and i wouldnt have made it as far as i did without them. They really are top notch!

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Just not what i was expecting, wanted more conpassion and understanding. Lack of warmth and how could a man ever underatand the emptiness you feel when youve been told that getting pregnant naturally is not an option. And when treatments fail no reassurance of furture treatments working

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He is a good at what he does just isnt very personable

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Never remembered what we discussed or i guess didnt write down everything, and not very compassionate

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

The nurses were why i kept going, they motivated me and hugged me when i left his office in tears. They were so respectful and i wouldnt have made it as far as i did without them. They really are top notch!

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Clinic is great. Sometimes there were emergencies that took priority over scheduled appointment so sometimes making back to school or work aren't always possible. With so many appointments it is hard when you dont get seen in time.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

Pennsylvania has no insurance coverage for any fertility treatments. The only thing my insurance covered was the office visits.

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2015 - 2016, Successful

Age 31 - 32

3 IUI

1 IVF

Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Male Factor

European

Income $200K - $499K

Doctor

Only Doc Seen

Fertility Medications With Other Docs

Strongly Recommends

Successful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Dr. Waking [Dr. Anthony Wakim] was very intelligent and personable. He did give me hope for the first time. My only issue was that he wanted me to do more IUIs than I wanted but was understandable and agreeable when I wanted to proceed to the next step.... With the IUIs, I was on clomid for 5 days without any other meds. For IVF, I was on gonal f, microdose hcg at first. They did need to be increased as my estrogen did not raise quick enough. Once it did I was started on cetrotide and then ovidrel for trigger. I was also on a baby aspirin after transfer up until my 6 week ultrasound.

[UPMC Magee is in a] Bad location, cost seems more than other states. Good results though. Was nice to have everything done in the same place. Strengths were the callback system. Left directions so I didn't have to wait for a call.... They [the nursing staff] seemed to be organized and were very helpful in answering questions... I felt like I saw the same PA several times and she never remembered me. But everyone was overall nice and helpful.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dr. Waking was very intelligent and personable. He did give me hope for the first time. My only issue was that he wanted me to do more IUIs than I wanted but was understandable and agreeable when I wanted to proceed to the next step.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Do your research. Know what questions to ask and don't be afraid to ask them.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

I felt like I saw the same PA several times and she never remembered me. But everyone was overall nice and helpful.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

With the IUIs, I was on clomid for 5 days without any other meds. For IVF, I was on gonal f, microdose hcg at first. They did need to be increased as my estrogen did not raise quick enough. Once it did I was started on cetrotide and then ovidrel for trigger. I was also on a baby aspirin after transfer up until my 6 week ultrasound.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

They seemed to be organized and were very helpful in answering questions.

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Bad location, cost seems more than other states. Good results though. Was nice to have everything done in the same place. Strengths were the callback system. Left directions so I didn't have to wait for a call.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

Around 17,000

Describe Anthony Wakim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UPMC Magee.

Originally was only supposed to be one embryo but due to the quality they decided to transfer 2

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2015, Unsuccessful

Age 35

Unexplained

European

Income $100K - $199K

Marketer or PR

1st of 2 Docs

3 IUI With Other Docs

IVF With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

His bedside manner was deplorable. It was like he was God. We drove nearly 2 hours each way to get to appointments and he spent very little time with us. During our last procedure he became very nasty in the OR

Be sure to ask specific questions when you are with the nurses or doctor. You aren’t really given another chance to do so. Dr Wakim does not do phone conferences so everything is face to face. We were also not told that we could monitor locally. They didn’t really offer insight on anything. Assumed we knew the process

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Don’t bother

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

We were not given a point of contact and had to navigate the process by ourselves.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

The clinic did not offer us one point of contact. You go in for meetings and then if you have questions it’s a hassle to get answers. The nurses also did not stick to our plan we created with the dr

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

$8,000 IVF, $3,000 embryo transfer. All meds were approximately $4,000 combined

What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?

Failed to convey critical information

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Unsuccessful

Unexplained

European

Income $50K - $99K

Nurse or HC Services

1st of 3 Docs

15 IUI With Other Docs

1 IVF With Other Docs

1 Egg Freezing With Other Docs

1 Embryo Freezing With Other Docs

Doesn't Recommend

Unsuccessful

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Never felt like they took the time to understand our situation. nor, did they try to make the process any easier for us and in fact we felt like they made it harder.

I had to text my Hubby in the waiting room to see what was going on. he was told they forgot about me.

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

I never felt like they took the time to understand our situation. nor, did they try to make the process any easier for us and in fact we felt like they made it harder. We felt like we were just a number in a huge baby factory!

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

during one of my IUI's I was left in the room on the table waiting for my insemination for over 30 mins. when no one came in I had to text my Hubby in the waiting room to see what was going on. he was told they forgot about me. it took them another 20 mins to come in and do the insemination!

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

The PA was very sweet and tried to make each appointment a positive one.

What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?

Failed to convey critical information
Failed to consider drug intolerance
Lost or damaged samples
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error

Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.

I was left in an exam room on the table for almost an hr for my insemination. The sperm only have a limited amount of time that they are viable on the warmed. I also had a cycle where i called with an positive OPK and they didn't want to see me for an additional day or send me for labs and by the time we were seen my level was borderline too high to do the IUI and have a good sucess rate!

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Magee - Pittsburgh

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

2018 - 2019, Unknown Success

Age 33 - 34

11 Fertility Medications

PCOS

Poor Egg Quality

Tubal Blockage

Unexplained

Income $0 - $49K

Only Doc Seen

Neutral

Doesn't Recommend

Success w/ Doc Too early to know

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

Started on follistim did 2 rounds [with Dr. Anthony Wakim]. First the nurse forgot to order the trigger shot...failed the second round ended up with over stimulated ovaries. Switched over to letrozole got pregnant first round...no trigger shot to many eggs produced. Ended in an early miscarriage. Lowed dose did a 3 more rounds got pregnant again ended in chemical...did a few more rounds all negative...Was told that ivf was going to be best option starting ivf in spring

Ivf is a completely out of pocket and its $16000.00 [at UPMC Magee]...Weakness are the office staff they are extremely rude...Most of the nurses are extremely nice and will try to help with the best they can, some are insensitive and rude...The nurse forgot to order trigger shot ordered by dr. Was having complications after first miscarriage and was told to start my next cycle of medicine and it was cancelled due to still having issues from miscarriage

How was your experience with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He i a great dr treats you like a human and understands what your goimg thru and how much of a struggle infertility is. But he will have you go thru all kinds of testing first and he starts with injectable over clomid.

What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

Dont let him push you into anything you dont feel comfortable with. Juat explain your situation and be honest with him and he will be honest with you.

During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee?

He treated me like i was his granddaughter and talked to me like i was family.

Describe the protocols Anthony Wakim used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.

Started on follistim did 2 rounds. First the nurse forgot to order the trigger shot with failed the second round ended up with over stimulated ovaries. Switched over to letrozole got pregnant first round no trigger shot to many eggs produced. Ended in an early miscarriage. Lowed dose did a 3 more rounds got pregnant again ended in chemical did a few more rounds all negative.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.

The office staff are rude. Most of the nurses are extremely nice and will try to help with the best they can, some are insensitive and rude.

Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.

Weakness are the office staff they are extremely rude. One of the other female doctors isnt compassionate shes only after money. But the other 2 drs are great and will help you woth whatever they can.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Anthony Wakim at UPMC Magee.

My insurance paid for all appointments for timed intercourse and i was billed and my insurance was also billed for the same date and tests. Ivf is a completely out of pocket and its $16000.00

Describe Anthony Wakim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UPMC Magee.

Was told that ivf was going to be best option starting ivf in spring

What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?

Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error

Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.

The nurse forgot to order trigger shot ordered by dr. Was having complications after first miscarriage and was told to start my next cycle of medicine and it was cancelled due to still having issues from miscarriage

Doctor

Anthony Wakim

Humanity

Communication

Frequency Seen

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Clinic

UPMC Magee

Pittsburgh (closed)

Operations

Scheduling

Billing Department

Nursing Staff

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

Review of

Anthony Wakim UPMC Magee

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