Dr. Arredondo will make you feel comforted, welcomed and I. good hands. He does Express the risks and importance of the procedure/risks involved. Only thing I have been unhappy about is how on demand he is needed, maybe a bit more detail would ease the questions all not answered. And I know timing cant be determine, but he hasn't performed any of my transfers so for the second I would have preferred him as I had no rapport with the one scheduled.
The clinic [Aspire Fertility] overall is very pleasant, everyone is welcoming and as a nervous, anxious patient they do help change your mindset to a positive outlook but their weakness would be to slow down a bit, and give details on specific guidelines.... The main injection with progesterone was not given on where to administer; videos were told to review online. We injected as to what was seen on the video and one afternoon we went in for a visit a few days before the pregnancy results; and were told the administration was not in the proper place.
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Arredondo will make you feel comforted, welcomed and I. good hands. He does Express the risks and importance of the procedure/risks involved. Only thing I have been unhappy about is how on demand he is needed, maybe a bit more detail would ease the questions all not answered. And I know timing cant be determine, but he hasn't performed any of my transfers so for the second I would have preferred him as I had no rapport with the one scheduled.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask if you could have a bit more detail beforehand and get answers from him directly and not the nurses.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Arredondo is a very welcoming individual and does find his ways to keep you calm (as I'm an anxious person) but I dont like how on the go he is. Sometimes a bit more detail during this time would be much more comforting.
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I did an embryo transfer, meds scheduled at specific amounts and times. Now since it had been awhile since I have done so, I was not explained protocol properly which I believe had a bit to do with the negative result in my own opinion.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Erika)
Erika was very passionate as I was a wreck this go around, but the organization needed a lot of work. I had to call for a few things because I was explained at the time of the visit.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
The clinic overall is very pleasant, everyone is welcoming and as a nervous, anxious patient they do help change your mindset to a positive outlook but their weakness would be to slow down a bit, and give details on specific guidelines.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
I was doing a embryo transfer this go around but it was about $5000 or so unlike the first time $25,000+
Describe Francisco Arredondo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
My first IVF I was much younger and did multiple which resulted in being blessed with My BabyBoy. And the second time a few months ago, he explained only 1 could be used. I extremely did not want that, but he mention the risks if possible twins. And since I still feel at age, I tried to stick to thinking positive. But I could not shake the single transfer decision, and I regret not making it a point that I would prefer that method or go elsewhere.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
The main injection with progesterone was not given on where to administer; videos were told to review online. We injected as to what was seen on the video and one afternoon we went in for a visit a few days before the pregnancy results; and were told the administration was not in the proper place. After researching other clinics, they were shown and some even gave exact location of specific location.
He [Dr. Arredondo] took the time to contact you back by email or phone when I had questions, and would explain what he saw or was looking at during the check up appointments once on medications. However, many things he did push off to the nurses to explain more. ... He suggested we do IVF again, or use donor eggs but couldn't pinpoint why my transfer failed. Side note, I have one son who I conceived naturally, had healthy pregnancy, and delivery, so hearing this did not sit well with us. This is when we felt we wanted to switch doctors.
Strengths: clean, friendly staff [RMA of Texas], nurses, and personable, knowledgeable, good and updated equipment Weaknesses: Bad location, rush patients in and out sometimes, didn't like the retrieval and transfer area (too open for all patients to see each other) and didn't have success here with not a lot of feedback after our cycle failed. ... When we switched clinics after our failed cycle, it took them a while (over a week) to fax my paperwork to the new clinic.
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Strengths were he spent a lot of time in our first consultation with us. He was a good communicator for the most part, but we did feel at times we had to pull things out, like he didn't want to tell us everything. Knowing now that IVF isn't a guarantee for pregnancy, we just wanted more reassurance that I was doing everything as right as I could do leading up to, during and after the whole process. Weaknesses were the follow up post failed transfer, which we had to do over the phone, because we didn't get the answers we were looking for. He suggested we do IVF again, or use donor eggs but couldn't pinpoint why my transfer failed. Side note, I have one son who I conceived naturally, had healthy pregnancy, and delivery, so hearing this did not sit well with us. This is when we felt we wanted to switch doctors.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Don't be afraid to ask questions, and be pushy about them if need to, because these clinics assume you know it all and don't offer extra help if you need it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
He took the time to contact you back by email or phone when I had questions, and would explain what he saw or was looking at during the check up appointments once on medications. However, many things he did push off to the nurses to explain more. We live 3 hours away from the clinic (closest one to us) and at the time it was difficult to take an afternoon or day off of work to go to appointments and only be there 20 minutes. There were several times my husband and I thought this is it? We felt rushed in and out and then like we had too many questions on our list to ask. But this was our first time to go through IVF and as much money as we had to pay out of pocket, we wanted to spend time talking with the doctor, the expert in his field, not just the nurse.
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I was on agonist cycle and a slow dose, lowest dosage being my first one I guess.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Erica Salgado)
Pretty good job of explaining things by email or phone. Overall, she was good, but would have liked the doctor to explain more and her less.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
Strengths: clean, friendly staff, nurses, and personable, knowledgeable, good and updated equipment
Weaknesses: Bad location, rush patients in and out sometimes, didn't like the retrieval and transfer area (too open for all patients to see each other) and didn't have success here with not a lot of feedback after our cycle failed.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
Total paid for the IVF cycle : $15,553 (this did not include my first appointment ($325 for ultrasound, etc)
Describe Francisco Arredondo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
He had preference for SET and said I would be lucky to get more.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
When we switched clinics after our failed cycle, it took them a while (over a week) to fax my paperwork to the new clinic.
Dr. Arredondo runs the RMA clinic and is very knowledgeable on infertility. However, his bedside manner is often lacking. He is very stoic and somewhat removed from the emotional side of infertility. My husband and I saw Dr. Arredondo off and on for 2 years and I don't think he knew our names.... My perception is that Dr. Arredondo is more concerned about obtaining new clients and trying cutting edge technology vs. focusing on quality care of current and recurring clients.
overall the staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and doctors know what they are doing there. Staff is willing to work with you on scheduling as appropriate. The facilities are generally nice and clean. The hours of operation are generally about 7 to 4 or 4:30, so if early morning appointments work for you, this clinic is a good fit. They don't work late in the evenings. RMA also has a Facebook page, which is generally helpful in getting information out about the clinic, staff and events.
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Arredondo runs the RMA clinic and is very knowledgeable on infertility. However, his bedside manner is often lacking. He is very stoic and somewhat removed from the emotional side of infertility. My husband and I saw Dr. Arredondo off and on for 2 years and I don't think he knew our names. He may have known our faces and case, but not our names. At least he never addressed us by our names. My perception is that Dr. Arredondo is more concerned about obtaining new clients and trying cutting edge technology vs. focusing on quality care of current and recurring clients.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
If you want a lot of interaction with your doctor, a positive bedside manner and to make a personal connection with your doctor, I would not recommend Dr. Arredondo. If you want one of the brightest and creative minds in dealing with infertility and don't mind the issues listed above, Dr. Arredondo is a great choice.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Arredondo is very intelligent and runs the RMA clinic. My husband and I saw him for over 2 years, and I don't believe he knows our names. Our faces maybe, but not names. He has a very neutral, removed bedside manner. I always felt like I had to spit out a question, before he high-tailed it out of the room. With that said, the man is smart and knows what he's doing. However, right now I feel like he is more focused on increasing the number of clients vs. quality and successful care of his current clients.
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve. The first round of egg retrieval was very drug heavy with large dosages to see how my body reacted. This resulted in 2 embryos. We did the genetic testing and only one was viable.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Erica Salgado)
Our nurse was Erica Salgado and overall, she was okay at her job. Erica was great at answering questions in person and demonstrating how to use medications and do injections. She also generally had a good, empathetic nature about her. However, she was not very organized. On numerous occasions, I had to reach out to her to ask questions or move to the next step. She often times didn't respond directly, rather another nurse or doctor would follow-up. I felt like I managed my case and Erica was just a coordinator.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
I think RMA at Stone Oak is the best place to go for treatment in San Antonio. It has it's pros and cons, but overall the staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and doctors know what they are doing there. Staff is willing to work with you on scheduling as appropriate. The facilities are generally nice and clean. The hours of operation are generally about 7 to 4 or 4:30, so if early morning appointments work for you, this clinic is a good fit. They don't work late in the evenings. RMA also has a Facebook page, which is generally helpful in getting information out about the clinic, staff and events.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
Monitoring appointments were pretty quick, easy and painless. They work with you and your schedule to get you in and out as needed.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
I went through 4 rounds of IVF at RMA. The first round was the most expensive and likely cost around $25,000 all in. Each procedure after that was significantly discounted.
Describe Francisco Arredondo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr. Arredondo's vision of success is ONE healthy child at a time. He is not a proponent of multiple embryo transfers and will show clients the health impact on a mother and fetus for twins and triplets. Under certain circumstances, I'm sure he would allow transferring 2 embryos. However, I doubt he would ever allow more than that.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
At our first embryo transfer, we elected NOT to know the gender. The doctor performing the procedure indicated that "this little guy" looked good, which led us to believe the embryo was a male. We found out over a year later that the embryo was female. It was weird because the embryo didn't take and we mourned the loss of a boy... only to find out down the road it was female. This was a weird sensation that I am still wrapping my head around. And it could have been prevented.
He [Dr. Arredondo] was compassionate toward us from the get go, and was able to explain technical medical procedures to us in a way that was very clear. There was never a moment we doubted or distrusted him...helped us to see our infertility in a broad spectrum and as needing a long term plan. He reviewed our labs with us thoroughly and patiently. My husband and I are both major question-askers, liking to know every detail, so this was very important to us.
We paid $19,000 through Winn Fertility for our IVF package [at RMA of Texas]. This included IVF cycle, genetic testing, my medicine, one FET, embryo freezing fee for a year, and all appointments within the cycle...RMA is so organized, and does a great job at patient care...The team of doctors and nurses are wonderful and brilliant people...She [nurse] answered my (many) emails quickly and thoroughly. She was so so so kind, and made my husband and I feel truly cared for and cheered for. We are forever thankful for Erica!
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr.Arredondo helped us to see our infertility in a broad spectrum and as needing a long term plan. He reviewed our labs with us thoroughly and patiently. My husband and I are both major question-askers, liking to know every detail, so this was very important to us. He was compassionate toward us from the get go, and was able to explain technical medical procedures to us in a way that was very clear. There was never a moment we doubted or distrusted him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Never leave without being clear and comfortable with everything discussed. He is ready to answer anything you are wondering or confused about.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
The first conversation I had with Dr.Arredondo was after a year of discouraging failed treatment with a previous doctor. His passion for patient care was evident from the start, and every appointment with him and his staff would confirm that over our course of the treatment. My husband and I felt known, and our journey felt cared for so thoroughly.
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Freeze all IVF cycle with ICSI. Embryo PGS and FET 3 months later. Menopur, follistim, ganirellix, lupron all used for egg retrieval. Switched to lupron trigger rather than hcg because of OHSS risk. 29 eggs retrieved, which resulted in 11 embryos for PGS. 9 healthy embryos frozen after PGS. We did genetic testing (PGS) but declined to know the embryo genders.
Mild OHSS did occur, and was treated with 10 days lupron and lengthier dose of BC after the retrieval.
Estrodial and progesterone (oil injection) used for successful FET of 1 embryo. Continued daily progesterone through week 13, but switched from injection to suppository at week 8.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Erica Salgado)
I still email her from time to time, and it's been over a year since I "graduated" from RMA. She answered my (many) emails quickly and thoroughly. She was so so so kind, and made my husband and I feel truly cared for and cheered for. We are forever thankful for Erica!
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
RMA is so organized, and does a great job at patient care. We were not expecting this because of our sub-par experience with a previous doctor. The team of doctors and nurses are wonderful and brilliant people.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
We paid $19,000 through Winn Fertility for our IVF package. This included IVF cycle, genetic testing, my medicine, one FET, embryo freezing fee for a year, and all appointments within the cycle. Other appointments were billed to our insurance.
Describe Francisco Arredondo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
We chose to do PGS so that eSET had higher chance of success.
My husband and I both felt very comfortable with Dr Arredondo from the initial consultation throughout our years of treatment. His passion and knowledge was very evident!! We loved how easy it was to just sit and ask questions... Because his main office is in San Antonio, we did not see him at every appointment but we had equally great interactions with other doctors in his practice!
The staff at RMA felt like a true team! There were many moving parts to our particular situation with using adopted embryos and we felt well informed and guided through many unknowns!!... I like the location of the office and that the appointments have always been on time. The RMA team is professional and personal! To a new patient, I would say to have a consultation with more than one doctor and find who you feel connected to because that dynamic is very personal.
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic)?
My husband and I both felt very comfortable with Dr Arredondo from the initial consultation throughout our years of treatment. His passion and knowledge was very evident!! We loved how easy it was to just sit and ask questions...and felt like his questions to us were not just clinical but really covered emotional, financial, relational topics as well! Because his main office is in San Antonio, we did not see him at every appointment but we had equally great interactions with other doctors in his practice!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic)?
If it is important to you to see the same doctor at every appointment, you may want to travel to San Antonio to see Dr. Arredondo or choose another doctor at RMA who is always in Austin! We also fell in love with Dr. Skillern, who did our embryo transfer and who will do our next transfer as well!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic)?
The staff at RMA felt like a true team! There were many moving parts to our particular situation with using adopted embryos and we felt well informed and guided through many unknowns!!
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
With our embryo transfer, we wanted to try a natural cycle because I had taken many medications in previous fertility attempts. He and his staff were supportive in our wishes but also advised and encouraged when to deviate from our original plan, such as the need for progesterone after the transfer!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Inthira-coordinator)
I never had a negative experience with any care at RMA! When facing challenges getting our embryos transported from Houston to Austin, as well as getting my thyroid medication dosage just right, our transfer was delayed many times. It was frustrating and emotional, but I never felt like I was tackling it on my own! My coordinator, Inthira, was so positive and was in constant communication! She felt like a true friend, helping me figure it all out!
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic).
I love RMA and am so thankful for how they walked through disappointments and heartbreak as well as dreams coming true for our family! I like the location of the office and that the appointments have always been on time.
The RMA team is professional and personal! To a new patient, I would say to have a consultation with more than one doctor and find who you feel connected to because that dynamic is very personal.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic).
IVF $15,000
Embryo Transfer/meds $6,000
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic)?
Lost results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Austin (Prelude Network clinic).
My husband had to have labs re-drawn...not sure if they didn’t take enough blood or it was misplaced.
Clear communicator, intelligent, empathetic, knowledgeable and genuine...I knew that I could reach out to him [Dr Francisco Arredondo] if I needed anything or felt I had substandard care. Luckily, that never happened. He spoke to my husband and I in a very direct and professional manner, addressing concerns about our infertility. Hemade a plan, stuck to it and the result was pregnancy.
They [staff at RMA of Texas] knew my name, held my hand, made it personal at every interaction. From the nurses and doctors to all the office staff, I was more than just another case. My recommendation is for there to be a patient portal to view cycle plans, ask questions, see lab results or communicate with anyone on the staff...I have had a rocky road with the billing and insurance process, not at the fault of the clinic, but with the insurance paying claims timely.
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Clear communicator, intelligent, empathetic, knowledgeable and genuine. He was a man first, and wanted to know about every aspect of my worklife, social life and health.
I knew that I could reach out to him if I needed anything or felt I had substandard care. Luckily, that never happened.
He spoke to my husband and I in a very direct and professional manner, addressing concerns about our infertility. Hemade a plan, stuck to it and the result was pregnancy.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Trust the process!!!! It may be long, but if you trust in it, the results speak for themselves.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
They knew my name, held my hand, made it personal at every interaction. From the nurses and doctors to all the office staff, I was more than just another case.
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Stimulation was lupron, menopur ganirelix and lupron trigger. 30 eggs retrieved, 20 fertilized, 6 made it to day 5 for biopsy.
Fet was long lupron cycle, estrace and endometrin. Transferred 1 and positive bloodtest 2 weeks later
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: erica)
Beyond compare!!!The epitome of exceptional care and dedication. They were thorough, empathetic and informative every step of the way
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
My recommendation is for there to be a paitient portal to view cycle plans, ask questions, see lab results or communicate with anyone on the staff
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
Convenient and very organized. Always have time slots available for me to fit into my morning
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
I have had a rocky road with the billing and insurance process, not at the fault of the clinic, but with the insurance paying claims timely. Up front costs were reasonable and paid automatically from my hsa. Claims had to be reevaluated with the insurance to hit the correct fertility coverage, and the clinic constantly worked with me.
[Dr. Francisco Arredondo is] extremely friendly, great sense of humor that put us at ease right away. Transmits confidence and very personable. He provide us with his personal e-mail and personal cell phone number! which doctor does that?...Get your questions in a paper before you meet with him. He will answer all without rush
The RMA of Texas team is VERY different. You feel at home and they are very accessible. is like a SPA with great results...They run on time, pleasant ambiance and everybody seems happy...my insurance covered most of it and what it was not covered was explained with a financial calculator and given to me in printing
How was your experience with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Extremely friendly, great sense of humor that put us at ease right away. Transmits confidence and very personable. He provide us with his personal e-mail and personal cell phone number! which doctor does that?
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
Get your questions in a paper before you meet with him. He will answer all without rush
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic)?
The RMA of Texas team is VERY different. You feel at home and they are very accessible. is like a SPA with great results
Describe the protocols Francisco Arredondo used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
He explained things with a lot of clarity. He compared the embryo to a seed and the uterus to the soil. Mentioned that doing the chromosome testing will allow us to select the best seed and that transferring the embryo in a controlled frozen cycle will allow us to prepare the best soil
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Erica, Stephanie)
Caring! personable. Accessible.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
They run on time, pleasant ambiance and everybody seems happy
Describe the costs associated with your care under Francisco Arredondo at Aspire Fertility - San Antonio (Prelude Network clinic).
my insurance covered most of it and what it was not covered was explained with a financial calculator and given to me in printing