Dr. Balmir is kind and puts your mind at ease in appointments, but I never once saw her in person. I had two virtual appointments and never met her when I went in for monitoring or IUIs. I never heard from her when treatments failed or in response to MyChart messages...Above all, be prepared to do a lot of your own research, self-advocacy, and follow-up. I asked for increases in my medication dosages, to add progesterone, to have my thyroid rechecked after a dose adjustment, and to be monitored earlier in my cycle because of when I was getting positive OPKs
Ask to be put on the IVF waitlist [at Jones Institute] immediately. Even if you never end up needing IVF, at least you won’t find out about a months long waitlist once you’re already ready to start. Above all, be prepared to do a lot of your own research, self-advocacy, and follow-up...I often had to remind them of what medication I was on, and my mid-cycle ultrasounds were scheduled on a different day each cycle
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is kind and puts your mind at ease in appointments, but I never once saw her in person. I had two virtual appointments and never met her when I went in for monitoring or IUIs. I never heard from her when treatments failed or in response to MyChart messages. She led me to believe that we would do 3-4 IUIs in our first consult, and I learned only later, when I told a nurse I wanted to move onto IVF, that there was a 6-12 month waitlist. I felt misled and like a detailed care plan hadn’t been made for me. I told her in our last video visit that we would be moving to another clinic for IVF, and she told me she’d do everything in her power to get me pregnant before then. My very next IUI was cancelled because the clinic did not monitor me closely enough and I ovulated before my mid cycle ultrasound.
She does take the time you need with her in appointments, but (and probably because of this) she is always extremely late. She was over 30 minutes late for both of my appointments.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Be prepared for her to be late to appointments and for it to be difficult to contact her. Ask her up front about all of your options, and what the wait times are to begin those options. Ask to be put on the IVF waitlist immediately. Even if you never end up needing IVF, at least you won’t find out about a months long waitlist once you’re already ready to start.
Above all, be prepared to do a lot of your own research, self-advocacy, and follow-up. I asked for increases in my medication dosages, to add progesterone, to have my thyroid rechecked after a dose adjustment, and to be monitored earlier in my cycle because of when I was getting positive OPKs. Each time I was told “oh yes, we can do that” - but no one was making these adjustments or recommendations for me.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir has great bedside manner, and my husband and I felt really confident in her plan for us (3-4 IUIs) after our first appointment. However, once we got started with IUIs, I quickly began to feel like a number. Each month when I called with a negative pregnancy test, the nurses were straight to business getting me schedule - there was no acknowledgement of the emotional toll of the failures. I often had to remind them of what medication I was on, and my mid-cycle ultrasounds were scheduled on a different day each cycle. It didn’t seem there was any thought as to how the last cycle had gone. On occasions when I needed to communicate with Dr. Balmir, I was unable to. I could not reach her by phone or MyChart, and was told to make a follow up appointment when I wanted to ask her a question (minimum of 3 weeks wait time).
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
I did 3 medicated IUIs with letrozole for 5 days, beginning on cycle day 3 (first two cycles were 5 mcg; 3rd cycle 7.5 mcg; I took 5 days of 7.5 mcg for a 4th cycle that was canceled). On my first 2 cycles I had 2 mature follicles, in the 3rd I had 3. In the 4th the mid cycle ultrasound was too late and I had already ovulated. I also has Ovidrel (trigger shot) for the first 3.
In my first cycle only, they brought me in for a baseline US and bloodwork. I never again had bloodwork until what should have been my 4th IUI, because the ultrasound tech saw that it looked like I had already ovulated.
They only brought me in for one mid-cycle ultrasound, ranging between days 11 and 14 (never on the same day) and although my follicle sizes and uterine lining measurements were different each time, I was always told to trigger that night.
None of my IUIs were successful, and I’m now in the TWW after my canceled IUI (I was told to have timed intercourse instead).
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I very rarely spoke to the same nurse, and never felt that any of them knew me.
There were numerous occasions in which they conveyed a different care plan to me than what Dr. Balmir and I had discussed, and I had to correct information (for example, she wanted me on letrozole; they tried to start me on clomid. She wanted a day 12 ultrasound, they tried to schedule it for day 14).
Each month when I called to tell them I’d had a negative pregnancy test, they jumped right into scheduling without asking how I was doing, offering any condolences or encouragement. It never felt like they were invested in my journey or really knew where I was in the process.
The nurse who called with my ultrasound results most recently told me in a very chipper tone that I had one collapsed follicle and bloodwork showed I had ovulated, so Dr. Balmir wanted me to have timed intercourse that night. I had to ask her if this meant my IUI was canceled, and she said “yes, we would have had to do it today!” She offered no apology or empathy over this.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
They had good availability for morning monitoring during the week.
A huge limitation is that this clinic does not do monitoring on weekends (at least for IUI, which has been my only experience), so if the best day for your mid cycle ultrasound falls on a weekend, you’re out of luck. It seems that they schedule your appointments based on their convenience rather than what will optimize the chances of your treatment working.
It is impossible to get anyone on the phone - you always have to leave a message and wait for a call back.
As of the time of this review, they have a 6-12 non to wait list to begin IVF, even if you are an established patient, and they are not upfront about this. They have limited OR time and few embryologists, which I was told is the reason for the outrageously long waitlist.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I was lucky to have insurance coverage. I paid about $95 in coinsurance for meds, and about the same for the IUI.
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Failed to order appropriate test
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
During my first appointment, Dr. Balmir told me she wanted me on a letrozole protocol and had concerns about me being on clomid based on my medical history. She also wanted me to have a day 12 ultrasound. When I spoke with a nurse about starting my first IUI, she had clomid in my chart and a day 14 ultrasound. I had to push back multiple times to get her to confirm with Dr. Balmir.
After my first failed IUI, I sent a message through MyChart stating that I wanted to move on to IVF if the second failed. I received a response from a nurse informing me that there was a 6-12 month wait list - no apology or explanation offered. I asked to speak to my doctor, and she stopped responding.
What should have been my 4th IUI was canceled because they do not do monitoring on the weekends. I called on a Sunday morning to notify them of a positive ovulation test. Instead of bringing me in for an ultrasound, they kept my appointment for the next day. 5 hours after my ultrasound I was told that it was too late to do the IUI, that we would have had to do it that day. Had they adjusted my plan of care based on the information I provided about the OPK (as they asked me to), my IUI would not have been cancelled and I would have had another opportunity for this less invasive procedure to work prior to moving to another clinic for IVF.
After being relatively young and having 2 embryo transfers not take, Dr. Balmir recommended an ERA biopsy which we did and had a confirmed pregnancy on our third transfer...Give our ages (under 30) she recommended single embryo transfer only given risks for twin pregnancy...spent so much time getting to know me and my partner. She would remember things from previous visits. She made you feel very safe and like you truly mattered. You never felt rushed in her care. She makes you feel so comfortable with everything.
Some [nurses at Jones Instititue at West Penn Allegheny] were great. Others not so much. There was one in particular(Sarah) we felt most confident in that we requested when calling...Long wait time to get into clinic. IVF cycles are certain weeks of the month which can make planning vacations and what not difficult to predict. Front desk staff always friendly and by the end of our journey we felt as though they were part of our little story given the support they provided, especially Sylvia. Overall friendly staff. Had good experience with ultrasound techs as well. Usually on time for bloodwork and ultrasounds.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Strengths. Too many to name. Wonderful, warming, yet honest bedside manner. Explained everything thoroughly. Drew pictures when needed! Her presence alone brings a warmth to the room. Great communicator, very knowledgeable. I cannot possibly name all of the great things about her. I’ve recommended her to numerous friends/acquaintances and their experiences are always the same. Her only flaw (if you can consider it a flaw) is she is always running behind (except for time sensitive testing/procedures). Expect to be running behind for office visits but you’ll understand why after you meet with her. She gives you 100% of her undivided attention to the patient(s) in her direct care. Never makes you feel rushed or hurried. Always always explains everything thoroughly.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
If you’re looking for a fertility doctor for the first time, pick her! If you’ve been to multiple and are not satisfied, I can promise seeing Dr. Balmir will be your best decision moving forward in your journey.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir spent so much time getting to know me and my partner. She would remember things from previous visits. She made you feel very safe and like you truly mattered. You never felt rushed in her care. She makes you feel so comfortable with everything.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Birth control to time your cycle for the monthly IVF transfers. Estrace + IM progesterone. 5 days of doxycycline and medrol leading up to embryo transfer. First blood pregnancy test 9 days later, then repeat 2-3 days after that. Ultrasound to confirm pregnancy 2 weeks after that. After being relatively young and having 2 embryo transfers not take, Dr. Balmir recommended an ERA biopsy which we did and had a confirmed pregnancy on our third transfer.
How competent was Fabiola Balmir at LGBTQ+ care?
Absolutely. She explained our options and we opted for reciprocal IVF. The entire clinic made us feel welcomed.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Some were great. Others not so much. There was one in particular(Sarah) we felt most confident in that we requested when calling. She was organized, informative, and supportive. Good communicator. The others sometimes did not seem to be on the same page or know the overall picture. Overall, good team. I’m sure as clinic grows their will be changes in how they work collectively.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Long wait time to get into clinic. IVF cycles are certain weeks of the month which can make planning vacations and what not difficult to predict. Front desk staff always friendly and by the end of our journey we felt as though they were part of our little story given the support they provided, especially Sylvia. Overall friendly staff. Had good experience with ultrasound techs as well. Usually on time for bloodwork and ultrasounds.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Insurance covered 90% of costs aside from embryo freezing and thawing.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Give our ages (under 30) she recommended single embryo transfer only given risks for twin pregnancy.
Dr. Balmir is intelligent, kind, compassionate, supportive...treated me like an individual...there was a lot of discussion, pivoting, testing (and crying) and I always felt like she was 1,000% in my corner...2 egg retrievals and 6 transfers...knowing I had PCOS, and we discovered endometriosis
Kindbody doesn't feel like a clinic...the space is warm, inviting, personal and not quite as clinical...you get to know most everyone and it begins to feel like a family...only "weakness"...wish I could have called the front desk directly...have to call a main 800 number and either leave a message or wait on hold while they tried to contact the local clinic
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Dr. Balmir is intelligent, kind, compassionate, supportive. She treated me like an individual. It took me 2 years to get and stay pregnant – so there was a lot of discussion, pivoting, testing (and crying) and I always felt like she was 1,000% in my corner – wanting this for me as much as I did.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Be prepared - it really is a two way street and she'll provide the options and if asked, provide her opinion - but she will look to the patient to guide (which I appreciated as someone who wanted to participate in the decision making). She will take her time with you - so bring your questions and concerns!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Dr. Balmir LISTENED to me - we shared in the decision making, she was compassionate and supportive, she answered all of my questions and I never felt rushed. And because I had difficulty getting and staying pregnant, she was going above and beyond for me to research protocols and talk to colleagues. She wanted this as much as I did.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Kindbody - Minneapolis and their degree of success.
I don't remember all the specifics of my treatment strategies because I did 2 egg retrievals and 6 transfers (7 cycles, but we had to cancel one before the transfer) over 2 years. I went in knowing I had PCOS, and we discovered endometriosis along the way - so there were many pivots to address what we thought could be happening. We added an antihistamine protocol, I did intralipid infusions, we added Lovenox, Tacrolimus and tried acupuncture.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
The team was also incredibly warm and dedicated. They were easy to communicate with - responding in a very timely matter via the portal. I really believe Kindbody is THE place for personalized care. In such a delicate place in life to be struggling with fertility and needing to foster a real relationship with your care team – there is no other place I’d consider.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Minneapolis.
Kindbody doesn't feel like a clinic - the intentional design of the space is warm, inviting, personal and not quite as clinical as most doctor's offices. It goes a long way in showing what their ethos is. The clinic is small - so you get to know most everyone and it begins to feel like a family.
The only "weakness", which isn't even really that, is I wish I could have called the front desk directly but they are setup in a roundabout way. I'd have to call a main 800 number and either leave a message or wait on hold while they tried to contact the local clinic.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
Fortunately, most of my expenses were covered by my employer's fertility benefits. My benefits did not cover transferring two embryos, so I did pay for that procedure out of pocket (procedure only - medications were still covered). The cost of the transfer was $4,500.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
I transferred 1 embryo at a time because that is what my employer's fertility benefits would cover. However, after all the miscarriages and my eventual laparoscopy, I was feeling very hopeful. Given the number of times we'd tried, and my age, Dr. Balmir was OK with me transferring 2 embryos and I ended up with 1 implanting and am now pregnant!
Although the wait was long to see Dr. Balmir, she was extremely attentive and detailed during our appointment. She put my husband and I at ease immediately and took the time to review my file prior to our appointment... I was impressed with her attention to detail and calming bedside manner. She performed my egg retrieval and two of my embryo transfers. Every encounter was pleasant and professional. She does tend to run a bit late, however, this did not bother me because she takes her time with each patient...
Although I did not have any issues with the nursing staff [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny], I did have difficulty with the way communication was designed overall at the clinic. They are extremely busy and the nurse's line will only lead you to an answering machine. If you miss their call, you will have to leave a voicemail for a callback and then pray you can answer 24 hours later when they return the call. That being said, all of the nurses were professional and friendly although it was clear they are not there to provide comfort and talk you through bad news.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
I met with Dr. Balmir for two appointments after my original Dr. retired. I was impressed with her attention to detail and calming bedside manner. She performed my egg retrieval and two of my embryo transfers. Every encounter was pleasant and professional. She does tend to run a bit late, however, this did not bother me because she takes her time with each patient.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
If you prefer a direct and straightforward approach from your Dr., I would advise you to look into Dr. Homa.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Although the wait was long to see Dr. Balmir, she was extremely attentive and detailed during our appointment. She put my husband and I at ease immediately and took the time to review my file prior to our appointment.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Although I did not have any issues with the nursing staff, I did have difficulty with the way communication was designed overall at the clinic. They are extremely busy and the nurse's line will only lead you to an answering machine. If you miss their call, you will have to leave a voicemail for a callback and then pray you can answer 24 hours later when they return the call. That being said, all of the nurses were professional and friendly although it was clear they are not there to provide comfort and talk you through bad news.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
This was a huge learning process for me. I chose this clinic due to its proximity to where I live, however, if I could turn back time I would have looked into a clinic out of state. Advocate for yourself and ask questions when needed. They have a lot of patients and you can sometimes feel like you are on your own to navigate aspects of your care. Double-check and triple-check all of the clinic's notes against your own.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Luckily my husband's work provided fertility benefits or else treatment would not have been an option for me.
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Failed to call with results
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I experienced some scheduling issues where I was lucky enough to catch and fix. I also was frustrated at times when receiving test results. The nurses would be able to give me the bottom line but not able to walk me through each result with detail.
Dr. Balmir spent time looking over our chart prior to each appointment so that she could speak candidly and reference our treatment specifically...When I had a surgical procedure, she waited with me in recovery, before my husband could arrive, so that I would not wake up alone... recommended genetic testing for any embryos resulting from IVF. Due to genetic testing, she indicated that she would only implant one embryo
The clinic [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] is clean and well maintained. The office is easy to find and convenient for me to drive to. The front desk staff started to remember my face/name which really gave a personal touch to my experience. There is a blood lab located on site which makes treatment very convenient...At times, I've had to wait until the next day for a return phone call which can be frustrating when you are trying to have a prescription filled
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very knowledgeable and detail oriented. She was extremely patient with my endless questions and made you feel that she could/would spend as much time with you as needed (she didn't rush me out the door). Dr. Balmir has given me hope where I previously had none. I can't imagine being treated by another reproductive endocrinologist.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Schedule your appointments as soon as possible. She has a very full schedule which means you may have to wait for an appointment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir spent time looking over our chart prior to each appointment so that she could speak candidly and reference our treatment specifically (vs. speaking in general terms). She noticed that I took a lot of notes when she spoke so she provided me with video links, handouts and would draw diagrams to help explain any topic that we were discussing. When I had a surgical procedure, she waited with me in recovery, before my husband could arrive, so that I would not wake up alone.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Because of my fear of IVF, we started with 3 cycles of IUI (clomid +FSH). After negative results for 3 cycles, we moved to 3 cycles of IUI using different medication (Letrozole + FSH) which also resulted in a negative pregnancy. After 6 cycles, we met with the Dr.Balmir and decided to try IVF. We were placed on a 3 month waiting list for IVF and it has since been delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I have had such positive experiences with each member of the nursing staff. They have all been kind, compassionate and very positive. The only negative experience that I have experienced is delayed return phone calls. At times, I've had to wait until the next day for a return phone call which can be frustrating when you are trying to have a prescription filled.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The clinic is clean and well maintained. The office is easy to find and convenient for me to drive to. The front desk staff started to remember my face/name which really gave a personal touch to my experience. There is a blood lab located on site which makes treatment very convenient.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
IUI=$369/session (bloodwork and ultrasounds covered by insurance)
IVF= $19,650 (egg retrieval, embryo transfer, cryopreservation, embryo biopsies)
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Due to my advanced age, Dr. Balmir recommended genetic testing for any embryos resulting from IVF. Due to genetic testing, she indicated that she would only implant one embryo.
Dr. Balmir is reassuring and confident. When she shakes your hand, she holds your hand in both of hers. I find that to be quite comforting...Wait for the appointment with her! I waited a month and a half to see her based on recommendations from two friends...I had Femara starting on day 3 and IUI. She didn’t use Clomid because she was afraid of the probability of multiples seeing as I have a high number of eggs
The clinic environment [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] is clean and bright. Everyone that I encountered were kind, compassionate and knowledgeable...The only thing that I had an issue with was scheduling my sonohysterography. I was told to call on the first day of my next cycle to get scheduled. When I did, they were already booked for that month, so I had to schedule for the following one.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is reassuring and confident. When she shakes your hand, she holds your hand in both of hers. I find that to be quite comforting when you’re there for such a sensitive reason. She talks with you like a person and makes sure you understand everything you’ve discussed. She also asked and genuinely wanted to know if I was mentally/emotionally doing okay.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Wait for the appointment with her! I waited a month and a half to see her based on recommendations from two friends (now pregnant) who had her as their doctor.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir takes the time to explain everything (treatment, diagnosis, etc.) and does not hurry you out the door. She is kind and compassionate, which is shown through her words, actions, and mannerisms.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
I’ve only had one treatment cycle so far before all “non-essential” procedures were cancelled. I had Femara starting on day 3 and IUI. She didn’t use Clomid because she was afraid of the probability of multiples seeing as I have a high number of eggs. Once we get back on the schedule, we will do this treatment two more times before sitting down again and plotting our next course of action.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Everyone in the office has treated us with kindness and respect.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The clinic environment is clean and bright. Everyone that I encountered were kind, compassionate and knowledgeable. I really haven’t been disappointed in any part of my treatment thus far. The only thing that I had an issue with was scheduling my sonohysterography. I was told to call on the first day of my next cycle to get scheduled. When I did, they were already booked for that month, so I had to schedule for the following one.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I have not received my EOB yet, so cannot answer this.
It took 3 months to get an appointment [with Dr. Fabiola Balmir] We had a good consultation. Then it was 100% interaction with nurses...No one seemed to be guiding the plan...Dr Balmir was 45 minutes late for our first appointment. After 2 months I said I wanted to talk to her. I was told I had to make an appointment- the first availability was in a month! And guess what, she was 30 minutes late for a 30 min appointment. I’m finding a new doctor. I feel like I’m on a conveyor belt.
It [Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] felt like a fertility mill...They [nurses] don’t directly answer questions, don’t recognize you after repeat visits, the nurses line never answers you always leave a message and they call back and are short and snippy...It was impersonal, the doctor was always late, I never had a clear picture of what to expect next despite asking, the nurses were churning through, they’d return calls at their convenience not mine, it was a mill. I wanted a trusted provider that offered guidance and was engaged. That was 0 percent the experience. It’s a mill. And if insurance doesn’t cover it’s expensive too.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
She seems nice. She’s been 30+ minutes late to both appointments, didn’t do or set the expectation she wouldn’t do the IUI. I want a relationship with my dr and guidance. She seemed totally out of touch. It felt like a fertility mill.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
AVOID!!!!
Find a different provider.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
It took 3 months to get an appointment. We had a good consultation. Then it was 100% interaction with nurses that were snippy. No one seemed to be guiding the plan- what are you here for? Dr Balmir was 45 minutes late for our first appointment. After 2 months I said I wanted to talk to her. I was told I had to make an appointment- the first availability was in a month! And guess what, she was 30 minutes late for a 30 min appointment. I’m finding a new doctor. I feel like I’m on a conveyor belt.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Letrizole because Clomid made me feel nuts. Ovidrill trigger before IUI.
I’m not pregnant but tests showed follicles and ovulation.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
They’re awful. They don’t directly answer questions, don’t recognize you after repeat visits, the nurses line never answers you always leave a message and they call back and are short and snippy.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The only good thing about this clinic is the lady who draws blood is quick and painless. She was sweet too. Everything else was either pretty standard or disappointing. The MyChart app is nice to have test results in one place.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Told all in a round of IVF is $25,000
A round of IVF was somewhere between $1-2,000- not sure what was baseline vs procedure
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Lost appointments
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
It was impersonal, the doctor was always late, I never had a clear picture of what to expect next despite asking, the nurses were churning through, they’d return calls at their convenience not mine, it was a mill. I wanted a trusted provider that offered guidance and was engaged. That was 0 percent the experience. It’s a mill. And if insurance doesn’t cover it’s expensive too.
She [Dr. Balmir] even took the time to call me at night before we started treatment to talk through last minute questions I had. We felt truly cared for from the second we walked into her office for a consult. During the transfer she played classical music for us and our embryo. She has been such a big cheerleader for us too. Seeing Dr Balmir was the best decision we’ve made on our journey...Freeze all cycle. (She knew I was going to over-stimulate) Follistim, Ganarelix and Menopur. Lupron trigger (no HCG) Estrace vaginally and progesterone in oil shots for transfer Antibiotics and steroids before transfer Baby aspirin daily
[Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny is] the smallest clinic in Pittsburgh but they recently revamped their lab and many of their protocols...They do IVF in batches - so all retrieval’s are scheduled in one week and all transfers scheduled the following week. So they will put you on birth control to “take over” your cycle and get you on their schedule. The office is a little dated and very clinical looking - like a doctors office. Which is fine. But there are some fertility clinics that are decorated more homey.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr Balmir will take however much time you need with you and she will answer every single question. She wants to make sure you are 100% comfortable and confident. She will make you feel so appreciated. She is the only doctor who showed sincere sympathy for the journey we’ve been on. She will be your biggest cheerleader and supporter. I have nothing but fantastic things to say about her. GO SEE HER! You will not regret it!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
GO SEE HER! And bring all your questions!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr Balmir is nothing short of fantastic. We have been to multiple REs in our day, and she is the only one that spent time with us. She explained everything clearly (she even drew us pictures!). I had loads of questions and she answered every single one. She even took the time to call me at night before we started treatment to talk through last minute questions I had. We felt truly cared for from the second we walked into her office for a consult. During the transfer she played classical music for us and our embryo. She has been such a big cheerleader for us too. Seeing Dr Balmir was the best decision we’ve made on our journey.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Antagonist protocol. Freeze all cycle. (She knew I was going to over-stimulate)
Follistim, Ganarelix and Menopur.
Lupron trigger (no HCG)
Estrace vaginally and progesterone in oil shots for transfer
Antibiotics and steroids before transfer
Baby aspirin daily
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Valerie )
Staff is great! Everyone was very nice to me. My only complaint is that you can’t talk to them right away. You have to leave a voicemail or email. But they will respond usually the same day.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
It’s the smallest clinic in Pittsburgh but they recently revamped their lab and many of their protocols. They are now state of the art. They have the BEST embryologists in Pittsburgh. They do IVF in batches - so all retrieval’s are scheduled in one week and all transfers scheduled the following week. So they will put you on birth control to “take over” your cycle and get you on their schedule.
The office is a little dated and very clinical looking - like a doctors office. Which is fine. But there are some fertility clinics that are decorated more homey.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My insurance covered most of it (minus our 20% copay)
I had to pay for freezing and thawing out of pocket
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
For the first 2 cycles [with Dr. Balmir] we did letrozole only then clomed only. The other 6 cycles were clomed and letrozole combined with trigger shots...is always so positive! She tells me everything she planned and why we are doing what we are doing...is on top of her research. If you read it on the internet and have questions she always seems to know what shes talking about. She goes over treatment styles, courses, and medications. Her return communication is lacking tho. There were times id send a message on the mychart or ask a nurse to relay a message to her and ive never gotten responses unless i see her in the office.
The fertility clinic [Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] opens before the building so sometimes you have to use the back entrance and they forget to tell you that at 6am appointments. The carpet is old and stained and the waiting room is really small. There is plenty of parking and 2 spots for expecting mothers but i never see anyone park there...There are times she [nurse] forgot things, like how i dont get periods, but thats usually only happened when they were taking on new patients. The nurses call the day you get bloodwork and ultrasounds done and go over meds. The one complaint i have is they arent always detailed. When doing my egg retrieval i was just told to adjust this med or stop this med, if i wanted to know how many follicles and sizes i always had to ask.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is on top of her research. If you read it on the internet and have questions she always seems to know what shes talking about. She goes over treatment styles, courses, and medications. Her return communication is lacking tho. There were times id send a message on the mychart or ask a nurse to relay a message to her and ive never gotten responses unless i see her in the office.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
If you have a question that only she can answer please make sure the nurses get her on the phone otherwise youll be waiting awhile for a response. Her bedside manner and positive attitude with her knowledge make her an awesome doctor nonetheless.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is always so positive! She tells me everything she planned and why we are doing what we are doing.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
We had to do 6 failed cycles in a 12month period before insurance would cover ivf. I had already done 2 cycles prior but the insurance didnt count those. For the first 2 cycles we did letrozole only then clomed only. The other 6 cycles were clomed and letrozole combined with trigger shots
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Sarah)
My nurse was and is Sarah. Ive had her for almost the full 3 yrs ive been there. There are times she forgot things, like how i dont get periods, but thats usually only happened when they were taking on new patients. The nurses call the day you get bloodwork and ultrasounds done and go over meds. The one complaint i have is they arent always detailed. When doing my egg retrieval i was just told to adjust this med or stop this med, if i wanted to know how many follicles and sizes i always had to ask.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The fertility clinic opens before the building so sometimes you have to use the back entrance and they forget to tell you that at 6am appointments. The carpet is old and stained and the waiting room is really small. There is plenty of parking and 2 spots for expecting mothers but i never see anyone park there.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My insurance covered everything once my deductible was met so i only paid copays when i had to see the doc or for meds
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Due to us getting 10 day5 blasts she strongly recommended 1 eset. My plan only covers eset anyways so it worked out
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I have to take lovenox. For my fet preperation they only prescribed 12days worth of lovenox. I now need a 30 day supply and the nurse i spoke to sent a new rx to my pharmacy again for 12 days.
Dr. Balmir was sensitive, listened, was reassuring, and made us feel like it was truly her passion and pleasure to help us have the family we imagine...gave us the worst news of our entire lives and we still left the appointment loving her and feeling confident in our decision to choose her as our doctor. She is compassionate, responsive to concerns, questions, and anxieties, and makes all her patients feel understood, valued, seen, and important.
The nursing staff [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] is responsive and sincere, they answer all questions and are sensitive to worries and concerns. Their communication isn't as open as I would like it to be and as a teacher that is not free to answer my phone whenever they call, we have been known to play games of phone tag, but they are persistent and never gave up, no matter how inconvenient my job made my treatment.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir gave us the worst news of our entire lives and we still left the appointment loving her and feeling confident in our decision to choose her as our doctor. She is compassionate, responsive to concerns, questions, and anxieties, and makes all her patients feel understood, valued, seen, and important.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Don't ever hesitate to ask her questions, she will make time for you an your concerns and she will do her best to make sure you're comfortable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir was sensitive, listened, was reassuring, and made us feel like it was truly her passion and pleasure to help us have the family we imagine.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
Dr. Balmir supervised my husband through his male factor infertility diagnosis and had an extensive meeting with us regarding our options afterwards. She explained everything, with pictures and definitions, and we left armed with information about IUI, IVF, donor sperm, donor embryos, and adoption . We chose to move forward with donor sperm IUI, with letrozole and ovidrel before our IUIs. I
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The nursing staff is responsive and sincere, they answer all questions and are sensitive to worries and concerns. Their communication isn't as open as I would like it to be and as a teacher that is not free to answer my phone whenever they call, we have been known to play games of phone tag, but they are persistent and never gave up, no matter how inconvenient my job made my treatment.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The clinic is beautiful, clean, and well kept. It is thoughtfully organized and in an easy location. It is large enough that wait time isn't long, but small enough that you truly feel like a priority and valued patient.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
So far, our treatment costs have been minimal. We pay $165 for lie ovidrel each cycle, and about $5 for the letrozole. We also pay about $75 for the donor sperm analysis and IUI procedure, but our biggest cost is the $1,100 a cycle for the donor sperm. Unfortunately, neither the clinic nor the insurance can cover that cost for us.
We are getting ready to begin our first IVF round in the coming weeks, but [Dr. Fabiola Balmir] is helpful, honest, smart, and explains every thing we need to know thoroughly. She’s kind and caring, which is important to us...takes the time to get to know you. When you go into the office for bloodwork, etc., even if you don’t have an appointment with her that day, she makes it a point to say hello to her patients by name. She’s thorough and answers every question that we have without making us feel like we are a burden.
I wasn’t told to get my trial transfer done [at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] prior to starting IVF, and had to delay starting IVF because of it...All of the nurses were helpful... but it can be a challenge to connect with them. You typically have to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back...it can be intimidating to call because you feel like you’re constantly leaving voicemails, but don’t hesitate to do that so that your questions get answered. They also wait to assign you a nurse until you’re getting closer to starting a procedure,
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
We are getting ready to begin our first IVF round in the coming weeks, but Dr. Balmir is helpful, honest, smart, and explains every thing we need to know thoroughly. She’s kind and caring, which is important to us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. She’s always incredibly helpful.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is caring and takes the time to get to know you. When you go into the office for bloodwork, etc., even if you don’t have an appointment with her that day, she makes it a point to say hello to her patients by name. She’s thorough and answers every question that we have without making us feel like we are a burden.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
We are at the beginning stages of IVF. I’d be able to better answer this question in a month or two.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Valerie)
The nurses are helpful but it can be a challenge to connect with them. You typically have to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Getting to talk to a nurse can be a challenge because they screen their calls, but they do call you back and are always happy to answer questions. When you’re new to this, it can be intimidating to call because you feel like you’re constantly leaving voicemails, but don’t hesitate to do that so that your questions get answered.
They also wait to assign you a nurse until you’re getting closer to starting a procedure, so you are talking to a different nurse all the time in the beginning. Personally, I felt much more comfortable since being assigned a nurse and knowing that she would be my main point of contact moving forward.
All of the nurses were helpful, though.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
We’re expecting it will cost around $15,000.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
NA
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I wasn’t told to get my trial transfer done prior to starting IVF, and had to delay starting IVF because of it.
Dr. Balmir is very warm and compassionate. She sat down and answered all of our questions and set expectations of success. As someone who is obsessive researcher on Google, she answered each of my questions with an answer complete with research backing it. We never felt rushed out of the room with Dr. Balmir.... While Dr. Balmir is warm and compassionate, she is not going to beat around the bush with your chances of success.
Everyone at the clinic [Jones Institute] is very nice. They do sometimes seem a little disorganized but nothing that's ever caused any issues. The offices themselves are a little dated but they seem to have up to date equipment so that is all that matters.... Both IUI cycles cost around $200. We had already met our insurance deductible for this year so that did help costs.... All of the nurses are extremely nice. They will answer your questions to the best of their ability and seem to have already discussed the answer with the doctor.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very warm and compassionate. She sat down and answered all of our questions and set expectations of success. As someone who is obsessive researcher on Google, she answered each of my questions with an answer complete with research backing it. We never felt rushed out of the room with Dr. Balmir.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
While Dr. Balmir is warm and compassionate, she is not going to beat around the bush with your chances of success.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir took the time to talk with my husband and I to discuss treatment and expectations and also to answer my questions.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
I was first put on 5mg femara and Gonal F injectables (75iu) for two IUI's. We are now going to try and increase the dose of Gonal to 100 for the next IUI which should give us more information on my response to fertility medications so that we can hopefully move forward to IVF.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny. (Assigned nurse: Sara)
All of the nurses are extremely nice. They will answer your questions to the best of their ability and seem to have already discussed the answer with the doctor.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Everyone at the clinic is very nice. They do sometimes seem a little disorganized but nothing that's ever caused any issues. The offices themselves are a little dated but they seem to have up to date equipment so that is all that matters.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Both IUI cycles cost around $200. We had already met our insurance deductible for this year so that did help costs.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
N/A
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Lost appointments
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My husband was out of town for our 2nd IUI and had to freeze his sample before he left. When I was scheduled for the IUI no one told me I had to go in that morning to sign for my husband's sample to be de thawed. It ended up working out but I had to rush to the clinic to sign and then my IUI was delayed 2 hours.
She [Dr. Fabiola Balmir] actually listened to me and answered my questions no matter how ridiculous they were...explained everything so that I could understand...showed compassion to me when I would start to tear up and felt like a failure. The only issue I have is that most of our appointments we had to wait 20+ minutes after our scheduled time before we were seen...
The clinic [Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny] is very hard to get into. You have to schedule months in advance which is understandable for the type of clinic it is. Everything is very clean and organized. Only issue is that we had to wait 20+ minutes passed our scheduled appointment time...When it was time for the IUI the nurses would talk to me to distract me from what was going on...
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
She listened to me and explained everything so that I could understand. De. Balmir showed compassion to me when I would start to tear up and felt like a failure. The only issue I have is that most of our appointments we had to wait 20+ minutes after our scheduled time before we were seen
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Make your appointment early in the day
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
She actually listened to me and answered my questions no matter how ridiculous they were
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
We started with Letrozole and trigger shot and then IUI 3 times. We then did 4 months of Letrozole and timed intercourse.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
They were all very professional and compassionate. When it was time for the IUI the nurses would talk to me to distract me from what was going on so I would be so tense and they explained each step before it happened
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The clinic is very hard to get into. You have to schedule months in advance which is understandable for the type of clinic it is. Everything is very clean and organized. Only issue is that we had to wait 20+ minutes passed our scheduled appointment time
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
The office visits were not as expensive as I thought and the medicine I had to take some was covered and some wasnt. IUI was not covered by insurance but was still cheaper than expected. IVF is a lot more pricey but around the same or less than other clinics I have researched
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Dr Balmir made me feel like family. Her enthusiasm towards my treatment is great.... Dr Balmir is a fantastic Doctor she is compassionate and enthusiastic about all of my appointments and is always looking forward to what she is able to help with and always willing to talk or answer any questions you may have.... The clinic [Reproductive Health Specialists] is very helpful. They have a very short wait time and keep me very informed with everything going on.
The clinic [Reproductive Health Specialists] is very helpful. They have a very short wait time and keep me very informed with everything going on. I love there honesty. The staff is very courteous and sweet as well. I would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone looking for a new specialist in the Pittsburgh area.... Dr Balmir is a fantastic Doctor she is compassionate and enthusiastic about all of my appointments and is always looking forward to what she is able to help with
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed)?
Dr Balmir is a fantastic Doctor she is compassionate and enthusiastic about all of my appointments and is always looking forward to what she is able to help with and always willing to talk or answer any questions you may have.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed)?
Be honest with her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed)?
Dr Balmir made me feel like family. Her enthusiasm towards my treatment is great.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed).
They are very helpful and as informational as they can be.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists (closed).
The clinic is very helpful. They have a very short wait time and keep me very informed with everything going on. I love there honesty. The staff is very courteous and sweet as well. I would definitely recommend this clinic to anyone looking for a new specialist in the Pittsburgh area.
Dr. Balmir has the best bedside manner...was realistic, kind, and is an expert at her craft...made us feel so cared for and we really felt that she was very genuine...Single embryo transfer was our only option...she was uplifting and rejuvenated our hope
we'd change about Kindbody is their communication. Be prepared to be your own advocate. Stay organized. Write out your treatment plan and be the 'Project Manager' of that plan...several times I had to call and simply demand escalation of our treatment questions--including times mid-cycle where I couldn't get an appointment slot for required cycle checks
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
We chose Kindbody Minneapolis simply due to proximity, but truly feel blessed to have gotten Dr. Balmir as our provider. The entire fertility treatment process is long and draining, but she was uplifting and rejuvenated our hope.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Ask questions. Make sure you take advantage of her knowledge to make sure you fully understand and feel comfortable at every step.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Dr. Balmir has the best bedside manner of any provider we've ever seen. During the most exhausting and stressful time of our lives, she was such a comfort to us. She was realistic, kind, and is an expert at her craft.
We would follow her to any clinic; we wouldn't go through fertility treatments with any other provider. She made us feel so cared for and we really felt that she was very genuine in her desire to help us become parents.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
We communicated with many different nurses and support staff, and had no complaints about our care from any of them.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Minneapolis.
The only thing we'd change about Kindbody is their communication. Be prepared to be your own advocate. Stay organized. Write out your treatment plan and be the 'Project Manager' of that plan.
There were several times I had to call and simply demand escalation of our treatment questions--including times mid-cycle where I couldn't get an appointment slot for required cycle checks. Be your own advocate--I can't stress this enough. The actual medical care is phenomenal, but there are SO many people communicating with you from the various teams at Kindbody that you need to make sure you keep them consistent with one another. There were lots of times we had to repeat information to them or re-sign consent forms.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
We used an out of state gestational carrier, so many monitoring appointments were coordinated with her home provider and were not completed by Kindbody clinicians.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
Our insurance didn't cover fertility treatments, so all in, I'd say we were in about the $30-35,000 out of pocket range for everything (meds, storage, tissue transport, 3rd party legal contracts, etc.)
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
Single embryo transfer was our only option, as we only had one embryo that was euploid.
What specific things went wrong at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Dr. Balmir is kind, compassionate, professional, and an amazing caregiver. She clearly cares about her work and does everything possible to ensure positive outcomes. Even if the outcome is not as desired, she is sympathetic in her words and actions...I felt that she truly cared about my case and what my goals were. I felt supported and cared for at all times...Have lots of questions prepared and she will have the answers!
The [Kindbody- Minneapolis] atmosphere is so comforting and plush - you feel at ease immediately inspite of the nature of the visit. The staff isn’t just professional but incredibly kind. As far as weaknesses I would say not enough locations...Top to bottom EVERYONE at the clinic was amazing...Dr. Balmir is kind, compassionate, professional, and an amazing caregiver. She clearly cares about her work and does everything possible to ensure positive outcomes. Even if the outcome is not as desired, she is sympathetic in her words and actions.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Dr. Balmir is kind, compassionate, professional, and an amazing caregiver. She clearly cares about her work and does everything possible to ensure positive outcomes. Even if the outcome is not as desired, she is sympathetic in her words and actions.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Have lots of questions prepared and she will have the answers!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis?
Every time I spoke with Dr. Balmir I felt that she truly cared about my case and what my goals were. I felt supported and cared for at all times.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Kindbody - Minneapolis and their degree of success.
Fist I got my blood work done for baseline. I then selected a donor and ensured he passed their screening. Then I went in for Femvue to make sure I did not have any physical barriers to the process. I had multiple ultrasounds leading up to the first cycle. For the first cycle I had Clomid and a trigger shot. Second I had an additional medication. I went in twice for IUI.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Kindbody - Minneapolis. (Assigned nurse: Vina)
Top to bottom EVERYONE at the clinic was amazing!
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Minneapolis.
The atmosphere is so comforting and plush - you feel at ease immediately inspite of the nature of the visit. The staff isn’t just professional but incredibly kind. As far as weaknesses I would say not enough locations!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Kindbody - Minneapolis.
My insurance covered most so each cycle was only $500
Dr. Balmir is a godsend for most patients. Her warm and compassionate bedside manner is truly what makes her so wonderful as a physician. I will say however (this may just be my emotional state at the time) but sometimes I felt I craved a little less positivity...I came to her after several failed IUIs with another doctor in the practice she followed the same protocol...I don’t attribute feeling like a number to Dr. Balmir,
I don’t attribute feeling like a number to Dr...simply the volume of patients AHN takes on...I never found any specific issues (aside from the bluntness of one nurse during my tube flush) however I think they just simply take on too many patients. I also did appreciate an assigned nurse that I had at other clinics...As a new patient I simply would not want to encounter the wait list. Also if you have a less than stellar egg retrieval (as I did) you go back to the very end of the list so you’re looking at years of waiting around.
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
The overall over capacity clinic aside Dr. Balmir is a godsend for most patients. Her warm and compassionate bedside manner is truly what makes her so wonderful as a physician. I will say however (this may just be my emotional state at the time) but sometimes I felt I craved a little less positivity.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
I don’t attribute feeling like a number to Dr. Balmir, simply the volume of patients AHN takes on.
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny and their degree of success.
I came to her after several failed IUIs with another doctor in the practice she followed the same protocol.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I never found any specific issues (aside from the bluntness of one nurse during my tube flush) however I think they just simply take on too many patients. I also did appreciate an assigned nurse that I had at other clinics.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
As a new patient I simply would not want to encounter the wait list. Also if you have a less than stellar egg retrieval (as I did) you go back to the very end of the list so you’re looking at years of waiting around.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I was fortunate to have full insurance coverage.
Describe Fabiola Balmir's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
Single
What specific things went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
My main pain point here was my egg retrieval there was some miscommunication. I went in with the understanding I’d have around 10 eggs, when I had only 4 I was devastated. I felt I was in the dark on next steps.
Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope...is knowledgeable, ask questions! She is very open and honest while at the same time understanding
This Allegheny Health Network - Jones Institute for Fertility - communicates very well and is understanding. I have had no problems scheduling or calling and getting answers. All staff has been very friendly...Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope...is knowledgeable, ask questions! She is very open and honest while at the same time understanding
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Doctor Balmir is knowledgeable, ask questions! She is very open and honest while at the same time understanding
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny?
Dr. Balmir is very understanding and empathetic during this entire process. She truly cares about you and your journey. I could not imagine going to any other fertility doctor. The time she spends to educate you, to share her knowledge and to come up with a plan is unparalleled! I can not thank her enough for giving me hope.
Describe your experience with Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
This Allegheny Health Network - Jones Institute for Fertility - communicates very well and is understanding. I have had no problems scheduling or calling and getting answers. All staff has been very friendly.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Fabiola Balmir at Jones Institute at West Penn Allegheny.
I am getting IVF which is very expensive and insurance does not cover this.
[Dr. Fabiola Balmir] saved my life and was the reason I found out about my hemophilia...advocated for me when other doctors wouldn’t...checked on me constantly to make sure I was doing okay even at 9 at night....never had a doctor care that much about me ever. She also gave me my son so I owe her everything.
[Reproductive Health Specialists] Communicated great and so helpful and kind...were very detailed and got back to me quickly...showed so much compassion and talked me through everything...always made she I felt comfortable and answered all of my questions...Letrozole, follistim, IUI, and progesterone
How was your experience with Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed)?
I cannot say enough good things about her. She saved my life and was the reason I found out about my hemophilia. She advocated for me when other doctors wouldn’t and checked on me constantly to make sure I was doing okay even at 9 at night. I’ve never had a doctor care that much about me ever. She also gave me my son so I owe her everything.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed)?
Run don’t walk to see her. Wait however long it takes. She is worth it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Fabiola Balmir at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed)?
She was the absolute best. She made me feel like she cared that I was going through this and reassured me that she was going to do everything she could to get us a baby
Describe the protocols Fabiola Balmir used in your cycles at Reproductive Health Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
Letrozole, follistim, IUI, and progesterone
Describe your experience with Reproductive Health Specialists (closed).
Communicated great and so helpful and kind. They were very detailed and got back to me quickly. They showed so much compassion and talked me through everything. They always made she I felt comfortable and answered all of my questions