Doctor Stegmann was always pleasant and kind, just not informative with the procedures and process...rarely saw her on my visits, usually it was [nurse] who performed the IUI and did all of the ultrasounds and called with results...viewed me as "just another patient"...sounded like the protocol was standard with all IUI patients within my age range. After the first failed cycle I was told we were going to repeat the process.
[Nurse at Aspire Fertility] wasn't rude, but abrasive. She did not like when you would ask her questions. Her response during one of my visits was "I always tell patients don't Google, just let me do my job"...I think the communication is poor all around. I thought it was unorganized from the pricing all the way to the treatment protocol...I can say looking back I was treated like "just another patient"
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
During the consultation, she listened to what what I was looking for and what situation I was currently in. This was the longest that I spoke to her throughout my treatments with her clinic.
Dr. Stegmann was nice and polite. I rarely saw her on my visits, usually it was Kat, her nurse who performed the IUI and did all of the ultrasounds and called with results. Looking back, I would say she viewed me as "just another patient". I believe treatments should be individualized to the patient. I didn't get that feeling nor did I feel like each cycle was assessed and a change in protocol or treatment was discussed between the doctor and nurse.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask questions and be an advocate for yourself. This is a draining process as well as an emotional one. Find a doctor that sees you as an individual and not just someone else who is trying to have a baby.
I know every doctor sees multiple patients day in and day out. However, invest the time in educating yourself because Dr. Stegmann didn't educate me in my fertility and with my treatments. It makes me sad when I look back and realize how fragile us women are while seeking fertility treatments.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
I have never actively tried having a baby. During my treatment, I was trying to get pregnant as a SMBC (Single Mom by Choice). I am a teacher and these treatments are not covered by my insurance. With that being said, I expected to be told every step of the process, my hormone profiles during each cycle, follicle counts on each visit, etc. I am now educated in the process and I can say looking back I was treated like "just another patient". Doctor Stegmann was always pleasant and kind, just not informative with the procedures and process.
EX: I had a Sonohysterogram in office. During the procedure Doctor Stegmann said I can tell your left tube is open and I'm pretty sure that your right is open, I 'm just not able to see it. At the time, I didn't know any better in what to ask and question.
When moving on to another fertility doctor, I understood the importance of making SURE that your tubes were open or not.
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
My protocol for both cycles were exactly the same:
Day 3 - Ultrasound and follicle count
Days 5-7 - Letrozole (cannot recall actual dosage, but it was on the lower end)
Day 12 - Mid-Cycle appointment & trigger shot
Day 13 - Insemination
14 days later - Blood draw
It sounded like the protocol was standard with all IUI patients within my age range. After the first failed cycle I was told we were going to repeat the process.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Kat)
Kat wasn't rude, but abrasive. She did not like when you would ask her questions. Her response during one of my visits was "I always tell patients don't Google, just let me do my job".
When she would call after my blood work came back, she would just say, "You're ready." She never gave me full details about my E2, Progestrone, etc. (I learned all of this with my second fertility doctor, which I'm really grateful for).
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I think the communication is poor all around. I thought it was unorganized from the pricing all the way to the treatment protocol. I think that if you are educated in fertility treatments, Dr. Stegmann probably would be just fine. However, if you're new and know nothing about your fertility, I would respectfully recommend going elsewhere.
One strength I would say is that Dr. Stegmann sounds like she is knowledgeable in the field and is very pleasant as a person. She seems easy-going and was always smiling when I saw her.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Describe Barbara Stegmann's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I did not do IVF, only IUI. I am now moving to my first IVF cycle when my new clinic re-opens after 5 failed IUIs.
I did 2 medicated IUI cycles with insemination (donor sperm) with Dr. Stegmann. I am currently looking to be a SMBC (Single Mom by Choice)
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Lost results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
During one cycle with ultrasound, the nurse wrote my follicle count down on a sheet of paper verses using the machine to document the actual count and size.
Also, I went to pick up my prescription for Letrozole from my pharmacy and they could not locate it. After lots of searching, the pharmacy realized they couldn't locate it because the nurse sent it over with the wrong birth date.
Dr. Stegmann was my second doctor in six months with Aspire Fertility. She quit the practice in the middle of my IVF cycle. I was notified via text message six days after egg retrieval. I feel used, harvested and abused. If her workplace environment was that unstable (only info I can get is that there was a 'clash of personalities) she should not have been taking on new patients (and collecting payment for partially provided services). I would never have gone with her if i had known I'd have to go through the whole new doctor process (a 3rd time in less than a calendar year) again.
I'm neutral on the clinic right now as I am in middle of cycle and can't properly evaluate them. This is the 3rd doctor they have switched me too in less than a calendar year. It feels like I am a patient number on a conveyor belt at this point Having to explain and submit your benefits info repeatedly is no fun. Having to go to three different locations is also not fun. Also, the Katy office is a scam - I was only able to get initial consult and ui ultrasound there e everything else is an hour plus drive downtown. The Katy office is pretty much a salescloset.. Get ready to drive to downtown Houston several times a week for your treatment.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Stegmann was my second doctor in six months with Aspire Fertility. She quit the practice in the middle of my IVF cycle. I was notified via text message six days after egg retrieval. I feel used, harvested and abused. If her workplace environment was that unstable (only info I can get is that there was a 'clash of personalities) she should not have been taking on new patients (and collecting payment for partially provided services). I would never have gone with her if i had known I'd have to go through the whole new doctor process (a 3rd time in less than a calendar year) again. Now I'm sitting here having to explain rudimentary things like my pharmacist benefits, etc to a whole new team when I have already gone through this step TWO TIMES. Not to mention the emotional toll it has taken to put my trust in a whole new team when I was told empty promises from Stegmann. Its a dirty trick to take on new patients that you know you aren't stable enough to give good care to so you can collect your paycheck for egg retrieval and take off. People with fertility problems are a specially vulnerable group of patients and to manipulate their trust to serve yourself is especially evil. There is a special place in H*LL for you
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Make sure she plans on staying employed with clinic through the course of your cycle. You don't want to be dropped right after egg retrieval and forced to go to new clinic and doctor. Horsesh*t lying doctor just trying to get her paycheck.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Stegmann was my second doctor in six months with Aspire Fertility. She quit the practice in the middle of my IVF cycle. I was notified via text message six days after egg retrieval. I feel used, harvested and abused. If her workplace environment was that unstable (only info I can get is that there was a 'clash of personalities) she should not have been taking on new patients (and collecting payment for partially provided services). I would never have gone with her if i had known I'd have to go through the whole new doctor process (a 3rd time in less than a calendar year) again. Now I'm sitting here having to explain rudimentary things like my pharmacist benefits, etc to a whole new team when I have already gone through this step TWO TIMES. Not to mention the emotional toll it has taken to put my trust in a whole new team when I was told empty promises from Stegmann. Its a dirty trick to take on new patients that you know you aren't stable enough to give good care to so you can collect your paycheck for egg retrieval and take off. People with fertility problems are a specially vulnerable group of patients and to manipulate their trust to serve yourself is especially evil. There is a special place in H*LL for you
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I'm neutral on the clinic right now as I am in middle of cycle and can't properly evaluate them. This is the 3rd doctor they have switched me too in less than a calendar year. It feels like I am a patient number on a conveyor belt at this point
Having to explain and submit your benefits info repeatedly is no fun. Having to go to three different locations is also not fun.
Also, the Katy office is a scam - I was only able to get initial consult and ui ultrasound there e everything else is an hour plus drive downtown. The Katy office is pretty much a salescloset..
Get ready to drive to downtown Houston several times a week for your treatment.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She [Dr. Stegmann] is one to explain everything thoroughly so I would never go home with questions. She is A person that gets to the point without hurting your feelings but making sense of what she means. I never felt like she was hiding anything from me everything was very clear from the very beginning...She is a very real person...So my case was a very difficult case. She told me that the amount of medication I am using for a 26-year-old is very rare because it’s typically used for women over 40 . I was on Menupur 225 and follistim 300 by the end of my cycle. It started with Menopur 75 and follistim 75 .
I cannot express enough how pleased I am with Catalina [nurse at Aspire Fertility] she is just such an amazing soul. She would check up on us even on days that we weren’t coming in or we stopped the treatment. She is a very happy person which helped a lot every time he would see her. I am typing this with a smile on my face that’s how much of a good impact she made in our journey...They had a third-party option for us to pay it would give us two or three payments but it would have to be paid before treatment began.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She is one to explain everything thoroughly so I would never go home with questions. She is A person that gets to the point without hurting your feelings but making sense of what she means. I never felt like she was hiding anything from me everything was very clear from the very beginning
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She is a very real person, She is very honest from the very beginning and she gives you the expectations flat out
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Right when you walked in the door you could feel the warmth from everybody people greeting you even people in the waiting room with smile I could feel like I belonged there ..
When we got down to meeting Dr. Stegman it was such a pleasant surprise compared to the other clinics we had visited
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
So my case was a very difficult case. She told me that the amount of medication I am using for a 26-year-old is very rare because it’s typically used for women over 40 . I was on Menupur 225 and follistim 300 by the end of my cycle. It started with Menopur 75 and follistim 75 .
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Catalina Leano)
I cannot express enough how pleased I am with Catalina she is just such an amazing soul. She would check up on us even on days that we weren’t coming in or we stopped the treatment. She is a very happy person which helped a lot every time he would see her. I am typing this with a smile on my face that’s how much of a good impact she made in our journey.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Honestly they are very honest from head to toe they don’t play around you go in and you know exactly what is expected of you that day you know what is expected of your doctors your nurse even the medical assistants. Medical assistance are very knowledgeable and will answer all your questions. I would say try them out they are amazing
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
They had a third-party option for us to pay it would give us two or three payments but it would have to be paid before treatment began. We decided to go with the cash option because it came out to I believe 15% cheaper we paid a total of 11,600 plus 3775 PGS testing plus medication I lost the total amount of the medication but it was over $5000 anesthesia for the egg retrieval was an extra $500
Describe Barbara Stegmann's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
So the concern was that if I transferred two of my embryos that there would be a risk for twins but I wanted to enjoy my pregnancy so she suggested one embryo and when we were ready he would do the second one
We met with her in a conference room and she [Dr. Steegmann] talked about my periods, asked me questions, and spoke to me and my husband. She did bring up IUI and IVF in that conversation. I was not ready for that yet. ... A good doctor over all she explained some things I was not aware of. I only saw her one time for initial consultation and blood work. Any questions I had were answered by a nurse [Aspire Fertility] and my treatment was done by nurse also. ...
They [Aspire Fertility] never answer the phones. The times I sat in the waiting room for an hour they did not seem busy yet when I called no one ever picked up. They were nice but not very experienced with the type of environment that were in. ... I chose not to name my nurse because she did nothing wrong. I felt she was doing her job. She was wonderful though. She is the only one I would want to deal with again.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
A good doctor over all she explained some things I was not aware of. I only saw her one time for initial consultation and blood work. Any questions I had were answered by a nurse and my treatment was done by nurse also.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask to see or speak to her every visit.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
I saw her one time.
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
The consultation visit was early in the year around March. It was about an hour and a half. They did an ultrasound and hormone blood work. We met with her in a conference room and she talked about my periods, asked me questions, and spoke to me and my husband. She did bring up IUI and IVF in that conversation. I was not ready for that yet. That was all. So the next month I called and asked well what would be the next step and the nurse said well you can do an IUI and I asked about meds, she said well we would have to do a monitoring cycle first then prescribe meds. I was somewhat upset because I do work full time and I was not ready to have the infertility conversation with my male boss. So I dropped it all together. Fast forward to November 2018, I really researched IUI’s, watched videos, read up on tips for successful procedures. I called the clinic and stated I wanted to do an IUI this cycle. They never explained to me how they did it or what the procedure would be like. Everything I knew was from my own research and I trusted myself to know enough where I felt okay with the clinic not being thorough with me. BIG MISTAKE. I went in for my baseline blood work and ultrasound everything came back good. So my nurse told me take femera on CD 3 thru CD 7, I did. Then I went back on CD11 for an ultrasound to check my follicles, I had one on each ovary that were about 9 to 10 mm each. After that, the nurse prescribed me Ovidrel. She said they would look at everything and let me know when to take the shot. Later on that same day still CD 11, she called and said go ahead and take the shot at 7pm then come for your IUI tomorrow (CD 12) at 11 am. When I was in the room about to undress, I asked her so how will we know that I ovulated. She said we do not know it is a chance we are taking. That really killed my hopes. I wished I would have asked for an ultrasound, been a little more forward and I should have said something. I am still in my TTW but it crushed me that they do not check for that before doing a procedure that costs that much.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I chose not to name my nurse because she did nothing wrong. I felt she was doing her job. She was wonderful though. She is the only one I would want to deal with again.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
They never answer the phones. The times I sat in the waiting room for an hour they did not seem busy yet when I called no one ever picked up. They were nice but not very experienced with the type of environment that were in.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
for the IUI procedure and the baseline bloodwork and thats all. it was $1,100
Dr Stegmann is a great doctor who I've referred friends to her clinic. She's enlightened me with so much information as well as given me hope that one day we will become parents. During my first visit I went in feeling as if I was unable to conceive at all and she reassured me that she would get me to that goal.... Be your own advocate. She won't advise any vitamins unless you ask.... Antagonist Protocol: Follistim, Ganirelix, Menopur. I started to over stimulate
Strengths: Very friendly, nice facility, passionate and they [Aspire Fertility] care about each patient Weaknesses: None The office really cares about their patients. The staff consists of mostly women who they too have gone through infertility and can also relate. Not only is Dr Stegmann and the nurses compassionate but as well as the receptionist, therapist, financial advisors. It's an all around great office.... Catalina transferred to Aspire after about a year and a half of us being there.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Stegmann is a great doctor who I've referred friends to her clinic. She's enlightened me with so much information as well as given me hope that one day we will become parents. During my first visit I went in feeling as if I was unable to conceive at all and she reassured me that she would get me to that goal.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Be your own advocate. She won't advise any vitamins unless you ask.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
My wife and I were one of the first couples at Aspire Fertility. It's been such a journey to watch the company grow and expand over the last few years. In this time, we've established a close relationship with the staff. Through numerous visits we're almost like family.
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Antagonist Protocol: Follistim, Ganirelix, Menopur. I started to over stimulate and we started out with a lower dose and then gradually increased dosage. She went this route thinking I wouldn't need much due to my age.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Catalina )
Catalina transferred to Aspire after about a year and a half of us being there. She came with so much experience and we hit it off right away. She always kept an open communication with us. When things were really hard for us she made sure to check in to let us know she was thinking of us and we were in her heart.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Strengths: Very friendly, nice facility, passionate and they care about each patient
Weaknesses: None
The office really cares about their patients. The staff consists of mostly women who they too have gone through infertility and can also relate. Not only is Dr Stegmann and the nurses compassionate but as well as the receptionist, therapist, financial advisors. It's an all around great office.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Describe Barbara Stegmann's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
She mentioned that because I am pre-diabetic that it would be healthier to transfer one embryo at a time. She was very adamant about transferring one embryo.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Minor things like an assistant in the past advised me to start my birth control that the nurse didn't want me to start on that date.
Prescriptions haven't been called in by mistake.
My Husband and I loved Dr. Stegmann. We have the same personality and sense of humor. That was very important to us that we feel comfortable during this process. She explained everything to us in a way we could understand.. and had a few laughs in the process :-)...That was the 1st time we really received answers and an action plan. She was upfront and honest with us. Very optimistic. All 3 of us have the same type of personality, so that made it even better for us.
Very nice, new and clean clinic [Aspire - Hou]. Chic decor and awesome phone charger in the waiting room. It would be cool if parking could be validated every visit..Stephanie S was great! I loved her! Very compassionate. I'm an email communicator and she always responded back in a timely fashion. When she let me know she was transferring to a different city, she had the nurse who would be taking over shadow her so she could get to know me and build that rapport. The nursing staff as a whole is great! Linda and Michelle included!
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
As stated before, my Husband and I felt 100% comfortable with Dr. Stegmann during this process. That was the 1st time we really received answers and an action plan. She was upfront and honest with us. Very optimistic. All 3 of us have the same type of personality, so that made it even better for us. We always had great laughs when we saw her. That is very important.. to feel comfortable.. and not embarrassed to actually need her services.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She has a good personality and likes to laugh. Don't be afraid to connect with your doctor, it makes the process so much better!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
My Husband and I loved Dr. Stegmann. We have the same personality and sense of humor. That was very important to us that we feel comfortable during this process. She explained everything to us in a way we could understand.. and had a few laughs in the process :-)
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
We decided that an IUI was the best procedure for us. We took clomid, monitored ovulation cycle, then had an IUI.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Stefanie was my 1st nurse ( she moved to Dallas), then Maria)
Stephanie S was great! I loved her! Very compassionate. I'm an email communicator and she always responded back in a timely fashion. When she let me know she was transferring to a different city, she had the nurse who would be taking over shadow her so she could get to know me and build that rapport. The nursing staff as a whole is great! Linda and Michelle included!
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Very nice, new and clean clinic. Chic decor and awesome phone charger in the waiting room. It would be cool if parking could be validated every visit lol.. :-)
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I am unsure of exact costs. My insurance is pretty good and covers infertility procedures. I only had to pay my co-pay which was $30 - $50. So please don't make an assessment based off my answer here. Again, my insurance has an excellent infertility plan.
Describe Barbara Stegmann's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
She [Dr. Stegmann] took the time to explain everything easily and genuinely cared about our future plans.... She is great and very personable. She is easy to talk to and relate to. She explains everything very carefully and takes the time to answer questions. I did not feel rushed when talking to her. She also seems very knowledgeable and goes over all the options. I didn’t feel like she was just after my money like the other clinic I went to.
I think this clinic [Aspire Fertility] gets everything right. The atmosphere is comfortable and not “clinical” feeling. It feels laid back and normal and that’s what I need when trying to to worry or stress. The waiting room is nice and the fish tank is relaxing to watch while waiting. The rooms are very private with an extra curtain you can close in front of the door. They do blood draws right there in office too so that’s convenient.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She is great and very personable. She is easy to talk to and relate to. She explains everything very carefully and takes the time to answer questions. I did not feel rushed when talking to her. She also seems very knowledgeable and goes over all the options. I didn’t feel like she was just after my money like the other clinic I went to.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She took the time to explain everything easily and genuinely cared about our future plans.
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I just did my IUI today. I started on the 3rd day of my cycle taking Femara through day 7. I then did home ovulation tests until positive and then came back in for bloodwork and ultrasound. I did a trigger shot at home last night and had the IUI this morning. Now the two week wait!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
They are all wonderful and great ladies. They truly care about you and remember you by name.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I think this clinic gets everything right. The atmosphere is comfortable and not “clinical” feeling. It feels laid back and normal and that’s what I need when trying to to worry or stress. The waiting room is nice and the fish tank is relaxing to watch while waiting. The rooms are very private with an extra curtain you can close in front of the door. They do blood draws right there in office too so that’s convenient.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Based on my previous experience. She [Dr. Barbara Stegmann] decided to freeze the embryos on day 5 and let me body get back to a settled state and prepare for the transfer the following month.... The dr and staff seemed to truly care about us and our health, physical and mental.... The whole practice seemed so eager to help us and give us a positive outcome. I never felt like I was annoying or bugging them with a bunch of questions and phone calls. They were helpful in all aspects and provided and one stop shop
The whole practice [Aspire Fertility] seemed so eager to help us and give us a positive outcome. I never felt like I was annoying or bugging them with a bunch of questions and phone calls. They were helpful in all aspects and provided and one stop shop.... Nice, comfortable, and clean. Everything in house was convenient. Location of actual office is inconvenient for me personally but that isn’t their fault. Blood work, procedures, therapy, daily visits were all located there.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
The whole practice seemed so eager to help us and give us a positive outcome. I never felt like I was annoying or bugging them with a bunch of questions and phone calls. They were helpful in all aspects and provided and one stop shop.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Once you find a clinic you feel comfortable at, stay there.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
The dr and staff seemed to truly care about us and our health, physical and mental.
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Based on my previous experience. She decided to freeze the embryos on day 5 and let me body get back to a settled state and prepare for the transfer the following month.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Yes)
Very helpful and quick to respond if I had any concerns
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Nice, comfortable, and clean. Everything in house was convenient. Location of actual office is inconvenient for me personally but that isn’t their fault. Blood work, procedures, therapy, daily visits were all located there.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
We’re on track or slightly lower than other clinics in the area but provided procedures that would be considered spidered extra at other clinics
Describe Barbara Stegmann's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr Stegmann, new my name even if she were just walking through the waiting room. She clearly took pride in her work and the value of helping people...She was so supportive, even let me bring in donor profiles to discuss, which was above & beyond her duty...Dr Stegmann used basic protocol for my egg retrieval, since I have no known fertility issues
After this clinic [Aspire Fertility] merged with another one, it went WAY down hill. The staff is terrible! Accounting left off several fees & details on my quote for ICSI & FET. The front desk often could not find my file, and the lab lost my vial of donor sperm!....*Front desk is rude and impersonal *Billing is not accurate and misquoted several costs (left out fees involved) *Lab lost specimens *Altogether negligent & rude....
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
I went to Dr Stegmann at the age of 34 for cryopreservation. My body had “textbook reactions” to her protocol. I returned at the age of 37 to discuss using donor sperm for ICSI and embryo transfer. She was so supportive, even let me bring in donor profiles to discuss, which was above & beyond her duty.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
I am so sad that Dr Stegmann is no longer practicing!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Stegmann, new my name even if she were just walking through the waiting room. She clearly took pride in her work and the value of helping people.
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Dr Stegmann used basic protocol for my egg retrieval, since I have no known fertility issues.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
My nurse at the time was fantastic but she is no longer there.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
After this clinic merged with another one, it went WAY down hill. The staff is terrible!
Accounting left off several fees & details on my quote for ICSI & FET. The front desk often could not find my file, and the lab lost my vial of donor sperm!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
To freeze my eggs was a one time fee (all-inclusive) of $8,000
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Lost paperwork
Lost appointments
Failed to call with results
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Provided conflicting information
Lost or damaged samples
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
*Front desk is rude and impersonal
*Billing is not accurate and misquoted several costs (left out fees involved)
*Lab lost specimens
*Altogether negligent & rude
As a patient that has had several experiences at different clinics, I felt more confident in my treatment than I ever have after working with Dr. Stegmann. She is an accomplished physician and a warm, yet factual communicator, which comforted me.
The compassion of the entire Aspire staff is unparalleled. Every single person I worked with was warm, compassionate and patient. I actually looked forward to going there and visiting with each person on the team....The Houston practice is new with several openings in the works. The office is beautiful and accommodating to professionals with wifi, outlets, snacks and drinks in the waiting area. It is built with compassion and innovation at the highest priority from the minute you walk in the door.
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
As a patient that has had several experiences at different clinics, I felt more confident in my treatment than I ever have after working with Dr. Stegmann. She is an accomplished physician and a warm, yet factual communicator, which comforted me.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
As with all doctor visits, come armed with lots of questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Stegmann listened carefully to my concerns and past experiences. She took the time to explain the protocol, spoke in terms that I understood and even made me laugh a few times.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Monica Rayo)
The compassion of the entire Aspire staff is unparalleled. Every single person I worked with was warm, compassionate and patient. I actually looked forward to going there and visiting with each person on the team.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The Houston practice is new with several openings in the works. The office is beautiful and accommodating to professionals with wifi, outlets, snacks and drinks in the waiting area. It is built with compassion and innovation at the highest priority from the minute you walk in the door.
[Dr. Stegmann is...] Very warm and compassionate. We were very nervous and speaking with her actually relaxed me. Very knowledgeable and thorough in discussing options. Not completed with our visits but will definitely recommend...Even though we didn't get the news we wanted, we learned a lot and appreciate the directness but caring way we were told. She was very matter of fact but was ready to discuss the next options and thoroughly explained our options...
Very warm and personable. Even though we didn't get the news we wanted, we learned a lot and appreciate the directness but caring way we were told. She was very matter of fact but was ready to discuss the next options and thoroughly explained our options
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Very warm and compassionate. We were very nervous and speaking with her actually relaxed me. Very knowledgeable and thorough in discussing options. Not completed with our visits but will definitely recommend
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
None. She covered all topics and left us with no questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Very warm and personable. Even though we didn't get the news we wanted, we learned a lot and appreciate the directness but caring way we were told. She was very matter of fact but was ready to discuss the next options and thoroughly explained our options
[Dr. Barbara Stegmann] always remembered me and treated me like a friend...She was always there. I saw her at almost every single clinic visit, with maybe one exception. She was compassionate and caring and I was able to reach out to her directly if needed. I felt that she wanted the best for me and never felt judged for my concerns/anxiety...Be open and honest about everything. She will be the same...[Protocol included] Menopur 150 (increased to 225 after 5 days) Follistim 150 Ganirelix Trigger - Lupron and Pregnyl
Sometimes I felt I was a bother to her [nurse at Aspire Fertility]. She didn’t show as much patience and concern as Dr Stegmann. Some days her bed side manner was good. And others left much to be desired...The clinic is very nice and comfortable. Not a hospital feel at all. I’m always in and out very quickly. Parking and getting to the office is easy. Most staff are well trained and good customer service. The lab is even super fast...The doctor and nurse always remembered me and treated me like a friend
How was your experience with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She was always there. I saw her at almost every single clinic visit, with maybe one exception. She was compassionate and caring and I was able to reach out to her directly if needed. I felt that she wanted the best for me and never felt judged for my concerns/anxiety.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Be open and honest about everything. She will be the same.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
The doctor and nurse always remembered me and treated me like a friend
Describe the protocols Barbara Stegmann used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Menopur 150 (increased to 225 after 5 days)
Follistim 150
Ganirelix
Trigger - Lupron and Pregnyl
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Catalina)
Sometimes I felt I was a bother to her. She didn’t show as much patience and concern as Dr Stegmann. Some days her bed side manner was good. And others left much to be desired.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The clinic is very nice and comfortable. Not a hospital feel at all. I’m always in and out very quickly. Parking and getting to the office is easy. Most staff are well trained and good customer service. The lab is even super fast
Describe the costs associated with your care under Barbara Stegmann at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).