Dr. Grunert himself did not seem to be very personable. Visits with him were quick and to the point. He did not personally review my initial diagnostic or genetic testing results with me ... I appreciate that I did have the option of seeing him at each visit and the option to have him perform my IUI's. ... If you are looking for warm and fuzzy, he probably isn't the doctor for you.
The clinic [Aspire] is clean and comfortable. There are two locations in Houston. Unfortunately our doctor was located in one location while the IUI sperm wash had to take place at the other location. We were left having to decide after the sperm wash if we wanted to risk the extra time it took to drive back to Dr. Grunert's office so he could perform the IUI or having the procedure performed by a random Aspire nurse at the other location. Each option had associated pros and cons.
How was your experience with George Grunert at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Grunert seemed very knowledgeable and he developed a specific plan of treatment. During our initial consultation, he invited us into his office to walk us through a powerpoint presenting statistics and treatment options. We did not initially get a warm and fuzzy feeling from Dr. Grunert but he did gain our confidence because of the expertise he displayed.
While he was sure to explain each step in the plan for treatment, he didn't explain how he used the results from my initial diagnostic workup to develop the plan. He didn't review the results with us or explain how he used that information to determine treatment. I am unsure if my course of treatment was based on my personal diagnostic results or on general statistics related to my age/demographic.
I did like the fact the Dr. Grunert was available for each visit and procedure. The nurses indicated that he was one of the only doctors at the clinic who actually performed the IUI procedures for his patients. The nurses also indicated that he was the only doctor to perform an Ultrasound before each IUI.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask questions; ask how diagnostic results are used to determine your course of treatment.
If you are looking for warm and fuzzy, he probably isn't the doctor for you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Grunert at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
While a majority of the nurses at Dr. Grunert's office were extremely helpful and personable, Dr. Grunert himself did not seem to be very personable. Visits with him were quick and to the point. He did not personally review my initial diagnostic or genetic testing results with me. After my last IUI cycle was unsuccessful, we decided to take a break from treatment for personal reasons. Neither he nor anyone else from the office reached out to follow up about the last cycle to determine if my cycle had started.
However, I appreciate that I did have the option of seeing him at each visit and the option to have him perform my IUI's.
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I completed 3 IUI cycles including:
2 cycles including 50 mg clomid on cycle days 5-9; 1 cycle of 2.5 mg Fermara on cycle days 5-9 to stimulate ovulation.
3 cycles including scheduled Ovidrel trigger shots to trigger ovulation 2 days before IUI.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The nursing staff was always personable and made me feel extremely comfortable. They were willing to answer any questions prior to and after my visits with Dr. Grunert.
I did have one concern with scheduling. After having called when my cycle started to schedule the next round of treatment, the nurse on the phone miscounted the number of days and scheduled my appointment for the wrong day. Knowing how important timing is for these treatments, I double checked the days myself. When I called about the mistake, they rescheduled my appointment but this left me second guessing future appointments made.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The clinic is clean and comfortable. There are two locations in Houston. Unfortunately our doctor was located in one location while the IUI sperm wash had to take place at the other location. We were left having to decide after the sperm wash if we wanted to risk the extra time it took to drive back to Dr. Grunert's office so he could perform the IUI or having the procedure performed by a random Aspire nurse at the other location. Each option had associated pros and cons.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
On one occasion, there was a scheduling error. When I realized the mistake, I called the clinic and they rescheduled for the correct day.
There was also some confusion about how and where my prescriptions would be filled. After the first cycle, those issues were worked out.
NPS5
Doctor
George Grunert
NPS
Humanity2 of 5
Communication3 of 5
Frequency Seen4 of 5
Trustworthiness5 of 5
Compassion2 of 5
Explained risks3 of 5
Adaptability4 of 5
NPS5
Clinic
Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)
Every interaction [with Dr. Grunert] has been very routine. Retrieval procedure was robotic and doctor explained the process, success rates, etc. while prepping for the procedure, making it a bit of a challenge to concentrate while patient was in stirrups! Forced my husband to come to all appointments with me because I needed emotional backup (this was not the case with previous two doctors)...If you just want results, to get in and out quick, and that's really it -- Grunert is a great match for you. However, if you want an understanding of your treatment plan, what's happening with your body and some level of compassion or care -- look elsewhere.
Not addressed by name [at Houston Fertility Services]. No customized treatment plan or personal explanation regarding side effects, symptoms, etc. Received a printed handout with instructions and very little else. All communication managed through a patient portal with almost no face to face or phone conversations taking place with his nurses or staff...I honestly don't know the names or faces on Grunert's nursing staff. My interaction with them was through the patient portal and when I left messages, different people would call me back each time.
How was your experience with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Strengths: Lots of experience and knowledge. There's a lot of diplomas and awards on the wall in this office that say he's qualified and good at what he does.
Weaknesses: Dry sense of humor that leaves patient feeling small, insignificant or stupid. Questions are met with arrogance or annoyance. Every interaction has been very routine. Retrieval procedure was robotic and doctor explained the process, success rates, etc. while prepping for the procedure, making it a bit of a challenge to concentrate while patient was in stirrups! Forced my husband to come to all appointments with me because I needed emotional backup (this was not the case with previous two doctors).
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
If you just want results, to get in and out quick, and that's really it -- Grunert is a great match for you. However, if you want an understanding of your treatment plan, what's happening with your body and some level of compassion or care -- look elsewhere.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Not addressed by name. No customized treatment plan or personal explanation regarding side effects, symptoms, etc. Received a printed handout with instructions and very little else. All communication managed through a patient portal with almost no face to face or phone conversations taking place with his nurses or staff.
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
FET treatment protocol
Estradiol 2mg vaginally (1-3 times per day)
Lupron 0.1 mL injection (1 time per day)
Progesterone 25-50 mg (daily)
Prometrium 200 mg (2-3 times per day)
Doxycyline 100 mg (daily for four days)
Medrol 4 mg (4 times per day for four days)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
I honestly don't know the names or faces on Grunert's nursing staff. My interaction with them was through the patient portal and when I left messages, different people would call me back each time.
Describe your experience with Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Strengths: Clinic has lots of doctors to choose from. If you don't like one, you can try others.
Weaknesses: Houston Fertility Services merged with Aspire at the end of 2018 and lots of changes have taken place since the merger (and more are still to come). The embryo lab is at one location and the and the check ups are blood word are at another location, which is confusing. Houston Fertility Services is located in the Texas Women's Hospital across from the OBGYN main floor. Seeing pregnant women every time I went in for fertility treatment was depressing.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
IVF w/ FET and genetic testing was approximately $20,000 not including prescriptions
What specific things went wrong at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Dr. Grunert was thorough in his evaluation of my blood work. He was not very interested in my previous cycle history with the previous Dr. Nor cycle history that I had collected for reference outside of medicated cycles. He did thoroughly explain my options once the genetic testing and ovarian reserve test were complete.... Dr. grunert did explain the probability of success using my own eggs vs. donor eggs. I was also provided a list of donor egg facilities.
The office staff [at Houston Fertility Specialists/Aspire] is very friendly the place is very organized and clean and well decorated. A weakness would be that I had to call several times to finally be told that they wouldn't help me. So I would say that follow through in regards to phone calls is a weakness.... I had some questions regarding my current menstrual cycle for the doctor and basically was told since I'm not currently going through an IVF cycle I cannot be helped by them.
How was your experience with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Dr. Grunert was thorough in his evaluation of my blood work. He was not very interested in my previous cycle history with the previous Dr. Nor cycle history that I had collected for reference outside of medicated cycles. He did thoroughly explain my options once the genetic testing and ovarian reserve test were complete.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Go in armed with questions and keep an high expectation of results.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Initially I felt more like a human because they were very attentive and ask questions while I was getting my testing done. Once my test results where confirmed I was given the outcome and cycle options. I'm awaiting financial assistance to use donor eggs, so not currently doing an IVF cycle. I had some questions regarding my current menstrual cycle for the doctor and basically was told since I'm not currently going through an IVF cycle I cannot be helped by them.
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
My option at this point is to use donor eggs. Dr. grunert did explain the probability of success using my own eggs vs. donor eggs. I was also provided a list of donor egg facilities.
Describe your experience with Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
The office staff is very friendly the place is very organized and clean and well decorated. A weakness would be that I had to call several times to finally be told that they wouldn't help me. So I would say that follow through in regards to phone calls is a weakness.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Most of my testing was covered and what was initially denied by the insurance company Dr. Grunert provided a letter of necessity so that I would not have to pay the difference for the genetic testing.
What specific things went wrong at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Dr. Grunert was very thorough and you can tell he is well educated with what he does. He was a little hard to follow though because he used a lot of terms I didn't know the meaning of and since he was my first Dr. I was a little intimidated to ask questions. I did seek a second opinion and have decided Dr. Grunert is the best Dr. for me. I felt much more comfortable in his clinic and very well taken care of. I have not yet undergone IVF but that is my next step and Dr Grunert will definitely be my Dr. for that next step.
She [a nurse at Houston Fertility Specialists] was there at every appointment and made up for Dr. Grunerts lack of bedside manner. She answered all my questions and was always very helpful.... My first IUI cycle I did a stair step method of Clomid starting at 50mg and ending at 150mg. I believe I had 3 follies but it was unsuccessful. Our next round of IUI we did 7.5mg of Femara and I believe we again had 3 follies but it was unsuccessful. My final round of IUI was again with 7.5 Femara and we only had one follicle and it was unsuccessful.
How was your experience with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Dr. Grunert was very thorough and you can tell he is well educated with what he does. He was a little hard to follow though because he used a lot of terms I didn't know the meaning of and since he was my first Dr. I was a little intimidated to ask questions. I did seek a second opinion and have decided Dr. Grunert is the best Dr. for me. I felt much more comfortable in his clinic and very well taken care of. I have not yet undergone IVF but that is my next step and Dr Grunert will definitely be my Dr. for that next step.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and to have him explain everything to your understanding.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Dr. Grunert is very smart and from my experience a lot of very smart people do not have the best social skills. Although he did not always feel like someone I could easily converse with, after consulting with another Dr. I will be going back to see Dr. Grunert because I felt like he truly put his all into my cycles and will give me the best care.
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
My first IUI cycle I did a stair step method of Clomid starting at 50mg and ending at 150mg. I believe I had 3 follies but it was unsuccessful. Our next round of IUI we did 7.5mg of Femara and I believe we again had 3 follies but it was unsuccessful. My final round of IUI was again with 7.5 Femara and we only had one follicle and it was unsuccessful.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
She was there at every appointment and made up for Dr. Grunerts lack of bedside manner. She answered all my questions and was always very helpful.
Describe your experience with Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
I only had one appointment that went a little longer than expected but all in all very organized and very well staffed.
He [Dr. Grunert] was compassionate and never seemed like he was rushing on to the next patient. Unlike my first fertility doctor Dr. Grunert never made me feel like it was all about him getting paid...Dr. Grunert did not think we would have much luck with IUIs because of our situation. Our insurance requires us to do 3 before moving on to IVF. He explained our chances and told us not to give up..
I really don't like that you check out at the end of your visit [at Hou Fert Specialists - Hou]. I was in pain after both IUIs. It was difficult to stand. I had to wait in line for awhile then they wanted to talk about my balance. I told the front desk staff I was in pain can we do this later and she said "no"...Everything was done in network. Which kept our costs low. That was not the case with my previous Doctor...
How was your experience with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
He was compassionate and never seemed like he was rushing on to the next patient. Unlike my first fertility doctor Dr. Grunert never made me feel like it was all about him getting paid.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Be patient. The fertility treatment process and testing takes a long time.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
He explained everything, didn't rush me and listened to me.
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
Dr. Grunert did not think we would have much luck with IUIs because of our situation. Our insurance requires us to do 3 before moving on to IVF. He explained our chances and told us not to give up.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed). (Assigned nurse: Jennifer and nancy )
We I first started out as a patient I was not happy with the nursing staff. At one point the lab lost my blood and it delayed us another month. Nancy was very apologetic and from there on always made an effort to take care of me. The nurse Jennifer does not have a good bedside manner. I called to tell her I think I might have a cyst because I was having severe stabbing pain that would drop me to the floor. She said that is cant be possible because I just started the clomid on my second cycle. We went arguing back and forth because she was insistent that it couldn't happen. I finally told her "Do you just want me to wait out the pain? Tell Dr. Grunet. I will go to the ER if this continues.
Describe your experience with Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
I really don't like that you check out at the end of your visit. I was in pain after both IUIs. It was difficult to stand. I had to wait in line for awhile then they wanted to talk about my balance. I told the front desk staff I was in pain can we do this later and she said "no".
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Everything was done in network. Which kept our costs low. That was not the case with my previous Doctor.
Dr. Grunert seems friendly and open when you initially meet him, and he is a nice man overall, but when it comes to my health, I felt like I didn't get the whole picture...Additionally, I was initially told that IUI would be "worthless" with the severity of MFI that we have. However, several months later, IUI was practically forced on me. I had been told that I could stay on ovulation drugs indefinitely while we waited on IVF and then told that that was not the case...
Clinic [Houston Fert Specialists] has a lot of doctors so they have appointment times available pretty quickly. It is located right next to an OBGYN which is a punch in the gut when you can't get pregnant. They also allow children in the waiting room, which is another punch in the gut...Nursing staff was great at explaining things, however, there is an email in my patient portal stating that I would like to try IUI before IVF, and that is 100% untrue. Not entirely sure why that would be documented if that conversation never took place...
How was your experience with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Dr. Grunert seems friendly and open when you initially meet him, and he is a nice man overall, but when it comes to my health, I felt like I didn't get the whole picture. He did not explain to me that I had diminished ovarian reserve. It wasn't until months later that I finally asked and he responded "yes" as if I should have known that.
Additionally, I was initially told that IUI would be "worthless" with the severity of MFI that we have. However, several months later, IUI was practically forced on me. I had been told that I could stay on ovulation drugs indefinitely while we waited on IVF and then told that that was not the case.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Be prepared to not be taken seriously.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
When we initially started, I was taking femara with monitoring ultrasounds and then a trigger shot which seemed to help my ovulation along. However, measurements were never discussed with me. After taking a two month break from femara, we went back on it and did not produce follicles big enough so I was instructed to increase my dosage and start them again on CD 12 which induced ovulation before I could be monitored again.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed). (Assigned nurse: Veronica)
Nursing staff was great at explaining things, however, there is an email in my patient portal stating that I would like to try IUI before IVF, and that is 100% untrue. Not entirely sure why that would be documented if that conversation never took place.
Describe your experience with Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Clinic has a lot of doctors so they have appointment times available pretty quickly. It is located right next to an OBGYN which is a punch in the gut when you can't get pregnant. They also allow children in the waiting room, which is another punch in the gut.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Treatment cost was dependent on my insurance. Seemed reasonable
What specific things went wrong at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
He [Dr. Grunert] was very knowledgeable. Not as warm and fuzzy as I had liked. He was more business like. He examines all possibilities. He takes the time to answer all of your questions so that you feel comfortable. ... He uses a patient portal with very specific instructions for medicines. This was helpful. His staff was also willing to come in on weekends if needed for a cycle.
Gives discounted pricing for first responders. This means a lot. Very competitive pricing. Large office space [Houston Fertility Specialists] often with snacks. Very friendly staff. Sometimes the office wait can be long. Sometimes you can wait up to an hour. ... [nursing staff] Very thorough and sweet. They helped talk me through some difficult times.
How was your experience with George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
He was very knowledgeable. Not as warm and fuzzy as I had liked. He was more business like. He examines all possibilities. He takes the time to answer all of your questions so that you feel comfortable.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed)?
He is a great doctor and takes care of his patients.
Describe the protocols George Grunert used in your cycles at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed) and their degree of success.
He uses a patient portal with very specific instructions for medicines. This was helpful. His staff was also willing to come in on weekends if needed for a cycle.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Very thorough and sweet. They helped talk me through some difficult times.
Describe your experience with Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Gives discounted pricing for first responders. This means a lot. Very competitive pricing. Large office space often with snacks. Very friendly staff. Sometimes the office wait can be long. Sometimes you can wait up to an hour.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Grunert at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).
Total spent around $50,000
Describe George Grunert's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Houston Fertility Specialists (closed).