Carolyn Givens

Rated 8.3
Strongly recommend: 73%Don't recommend: 27%8.3
73% strongly recommend
8 reviews
Humanity
8.9
8.9
Humanity

Ratings of 1 mean patients felt this doctor treated them as "a number."

Ratings of 10 mean patients felt this doctor treated them as "a human."

Communication
9.7
9.7
Communication

Ratings of 1 mean poor communication.

Ratings of 10 mean excellent communication.

Frequency Seen
6.7
6.7
Frequency Seen

Ratings of 1 mean patients only saw this doctor once or twice during treatment.

Ratings of 10 mean patients saw this doctor at every appointment.

Responsiveness
7.9
Good
Responsiveness

Scale is "poor, ok, good, excellent" and measures how responsive a care team was when patients needed to speak to them.

Education

Medical School
U. of Texas Southwestern
Residency
Parkland Memorial
Fellowship
UCSF

How Doctor Communicates

doctor, nurse available by email
nurse available by directline
nurse available by directline
not available by personal cell phone
not available by personal cell phone

8 patient reviews

Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2014 - 2020, Unknown Success
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 28 - 34
4 IUI
1 IVF
Donor Eggs
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Endometriosis
PCOS
Tubal Blockage
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Income $100K - $199K
1st of 3 Docs
1 IVF With Other Docs
Donor Sperm
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Success w/ Doc Too early to know
Dr. Givens took the time to hear me out, answer all of my questions, and help me understand the complexities of all that I had going on...always made herself available to me, meeting me continually with genuine concern...Knowing that I have DOR with a very small piece of one ovary left...Despite the odds, 7 eggs were able to be retrieved, which was practically a miracle in my case.
Pacific Fertility Center is a wonderful clinic with many great doctors...In my experience, you may see other doctors during your process. If this is something you do not want, then be sure to check with your doctor on how you can go about seeing them specifically...do their very best to accommodate you on this and will advise you if your doctor is scheduled to be out of the office...
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Givens was the first Reproductive Endocrinologist that we met with nearly 10 years ago. After being told by many doctors that my case was too complicated and highly unlikely that I would ever get pregnant, Dr. Givens was forthcoming and honest, yet hopeful and willing to try to help us. She has never promised the impossible, always staying honest and upfront. Despite our odds, she still offered us hope and optimism, finding a way through where there has been one. Our case has certainly had it's ups and downs, yet Dr. Givens has helped us feel like valuable humans, and not just another patient. We started our journey at PFC with 4 IUI's, prior to moving on to an IVF cycle. She has always presented our options honestly, helping us make the best call, all while being conscious of our financial means. These procedures were very tricky for us, as I only have a tiny piece of one ovary left. Additionally, I have severe endometriosis, one tube left, a history of PCOS, and a complicated multiple abdominal surgical history. Our journey has been an uphill battle. After moving out of the Bay Area, we sought care at a different clinic due to living hours away from PFC. We attempted another IVF, but it was a bust after no eggs were retrieved during that cycle. We were devastated. Though the RE at the other clinic was nice, it was such a different experience. There, we felt like the doctor/patient connection was just lacking. Gratefully, the opportunity to return to Dr. Givens presented itself and we jumped on it! Being back under her care reminds us that we don't have to feel like we are just a number. This time moving on to FET with donor embryos, we now travel 3 hours away to see her, because she is worth it! In an amazing, yet heartbreaking development, she was able to do what felt like the impossible. After 12 years of infertility, she helped us get pregnant through the gift of embryo donation! Unfortunately, we lost our baby girl a day shy of 14 weeks due to a developmental abnormality. This loss was purely a rare phenomenon, having nothing to do with fertility treatments, genetics, etc. Through our heartbreak and pain, Dr. Givens personally called me to check in, and has provided support like we could not have expected. This kindness from her during our time of grief has only grown our appreciation for the amazing woman that she is. She truly has a heart of gold! It feels like Dr. Givens truly wants us to have a baby just as much as we do, and she is alongside us in this complicated journey. Always professional, and still she has come to feel like family, and that is rare in my experience with other doctors. Our journey is yet to be finished, as we are in the process of another FET with our donor embryos. Regardless of where this journey takes us, we wouldn't want any other doctor by our side, directing and advising us. Dr. Givens will always hold a special place in our hearts! Her care is irreplaceable!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Come prepared with questions, and be open and willing to listen. As a patient, I like to be informed and have always been prepared with my list of questions. Dr. Givens is very intelligent and also willing to explain when you need it. If you are a patient that advocates for yourself, Dr. Givens seems to value that.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
From my very first appointment, Dr. Givens took the time to hear me out, answer all of my questions, and help me understand the complexities of all that I had going on. She has always made herself available to me, meeting me continually with genuine concern and care for what is best for me. While other doctors have told me that I likely wouldn't have a chance, she has proven them wrong. Dr. Givens has a huge heart and has always gone above and beyond to help make our dreams of building our family come true.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Givens used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Our first course of action years ago began with IUI's. At the time, financially, IVF was out of the question, so opted to try IUI's before moving on to the more expensive options. As time went on, I had a few more surgeries for my severe endometriosis. This likely being the reason for the unsuccessful IUI's, we had to move on. Our first IVF cycle, we learned that my body took longer to respond to the medications that the average patient. Knowing that I have DOR with a very small piece of one ovary left, Dr. Givens stayed the course. Despite the odds, 7 eggs were able to be retrieved, which was practically a miracle in my case. This IVF resulted in a chemical pregnancy. Since moving on to FET with donor embryos, Dr. Givens chose to do a controlled cycle, working with the fact that I have not been having regular cycles these days. Our first FET was a success using this controlled cycle. Though we are now on to our second FET due to a second trimester miscarriage (unrelated to this fertility process), Dr. Givens has us sticking with the controlled cycle again since it worked for us the last time.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Nurse - Jennise, Coordinator - Jenelle)
All members of Dr. Givens "care team" have been phenomenal. Especially Jennise, Dr. Givens' Team Nurse. She was one of our nurses from the very beginning and again now since our return. Jennise genuinely cares, remembers us, and goes above and beyond to stay on top of everything. Additionally, she helps me with the many, many questions I have had throughout, never making me feel silly even when my questions may seem that way. Jenelle, our care coordinator has been wonderful as well. She is thorough in her communication and always goes above and beyond.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
Pacific Fertility Center is a wonderful clinic with many great doctors. Throughout my time there, I have seen most of the doctors there and they have all been great. These doctors are very busy, doing their best to juggle what seems like very full schedules. In my experience, you may see other doctors during your process. If this is something you do not want, then be sure to check with your doctor on how you can go about seeing them specifically. Being conscious of this since we travel from hours away, I schedule in a way where I can see Dr. Givens specifically since she is so familiar with our case. If this is important to you, simply communicate this to your doctor and care coordinator. In my experience, they do their very best to accommodate you on this and will advise you if your doctor is scheduled to be out of the office during your time of treatment. PFC has worked with me on this better than other clinics I have been to.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr. Givens has always been very helpful and conscious of our financial means over the years. She lays out all of our options and has been honest when things are necessary and also unnecessary.
10
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
4 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
10
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2011 - 2017, Unsuccessful
NPS
2
NPS
5
Age 36 - 42
2 IVF
Unexplained
European
Income $200K - $499K
Marketer or PR
1st of 2 Docs
1 IVF With Other Docs
Doesn't Recommend
Doesn't Recommend
Unsuccessful
Dr Givens was a good communicator, empathetic and professional. She has a conservative approach. She recommended the same protocol 9 times, all which failed, and when I asked multiple times if there was anything experimental I could try she said no, you should think about using a surrogate...If you... do not need a touchy feeling Dr, she is a good fit. She is quick, direct and to the point which I actually appreciate...If you want a doctor that is going to think outside the box, do research on your behalf and bring you all the latest information available whether she agrees with the treatment or not, she is not the right fit for you.
PFC is fancy. Very nice, clean and huge for SF. They have appointments before work hours (8:30am) and there is plenty of parking in the area. Office tends to be crowded but I never felt that it lacked privacy...The PFC staff was organized, compassionate, friendly, and available. Embryologists were great too...During a transfer I was lead to a room that hadn't been cleaned from the previous procedure because they were so jam packed with procedures on the same day. It was chaos.
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Givens was a good communicator, empathetic and professional. She has a conservative approach. She recommended the same protocol 9 times, all which failed, and when I asked multiple times if there was anything experimental I could try she said no, you should think about using a surrogate. Come to find out there are experimental things located within 2 hours of her office. She wrote a paper in 2010 around immunology and IVIG. Her paper was not supporting this treatment, but that's not what I asked. So, if you have a typical case I would recommend her. If you don't and would like to think more outside the box with your treatment, I would recommend you go to another clinic.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
If you have a typical case and do not need a touchy feeling Dr, she is a good fit. She is quick, direct and to the point which I actually appreciate. I don't want to hang out at the clinic any more then I have to. If you want a doctor that is going to think outside the box, do research on your behalf and bring you all the latest information available whether she agrees with the treatment or not, she is not the right fit for you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
From 2011 to 2012 the PFC experience seemed boutique and custom. Dr's had reviewed charts prior to entering the room and came to the table with a plan. When I returned to begin transfers for a second child in 2014 the clinic was different. Much more crowded, rushed and even one of the nurses said to me that they were now so busy she had to remind the Dr's about each patient. During a transfer I was lead to a room that hadn't been cleaned from the previous procedure because they were so jam packed with procedures on the same day. It was chaos.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Givens used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Round 1: age 36; retrieval using Follistim, Ganarelix, Menapure; great results; recommended against genetic testing as I had never been pregnant before; 29 eggs; 15 embroys (all excellent grade); Fresh transfer of 2 embryos; negative pregnancy test (Dr Given's said it was because I hyper stimulated but I had so many embroys she decided to move forward. Round 2: Frozen natural cycle; cancelled due to lining being too thin Round 3: Frozen cycle using stim drugs to help with lining; cancelled due to me ovulating Round 4: Frozen cycle using progesterone and estrogen injections (Dr Given's called this the gold standard to help with thin lining) Lining only got to a 6. Dr Chenet told me I "needed to buy a uterus" at a lining check but that it was Dr Given's call. I requested NOT to see Dr Chenet at future appointments. Dr Given's decided to give it a shot. Transfered 2 embryos; resulted in birth of 1 baby 9 months later: Rounds 5 & 6: Used same protocol as Round 4 both ending in chemical pregnancies Endometrial biopsy - Dr Given's didn't get enough tissue the first time so I had to do this twice. It's painful and delays the process. Biopsy came back fine meaning we were doing transfers on the correct day Went through the rest of the embroys using the same protocol as round 4 with negative pregnancy tests each time. Now out of of embryos Dr Given's reason was that they were not genetically tested. Retrieval #2: 15 eggs; 6 embryos; 3 genetically normal 2 transfers using the same protocol as round 4. Negative pregnancies both times. Thin lining continued through out each round (between 6 and 7) - reco is a 10 With 1 embro left Dr Given's recommended another retrieval and using a surrogate. I did the research and decided that route was not for me. Moved embryo to a new clinic and started from scratch.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Donna is wonderful)
The PFC staff was organized, compassionate, friendly, and available. Embryologists were great too.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
PFC is fancy. Very nice, clean and huge for SF. They have appointments before work hours (8:30am) and there is plenty of parking in the area. Office tends to be crowded but I never felt that it lacked privacy.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
My first cycles were on a special value plan. I can't remember the exact costs but because I was only 36 and using my own eggs I qualified. Everything outside of that was a la carte. My insurance didn't provide coverage so everything was out of pocket. There were no payment plans offered.
Describe Carolyn Givens's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr Given's and the staff at PFC have a conservative approach. When asked about alternative medicine, experimental treatments, ways of eating, etc. they all seem to blow it off as there is "not sufficient research"
2
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
3 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
4 of 5
Trustworthiness
4 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
3 of 5
5
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
5 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
4 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2014 - 2016, 22 Eggs Frozen
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 39 - 41
1 Egg Freezing
European
Income $100K - $199K
Sales Representative
Only Doc Seen
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Successful
I can't [remember] if Dr Givens or another dr harvested my eggs. I had such great results and felt so comfortable overall there that it didn't matter. I've met with her twice recently to discuss next steps (turning my frozen eggs into embryos and implantation to become pregnant) and she is open to answering any and all questions I have and new information I may have read up on that she hasn't heard about yet...things are happening quickly in this field.
You are going almost daily if not daily for a week when your eggs are growing and I think I saw a different dr [at Pacific Fertility Center] each day for the sonogram. I liked all but one. Her bedside manner was nonexistent and I think she laughed at one of my questions in a scoffing manner. I already felt like an alien growing eggs and full of hormone shots so I didn't need this dr I had never met acting that way. I gave that feedback during my "exit interview" after my eggs were frozen. T
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
During an egg retrieval cycle, you see one of the doctors that's available when you go into the office. You are going almost daily if not daily for a week when your eggs are growing and I think I saw a different dr each day for the sonogram. I liked all but one. Her bedside manner was nonexistent and I think she laughed at one of my questions in a scoffing manner. I already felt like an alien growing eggs and full of hormone shots so I didn't need this dr I had never met acting that way. I gave that feedback during my "exit interview" after my eggs were frozen. They seemed genuinely interested in knowing how I felt about my interaction with that dr. Everyone else was great. I can't rem if Dr Givens or another dr harvested my eggs. I had such great results and felt so comfortable overall there that it didn't matter. I've met with her twice recently to discuss next steps (turning my frozen eggs into embryos and implantation to become pregnant) and she is open to answering any and all questions I have and new information I may have read up on that she hasn't heard about yet...things are happening quickly in this field.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask a lot of questions and do your research. For the egg retrieval portion, it's pretty straightforward and takes up a month of your life. I've found that it's better to talk to as many people as possible when moving forward with the rest of the IVF process. There are many more moving parts and things to know.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
PFC does a lot of business. That's just a fact and it's obvious when you're in the office and when you call in. This is not really your friendly neighborhood doctors office with just your Dr or a couple docs, it's a practice and a center with a lot going on. I like that it was this way. It feels both high end (makes you think modern and successful in producing live births) and super professional.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Givens used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
The drugs I took were Follistim, Menopur, Ganirelix and HCG. I ended up going for a couple more days to let the eggs get even bigger so I needed more Menopur which I was able to pick up at the office (PFC). They keep drugs on hand for this last minute purpose as the rest comes in the mail ahead of your cycle. I ended up with 28 eggs retrieved and 22 were frozen. Given my age at the time of 39.5, I would have to think her protocol worked well.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: I had a team and email stream with team on it. )
I don't think I had a specific nurse, but I did have a coordinator and team assigned to me. I was able to email my team specifically so the best person could always pick up my question and respond. When you are in your cycle, you are always able to reach someone and get really fast service. I think they work weekends. When I called after hours, a dr called me right back to answer my question.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
Strengths: professional, discreet, convenient location to get in and out of, highly qualified doctors, the office feels brand new, fancy fertility lab onsite surrounded by glass so you can see them when leaving, their own egg donation center across the hall from their offices, very responsive when you are an active patient, nice nurses and doctors, your own financial contact who handles your payments and answers any questions you may have.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
I think my total fees for egg retrieval in 2014 was $12,000. That included all of my drugs. I think the finance person grossly underestimated how much my drugs would be. The dr. Also added more at the end to let my eggs "cook" a bit more. On their price sheet in 2014, they list X-Cycle Fee as $8,345. They say this includes 4 of each of the following---office visits, ultrasounds, Estradiol as well as one of each of the following---anesthesia, egg retrieval, facility, lab, cryo preservation & one yr of storage ($600). Blood testing, ultrasound and at least one office visit were covered by my insurance as they will not cover fertility treatments, but do pay for "diagnostic procedures and tests provided in connection with infertility evaluation. Office visits and consultation used to diagnose infertility."
10
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
4 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
3 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
10
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
5 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2020, Unknown Success
NPS
9
NPS
9
Age 43
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Male Factor
European
Doctor
2nd of 2 Docs
6 IUI With Other Docs
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Success w/ Doc Too early to know
I have low ovarian reserve and she [Dr. Givens] wanted to used the highest dose of medictaion for stimulation because of my age. She felt it was our best shot...She does not typically do multiple embryo transfer due to the risks associated with twins. I support this completely...I felt respected. I fellt she had enough time for me. I never felt rushed. She answered all my questions earnestly and revealed when she diden't know something.
I the clinic [Pacific Fertility Center] is extremely well organized...The clinic itself was a pleasure to visit, all windows with view of the San Francisco Bay. I always liked being up there with those views! The lab is encased in glass walls so you can look into it as you walk down the hall and see the embyologists in their white coats at work, which I thought was really cool...
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
I felt respected. I fellt she had enough time for me. I never felt rushed. She answered all my questions earnestly and revealed when she diden't know something. I the clinic is extremely well organized.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask questions
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
My impression is that she wanted to give be honest accurate information and did that directly and gently. I felt she liked me and cared about me as a person.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Givens used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I have low ovarian reserve and she wanted to used the highest dose of medictaion for stimulation because of my age. She felt it was our best shot. My cycle is currently postponed due to COVID.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Jerile Grajo)
They are very organized. I started my care just before COVID-19 so the clinic was dealing with a lot of disruption and stress and they seemed to handle it very well with good communication.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
Strength: very well organized, professional. Weakness: I wish they provided free support groups. The clinic itself was a pleasure to visit, all windows with view of the San Francisco Bay. I always liked being up there with those views! The lab is encased in glass walls so you can look into it as you walk down the hall and see the embyologists in their white coats at work, which I thought was really cool.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
21,000 for the IVF cycle
Describe Carolyn Givens's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
She does not typically do multiple embryo transfer due to the risks associated with twins. I support this completely.
9
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
5 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
4 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
9
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
5 of 5
Nursing Staff
4 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
6 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2015 - 2016, Successful
NPS
6
NPS
10
Age 37 - 38
1 IVF
European
Income $200K - $499K
Consultant
1st of 2 Docs
2 IUI With Other Docs
Donor Sperm
Doesn't Recommend
Strongly Recommends
Successful
She [Dr. Carolyn Givens] is very no-nonsense and not super warm-and-fuzzy. But that was fine with me. All of the doctors at PFC had different personalities, some I liked better and some I liked less - but it was the overall competency of the center that was most important to me...One small thing - when Dr Givens called to share my PGS results, she said the male embryo had a slightly less promising Chromosome 21 result. It was actually one of the female embryos. Simple confusion, but could have changed my choice of embryo to transfer if I hadn't read the results myself.
She [Dr. Carolyn Givens] is very no-nonsense and not super warm-and-fuzzy. But that was fine with me. All of the doctors at PFC had different personalities, some I liked better and some I liked less - but it was the overall competency of the center that was most important to me...One small thing - when Dr Givens called to share my PGS results, she said the male embryo had a slightly less promising Chromosome 21 result. It was actually one of the female embryos. Simple confusion, but could have changed my choice of embryo to transfer if I hadn't read the results myself.
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
She is candid, no-nonsense, not super warm-and-fuzzy but very competent and was genuinely happy with the positive outcome. Some PFC physicians I liked more and some I liked less, but it was the overall competence of the center that was important to me.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
She is very no-nonsense and not super warm-and-fuzzy. But that was fine with me. All of the doctors at PFC had different personalities, some I liked better and some I liked less - but it was the overall competency of the center that was most important to me.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Givens used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I went in with very good numbers and was doing IVF because it was the straightest route to pregnancy as a single woman. My cycle involved Follistim, Menpur, Ganirelix, and a bit of Lupron late in the cycle. It was a straight-forward stimulation and retrieval. Upon embryo transfer I was on progesterone and HCG.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
AMAZING. Can't speak highly enough of the nurses and care coordinators.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
PFC is a smooth operation. I like their facilities and appreciated how competently they executed on my care.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
Roughly $22,000
What specific things went wrong at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
  • Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
One small thing - when Dr Givens called to share my PGS results, she said the male embryo had a slightly less promising Chromosome 21 result. It was actually one of the female embryos. Simple confusion, but could have changed my choice of embryo to transfer if I hadn't read the results myself.
6
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
4 of 5
Communication
4 of 5
Frequency Seen
1 of 5
Compassion
4 of 5
10
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
4 of 5
Billing Department
5 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
2014 - 2016, Successful
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 37 - 39
2 IVF
Donor Eggs
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Poor Egg Quality
Tubal Blockage
European
Income $200K - $499K
Operations
1st of 2 Docs
Donor Eggs With Other Docs
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Successful
She [Dr. Carolyn Givens] strongly preferred transferring 1 embryo. So did I so we didn't discuss it much...was compassionate, honest and direct. She and her staff always remembered my name, my husband's name and the status of my case. She handled delivering bad news well. She was very clear with me about my prognosis and what my options were...She was on time for my appointments... was direct and clear on my prognosis from the beginning.
Nurses [at Pacific Fertility Center] were compassionate and super organized. I always knew what was happening, when and why. I was set home with great documents and knew what do to next...My only complaint was how they operated with egg donors. They had a strong preference for anonymous donors and we didn't so we definitely requested a couple of things that came across as exceptions. Also, after we left the clinic (because we moved), we were notified of a storage tank failure. I think they handled it pretty well, but I was not at all affected so it's hard for me to know that for sure.
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Givens was direct and clear on my prognosis from the beginning. She was on time for my appointments. She answered my many, many questions, and she explained my treatment well. My previous answer covers everything else.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
I would give them advice to anyone looking at any RE. Be specific about their success rates for your type of case.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Givens was compassionate, honest and direct. She and her staff always remembered my name, my husband's name and the status of my case. She handled delivering bad news well. She was very clear with me about my prognosis and what my options were.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Givens used in your cycles at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I don't remember.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Yes, but don't remember)
Nurses were compassionate and super organized. I always knew what was happening, when and why. I was set home with great documents and knew what do to next.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
PFC came across as "fancy" when I first went, though ultimately the quality of the care I received across the board helped a lot. I never felt like I was just a number. My only complaint was how they operated with egg donors. They had a strong preference for anonymous donors and we didn't so we definitely requested a couple of things that came across as exceptions. Also, after we left the clinic (because we moved), we were notified of a storage tank failure. I think they handled it pretty well, but I was not at all affected so it's hard for me to know that for sure.
Describe Carolyn Givens's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
She strongly preferred transferring 1 embryo. So did I so we didn't discuss it much.
10
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
4 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
4 of 5
Adaptability
4 of 5
10
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2011 - 2017, Successful
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 37 - 43
5 IUI
2 IVF
Donor Eggs
Uterine Fibroids
Unexplained
Only Doc Seen
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Successful
Dr Givens was always patient through all our questions, explained things clearly during uncertain situations and was kind and always professional. She never pressured us into IVF or using donor eggs, even when that was the most logical next steps. She always gave her opinion during appropriate times but really acted almost like a trusted counselor.... Dr Givens and her staff were always responsive to my needs, timely and we felt well informed during a stressful and oftentimes complicated process. My husband and I have high standards and we felt like PFC in general exceeded our expectations in almost every area!
PFC is a well oiled machine. They take pride in every aspect of your care and it shows! From the front desk staff to the nurses and doctors, everyone was professional and well informed to do a good job.... Dr Givens and her staff were always responsive to my needs, timely and we felt well informed during a stressful and oftentimes complicated process. My husband and I have high standards and we felt like PFC in general exceeded our expectations in almost every area!
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Givens was always patient through all our questions, explained things clearly during uncertain situations and was kind and always professional. She never pressured us into IVF or using donor eggs, even when that was the most logical next steps. She always gave her opinion during appropriate times but really acted almost like a trusted counselor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
To ask as many questions you deem necessary and Dr Givens will gladly answer and help you come to a decision you're comfortable with. Read up, do your research but have realistic expectations based on your age, situation etc.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Givens and her staff were always responsive to my needs, timely and we felt well informed during a stressful and oftentimes complicated process. My husband and I have high standards and we felt like PFC in general exceeded our expectations in almost every area!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Jennise)
Always responsive, caring and informative.
Describe your experience with Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
PFC is a well oiled machine. They take pride in every aspect of your care and it shows! From the front desk staff to the nurses and doctors, everyone was professional and well informed to do a good job.
10
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
3 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
4 of 5
Adaptability
5 of 5
10
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
5 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Clinic Atmosphere
6 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5
Verified
Verified

This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.

2010 - 2012, Successful
NPS
10
NPS
10
Age 41 - 43
2 IUI
Income $200K - $499K
Business Executive
Only Doc Seen
IVF With Other Docs
Strongly Recommends
Strongly Recommends
Successful
Very knowledgeable. We did IVF 2 times, the first we were pregnant with twins, but there were problems... She was sensitive with the details of the problems, but also direct. She knew we needed to understand the severity of what was happening.
The entire staff, both Dr Givens and the nurses always had smiles on their faces, and made you feel like they knew exactly who you were. Even when Dr. Givens had to give us bad news, she was sensitive but direct, giving the facts, but in a kind manner.
How was your experience with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
She was wonderful!! Very knowledgeable. We did IVF 2 times, the first we were pregnant with twins, but there were problems.... the sack never formed correctly and we miscarried around 9 weeks. She was sensitive with the details of the problems, but also direct. she knew we needed to understand the severity of what was happening. when we did miscarry, we were due to leave for Hawaii for vacation in two days. she organized the procedure to be done on the next day (a Sunday!) so we could keep our plans to go. She also kept in touch to make sure there were no complications while we were gone. Our next IVF we had a successful pregnancy, and she was amazing during that one as well.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask a lot of questions. She will be honest.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Givens at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)?
The entire staff, both dr givens and the nurses always had smiles on their faces, and made you feel like they knew exactly who you were. even when dr givens had to give us bad news, she was sensitive but direct, giving the facts, but in a kind manner. when the news was good you felt like she was your biggest cheerleader.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic).
always friendly, made you feel like they knew you. very informative.
10
Doctor
Carolyn Givens
NPS
Humanity
5 of 5
Communication
5 of 5
Frequency Seen
3 of 5
Trustworthiness
5 of 5
Compassion
5 of 5
Explained risks
5 of 5
Adaptability
4 of 5
10
Clinic
Pacific Fertility Center (Prelude Network clinic)
San Francisco
NPS
Operations
5 of 5
Scheduling
4 of 5
Billing Department
4 of 5
Nursing Staff
5 of 5
Educational Resources
7 of 5

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