She [Dr. Grace Lee] is a little scary, blunt. Not a warm and fuzzy personality. Until you get to know her. She is at the top of her game and a leader in her field so just do exactly what she recommends. she is the doctor that other doctors go to when they need advice on challenging cases.... We have changed the protocol overtime over the course of our 4 cycles (starting cycle 5 today) over the past 5 years and I have received the best possible care. Dr Lee has come in early (before the office opens) to meet with me. She has changed HER schedule to make sure SHE could perform procedures HERSELF to make sure I am getting the best care possible.
Tracey [a nurse at Harvard Vanguard] calls me at every stage of the cycle once the cycle begins. she is thorough, clear and concise with instructions. she has also provided a shoulder to cry on when things do not go as planned.... My first cycle was successful (live birth- my daughter is 3.5 years old now) but i had hyper stimulation and was on bedrest for 8 weeks. following the birth of my daughter we have varied the protocols. at 40 my egg quantity is good but the quality is bad. we have changed the protocol, letrozole this time around, to try to get fewer but better quality eggs.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
I have PCOS and do not ovulate regularly. my egg quantity is good but the quality is not great. With Dr Lee's help I have a 3.5 year old daughter and we are trying for our second. I have had an above average amount of bad luck (ectopic, miscarriage at 8 weeks due to trisomy at chromosome 20) but she and het team have never given up on me. We have changed the protocol overtime over the course of our 4 cycles (starting cycle 5 today) over the past 5 years and I have received the best possible care. Dr Lee has come in early (before the office opens) to meet with me. She has changed HER schedule to make sure SHE could perform procedures HERSELF to make sure I am getting the best care possible. She is very scientific and somewhat blunt. thats her style. But if you follow her instructions EXACTLY you will end up pregnant in no time. I have full faith in her and would (and have) recommended her to anyone that asks me about my experience with infertility. She is awesome.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
She is a little scary, blunt. Not a warm and fuzzy personality. Until you get to know her. She is at the top of her game and a leader in her field so just do exactly what she recommends. she is the doctor that other doctors go to when they need advice on challenging cases.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
I am a difficult case. Dr Lee has never given up on us. We have a beautiful 3.5 year old daughter and are trying for our second now. I have had an ectopic, a miscarriage but we will continue to try. i am confident we will have another child with Dr Lees help. Her nurses, Tracey and Kristine, are awesome. I would (and have) recommended Dr Lee to family and friends. If you do exactly as she says you will end up pregnant. You can not miss appointments though. The timing of everything in fertility is critical.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
My first cycle was successful (live birth- my daughter is 3.5 years old now) but i had hyper stimulation and was on bedrest for 8 weeks. following the birth of my daughter we have varied the protocols. at 40 my egg quantity is good but the quality is bad. we have changed the protocol, letrozole this time around, to try to get fewer but better quality eggs.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed). (Assigned nurse: Tracy and Kristine)
Tracey calls me at every stage of the cycle once the cycle begins. she is thorough, clear and concise with instructions. she has also provided a shoulder to cry on when things do not go as planned.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Our family goes to Harvard Vanguard in Wellesley for EVERYTHING. Pediatrics, primary care, fertility. You name it. They are awesome. We always receive the best care possible. I am FUSSY and I love them.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
BCBS has been great. Deductibles, office visits co-pays and recently the out of pocket cost for the PGS
Describe Grace Lee (retired)'s approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Dr Lee tries to find a balance between success and limiting the chances of multiples. the risks are much much higher with multiples. expect her to always be conservative in this dept.
She took the time to listen, explain my situation and answer questions. However, I would have like more information on the actual process as this was our first time. I did not know all the questions to ask. Upon implantation, the office follow-up was comprehensive and then when I lost the pregnancy, Dr. Lee was very supportive and emphatic.
Cash Pay - No insurance Dr. Lee - $750 IVF New England - $12,900 Meds - $7500 Sperm Retrieval - $1900 Sperm Analysis - $1200 Other (Pre-IVF appointments, ultrasounds and Labs) not included in numbers above...I had a horrible experience with New England IVF upon dropping off my partners contributions. I called Dr. Lee's office and the entire staff was very helpful, compassionate and understanding. Dr. Lee called the lab and called me back herself to reassure me that everything was handled properly. My retrieval and transfer went well. The doctor and nurses were excellent and very supportive. One of the nurses even gave me a hug as I left my transfer! Upon the loss of the pregnancy, the nurses and Dr.Lee were very understanding and caring in life changing situation.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee was very cautious about any supplements other than prenatal vitamins. I was advised to stop all supplements that I was taking under the guidance of my acupuncturist. It seemed a little odd not to take Vita C, D,DHA/EPA, etc.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
For first timers, ask her what you should know that you don't know or haven't asked because you don't know what to ask.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
She took the time to listen, explain my situation and answer questions. However, I would have like more information on the actual process as this was our first time. I did not know all the questions to ask. Upon implantation, the office follow-up was comprehensive and then when I lost the pregnancy, Dr. Lee was very supportive and emphatic.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
Plan described below is exactly that a plan. It may vary based on blood work and Ultrasounds
Overviewof situation:
40 years old, no previous children, partner had a Vasectomy 10+ years ago, low egg reserve, Hashimoto's and high prolactin
Plan:
Estrogen Patch - every other day - Just beginning cycle with estrogen patch and post transfer
Gonal F 300ml x2 a day for 20 days - extremely long stim cycle as my body was not responding. Never added Menopur
Ganirelix - 5 shots
Novarel - trigger shot
ICSI and assisted hactching
Doxycycline- x2 a day for 4 days around retrieval
Medrol - One pill daily beginning the day of retrieval and ending the day of embryo transfer
Crinone once a day from transfer to loss of pregnancy
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Very helpful in answering my questions and calling me back promptly.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
I had a horrible experience with New England IVF upon dropping off my partners contributions. I called Dr. Lee's office and the entire staff was very helpful, compassionate and understanding. Dr. Lee called the lab and called me back herself to reassure me that everything was handled properly.
My retrieval and transfer went well. The doctor and nurses were excellent and very supportive. One of the nurses even gave me a hug as I left my transfer! Upon the loss of the pregnancy, the nurses and Dr.Lee were very understanding and caring in life changing situation.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Cash Pay - No insurance
Dr. Lee - $750
IVF New England - $12,900
Meds - $7500
Sperm Retrieval - $1900
Sperm Analysis - $1200
Other (Pre-IVF appointments, ultrasounds and Labs) not included in numbers above
What specific things went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
There was a mix-up in a refill of a RX. I submitted it via online vs. calling the clinic directly. Upon calling it to the attention of the nurse, it was promptly resolved.
I was never explained the rationale for the protocol Dr. Lee decided for me, but it was a patch antagonist protocol...She also didn't explain to me at all from the very beginning that she would not be doing all my procedures -- egg retrieval, egg transfer -- which would have perhaps been a determining factor in picking her and her clinic for my first cycle...I found Dr. Lee to be a little misleading more than once...At first she said insurance would probably cover my treatment because my tubes are blocked but then the next time I saw her, she'd done a complete 180 and reversed her stance saying the probability of that happening was low because my husband had had a vasectomy,
There were a few instances of miscommunication/misunderstandings at Dr. Lee's [Harvard Vanguard] office, which made me lose trust in them. It also made me feel like they either lack basic management/coordination skills or simply have too many patients handling at once. It was my first cycle ever so naturally in the beginning I was blindingly trusting they were doing everything right, but then I felt I had to double check and double confirm instructions, since I had little confidence in them.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
I found Dr. Lee to be a little misleading more than once. At first she said insurance would probably cover my treatment because my tubes are blocked but then the next time I saw her, she'd done a complete 180 and reversed her stance saying the probability of that happening was low because my husband had had a vasectomy, which she knew from the beginning. There were other incidents (too long to describe here) that made me lose confidence in her practice. She also didn't explain to me at all from the very beginning that she would not be doing all my procedures -- egg retrieval, egg transfer -- which would have perhaps been a determining factor in picking her and her clinic for my first cycle.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Assume nothing and double check and double confirm every piece of information coming from her office. Also, the proverbial "ask a lot of questions" -- but many people don't even know what questions to ask! Just do a lot of research on IVF cycles and potential protocols and don't be afraid to question or second-guess her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
There were a few instances of miscommunication/misunderstandings at Dr. Lee's office, which made me lose trust in them. It also made me feel like they either lack basic management/coordination skills or simply have too many patients handling at once. It was my first cycle ever so naturally in the beginning I was blindingly trusting they were doing everything right, but then I felt I had to double check and double confirm instructions, since I had little confidence in them.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
I was never explained the rationale for the protocol Dr. Lee decided for me, but it was a patch antagonist protocol. It yielded an amazing amount of eggs: 10 were retrieved. But only 3 of those were fertilized.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Conflicting instructions among the nurses, lack of communication on critical information -- which caused a cycle to get canceled.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Again, some conflicting instructions coming from Boston IVF and the doctor's office/nurse, which led me to lose confidence in the whole practice.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
We paid about $22,000 total for one cycle.
Describe Grace Lee (retired)'s approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
I did not get a good education on the trade offs between multiple embryo transfer vs. single.
What specific things went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Lost appointments
Failed to call with results
Failed to order appropriate test
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
The day of my pregnancy test, the lab didn't even have the order in for it. I was panicking because I thought I had the wrong date. I had to spend some time tracking down the real story which was that they had simply not put it in. Apparently for that delay, it was 4pm and I still had not gotten a call back with the results. Another miscommunication: I was told by one nurse to start on the stimulating hormone on a specific day, only to have another nurse tell me at the last minute that no, I needed to start with a patch, not with the injections. Yet another one: right before my trigger shot, Boston IVF told me to continue with one last dose of the stimulating hormone when the nurse at my doctor's office had told me to skip it.
Dr. Lee drove out to IVF New England in Lexington, extremely early in the morning before her already full schedule for the day, in order to perform the procedure herself. Ultimately, this was the cycle that worked for me. Due to Dr. Lee’s knowledge, care, and ability to adapt treatment as the cycle unfolds, I was able to successfully convert that IUI cycle to IVF and now have a healthy 10-month-old son!
Tracy [nurse at Harvard Vanguard] is very knowledgeable and caring. She always kept me informed of what the next steps were and what each of my results meant. I knew she was truly rooting for me and was so genuinely happy for me when I was successful. I always felt supported by Tracy and all the staff at the office...The staff in the office truly treated me as a person. Not just my doctor and nurse, but everyone (untrasound tech/receptionist/lab staff) knew me by name. They really went out of their way in terms of scheduling for ultrasounds to accommodate my work schedule which was critical for me.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
After reading some of the more critical reviews on this site, I am struck by the fact that it could not be more different than my experience with Dr. Lee. I could not be more happy with my experience with Dr. Lee and would, and have, recommended her to anyone struggling with infertility. Not only did I find her to be incredibly knowledgeable, but I always felt she was fighting for me and in my corner. Dr. Lee goes above and beyond for her patients.
By way of example, after receiving some particularly disappointing test results, I was devastated. Dr. Lee could tell how upset I was and had my husband and I come in for an office visit (fitting us in during her already booked schedule) and talked everything through with us. The compassion and empathy she showed us helped us get through the most difficult time in my life and has stuck with me to this day.
Dr. Lee also appealed my insurance company’s decision to require several IUIs prior to authorizing an IVF cycle and really fought for me. Unfortunately my insurance did require prior IUI’s, and I then developed cysts. During one particular cycle when I had a promising number of antral follicles but also a large cyst, Dr. Lee talked with me about draining the cyst in an effort to take advantage of the fact that I had more follicles to work with than any prior cycle. Dr. Lee drove out to IVF New England in Lexington, extremely early in the morning before her already full schedule for the day, in order to perform the procedure herself. Ultimately, this was the cycle that worked for me. Due to Dr. Lee’s knowledge, care, and ability to adapt treatment as the cycle unfolds, I was able to successfully convert that IUI cycle to IVF and now have a healthy 10-month-old son!
These are just a few examples of what sets Dr. Lee apart from other doctors. Undoubtedly she knows her “stuff” so to speak, but I found her personal care and her willingness to go above and beyond (almost certainly at the expense of her own personal time) to be unmatched.
As all infertility patients know, the journey is so extraordinarily sad but Dr. Lee’s encouragement kept me and my husband hopeful. I sincerely felt that she was rooting for us, would not give up on us, and when we were successful, truly shared in our over-the-moon excitement. I will forever be grateful for her treatment and care and would highly recommend her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee knew both my husband and I by name and the details of our history. Even early on in my treatment when I was in the office for ultrasound/blood work and I happened to see her she remarkably knew exactly who I was and what stage in the cycle I was in.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed). (Assigned nurse: Tracy)
Tracy is very knowledgeable and caring. She always kept me informed of what the next steps were and what each of my results meant. I knew she was truly rooting for me and was so genuinely happy for me when I was successful. I always felt supported by Tracy and all the staff at the office.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
The staff in the office truly treated me as a person. Not just my doctor and nurse, but everyone (untrasound tech/receptionist/lab staff) knew me by name. They really went out of their way in terms of scheduling for ultrasounds to accommodate my work schedule which was critical for me.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Despite of my clear symptoms of endometriosis. Dr. Lee diagnose us as unexplained. This wrong diagnose lead to 3 failed IUI which could have been avoided if she would send me directly for a Laparoscopy. (Where I later find out the poor state of my tubes). It also lead to 2 failed embryo transfer...Sadly I did not have a good experinece with Dr. Lee. She is a straightforward doctor. She dosen't show passion for her patient. She does not consider the patient's symptoms but will follow a standard procedures. This might not be entirely her fault, be due to the Harvard Vanguard standard procedure and luck of flexibility. She is fast and direct. For some this might work.
Nurse stuff are doing most of the work. They were all good and efficient...When I left Harvard Vanguard to move to another clinic they were very slow to share my data...Sadly I did not have a good experinece with Dr. Lee. She is a straightforward doctor. She dosen't show passion for her patient. She does not consider the patient's symptoms but will follow a standard procedures. This might not be entirely her fault, be due to the Harvard Vanguard standard procedure and luck of flexibility. She is fast and direct. For some this might work.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Sadly I did not have a good experinece with Dr. Lee.
She is a straightforward doctor. She dosen't show passion for her patient.
She does not consider the patient's symptoms but will follow a standard procedures. This might not be entirely her fault, be due to the Harvard Vanguard standard procedure and luck of flexibility. She is fast and direct. For some this might work.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
To challenge her assumptions. Be informed and prepared ahead.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
She followed a standard protocol for all the treatments I had.
Without considering my endometriosis (which she denied I had) or my AMH levels.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
Despite of my clear symptoms of endometriosis. Dr. Lee diagnose us as unexplained. This wrong diagnose lead to 3 failed IUI which could have been avoided if she would send me directly for a Laparoscopy. (Where I later find out the poor state of my tubes). It also lead to 2 failed embryo transfer. Since the protocol was not adapt for a patient suffering endometriosis. She didn't use a suppressive protocol but a standard antagonist protocol without the use of the pill in the first phase.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Nurse stuff are doing most of the work.
They were all good and efficient.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Harvard Vanguard is convenient because of its multiple locations in boston and cambridge. This is helpful for blood work and ultrasound. Harvard Vanguard is part of IVF new england. There are not a fertility clinic in their own right.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
All costs were covered by the insurance.
What specific things went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
When I left Harvard Vanguard to move to another clinic they were very slow to share my data.
Dr. Lee is very smart and very straightforward. She is not warm and fuzzy but she is as accessible and logical as they come. She's one of the more conservative RE's, as far as I can tell, but her rates speak for themselves. She gets the job done...Dr. Lee and the nurses remembered personal information about me and recognized my particular case. Every cycle was evaluated from the start and tweaked based on what we had learned during the previous cycle...
HVMA Wellesley is organized, clean and efficient. The ultrasound tech is caring and funny, and news is shared efficiently. The online option for communication is excellent...[Nurse] Tracy has been doing this for a long time, she's seen it all. She has a great sense of humor and is warm and caring. She's happy to answer any and all questions that come up...
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee is very smart and very straightforward. She is not warm and fuzzy but she is as accessible and logical as they come. She's one of the more conservative RE's, as far as I can tell, but her rates speak for themselves. She gets the job done.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee and the nurses remembered personal information about me and recognized my particular case. Every cycle was evaluated from the start and tweaked based on what we had learned during the previous cycle.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
In 2013, we did 3 clomid/IUI cycles that resulted in negative tests. We then did one IVF cycle using Gonal F/Menopur that gave us 4 mature eggs. We did a 3-day transfer of 1 (the only one that remained at the time) that resulted in a healthy pregnancy and birth.
In 2015/2016, we did 3 IVF retrievals and 4 transfers.
The first was a Gonal F/Menopur cycle that resulted in 8 mature eggs. We had only two medium-grade embryos on Day 3 so we transferred one and did not get pregnant.
The second was a Gonal F/Menopur cycle that resulted in 13 mature eggs. We were required to freeze all post-retrieval because my progesterone was high during the medicated portion (meaning that my lining would not have been receptive to a transfer). All but 1 embryo failed to make it to Day 5, we transferred the one high-quality embryo remaining and did not get pregnant.
The third retrieval cycle we switched the protocol to a Gonal F/Lupron medicated cycle. 22 embryos were retrieved and 5 high quality Day 5 embryos were frozen. I overstimulated on the new protocol and once again had to freeze all, this time due to high estrogen.
We then did an FET of one frozen embryo that did not result in pregnancy, but had 4 frozen embryos remaining.
We then did an FET of two frozen embryos that resulted in a twin pregnancy.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed). (Assigned nurse: Tracy)
Tracy has been doing this for a long time, she's seen it all. She has a great sense of humor and is warm and caring. She's happy to answer any and all questions that come up.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
HVMA Wellesley is organized, clean and efficient. The ultrasound tech is caring and funny, and news is shared efficiently. The online option for communication is excellent.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
We have great coverage under BCBS MA and paid 10% of all fees until we reached $1,000 out of pocket, after which BCBS paid 100%. We paid 10% of prescription drugs costs.
Dr. Lee presents as a scientist, not a social worker. She's a problem solver. She presents options and explains pros/cons. The only challenge has been wait time on the phone and for an appointment - although ultrasound appointment options are great.... Lots of testing, then Letrozole for follicle stimulation and Ovidrel to trigger. We've varied the dosage based on my response to try to get the right number of follicles. The first cycle produced too many, the second we got the dose too low. This cycle looks good so far!
The Kenmore and Burlington locations [Harvard Vanguard] are great. Only hitch at Wellesley is that the waiting room is shared with OBGYN. It's hard to hear people excited about their early pregnancies while you wait for your infertility appointment.... Tracy, in particular, is fabulous. Calls back quickly with results, explains things clearly, and answers questions. She never makes me feel rushed.... My insurance covers some, but it's been a couple thousand out of pocket so far.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee presents as a scientist, not a social worker. She's a problem solver. She presents options and explains pros/cons. The only challenge has been wait time on the phone and for an appointment - although ultrasound appointment options are great.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Be prepared to be educated and given choices, not just told what to do.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Everyone in her practice treats me and my husband well. They asked questions about our life and always seem familiar with our case when we call.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
Lots of testing, then Letrozole for follicle stimulation and Ovidrel to trigger. We've varied the dosage based on my response to try to get the right number of follicles. The first cycle produced too many, the second we got the dose too low. This cycle looks good so far!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Tracy, in particular, is fabulous. Calls back quickly with results, explains things clearly, and answers questions. She never makes me feel rushed.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
The Kenmore and Burlington locations are great. Only hitch at Wellesley is that the waiting room is shared with OBGYN. It's hard to hear people excited about their early pregnancies while you wait for your infertility appointment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
My insurance covers some, but it's been a couple thousand out of pocket so far. This was expected, and they had me check on my coverage before starting.
Describe Grace Lee (retired)'s approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
We are also doing PGS testing, so it was requested that she [Dr. Grace Lee] increase dosage to account for low number of normal embryos last cycle and she was agreeable...Prefers single transfer and options/risks were explained...She was warm and friendly...knowledgeable, easy to make appt with. Listened to my concerns and made adjustments based on age and prior retrieval cycle...
Can be difficult to schedule appts at the time/place I needed [at Harvard Vanguard]. Lab services are quick with good hours. Ultrasound tech and support staff at Burlington HVMA are wonderful. Friendly scheduling coordinators...nurse was very helpful and prompt...Easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and experienced. Warm and personable. Able to answer all my questions...Usually right on schedule. Could be difficult to schedule ultrasound at preferred center on some days
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Professional, warm, friendly, knowledgeable, easy to make appt with. Listened to my concerns and made adjustments based on age and prior retrieval cycle....................................
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What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Have your questions and concerns ready. Explain your goals and expectations so that she can personalize your treatment
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
She was warm and friendly. Helped with appointments and her nurse was very helpful and prompt.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
We are also doing PGS testing, so it was requested that she increase dosage to account for low number of normal embryos last cycle and she was agreeable. Gonal F 300, menopur 300, cetrrotide, hcg and lupron trigger. Retrieval is in 2 days so no results yet
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed). (Assigned nurse: Chris)
Easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and experienced. Warm and personable. Able to answer all my questions
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Can be difficult to schedule appts at the time/place I needed. Lab services are quick with good hours. Ultrasound tech and support staff at Burlington HVMA are wonderful. Friendly scheduling coordinators
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Usually right on schedule. Could be difficult to schedule ultrasound at preferred center on some days
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
High med copays, high deductible. Other costs covered by insurance
Describe Grace Lee (retired)'s approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Prefers single transfer and options/risks were explained
She was nice and easy to speak with. She explained the IVF process easily so I understood. After a lot of initial testing I was told I had nothing wrong and to start clomid. I felt like she wanted to put me on medication just to start the process for my insurance company and then move forward to IVF. I didn’t get a great feeling about this since I was in pain monthly on my left side. I also mentioned this to Dr. Lee and was assured it was probably ovulation pain.
[Harvard Vanguard - Ken] Not all testing is done at Kenmore I also had to drive to Quincy which was not easy during the workday. It was also very difficult to have any medical records forwarded to my new clinic. It took months of back and forth and I still didn’t get my complete record...I only had a few appointments with Dr. Lee but the nurses were always great and compassionate. Also easy to reach and leave messages for...It was very difficult for my new clinic to obtain my medical records.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
She was nice and easy to speak with. She explained the IVF process easily so I understood. After a lot of initial testing I was told I had nothing wrong and to start clomid. I felt like she wanted to put me on medication just to start the process for my insurance company and then move forward to IVF. I didn’t get a great feeling about this since I was in pain monthly on my left side. I also mentioned this to Dr. Lee and was assured it was probably ovulation pain. After my first few appointments I decided to get a second opinion.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
She seemed easy to talk to and didn’t speak over our heads with medical jargon I wouldn’t understand.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
I only had a few appointments with Dr. Lee but the nurses were always great and compassionate. Also easy to reach and leave messages for.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Not all testing is done at Kenmore I also had to drive to Quincy which was not easy during the workday. It was also very difficult to have any medical records forwarded to my new clinic. It took months of back and forth and I still didn’t get my complete record.
What specific things went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
It was very difficult for my new clinic to obtain my medical records.
Dr. Lee's bedside manner was cold and lacking any humor or warmth. She was very methodical and scientific, and when I tried to lighten the conversation, she was bewildered by my humor... Perhaps it was selective listening on my part, but I heard hope the first time and clarity of no hope the second time. it was heartwrenching and she stared at me blankly.
They [the staff at Harvard Vanguard] remembered me, they were hopeful, they celebrated successful births. [Dr Lee was] cold, formal, qualitative. Unable to connect to emotions. Methodical and scientific.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Cold, formal, qualitative. Unable to connect to emotions. Methodical and scientific.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
If you want cold facts, she's great. As the same question in different ways to make sure you get a clear answer. Don't use humor.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee's bedside manner was cold and lacking any humor or warmth. She was very methodical and scientific, and when I tried to lighten the conversation, she was bewildered by my humor. In addition, when I first met with her, she clearly did not indicate "there's no hope for you" with her stats, and a year later when IUI was unsuccessful, her assessment was much clearer but she said "it's no different than what I said a year ago." Perhaps it was selective listening on my part, but I heard hope the first time and clarity of no hope the second time. it was heartwrenching and she stared at me blankly.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
I only used IUI because my other option was donor egg, nothing in between.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
They remembered me, they were hopeful, they celebrated successful births.
What specific things went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Already explained in a prior question, but the way my situation was assessed and explained 1 year apart were completely different. Although Dr. Lee said the situation was exactly the same, the second time there was a cold finality to her assessment.
Dr Lee is VERY smart. She is kind and compassionate, but she is not super warm and fuzzy. I like her and trust that she knows what she is doing. She changed up all my plans for my second round and though it is not finish yet, I am already having better results than my first round....Dr Lee took time to call after a failed cycle, met with me to discusss plans for a second cycle, and made me feel like she did care.
They are a part of Boston IVF. All procedures are done in the waltham office. I didn’t realize this at first but it was totally fine, easy to get to and a beautiful facility. Even though Boston IVF is so big, I didn’t feel like just a number....[Nursing Staff] They are great...Dr Lee took time to call after a failed cycle, met with me to discusss plans for a second cycle, and made me feel like she did care....Second round I am doing a lupron mocroflare protocol. First round I did traditional IVF.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr Lee is VERY smart. She is kind and compassionate, but she is not super warm and fuzzy. I like her and trust that she knows what she is doing. She changed up all my plans for my second round and though it is not finish yet, I am already having better results than my first round.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Come prepared with questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr Lee took time to call after a failed cycle, met with me to discusss plans for a second cycle, and made me feel like she did care.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
Second round I am doing a lupron mocroflare protocol. First round I did traditional IVF.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
They are great.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
They are a part of Boston IVF. All procedures are done in the waltham office. I didn’t realize this at first but it was totally fine, easy to get to and a beautiful facility. Even though Boston IVF is so big, I didn’t feel like just a number.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Insurance covered most of the costs once we hit our deductible
Describe Grace Lee (retired)'s approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
My insurance will only allow one egg to be put back, so Dr Lee didn’t have any feedback on this.
Even though Dr. Lee doesn't have a bubbly personality, she recognized me and my husband in passing, looked us in the eye, knew our medical history without our needing to repeat it 100 times, and made sure we understood what she was saying without needing to fluff it up....Don't expect warm and fuzzy but know that she really cares about your treatment.
Everyone a the clinic was extremely good-natured and friendly. When I frantically ran in an hour late to an appointment due to traffic, the receptionist said, "You have enough to worry about. We don't punish for being late and we'll take you as soon as we can."...Natural frozen cycle transferring one embryo resulted in a positive pregnancy test....[Costs were] around $500. This included my deductible and 10% co-insurance. Thank God for insurance in MA!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Don't expect warm and fuzzy but know that she really cares about your treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Even though Dr. Lee doesn't have a bubbly personality, she recognized me and my husband in passing, looked us in the eye, knew our medical history without our needing to repeat it 100 times, and made sure we understood what she was saying without needing to fluff it up.
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
Natural frozen cycle transferring one embryo resulted in a positive pregnancy test.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Everyone a the clinic was extremely good-natured and friendly. When I frantically ran in an hour late to an appointment due to traffic, the receptionist said, "You have enough to worry about. We don't punish for being late and we'll take you as soon as we can."
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Around $500. This included my deductible and 10% co-insurance. Thank God for insurance in MA!
She [Dr. Lee] is an academic at heart and likes to geek out and explain fertility problems and treatments. She was very caring and attentive throughout months of treatment. Her approach can be more directive, rather than cooperative, I found, compared to other doctors in the practice, but I appreciated this...If you're looking for a doctor who will make strong recommendations and be blunt about options, she's great. If you want more control over your process you might want someone else. For us, it was fine that she was directive in her care, as her decisions were based on research and she was right...
Tracy [nurse at Harvard Vanguard - Well] was our lifeline! Compassionate, informative, and patient with all our questions...
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr Lee was knowledgeable, helpful, kind, and offered us great care. She is an academic at heart and likes to geek out and explain fertility problems and treatments. She was very caring and attentive throughout months of treatment. Her approach can be more directive, rather than cooperative, I found, compared to other doctors in the practice, but I appreciated this.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
If you're looking for a doctor who will make strong recommendations and be blunt about options, she's great. If you want more control over your process you might want someone else. For us, it was fine that she was directive in her care, as her decisions were based on research and she was right
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr Lee was very practical and informative in her care, but never cold or uncaring. She laughed with us, shared anecdotes, knew us by name, followed our progress very closely, and showed a lot of concern at every step.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed). (Assigned nurse: Tracy)
Tracy was our lifeline! Compassionate, informative, and patient with all our questions.
Dr Lee was friendly and knowledgable. She provided us with detailed explanations regarding our treatment plan, possible outcomes, and next steps. Although our outcomes were not successful she remained positive...Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and ask her to explain in more detail if you aren't understanding the plan/procedure.
To a certain extent we were a number [at Harvard Vanguard], but Dr Lee tried to discuss our individual case in detail with us...[Nursing staff was] Lovely, friendly, outgoing...Clinic does not do egg retrievals or embryo transfers on site...Dr Lee was friendly and knowledgable. She provided us with detailed explanations regarding our treatment plan, possible outcomes, and next steps. Although our outcomes were not successful she remained positive...Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and ask her to explain in more detail if you aren't understanding the plan/procedure.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr Lee was friendly and knowledgable. She provided us with detailed explanations regarding our treatment plan, possible outcomes, and next steps. Although our outcomes were not successful she remained positive.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and ask her to explain in more detail if you aren't understanding the plan/procedure.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
To a certain extent we were a number, but Dr Lee tried to discuss our individual case in detail with us
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
Can't remember the exact treatment protocols. Following three IUIs, we did one IVF cycle which was canceled before egg retrieval due to spontaneous ovulation, followed by another IVF cycle which allowed for two embryos to be transferred but again wasn't successful.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Lovely, friendly, outgoing.
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Clinic does not do egg retrievals or embryo transfers on site.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Completely covered by insurance, no out of pocket costs
Was invested in my care. Compassionate but practical. Honest.
Hardly ever the same RN calling with instructions...No privacy at RSC - big room with multiple beds, curtains open for before and after transfer.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Boston IVF?
Was invested in my care. Compassionate but practical. Honest.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Grace Lee (retired) at Boston IVF?
Is committed to her patients.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Boston IVF?
Dr. Lee was invested in our care
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Boston IVF and their degree of success.
Various protocols, varying degrees of success.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Boston IVF.
Depended on which nurse you got, some were ok, some just plain bad. Some not compassionate, or organized, or helpful.
Describe your experience with Boston IVF.
Many locations, which didn't help with coordination of care. Hardly ever the same RN calling with instructions. Procedures done at RSC New England in Lexington. No privacy at RSC - big room with multiple beds, curtains open for before and after transfer.
What specific things went wrong at Boston IVF?
Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Boston IVF.
MD would sometimes call with test results and instructions to make another appt., but it was impossible to make the appt. on a weekend. The main desk would say they were closed when they were not, and you couldn't get though to the fertility dept. Very frustrating
We had a standard frozen embryo transfer cycle [with Dr. Grace Lee]. We used injectable medications at a higher dosage that we did with our fresh transfer to ensure that the embryo took...was much more personable than our previous provider...very thorough and knowledgeable, and had good bedside manner. She’s very knowledgeable about different procedures, and sympathetic toward our needs and wishes
Chris [nurse at Harvard Vanguard] was an amazing nurse she was empathetic, kind, knowledgeable, and organized. We saw her with our original provider, and stuck with our clinic so we can continue to see her...Scheduling with this clinic was very frustrating, it led to issues with being able to work full-time...We had a standard frozen embryo transfer cycle. We used injectable medications at a higher dosage that we did with our fresh transfer to ensure that the embryo took.
How was your experience with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee was very thorough and knowledgeable, and had good bedside manner. She’s very knowledgeable about different procedures, and sympathetic toward our needs and wishes.
Dr. Lee was very thorough and knowledgeable, and had good bedside manner. She’s very knowledgeable about different procedures, and sympathetic toward our needs and wishes.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Dr. Lee was much more personable than our previous provider
Describe the protocols Grace Lee (retired) used in your cycles at Harvard Vanguard (closed) and their degree of success.
We had a standard frozen embryo transfer cycle. We used injectable medications at a higher dosage that we did with our fresh transfer to ensure that the embryo took.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Harvard Vanguard (closed). (Assigned nurse: Christine French)
Chris was an amazing nurse she was empathetic, kind, knowledgeable, and organized. We saw her with our original provider, and stuck with our clinic so we can continue to see her
Describe your experience with Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Scheduling can be very frustrating be sure to advocate for yourself.
Scheduling can be very frustrating be sure to advocate for yourself.
Scheduling can be very frustrating be sure to advocate for yourself.
Scheduling can be very frustrating be sure to advocate for yourself.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Grace Lee (retired) at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
We had full insurance coverage for all procedures.
What specific things went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed)?
Lost appointments
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Harvard Vanguard (closed).
Scheduling with this clinic was very frustrating, it led to issues with being able to work full-time.