Dr. P was very communicative, open in discussions, and transparent. He was reliable and warm throughout my entire experience there. From day 1, he covered any of the issues that I may face from my endometriosis and my previous infertility, as well as the rationale for any treatment decisions or approaches with selecting stimulation meds, approaching retrievals, and handling transfer. I am grateful to have a successful pregnancy with this, but that is not alone why I recommend Dr. P. For years, I have gone to other fertility specialists and they did not handle themselves with the grace and integrity that Dr. P possesses. He is an asset to the field and I recommend him and the staff to everyone I come across.
This clinic [RMA Florida] is professionally, run, organized, and efficient. I have zero complaints about the entire staff and office. My opinion is backed by a previous negative history with other offices, so I knew what my needs were before I established care with this office...Like Dr. P, they [RMA Florida nursing staff] had a similar warm, bedside manner and patience when dealing with me throughout my cycles. I never felt rushed, and I always felt like I was a priority in any room I was in with any of the staff members.
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. P was very communicative, open in discussions, and transparent. He was reliable and warm throughout my entire experience there. From day 1, he covered any of the issues that I may face from my endometriosis and my previous infertility, as well as the rationale for any treatment decisions or approaches with selecting stimulation meds, approaching retrievals, and handling transfer.
I am grateful to have a successful pregnancy with this, but that is not alone why I recommend Dr. P.
For years, I have gone to other fertility specialists and they did not handle themselves with the grace and integrity that Dr. P possesses. He is an asset to the field and I recommend him and the staff to everyone I come across.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
I would of course go in to my visit with an open mind, and an organized list of questions. Know that he will explain the "why" behind any approach he recommends to help you understand, but he makes sure to keep you active and involved in your own treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
He has tremendous bedside manner and a thorough yet clear way of explaining things and setting appropriate expectations. He and his staff are extremely organized, reliable, and flexible with my needs.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
Dr. P used the antagonist protocol with me. The rationale for using them was to increase predictability in my ovulation in preparation for retrieval, and my endometriosis history was also considered. The results were beyond what was predicted in terms of my stimulation and eggs produced at retrieval.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at RMA of Florida.
Like Dr. P, they had a similar warm, bedside manner and patience when dealing with me throughout my cycles. I never felt rushed, and I always felt like I was a priority in any room I was in with any of the staff members.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
This clinic is professionally, run, organized, and efficient. I have zero complaints about the entire staff and office. My opinion is backed by a previous negative history with other offices, so I knew what my needs were before I established care with this office.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
The costs associated with my care were on par with other competitors in the area. I did not feel like I was being overextended, considering the convenient and attentiveness of this office.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
He preferred single embryo transfer due to my age and it being my first transfer.He explained really well the rationale for my case.
In the beginning he [Dr. Patounakis] is straight to the point but when you visit him often, he warms up and actually jokes around. When he is treating you, he is treating you with a personal plan. I felt every time I went to RMA, I was treated for my infertility and not a general treatment...he only does a single embryo transfer at a time...very hands on doctor. He did every ultrasound. He also did my retrieval as well as my transfer. He was very warm and practical with the initial consultation...
This clinic [RMA Florida] gives off a great first impression because the office is clean and organized with Great views. They always greet you with a smile. They are very personable. They have their appointments lined up appropriately so you never wait long in the lobby. They are very efficient and always do just what they say they are going to do...The nursing staff was friendly and always communicative as to what they were doing. I never had to wait long in the waiting room either...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr P is a very educated man. He knew a lot of information that I didn’t know about and this is the second clinic I’ve been to. In the beginning he is straight to the point but when you visit him often, he warms up and actually jokes around. When he is treating you, he is treating you with a personal plan. I felt every time I went to RMA, I was treated for my infertility and not a general treatment. I did one retrieval round and one embryo transfer and I’m currently 8 weeks. I feel blessed to have went to Dr. P because I was loosing hope on ever getting pregnant.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
I would tell them to be patient because he will take his time with his plan for you. He will make sure he is not going ahead and he goes with how your body is taking the treatment. He is an amazing doctor and he knows his stuff.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. P is a very hands on doctor. He did every ultrasound. He also did my retrieval as well as my transfer. He was very warm and practical with the initial consultation.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
He diagnosed me with endometriosis and because of that I had to be on a medication called orilissa. He was very patient in figuring out the diagnoses and coming up with a treatment plan even thought it meant delaying the transfer. This led to a successful transfer afterwards as my baby did implant! And before at the other clinic we couldn’t figure out why the embryos weren’t implanting but Dr P took his time and found out why :-)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at RMA of Florida.
The nursing staff was friendly and always communicative as to what they were doing. I never had to wait long in the waiting room either.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
This clinic gives off a great first impression because the office is clean and organized with Great views. They always greet you with a smile. They are very personable. They have their appointments lined up appropriately so you never wait long in the lobby. They are very efficient and always do just what they say they are going to do. I truly don’t see any weaknesses with Dr P and his staff because they treated us like an individual and catered to our care and we couldn’t ask for better than that! Not to mention Dr P is really good at what he does and more informative and personable than other fertility MDs we have dealt with in the past.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
I’m not too sure what the costs were. I have progyny insurance and the cost were fair to me.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Dr P has a process that has worked for him for years and he simply tells you during your first consultation how he plans to proceed with your case and he lets it be know he only does a single embryo transfer at a time. I appreciated him letting us know this from the beginning and he did a good job explaining his rationale for this.
Dr. George Patounakis is everything you want in a doctor. He's patient, caring, and so knowledgeable about not only the IVF process but about women's hormonal health in general. I've never had a doctor take the time to really get to know my history and what's caused my medical issues...I saw Dr. P at every single appointment...My body doesn't produce regular fertility hormones so I was put on Estrogen as a maintaining medicine (even between pregnancies and it was a life changer). Progesterone oil was added to prepare for each embryo transfer. I was on the progesterone oil for approximately 8 weeks for the first transfer (which result in a live birth). For the second embryo transfer (which is still ongoing at 16 weeks)
The clinic [at RMA Florida] is super clean and very comfortable. These types of visits can be uncomfortable just because of what you're going through and the type of tests/exams, but everything about RMA makes you relax as much as possible...All of the nursing and office staff were friendly and super helpful. My nurse in particular was easy to reach and never seemed rushed when I would ask additional questions...Dr. George Patounakis is everything you want in a doctor. He's patient, caring, and so knowledgeable about not only the IVF process but about women's hormonal health in general
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. George Patounakis is everything you want in a doctor. He's patient, caring, and so knowledgeable about not only the IVF process but about women's hormonal health in general. I've never had a doctor take the time to really get to know my history and what's caused my medical issues - until Dr. Patounakis. He is simply the best.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Be open to adjustments. Dr. Patounakis takes a very hands on approach, which means if something isn't working then he'll adjust it. It doesn't mean something's wrong - he's just extremely diligent in finding the best solution for his patients.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
I saw Dr. P at every single appointment. He always took the time to answer any questions and you can feel that he genuinely cares about the health and success of his patients. I've never had better treatment from any doctor.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
My body doesn't produce regular fertility hormones so I was put on Estrogen as a maintaining medicine (even between pregnancies and it was a life changer). Progesterone oil was added to prepare for each embryo transfer. I was on the progesterone oil for approximately 8 weeks for the first transfer (which result in a live birth). For the second embryo transfer (which is still ongoing at 16 weeks) I was on progesterone oil for approximately 10 weeks because two additional gestation sacs were present. Those sacs have since been absorbed and did not result in additional fetuses.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida.
All of the nursing and office staff were friendly and super helpful. My nurse in particular was easy to reach and never seemed rushed when I would ask additional questions
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
The clinic is super clean and very comfortable. These types of visits can be uncomfortable just because of what you're going through and the type of tests/exams, but everything about RMA makes you relax as much as possible.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
Not sure in total
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
I'm really happy that only one embryo was transferred. I know several people going through the IVF process with different clinics and one in particular has had 2 multiple embryo transfers and both have not resulted in a pregnancy. Of course every situation is different but I feel like it's harder on my friend that's going through it because at every failed transfer she feels like she's losing two chances to have a baby.
I was able to see Dr. P [Patounakis] at EVERY appointment and have a method of direct communication at all times, which I promptly received a call back. Dr. P also called personally with lab results which gave me the opportunity to also ask him any other questions that came to mind...felt like Dr. P tailored things to my body and unique medical needs. When the first transfer didn't work, Dr. P knew exactly what to do for the next one...
the entire RMA staff were so professional, compassionate, educational and personal throughout the entire process of undergoing IVF. I absolutely did NOT feel like I was "just a number" there...The nursing staff was outstanding! Every single person - whether getting blood drawn, prepping for egg retrieval, assistance during transfer - no matter the situation the nursing staff was exception and personal. I got to know everyone by name. They were all very caring, competent and confident in what they were doing..
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis is an exceptional Doctor that genuinely cares about his patients. I always felt comfortable and properly cared for when seeing him. He took the time to explain things in terms that I could readily understand and resonate with. I never felt confused or left wondering what the next steps were. I believe the IVF experience is very unique to each individual and felt like Dr. P tailored things to my body and unique medical needs. When the first transfer didn't work, Dr. P knew exactly what to do for the next one! I listened to his recommended course of treatment and everything worked great the second round. I am currently 15 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby and have had no complications. My husband and I trusted Dr. P implicitly throughout this entire process and we couldn't be more pleased with our results and how we were treated throughout the process. Dr. P truly went above and beyond!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Keep an open mind and really listen to what the Dr. says. Don't drive yourself crazy by doing a bunch of research and googling.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis and the entire RMA staff were so professional, compassionate, educational and personal throughout the entire process of undergoing IVF. I absolutely did NOT feel like I was "just a number" there. I was able to see Dr. P at EVERY appointment and have a method of direct communication at all times, which I promptly received a call back. Dr. P also called personally with lab results which gave me the opportunity to also ask him any other questions that came to mind. The genuine care and desire to help women with fertility struggles was more than evident at this practice!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at RMA of Florida.
The nursing staff was outstanding! Every single person - whether getting blood drawn, prepping for egg retrieval, assistance during transfer - no matter the situation the nursing staff was exception and personal. I got to know everyone by name. They were all very caring, competent and confident in what they were doing.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
Strengths: You receive a very personal experience from a very competent and caring team.
Weakness: Because of the strength above, it can take some time to get into RMA as a patient - but it is worth the wait!
From the very first consultation appointment, Dr P [Patounakis] and his staff make you feel like you’re the only patient he has. The appointments are never rushed, they explain everything in detail...When we finished all of our diagnostic testing he went over each of our conditions in detail and helped us decide on a plan. Even during the diagnostics which are invasive and uncomfortable he always made you feel comfortable and respectful. The tests turned out to be not as bad as I thought they would be...
They [nurses at RMA Florida] are always available by phone or email...Strengths: Communication, honest, reliable, they are upfront with the costs and what your insurance covers etc. they are super compassionate and really love what they do. Can’t think of any weaknesses. I know when I called they had a wait list for new patient appointments but they called me within a week or two to to schedule a new patient appt and had to wait about 3 weeks from there...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
He is amazing. When we finished all of our diagnostic testing he went over each of our conditions in detail and helped us decide on a plan. Even during the diagnostics which are invasive and uncomfortable he always made you feel comfortable and respectful. The tests turned out to be not as bad as I thought they would be.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
He really cares about his patients and wants them to be successful in starting a family. He will listen to you and go in with all your questions he will answer them.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
From the very first consultation appointment, Dr P and his staff make you feel like you’re the only patient he has. The appointments are never rushed, they explain everything in detail. They reassure you and make you feel great. Answer any and all questions. They give you hope even when you feel like there isn’t much hope.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We haven’t been able to start treatment just yet. He said with my septate uterus I could have surgery or I could not. He described the risks involved with both scenario. And we made an educated decision with him on whether or not to have surgery. He went over of family building options since my husband has male factor infertility. He referred us to a reproductive urologist in the area he trusts and have been treating with him for 2 months. My husband is on clomid and anastrazole to help increase his sperm count. Dr P office calls us after every appointment with the urologist to ensure it’s going smoothly. We currently have 1 more appointment with the urologist and then a semen analysis next month so we can start iui hopefully in May or June.if it doesn’t work after about 3 tries, Dr p said we will move onto ivf.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Sasha and Ann Marie )
Sasha and Ann Marie are great. As soon as we came up with the plan for IUI they sent me all the documents to sign and have that ready. They call after every appointment to see how we’re doing if we have any questions. They are always available by phone or email.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
Strengths: Communication, honest, reliable, they are upfront with the costs and what your insurance covers etc. they are super compassionate and really love what they do.
Can’t think of any weaknesses. I know when I called they had a wait list for new patient appointments but they called me within a week or two to to schedule a new patient appt and had to wait about 3 weeks from there. But not a problem considering the doctor and staff are great.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
The diagnostics have been covered under insurance. With everything done after insurance we’ve spent around $3,000
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Dr. Patounakis is extremely hands-on and knowledgeable. He is the person in control of everything. He knows every detail of the treatment plan, does every ultrasound and all procedures. He uses recent studies and data to back up every decision. He has even authored some of those studies. Dr. P can cite all risks off the top of his head, as well as percentage chances. He changes course and adjusts if need be. When things go wrong, he immediately delves into the why and what can be done to make things better.
RMA is a big international brand, but it doesn’t feel that way at RMA Florida. You deal with the same staff, same nurses and same doctor every time you go there. They are prompt and they are a well-oiled machine. You pay top dollar without insurance, but it feels like concierge medicine...Excellent care team! All instructions are given to you over the phone and in writing. When you email them questions, they get back to you within hours. A+ communication all around.
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis is extremely hands-on and knowledgeable. He is the person in control of everything. He knows every detail of the treatment plan, does every ultrasound and all procedures. He uses recent studies and data to back up every decision. He has even authored some of those studies. Dr. P can cite all risks off the top of his head, as well as percentage chances. He changes course and adjusts if need be. When things go wrong, he immediately delves into the why and what can be done to make things better.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Make sure to ask plenty of questions. He is a wealth of knowledge and you will get answers.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. P treated us professionally and spoke to us like intelligent adults. We ran into some unexpected issues and he took it as personally and as hard as we did.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We used Follistim, HCG and Ganirelex. My first retrieval didn’t work out as planned. The Follistim was upped to the max dose for the second retrieval, which yielded more eggs. For the transfer, we used estrogen and progesterone shots to develop the lining and to support the baby. The progesterone shots were for ten painful weeks, but it was worth it.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Ann Marie and Sasha)
Excellent care team! All instructions are given to you over the phone and in writing. When you email them questions, they get back to you within hours. A+ communication all around.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
RMA is a big international brand, but it doesn’t feel that way at RMA Florida. You deal with the same staff, same nurses and same doctor every time you go there. They are prompt and they are a well-oiled machine. You pay top dollar without insurance, but it feels like concierge medicine.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at RMA of Florida.
Morning monitoring was generally quick. The clinic runs on time and gets you in and out. Dr. P runs between rooms, so if you have a question, you do need to stop him before he walks out the door.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
$40,000 for two egg retrievals, meds and transfer.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Dr. P will NOT transfer more than one embryo. He is very strict about it due to ethics and risks that come with multiples.
Dr. P [Patounakis] is extremely knowledgeable about all things IVF...He is very detailed and knowledgeable but may not be the person to go to if you want someone really warm and personable. I would also ensure if you are using a GC that you try to get one local or in FL because he wants to have a lot of control over the process...His bedside manner is very kind, but I wouldn't necessarily say warm. He's a little awkward, so he is very clear in his explanations but isn't going to chat about emotions and feelings...
The practice [RMA Florida] is fairly small and Dr. P is the only doctor there. You see him every time you go in and he takes the time to explain everything in detail to you and walk you through the step...Did not have one nurse in particular but all the nurses I saw were kind and proficient at their jobs. They were organized, got me in and out quickly, and were always nice to me...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. P is extremely knowledgeable about all things IVF. He took special care to ensure that everything was explained thoroughly to me. He is extremely meticulous which can be a good and a bad thing. He takes close care to how you are progressing, but then is also a bit of a control freak when it comes to his practice, success rates, and working with other clinics or GCs. For example, when I got my GC she was not based in Florida. He wanted her to fly to Florida for two weeks during the transfer so she could do ALL of her local monitoring with him, all the blood work, etc. because he wanted to have complete control over the experience. This is not common for GCs, who typically do local monitoring where they live. My GC has kids, she can't really be away for weeks at a time because Dr. P wants total control. Then, when I needed to transfer the embryos to a clinic up in Chicago (since she couldn't travel down here), he called me many times to try and keep the embryos in his clinic and also tried to plant doubt in my head regarding my GC and her willingness since she didn't want to fly down to FL for two weeks. So I'm not sure that I would work with him in a GC program if your GC does not live in Florida.
His bedside manner is very kind, but I wouldn't necessarily say warm. He's a little awkward, so he is very clear in his explanations but isn't going to chat about emotions and feelings.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
He is very detailed and knowledgeable but may not be the person to go to if you want someone really warm and personable. I would also ensure if you are using a GC that you try to get one local or in FL because he wants to have a lot of control over the process.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
The practice is fairly small and Dr. P is the only doctor there. You see him every time you go in and he takes the time to explain everything in detail to you and walk you through the step. Because you are not seen by a million diff people, it helps to feel like a human.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We used typical treatment. I have PCOS so we had to take special care to ensure my ovaries did not get too inflamed but everything was pretty normal, no specific treatment strategy was used.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at RMA of Florida.
Did not have one nurse in particular but all the nurses I saw were kind and proficient at their jobs. They were organized, got me in and out quickly, and were always nice to me.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
This clinic is small which means that you don't feel like a number and always see the same doctors and nurses each time. You get to know the staff, they're easy to reach, and seemingly organized. They were thorough and easy to contact as well as easy to make appointments with.
With that said, if you are using a GC you may want to go to a bigger clinic. They do not have a GC "department" like some other major clinics. I think the nurses did the best they could, but it was clear they didn't have as much knowledge as some other clinics I had spoken with. I also think Dr. P did not have as much experience with GCs as some of his policies were not consistent to other clinics who see large volume of GCs.
The clinic itself is in a nice area, the office is nice, clean, and convenient because they do all blood work in house.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at RMA of Florida.
They had hours in the morning that you could schedule. I always scheduled them in the morning, first thing. It was easy to go in and do monitoring and then leave.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
They worked with Progyny so I paid nothing because I had that insurance. Sorry!
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Dr. P would only do SET with GCs. Not sure what his stance is if you are transferring to yourself.
Dr. Patounakis took time to sit with us and address every question or concern...excellent and quick work diagnosing my uterine polyp and getting it removed asap, fitting me into his already packed schedule on short notice...My husband's semen analyses were all done on-site in comfortable surroundings and he was informed of his results the same day...he has already proven accurate, thorough, communicative, and successful in getting us on the right track
Rachel [at RMA Florida] has always been easy to communicate with, very kind and compassionate, taking extra time to talk with me when I was nervous before procedures and appointments...always reachable via phone and email, returning my messages promptly...semen analyses were all done on-site in comfortable surroundings...informed of his results the same day
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis is very knowledgeable and experienced in the area of fertility treatments (you can tell by reading his bio and work history on their website), so his passion for this field has been a strength of his. Even more importantly, he is very good at what he does and is so approachable and caring that my husband and I are very happy and grateful patients/clients. We are still in the beginning phase of our fertility journey, but he has already proven accurate, thorough, communicative, and successful in getting us on the right track. Of note is his excellent and quick work diagnosing my uterine polyp and getting it removed asap, fitting me into his already packed schedule on short notice. My husband also says that Dr. Patounakis instilled confidence in him. My husband sat by my side and watched the doctor through every test, consultation, and procedure we've had so far. My husband's semen analyses were all done on-site in comfortable surroundings and he was informed of his results the same day, which was very helpful from a man's perspective.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Just give his office a call and go in for a consultation! You'll know after one conversation with him whether you'll want to proceed or not. I know that for us, we felt good after our first meeting and started with bloodwork that very same day. It was a bit of a drive for us (almost an hour each way) but totally worth it for the care we have been getting and hope for success we have in our future IUI procedure through him.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
With every visit my husband and I made to the office, Dr. Patounakis took time to sit with us and address every question or concern--and I had lots of those! He explained things patiently in a calm, comfortable yet professional manner. When I nearly passed out after giving 9 vials of blood, he and his staff were extra patient and kind to me, giving me extra time to recover before allowing us to leave. The extra effort and time he and his staff consistently take to make sure we feel cared for speaks volumes to us and reassures us we have made the right choice in going to him for our fertility journey.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We are in the beginning phases of our fertility journey and I've gotten: all the preliminary bloodwork done, uterine sonogram, saline test and HSG (dye test), recommended vitamins and ways to communicate with nurses when my cycle begins and ends, successful uterine polyp removal surgery, and plan to proceed with IUI due to our financial budget constraints (can't do IVF) and my age (41 yrs old).
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Rachel)
Rachel has always been easy to communicate with, very kind and compassionate, taking extra time to talk with me when I was nervous before procedures and appointments. She also was always reachable via phone and email, returning my messages promptly and making sure all my questions and concerns were addressed. We also spoke on a personal level and it felt comfortable, like talking to a warm friend rather than a "detached medical professional".
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
Strengths are the high number of successful journeys where babies are had, and many many positive customer reviews on multiple platforms (I researched before going to them). Another strength is the kind and competent staff and doctor the clinic has. Only weakness I see with them for me is that they are out in Lake Mary while we live in Orlando - but that's not an issue for the quality of care they provide.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
My husband and I both have differing insurance: I have BCBS, he has Cigna. Copay for each visit was usually about $40 for me and $45 for my husband. Bloodwork was covered by insurance for my husband, but not for me so for several lab draws it did end up costing me money but I'm waiting on the bills now. My husband's two semen analyses were covered completely by insurance (other than copays). My saline test, HSG dye test, and polyp removal surgery were covered by insurance because it's categorized as potential cause for infertility. Costs incurred for the surgery came because it was done at the Florida Hospitals and we had to pay for use of facilities (around $620) and anesthesia ($97). Dr. Patounakis has a surgery room at his practice but to get me the surgery asap, he was able to fit me in at the hospital, which was preferable to us. When the time comes for us to do the IUI procedure, we were quoted a total cost of $1500 for all that comes with it, and potentially around $500 for anesthesia. We also did genetic testing through Genescreen, a company the clinic uses, and haven't been billed yet but it should cost about $350 if out of pocket versus going through our insurance.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Dr. Patounakis is an amazing doctor and human...We saw him every single time we went in... I had direct phone numbers to my doctor...After doing his own exams and tests he suggested a surgery to remove small polyps...I ovulated early and with small follicles so he changed my medication for the next cycle and we were successful....IUI worked but we did talk about single embryo transfer and he explained why he prefers that given the risks of a multiple pregnancy.
I can not say enough wonderful things about [RMA Florida]...They are a small staff of very dedicated professionals...meant a lot to me to feel like I had a team supporting my journey rather than being a number at a big box clinic and I got exactly what I wanted...Both the nurses on my team were amazing...would send them a message on the portal and hear back within an hour...helpful getting all of the medications ordered when I had a problem with the online pharmacy
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis is an amazing doctor and human. He never made me feel dumb for not understanding and always took the time to answer all my questions and explain everything to me. We saw him every single time we went in and he was always knowledgeable of my history and my plan.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
You will not regret going to this practice. Ask all the questions you might have, he will answer them. If he suggests something you don’t agree with don’t be scared to tell him. He will explain his thoughts and listen to yours.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
I have never had a better personalized service from a doctor’s office. I had direct phone numbers to my doctor and nurses. Even if i was just in for blood work Dr. P would see me walking down the hall and say hello using my name.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We went there from another clinic that we were not happy with. After doing his own exams and tests he suggested a surgery to remove small polyps and then to try a medicated IUI. My cycles were regular and an IUI worked for us with my first pregnancy 4 years prior so he was confident we should try again even with 4 failed at the prior clinic, mostly because of the polyps. The first IUI after surgery I ovulated early and with small follicles so he changed my medication for the next cycle and we were successful. I am now 24 weeks pregnant.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Anne Marie and Rachel)
Both the nurses on my team were amazing. I would send them a message on the portal and hear back within an hour. They were so helpful getting all of the medications ordered when I had a problem with the online pharmacy. They also took the time to fully explain how to do each injection.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
I can not say enough wonderful things about this clinic. I have referred two great friends there and they are both current patients and very happy with their care. They are a small staff of very dedicated professionals. It meant a lot to me to feel like I had a team supporting my journey rather than being a number at a big box clinic and I got exactly what I wanted at RMA.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
Luckily our treatments were covered by our insurance so I only paid out copay but they went over our insurance coverage with us before we started anything.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
We did not get this far since IUI worked but we did talk about single embryo transfer and he explained why he prefers that given the risks of a multiple pregnancy.
When my none of my eggs retrieved created embryos, I was treated with kindness and respect and the doctor [Dr. Patounakis] offered personal counseling to help with my healing...He is at every single one of my appointments, even ultrasound monitoring...also took over personally doing my blood draws every morning...only transfers day 6-7 embryos that have been frozen and pgs tested. For a second retrieval cycle he suggested a long lupron protocol.
The clinic [RMA Florida] is very well organized and runs smoothly. It's a small local office, but part of a national clinic so you get very one-on-one attention with a lot of available resources in the knowledge base...[nurses] always called or emailed when they said they would...Incredibly patient when having to deal with insurance companies...One sum out-of-pocket amount for egg retrieval cycle that included all monitoring, blood work, retrieval surgery, and embryo freezing (did not include medication).
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr Patounakis is extremely thorough in his explanation of diagnosis and proposed treatment. He's very patient when answering questions and is as available as necessary to address patient concerns. He is at every single one of my appointments, even ultrasound monitoring. He also took over personally doing my blood draws every morning. I couldn't recommend him as a doctor more!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Ask lots of questions! He's great at explaining
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
He and his staff gave constant and timely updates of test results and and next-steps. When my none of my eggs retrieved created embryos, I was treated with kindness and respect and the doctor offered personal counseling to help with my healing.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
Egg retrieval cycle: antagonist protocol - Started at 300IU gonal-f and ultrasound monitoring every 2 days. Jumped to 450IU gonal-f after first u/s and added low-dose hcg to aid follicle growth. My follicle growth is erratic and unpredictable, so there were a few days where Dr. Patounakis considered cancelling the retrieval due to lack of response to medication. Growth picked back up and ganirellix was added to delay natural ovulation. Hcg trigger was taken 14 days after beginning injections.
9 eggs were retrieved, only 2 were mature enough to be fertilized. One arrested after day 3, the other arrested before day 6. Dr Patounakis only transfers day 6-7 embryos that have been frozen and pgs tested.
For a second retrieval cycle he suggested a long lupron protocol. A second retrieval cycle has been postponed due to COVID-19
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at RMA of Florida.
Excellent and timely communicators. Always called or emailed when they said they would. Always returns messages or return calls. Incredibly patient when having to deal with insurance companies. All are kind, comforting, and knowledgable.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
The clinic is very well organized and runs smoothly. It's a small local office, but part of a national clinic so you get very one-on-one attention with a lot of available resources in the knowledge base.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
Co-pay as directed by insurance for regular appointments and consultations. One sum out-of-pocket amount for egg retrieval cycle that included all monitoring, blood work, retrieval surgery, and embryo freezing (did not include medication).
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
We saw Dr. Patounakis at every single visit. He did all of the ultrasounds himself and even some of the blood draws. He always asked about my job and made sure to answer any and all questions that we had. He is very down to Earth and explained the process and his expectations...He gives out his cell phone number to patients. He even called the pharmacy when there was a mix up with my prescription and called me back personally.
They have amazing and flexible hours, I am a teacher and was able to go in early in the morning for bloodwork and appointments without having to take any time off of work. The [RMA Florida] office was conveniently located and very clean...All of the nurses on staff were wonderful, they always made me feel comfortable during blood draws and every appointment..
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis is an amazing doctor. When I went in to see him from the very first visit he made me feel at ease. After looking at my chart he predicted that I had PCOS, and told me what my ovaries would look like in an ultrasound... we did the ultrasound and bloodwork and he was spot on. He explained the process and our best options. I loved knowing that he would be at every visit.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Absolutely go with RMA of Lake Mary you will not regret it. They are wonderful and he really knows what he’s doing.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
We saw Dr. Patounakis at every single visit. He did all of the ultrasounds himself and even some of the blood draws. He always asked about my job and made sure to answer any and all questions that we had. He is very down to Earth and explained the process and his expectations. He and the staff were wonderful. He gives out his cell phone number to patients. He even called the pharmacy when there was a mix up with my prescription and called me back personally.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We used letrozole, a trigger shot of pregnyl, and progesterone once I was pregnant.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Rachel)
All of the nurses on staff were wonderful, they always made me feel comfortable during blood draws and every appointment
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
I loved everything about the clinic. They have amazing and flexible hours, I am a teacher and was able to go in early in the morning for bloodwork and appointments without having to take any time off of work. The office was conveniently located and very clean. Very often I was the only patient in the waiting room.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
Our insurance covered all testing and diagnosis but not treatment. We did IUI and it cost $1,000 with all appointments, treatment, and medication
Dr Patounakis is very involved and hands on. He is one of the best phlebotomist I’ve met, too! ... He’s very present in his clinic and I have very high hopes dealing with him. ... He ordered me to take extra folic acid with a prenatal pill for st least three months before we started, which I have been doing. He then did two separate Sperm analysis of my husbands sperm, and a few tests on me. The deciding factor was the findings of the sperm analysis which made us change course.
They [RMA Florida] have a small, welcoming stuff. They’re bright and helpful. Their office is very clean and neat. They’re all very knowledgeable and helpful. The location is very convenient for me. It is a very relaxed environment. ... They are a small staff and it’s never crowded. ... Rachel is an amazing nurse [at RMA Florida]. She is so attentive. She is readily available. She explains processes well. She is compassionate. She is understanding. She is organized. She makes you feel very comfortable and as though you have known her forever. She helped make some of the tests like the HSG go very well. She is extremely supportive and kind.
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
He is a very straight forward person. He is to the point but not callous. He works with facts and has a great capacity to deduce things and make fast decisions. He is confident and sure of what he is telling you. He is humble yet has a no nonsense attitude. He is a gentle person and has a warm demeanor about him. He shows compassion. He is gentle as well. He has a sharp mind and conveys that when he talks to you. He is honest. He prepares you for every aspect of things up front. He doesn’t surprise me with anything. He prepares me very well for tests and procedures so I know what to expect. He is a great phlebotomist! He drew my blood and i did not even feel it!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Understand that he is very straight forward. He has a sense of humor but his work and facts are very important to him. He takes the process seriously and will tell you if you do not follow the prescribed steps he will not work with you. His expectations are set and must be met for him to ensure his best results. He is not one to take chances on his end with your treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
This is a rather new office. I had finally been able to visit. They are a small staff and it’s never crowded. The nurse always addresses me by name. They’re very gentle. I never feel like they forget who I am or what we discussed. I have not had to repeat myself. They have great humor. Dr Patounakis is very involved and hands on. He is one of the best phlebotomist I’ve met, too! I can tell he takes pride in his work and he’s not just a figure-head. He’s very present in his clinic and I have very high hopes dealing with him.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
He wanted to do IUI because my husbands sperm analysis from another doctor had some findings. He ordered me to take extra folic acid with a prenatal pill for st least three months before we started, which I have been doing. He then did two separate Sperm analysis of my husbands sperm, and a few tests on me. The deciding factor was the findings of the sperm analysis which made us change course. He told us we have to do IVF because there is very low likelihood of us getting pregnant. He has laid out the plan and made it very clear why we have not been able to get pregnant since our loss in 2015. He doesn’t give false hopes and he lets me know that nothing is guaranteed. No empty promises come from him so far.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Rachel)
Rachel is an amazing nurse. She is so attentive. She is readily available. She explains processes well. She is compassionate. She is understanding. She is organized. She makes you feel very comfortable and as though you have known her forever. She helped make some of the tests like the HSG go very well. She is extremely supportive and kind.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
The clinic is rather new. They have a small, welcoming stuff. They’re bright and helpful. Their office is very clean and neat. They’re all very knowledgeable and helpful. The location is very convenient for me. It is a very relaxed environment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
From what I understand IVF cost about $10.000, genetic testing was $350, the medications run about $6,000, and it cost extra to test embryos.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
He would prefer to do a single embryo because his goal is to get me pregnant with a healthy baby. He explained that múltiples come with higher risk.
Dr. P always takes time to explain anything I need. He has given so much support while we have been going through treatment. He doesn't push for the next procedure. He goes off of what you want to do. I wanted to use up all my chances with IUI before resorting to IVF and he didn't keep pushing IVF...has been amazing at explain procedures and what is happening with my fertility journey. He has talked to me like I am another human and cares about what I am thinking about and what he can do to help. He is willing to answer any questions that I have.
I can't even begin to explain the entire nursing staff at RMA. They are so amazing and caring...Strengths are being very open and knowledgeable about each person's treatment. They are willing to help you with anything you need. I have always received a call back after the clinic is closed if I needed to talk to somebody. Weaknesses is I wasn't told there was a Facebook support group.
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Since switching to RMA, Dr. P has been amazing at explain procedures and what is happening with my fertility journey. He has talked to me like I am another human and cares about what I am thinking about and what he can do to help. He is willing to answer any questions that I have.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Write all your questions down for Dr. P so he can help. If you have questions after you leave, he will always answer them.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. P always takes time to explain anything I need. He has given so much support while we have been going through treatment. He doesn't push for the next procedure. He goes off of what you want to do. I wanted to use up all my chances with IUI before resorting to IVF and he didn't keep pushing IVF.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Sasha)
I can't even begin to explain the entire nursing staff at RMA. They are so amazing and caring. I feel like I can talk to them about anything. I have connected with the staff over common interests like the theme parks.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
Strengths are being very open and knowledgeable about each person's treatment. They are willing to help you with anything you need. I have always received a call back after the clinic is closed if I needed to talk to somebody. Weaknesses is I wasn't told there was a Facebook support group.
Dr. P tells you like it is. He doesn’t sugar coat things and is very honest. He has always treated us with the utmost respect. He checks in his patients often and you see him at every visit. He calls you with every result and doesn’t hand it off to a nurse...So much respect for his patients and their time. Convenient hours to go before work and always get a call back the same day with results!
I have nothing negative to say about this clinic [RMA Florida- Lake Mary]. It is amazing and all the staff who works there are the best. They truly treat you like you are the only patient. They remember your name when you come in and are super respectful...Both nurses are absolutely amazing. they get back to you with results same day always! They are knowledgeable and caring and answer all questions the same day.
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. P tells you like it is. He doesn’t sugar coat things and is very honest. He has always treated us with the utmost respect. He checks in his patients often and you see him at every visit. He calls you with every result and doesn’t hand it off to a nurse.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Trust him!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
So much respect for his patients and their time. Convenient hours to go before work and always get a call back the same day with results!
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Ann Marie and Sasha )
Both nurses are absolutely amazing. they get back to you with results same day always! They are knowledgeable and caring and answer all questions the same day.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
I have nothing negative to say about this clinic. It is amazing and all the staff who works there are the best. They truly treat you like you are the only patient. They remember your name when you come in and are super respectful.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at RMA of Florida.
The most Efficient. Never waited more than 10 minutes!
[Dr. George Patounakis] is by far the most well versed fertility specialist in the area...his extensive knowledge on the subject matter will ensure you never have to second guess any decision, any dose, any path forward...trust Dr. Patounakis and his team to deliver top notch care here in Central Florida
[At RMA Florida] You are ALWAYS seen promptly once you arrive to the office. They are a well oiled machine that keeps everything running seamlessly...have great financial advisors that will go over the process and payment and give you tips to maximize your plan and funds...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
If you are searching for the best fertility clinic in Central Florida, you've found it. The care that I experienced under Dr. Patounakis and his team is second to none. You will know right away that he is by far the most well versed fertility specialist in the area, perhaps the state, and I would even venture to say the country, and his extensive knowledge on the subject matter will ensure you never have to second guess any decision, any dose, any path forward. You are ALWAYS seen promptly once you arrive to the office. They are a well oiled machine that keeps everything running seamlessly. It is mind boggling the amount of work that go on behind the scenes to make sure every patient is scheduled accordingly, gets their results, and is being monitored and their personalized treatment plan is customized to each unique patient. They make it seem effortless. When you first establish care, the amount of testing, bloodwork, and the exhaustive nature of the intake may seem like overkill - but you will soon realize that all of this gives you the absolute best chance of everything working the first time around. My biggest advice to anyone going through this process, especially those who are wanting a baby ASAP, is to be patient. The careful planning on the front end (such as ensuring that even the smallest of polyps or fibroids are removed) as well as (the time it takes between egg retrieval and transfer date) will set you up for the highest chance of success on the back end. Trust the process, and trust Dr. Patounakis and his team to deliver top notch care here in Central Florida. We were fortunate to have insurance coverage, but that doesn't necessarily mean you pay nothing out of pocket. They have great financial advisors that will go over the process and payment and give you tips to maximize your plan and funds. I understand cost is a factor, but understand that you truly get what you pay for in comparison to other clinics. I would drive any amount of miles (I personally drove an hour and fifteen minutes to each appointment) to be in RMA Florida's care. I truly hope this review is as thorough as possible and help anyone who is undecided make the best choice and get their miracle baby.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Be Patient and trust the process. He is extremely intelligent and knows what he is doing.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
If you are searching for the best fertility clinic in Central Florida, you've found it. The care that I experienced under Dr. Patounakis and his team is second to none. You will know right away that he is by far the most well versed fertility specialist in the area, perhaps the state, and I would even venture to say the country, and his extensive knowledge on the subject matter will ensure you never have to second guess any decision, any dose, any path forward. You are ALWAYS seen promptly once you arrive to the office. They are a well oiled machine that keeps everything running seamlessly. It is mind boggling the amount of work that go on behind the scenes to make sure every patient is scheduled accordingly, gets their results, and is being monitored and their personalized treatment plan is customized to each unique patient. They make it seem effortless. When you first establish care, the amount of testing, bloodwork, and the exhaustive nature of the intake may seem like overkill - but you will soon realize that all of this gives you the absolute best chance of everything working the first time around. My biggest advice to anyone going through this process, especially those who are wanting a baby ASAP, is to be patient. The careful planning on the front end (such as ensuring that even the smallest of polyps or fibroids are removed) as well as (the time it takes between egg retrieval and transfer date) will set you up for the highest chance of success on the back end. Trust the process, and trust Dr. Patounakis and his team to deliver top notch care here in Central Florida. We were fortunate to have insurance coverage, but that doesn't necessarily mean you pay nothing out of pocket. They have great financial advisors that will go over the process and payment and give you tips to maximize your plan and funds. I understand cost is a factor, but understand that you truly get what you pay for in comparison to other clinics. I would drive any amount of miles (I personally drove an hour and fifteen minutes to each appointment) to be in RMA Florida's care. I truly hope this review is as thorough as possible and help anyone who is undecided make the best choice and get their miracle baby.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
If you are searching for the best fertility clinic in Central Florida, you've found it. The care that I experienced under Dr. Patounakis and his team is second to none. You will know right away that he is by far the most well versed fertility specialist in the area, perhaps the state, and I would even venture to say the country, and his extensive knowledge on the subject matter will ensure you never have to second guess any decision, any dose, any path forward. You are ALWAYS seen promptly once you arrive to the office. They are a well oiled machine that keeps everything running seamlessly. It is mind boggling the amount of work that go on behind the scenes to make sure every patient is scheduled accordingly, gets their results, and is being monitored and their personalized treatment plan is customized to each unique patient. They make it seem effortless. When you first establish care, the amount of testing, bloodwork, and the exhaustive nature of the intake may seem like overkill - but you will soon realize that all of this gives you the absolute best chance of everything working the first time around. My biggest advice to anyone going through this process, especially those who are wanting a baby ASAP, is to be patient. The careful planning on the front end (such as ensuring that even the smallest of polyps or fibroids are removed) as well as (the time it takes between egg retrieval and transfer date) will set you up for the highest chance of success on the back end. Trust the process, and trust Dr. Patounakis and his team to deliver top notch care here in Central Florida. We were fortunate to have insurance coverage, but that doesn't necessarily mean you pay nothing out of pocket. They have great financial advisors that will go over the process and payment and give you tips to maximize your plan and funds. I understand cost is a factor, but understand that you truly get what you pay for in comparison to other clinics. I would drive any amount of miles (I personally drove an hour and fifteen minutes to each appointment) to be in RMA Florida's care. I truly hope this review is as thorough as possible and help anyone who is undecided make the best choice and get their miracle baby.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Sasha Valente)
If you are searching for the best fertility clinic in Central Florida, you've found it. The care that I experienced under Dr. Patounakis and his team is second to none. You will know right away that he is by far the most well versed fertility specialist in the area, perhaps the state, and I would even venture to say the country, and his extensive knowledge on the subject matter will ensure you never have to second guess any decision, any dose, any path forward. You are ALWAYS seen promptly once you arrive to the office. They are a well oiled machine that keeps everything running seamlessly. It is mind boggling the amount of work that go on behind the scenes to make sure every patient is scheduled accordingly, gets their results, and is being monitored and their personalized treatment plan is customized to each unique patient. They make it seem effortless. When you first establish care, the amount of testing, bloodwork, and the exhaustive nature of the intake may seem like overkill - but you will soon realize that all of this gives you the absolute best chance of everything working the first time around. My biggest advice to anyone going through this process, especially those who are wanting a baby ASAP, is to be patient. The careful planning on the front end (such as ensuring that even the smallest of polyps or fibroids are removed) as well as (the time it takes between egg retrieval and transfer date) will set you up for the highest chance of success on the back end. Trust the process, and trust Dr. Patounakis and his team to deliver top notch care here in Central Florida. We were fortunate to have insurance coverage, but that doesn't necessarily mean you pay nothing out of pocket. They have great financial advisors that will go over the process and payment and give you tips to maximize your plan and funds. I understand cost is a factor, but understand that you truly get what you pay for in comparison to other clinics. I would drive any amount of miles (I personally drove an hour and fifteen minutes to each appointment) to be in RMA Florida's care. I truly hope this review is as thorough as possible and help anyone who is undecided make the best choice and get their miracle baby.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
If you are searching for the best fertility clinic in Central Florida, you've found it. The care that I experienced under Dr. Patounakis and his team is second to none. You will know right away that he is by far the most well versed fertility specialist in the area, perhaps the state, and I would even venture to say the country, and his extensive knowledge on the subject matter will ensure you never have to second guess any decision, any dose, any path forward. You are ALWAYS seen promptly once you arrive to the office. They are a well oiled machine that keeps everything running seamlessly. It is mind boggling the amount of work that go on behind the scenes to make sure every patient is scheduled accordingly, gets their results, and is being monitored and their personalized treatment plan is customized to each unique patient. They make it seem effortless. When you first establish care, the amount of testing, bloodwork, and the exhaustive nature of the intake may seem like overkill - but you will soon realize that all of this gives you the absolute best chance of everything working the first time around. My biggest advice to anyone going through this process, especially those who are wanting a baby ASAP, is to be patient. The careful planning on the front end (such as ensuring that even the smallest of polyps or fibroids are removed) as well as (the time it takes between egg retrieval and transfer date) will set you up for the highest chance of success on the back end. Trust the process, and trust Dr. Patounakis and his team to deliver top notch care here in Central Florida. We were fortunate to have insurance coverage, but that doesn't necessarily mean you pay nothing out of pocket. They have great financial advisors that will go over the process and payment and give you tips to maximize your plan and funds. I understand cost is a factor, but understand that you truly get what you pay for in comparison to other clinics. I would drive any amount of miles (I personally drove an hour and fifteen minutes to each appointment) to be in RMA Florida's care. I truly hope this review is as thorough as possible and help anyone who is undecided make the best choice and get their miracle baby.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
We had insurance coverage, so our out of pocket costs were 4,000 for medications and 3,000 for PGT testing of 10 embryos.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
[Dr. George Patounakis] Very knowledgeable and direct but also caring. Makes you trust in his work...only do single embryo transfers...Be open to what he suggest and make sure to do all the test he wants done to have a better chance...I have not had the actual IVF procedure I am currently doing the prerequisite but so far blood work, carrier genetic testing, genetic counseling, pelvic ultra
The entire staff [at RMA Florida] is extremely kind and seem to actually care about you. They are passionate about what they do and want to do things correctly to make sure you have the best outcomes...Carmen is phenomenal...always available when you need her...she makes sure to call you back...very helpful and works with you and your needs...gorgeous in a nice location, the doctor and staff are very friendly. The only negative part is that it’s more “northern Florida” so if you’re not in that area it can be far
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Very knowledgeable and direct but also caring. Makes you trust in his work. I look forward to continuing to work with him. I truly believe he will get you to where you need to be to have a healthy successfully pregnancy.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Be open to what he suggest and make sure to do all the test he wants done to have a better chance.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
The entire staff is extremely kind and seem to actually care about you. They are passionate about what they do and want to do things correctly to make sure you have the best outcomes.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
I have not had the actual IVF procedure I am currently doing the prerequisite but so far blood work, carrier genetic testing, genetic counseling, pelvic ultra sound.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Carmen )
Carmen is phenomenal! She is always available when you need her even when she doesn’t pick up she makes sure to call you back. She is very helpful and works with you and your needs.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
The clinic is gorgeous in a nice location, the doctor and staff are very friendly. The only negative part is that it’s more “northern Florida” so if you’re not in that area it can be far. Would also love if they had grants or financial assistance because they are on the higher end.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
The consultation without insurance was quoted at $600 but our insurance covered some of that and the quote for IVF with genetic testing was quoted at $35,000.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Awesome knowledgeable doctor with respect for each patient! [Dr. Patounakis] was at each visit and took time to make sure I and my husband were aware of the next steps...He was kind he called patients directly with results...I just knew my husband and myself had male factor infertility and I needed more information on what this meant after two failed IUIs.
Quick to answer questions and easy to communicate with! The [RMA Florida] nurses were compassionate and seemed happy in their jobs...I just knew my husband and myself had male factor infertility and I needed more information on what this meant after two failed IUIs...The office was clean it had updated equipment they see their patients in a timely manner and had convenient scheduling.
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Awesome knowledgeable doctor with respect for each patient! He was at each visit and took time to make sure I and my husband were aware of the next steps. I truly felt like he cared. I would recommend him to anyone looking for fertility care. Personally I just knew my husband and myself had male factor infertility and I needed more information on what this meant after two failed IUIs.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Trust the process pay attention to yourself and your feelings getting those in check is so important!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Very personable the doctor was present at every visit, he answered all questions. He was kind he called patients directly with results. I think he is a great doctor!
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We did IUI in order to get the sperm closer to egg since my husband has low morphology.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at RMA of Florida.
Quick to answer questions and easy to communicate with! The nurses were compassionate and seemed happy in their jobs!
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
Cannot think of any weakness! I truly felt like the doctor was trustworthy and able to answer all of my many many questions. The office was clean it had updated equipment they see their patients in a timely manner and had convenient scheduling.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
Expensive but isn’t it always
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
He [Dr. Patounakis] was great at explaining our options and treatment plans. He was honest when it was time to move on from medicated cycles to IVF and I trusted him completely in that. He was great during my egg retrieval even though it was more complicated than I had initially expected. He always called exactly when he said he would with updates about our embryos. I have a higher BMI and he never treated me differently due to my weight. He is truly the best doctor I’ve ever seen....
Every person I came across at this office [RMA Florida] was kind and friendly. Even at 6am appointments, I was greeted with a smile from Nikki at the front desk. Their communication in the office is wonderful. We never waited more than 5 minutes for an appointment, and usually we were called back within 2 minutes of arriving...They [nurses] were typically the ones to call me after appointments to let me know how my bloodwork came back and for the next instructions...always got back to me quickly if I ever left a message with a question for them...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
From our initial consultation, I felt confident in Dr. Patounakis and his expertise with infertility. He was great at explaining our options and treatment plans. He was honest when it was time to move on from medicated cycles to IVF and I trusted him completely in that. He was great during my egg retrieval even though it was more complicated than I had initially expected. He always called exactly when he said he would with updates about our embryos. I have a higher BMI and he never treated me differently due to my weight. He is truly the best doctor I’ve ever seen.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Trust the advice and instructions he gives you. He’s very by the book and won’t steer you wrong.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
The employees at RMA all knew me and my husband by name. They were always warm and friendly when we came in for appointments. I could tell that Dr. Patounakis was treating me as an individual and not going off the same treatment he would provide anyone else.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We first tried medicated cycles with a trigger shot to induce ovulation. It took a few rounds to get the dosing right to get a mature follicle. Once we did, we tried that 3 times with no positive pregnancy test. At that point, he suggested we skip IUI and move to IVF. He gave us the option to continue the medicated cycles or go to IUI, but we trusted his judgement and did IVF. We had a very successful egg retrieval, despite one of my ovaries not being visible on the ultrasounds leading up to it. He was able to retrieve from both anyway, but did warn us upfront that it might not have been possible. In the end, we got 9 day 6 embryos, 8 of which were PGT normal. We did a frozen transfer of our highest quality embryo and are now 12 weeks pregnant from that first transfer.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Anne Marie and Sasha)
Anne Marie and Sasha were the two primary nurses I had the most communication with. They were always wonderful. They were typically the ones to call me after appointments to let me know how my bloodwork came back and for the next instructions. They were always pleasant and kind on the phone. They were compassionate and patient when I called them with questions that were ridden with anxiety. They always got back to me quickly if I ever left a message with a question for them.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
Every person I came across at this office was kind and friendly. Even at 6am appointments, I was greeted with a smile from Nikki at the front desk. Their communication in the office is wonderful. We never waited more than 5 minutes for an appointment, and usually we were called back within 2 minutes of arriving.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at RMA of Florida.
We never waited more than 5 minutes for our monitoring appointments. Morning monitoring is from 6-8am so it was very easy to schedule and still make it to work.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
We were lucky to have insurance through my husband that covered almost everything. We did need to meet a $4000 deductible first, and that was the largest out of pocket expense so far. We are still working out some insurance issues right now, so I’m not sure what else we will owe.
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
Their philosophy is one healthy baby at a time, so we only transferred one embryo. I’m not sure if they ever do multiples, but we didn’t ask to do that.
Dr P. [Patounakis] Called me personally a couple times to check on my well-being and continue to reassure me of the process. He was always willing to sit with me and talk through my concerns as long as I needed. I NEVER felt rushed or like a number in his care...He always took his time and explained things so well. I always felt like I could trust him and that my best interest was his priority. I never felt the needs to “google” things or second guess him...
The staff [at RMA Florida] was all amazing from the front desk to the MAs to the RNs and the MD. They were prompt, rarely late and kind with each appointment. The office was Pristine and clean each time I entered. Small things matter here, the staff treated us like family and remembered our names and seemed to always take interest in our well-being...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
We used Dr. P. for two separate pregnancies. The first resulted in my son and I am now pregnant with my next. I cannot express enough how much I truly appreciate and loved the care that we received. I saw him personally at every appointment, on occasion he had even drawn my labs (as a nurse it is so rare a physician would do something like this). He always took his time and explained things so well. I always felt like I could trust him and that my best interest was his priority. I never felt the needs to “google” things or second guess him. Infertility is really an unfair and frustrating experience but he made it as easy as possible. I will never forget what a kind human he is and how well he treated us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
TRUST HIM! Your best interest is his priority.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr P. Called me personally a couple times to check on my well-being and continue to reassure me of the process. He was always willing to sit with me and talk through my concerns as long as I needed. I NEVER felt rushed or like a number in his care.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
We did IUI with letrozole and a trigger each time. Post IUI my progesterone was closely monitored and I was on occasion put on supplements for it.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Annmarie L. )
Annmarie was very easy to get a hold of and always answered my questions promptly and confidently. I never questioned my plan relayed by her.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
I had a great experience. The staff was all amazing from the front desk to the MAs to the RNs and the MD. They were prompt, rarely late and kind with each appointment. The office was Pristine and clean each time I entered. Small things matter here, the staff treated us like family and remembered our names and seemed to always take interest in our well-being.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
About $1500 each IUI cash price not including meds.
Dr P [Dr. Patounakis] is there with you for EVERY appointment and he is clear and kind when he’s with you. His staff is polite and communication is incredible...He called once when I reported starting my period to the after hours Line on a Sunday. He called on a Saturday after I sent photos of my positive pregnancy test post transfer. He was sensitive to my trauma from a previous loss not related to IVF...He only does single [eset]...
nurses [at RMA Florida] called same day and if you sent a request via the portal, took care of it the same day. I never had to chase them or call a bunch or feel like I wasn’t getting answers because they were on top of things...It [monitoring appointments] was so easy. No waiting around and no time wasted. It was great being between 6-8 because of work hours. Also one Saturday Dr p came 30 min early for me because of my job....
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr P is the best doctor I have EVER had. He called once when I reported starting my period to the after hours Line on a Sunday. He called on a Saturday after I sent photos of my positive pregnancy test post transfer. He was sensitive to my trauma from a previous loss not related to IVF. I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Be patient because every step is a step closer to getting your baby
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr P is there with you for EVERY appointment and he is clear and kind when he’s with you. His staff is polite and communication is incredible.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
I’d did two retrievals to bank embryos then a hysteroscopy to deal with scar tissue from a previous d&c prior to transfer. It was a longer journey but getting my uterus perfect before transfer was what made the difference
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Sasha)
Both nurses called same day and if you sent a request via the portal, took care of it the same day. I never had to chase them or call a bunch or feel like I wasn’t getting answers because they were on top of things. They were also so so sweet.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
I rarely waited more than 10 min in the waiting room. Even with a mask, the ladies at the front desk knew me by name and I never had to tell them who I was to check in. The girls who did my blood draws were the sweetest and the surgical team was amazing as well. Again, I couldn’t have asked for a better place.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at RMA of Florida.
It was so easy. No waiting around and no time wasted. It was great being between 6-8 because of work hours. Also one Saturday Dr p came 30 min early for me because of my job.
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
I’m not sure because my insurance covered it
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
He only does single and as someone who lost a set of twins, I wasn’t interested in multiple.
Dr. P [Patounakis] thoroughly reviewed my history, discussed his thoughts on how we would proceed, provided recommendations for my concerns...communicated any changes he made to that plan, explaining things along the way...He was always calm and reassuring. He provided factual information and statistics about risk, balancing risk and reward in a way I thought was responsible and still results oriented...
The entire nursing staff [at RMA Florida] was friendly, understanding, and efficient...The clinic is clean and pleasing...staff regularly and consistently communicated and responded to my questions, addressing my concerns with patience and empathy...the hours are so flexible and the staff is so effective you’re never waiting or running late. It makes it very easy to get in and out and to work on time...
How was your experience with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
After a friend recommended RMA, I saw Dr. P to pursue pregnancy for a second child, following a bad experience with a local clinic that felt like an IVF factory. The difference was immediately apparent. Dr. P thoroughly reviewed my history, discussed his thoughts on how we would proceed, provided recommendations for my concerns (I was currently breastfeeding our first child), and beautifully, he communicated any changes he made to that plan, explaining things along the way. Through 5 cycles (two retrievals & three transfers), my body threw us a few curve balls. He was always calm and reassuring. He provided factual information and statistics about risk, balancing risk and reward in a way I thought was responsible and still results oriented - I probably would’ve thrown caution to the wind! Anytime I called or emailed with questions, I received a thoughtful prompt response. He coordinated my thyroid treatments at one point almost bi-weekly with my endocrinologist and now, even after treatment has ended and I’ve been released to regular OBGYN care, his office has asked me to call them to ensure I’m being seen within two weeks. Despite the challenges of the last few years, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Dr. P (& his staff - but this is only supposed to be about him).
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
It’s a hard process. Be gentle with yourself and others…and choose to wait before reacting to whatever you’re feeling. You can’t trust your emotions in this process. The hormones do crazy things!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with George Patounakis at RMA of Florida?
Dr. Patounakis and his staff regularly and consistently communicated and responded to my questions, addressing my concerns with patience and empathy. The first ultrasound he asked if I liked things explained (which I do). Helping me to understand eased the sense of mystery and increased my confidence in him and his staff. He also gave me his cell phone number, often spoke with me directly, and while being very efficient within the office (which I appreciated since I needed to get to work on time), he never made me a though he were in a rush to see the next patient. He was honest but kind in the delivery of less than optimal news, and even shared that he moved into fertility treatment as a career path due to his sister’s struggles. I found that endearing. Previously an engineer he approaches treatment from a detail oriented, technical perspective, but it’s also clear that he makes an effort to understand the physical & emotional toll the treatments have on his patients.
Describe the protocols George Patounakis used in your cycles at RMA of Florida and their degree of success.
I don’t recall the treatment strategies in sufficient detail to feel I could accurately portray them.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA of Florida. (Assigned nurse: Ann Marie Luft)
The entire nursing staff was friendly, understanding, and efficient.
Describe your experience with RMA of Florida.
The clinic is clean and pleasing. They follow all of the pandemic protocols. Best of all, the hours are so flexible and the staff is so effective you’re never waiting or running late. It makes it very easy to get in and out and to work on time!
Describe the costs associated with your care under George Patounakis at RMA of Florida.
too many cycles to remember all of the costs
Describe George Patounakis's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA of Florida.
