Katherine McKnight

She is amazing. Extremely competent, shows empathy, makes an effort to connect with us in a meaningful way and not just as a number. Gentle with the procedures, always smiling and cheering us up. She is the best!

Don't assume that the option provided is the only option. This is something I learned through the process, there are many different ways of approaching treatments - protocols etc. Stay informed beyond what Dr. say. Sometimes they just do or prescribe something because it is more convenient, but there are other options you can follow - do your own research and don't be afraid to ask questions and show your concerns.

I was in the same clinic when we did our first FET - successful. So she followed the exact same protocol. Natural cycle with trigger shot - Progesterone inserts and estrogen patches. FET Day 5. Worked like a charm both times. Also gave me steroids, anti inflammatory pills and aspirin. Kept with the vag inserts for ~8-12 weeks and patches too.

Transfer was 5k but they were nice and gave us Military discount - have to say though - there was a HUGE increase from the first transfer that was ~3.5k. I am afraid how much it will be next time we go for another FET.

They recommend just transferring one - for risk reasons and that is what we did.

We loved Dr. McKnight even though our treatments did not give us a baby. She was always very sweet and very supportive. She was honest about our chances, but at the same time had an excellent bedside manner. I would definitely recommend her to anybody looking for a new doctor!

Make sure to ask specific questions when you have them. She will tell you what you need to know, but sometimes she doesn’t always tell you everything upfront. You have to be willing to ask those hard questions.

We did 2 egg retrievals using the exact same protocol, which I think is pretty generic. We did follistim, menopur, ganirelix, with a dual trigger. She obviously did not know how my body would respond the first round. We got 21 eggs our first cycle and 22 eggs our second cycle with similar results. First round only 9 eggs were mature and the second round only 6 were mature. Dr. McKnight did not really know or ever have an answer for us at to why my eggs were not maturing. The second round we did add a human growth hormone to my meds, but as you can see it didn’t help. If we would have proceeded with a third retrieval, Dr. McKnight was going to adjust and change our protocol.

I do not remember our exact cost for retrieval, but it was close to $20,000.

We transferred 2 each time as we did not have high quality embryos.

Working with Dr McKnight has been an overall pleasant experience. I came into the process very well researched and knowing that I wanted to take a more aggressive approach. She was very open to listening and helped explain clearly the answers to any questions I had. The one downside was that there was no consistency with which nurse you would see for your monitoring and procedures. I think this allowed for more flexibility and quick appointment availability, so I appreciated that trade off. Of all the clinics that I spoke with, they were able to accommodate my schedule the best.

Make sure you know the timeline that you want and don’t be afraid to ask and call to follow up on time sensitive things. Sometimes there was a bit of delay on things like submitting prescriptions and insurance pre-authorizations that could have delayed my cycles by a month if I had not called and pushed for them to act more quickly.

I started out with IUI. Since I had already done 5 cycles with clomid, we decided to stick with that and use clomid + an ovidrel trigger and IUI 36 hours later. My husband had to unexpectedly go out of town for one IUI and they were able to collect and freeze a sample from him a few days early instead of canceling (obviously for an additional $400). Both of my cycles produced 2+ mature eggs on the IUI day and good sperm counts, but no luck. After that we decided to move onto IVF, and I am currently on birth control to kick off my first attempt at retrieval and hopefully embryo banking.

Costs have been one of the most confusing aspects of this process. They have everything set up very clearly for out of pocket payers, but they are not very good with insurance. Some of their codes have been denied by my insurance company and I was told by my insurance advocate that they could submit these differently but they were not willing to address this. Out of pocket IUI was in the ~1500 range (plus meds) and retrieval including genetic testing was quoted at ~18k

We are waiting to see what my embryo count will be before we have this discussion.

Dr McKnight was honest and direct and we only saw her once. Since it was our first consult, it was quick. It seemed that she was in a rush too. I didn't feel that we were a number to her, but I didn't also feel that there was an establishment of patient-doctor relationship as we never saw her since then and all the subsequent interactions have been through email with the RN and for the procedure, another doctor at the same clinic.

Try to read and research about infertility treatment options well. Also review the doctors as exhaustively as you can. It is best to be prepared beforehand so the little time you have with your doctor, you can actually get straight to clarifying information.

We were using IUI with Letrozole, as Dr McKnight said Clomid might have more side effects for patients with my profile. The result of the procedure was a no pregnancy.

$1,400 for IUI only. Not counting the diagnostics that weren't in the IUI package that counted almost $4,800.

So far, Dr. McKnight has been not only a doctor, but a part of the family. She understands she is a huge part of our life right now and embraces it. She answers all questions posed to her when we meet with her and continues to answer questions I have going through the current process we are in. Due to severe endometriosis, we decided I would go on Lupron for the next six months prior to having a second surgery to remove cyst tissue and endometriosis tissue before we start IVF. We are anxiously awakening the six month to be over and she has checked in on me and us throughout the process! It’s comforting knowing she is still in this with us, even though we are in a holding pattern.

Go in with all your questions. She will take the time to answer all of them. Don’t be worried if you’re ignorant to the IVF process or expectations. She takes the time to go over everything, step by step.

Due to my endometriosis, I am currently going through medically induced menopause for six months in order to “calm everything down” before I have a second surgery to remove “bad” tissue and create a healthy environment for IVF.

Total IVF Cost with ICSI: $13847.00 Medication range: $4,000- $7,000

We have not got to that point yet but we have asked, she strictly leaves it up to you and your partner but reminds you of risks to babies and yourself with multiples.

We did our third round of IVF with my own eggs with her - she had modified the protocol from a previous RE. From those outcomes, Dr. McKnight helped us to pivot to use a donor to help us concieve. Dr. McKnight helped us choose the right donor for us and performed the retrieval for our donor. She also did the FET that resulted in our current pregnancy (38 weeks and all looks good). This process is tough, but it was easier having Dr. McKnight in our corner. There is no other doctor I trust more than Dr. McKnight.

If you are on the fence of using Dr. Mcknight or using a less expensive clinic, I would recommend going straight to Dr. McKnight. We wasted time and money at a less expensive clinic - it just led to heartache and 4 long years of trying to concieve. Pick and use the best first, don't make the same mistake I did. Also, you'll love Dr. McKnight!

Prior to coming to Dr. McKnight I had two IVF cycles that both resulted in plenty of eggs and 1-2 low quality embryos. She tried one more round with my own eggs with a day 3 transfer to minimize time in a test tube as this can negatively affect some embryos. We did not get pregnant with this third round of IVF and she helped me emotionally make the shift to trying using donor eggs (as she had diagnosed me with poor egg quality - a diagnosis only given after many failed IVF attempts). Dr. McKnight did the medical screening for one of our donors and found her to be of low ovarian reserve and recommended we did not use her - we followed her advice. Our next donor had a cycle before us that resulted in plenty of eggs but none that turned into viable embryos - she once again recommended we look to find a different donor. Dr. McKnight did the screening on our third donor and approved - she monitored her cycle (out of state) and did her egg retrieval (23 eggs!). She then did the ICSI and we had 13 viable embryos (12 PGS tested and 1 we fresh transferred). A partner in the clinic transferred our first embryo (fresh transfer) which resulted in a pregnancy that ended in miscarriage just shy of 10 weeks; it was determined to be a chromosomal abnormality that could not be found through PGS testing. Dr. McKnight did our second transfer, we are currently 38 weeks pregnant and healthy as can be.

I was given plenty of information to make the decision to transfer either 1 or 2 embryos.

For the most part, I like Dr. McKnight. When I do talk to her, she is warm and encouraging. But she has missed a few key communication steps with me. And one time I felt like she got impatient with all of my questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. From the first appointment, tell her your communication preferences.

Standard IUI: first cycle on chlomid but switched to femara when my lining did not thicken up. For egg retrieval: 225 IUs of tonal-F daily, 2 menopur daily, Lupron, and HCG. For FET: estrogen patches, PIO injections, and progesterone suppositories.

All were done in the morning. You were in and out quickly. Very organized.

Insurance covered a lot of it. I had all diagnostics covered, all IUIs covered, and $5k towards IVF. I paid out of pocket for PGS and medications. But for my future FETs, it will all be out of pocket.

We had 3, 5AA embryos that are genetically normal. I had a history of good lining response. Doctor gave us a 70% chance with just one embryo.

She was upfront in her communication, but also extremely encouraging and sympathetic. IVF is trying and emotional, and she was very supportive and uplifting throughout the process. We had 2 miscarriages and we just delivered a healthy baby boy a month ago!

Write down your questions ahead of time, as you’ll likely forget them at the appointments.

My husband had a vasectomy years ago and recently had it reversed. The reversal was successful, in that there was sperm flow, it just wasn’t as strong as we had hoped. Since I was mid-30s and my husband in his mid-40s, we wanted to get pregnant quickly. Dr. McKnight reviewed our tests and recommended IVF as our best course of action. We discussed doing IUI as well, as it is less invasive and less expensive; Dr. McKnight was supportive of us trying IUI as well, but we ultimately went with IVF as the success rates are much higher and we didn’t want to waste any time.

I honestly don’t remember the exact numbers; my insurance covers IVF up to a lifetime max of $25 M.

We discussed transferring either 1 or 2 embryos each cycle; given my age and health, Dr. McKnight would only transfer a maximum of 2 embryos each cycle, but left it up to us if we wanted to implant 1 or 2.

I always felt completely comfortable with Dr. McKnight and enjoyed meeting with her. My only criticism was that I'm not sure if there was a ton if communication between her and my nurse about me other than just the pure blood work numbers. I had actually moved out of state between my consultation and my FET and she was unaware at the time of my transfer that I had been doing outside monitoring.

Go with her, she's great!

I had an FET transfer, starting with birth control pills to regulate my cycle and then followed by Lupron injections, estrogen, and progesterone.

I believe my FET was about $4500.

My two embryos were actually frozen together so we chose to transfer both. We were told it was most likely safe to thaw and refreeze one of our embryos, but we chose not to take the chance.

Dr. McKnight lacked the warmth and compassion I expected. My husband felt the same way. There was no desire to truly figure out why we weren't getting pregnant, just go down the pathway of medicated timed intercourse, then IUI, then IVF. I had several questionable things occur during my cycle that she did not have an explanation for. For example, I had an 18 day luteal phase during my medicated cycle. Pregnancy test was negative. When I asked why it had lasted so long, I was just told by the nurse "we don't know, just call us when your period starts so we can start the next cycle." There was no input from Dr. McKnight whatsoever. Through my own research I found out it was likely a luteal cyst. Overall, I just felt like Dr. McKnight had no personal interest in my success so we transferred to another clinic after that first cycle.

Ask up front how often you will see her and how can you get in touch with her directly if you have questions.

We only stayed with her for one cycle. This was my first treatment cycle ever. I have suspected PCOS. I used letrozole 5 mg days 3-7 with an Ovidrel trigger and timed intercourse. I had two monitoring ultrasounds during the cycle that showed 3 developed follicles. It resulted in a negative pregnancy test and an extremely long luteal phase likely due to a corpus luteal cyst.

$400 for a monitored timed intercourse medicated cycle

She's kind, compassionate and yet self assured and breeds confidence. You can sense she has the experience. She is also a bit more conservative, which I appreciate.

IVF with chromosomal screening (because of multiple pregnancy losses likely due to chromosomal abnormalities). Transfer one tested embryo TK reduce risk of twins

$15-20K for IVF with chromosomal screening

Dr. McKnight is very caring and compassionate. She goes out of her way to talk through everything, and help us understand what is going on. She doesn't rush through appointments and makes sure that you have what you need for next steps. She is willing to meet us where we are at with treatments, and explains why she thinks something will or not work. She doesn't treat us like we are just another number in the clinic, but really makes you comfortable in the care you are receiving.

If you have any questions on what is going on, just reach out to your nurse. Dr. McKnight communicates well through the nurses. If you don't receive an answer you like, or feel like you are not on the same page, set up an in person meeting.

I have had a previous pregnancy, with the help of fertility treatments in a different state. Given this Dr. McKnight is very encouraging that I can once again get pregnant and is willing to follow my cue on trying IUI before moving to IVF. We have done 3 cycles of IUI, all resulting in negative pregnancy tests. The first IUI was Clomid days 5-9, and IUI ended up on CD 21. I ovulated prior to doing the trigger shot. I only had 1 dominate follicle for IUI #1. IUI #2 - Clomid days 5-9, trigger shot on CD 18 (only 1 dominate follicle), IUI on CD 20. IUI#3 - Clomid day 3-7, trigger on CD 15 (only 1 dominate follicle), IUI on CD 17. Currently on a treatment break, as we've decided to have lap surgery prior to next treatment, which we've discussed will be injectables with IUI.

IUI with Clomid/Letrozol was reasonable - $1,000 a cycle. IUI with injectables was $2,000 a month + cost of meds. I don't remember specifics on IVF, but it is lower that 2 other places in our area.

She cared and adjusted the course of treatment when the first attempt was unsuccessful. Once we had embryos, she walked through the next steps and what our options were given that we did not have many embryos.

Write all your questions down so that you can ensure they get answered when you meet with her.

Our first egg retrieval was a BCP Microdose flare. We did not get many eggs and none produced genetically normal embryos. Our next atrempt was Antagonist (no BCP), and we got two viable embryos. The first FET failed. Since we only had one embryo left, we did an ERA (performed by Dr. Zhou as Dr. McKnight was out of town... I was given the option to delay a week for Dr. McKnight to return, but I preferred to just get it done... the day of the procedure, I did not like Dr. Zhou's bedside manner and I would not see her again). Then we did the second FET and it was successful.

I feel like she is an excellent Doctor. She hopes that this works for us and continues down the road with us. She does suggest using donor or have it as back up, but we are not there yet. I feel like she is an excellent Doctor. She hopes that this works for us and continues down the road with us. She does suggest using donor or have it as back up, but we are not there yet.

Do research and ask for what you want. If you think there might be some alternatives that have not been suggested, ask. She actually suggested another medication protocol for my husband and it seems to be working. His doctor had not even suggested it at the time.

I had two egg retrievals and froze my eggs for when they could retrieve sperm. I used Lupron, follistim, menopur , birth control pills, and an oral steroid for my cycles. I think asking for an hsg is a good idea before a potential transfer to make sure nothing might be blocking things up.

They set up the majority of appointments in the early morning hours so that you can get to work.

My benefits are excellent, but average retrieval and transfer run 12-15k plus meds.

Was very clear every step of the way. Very caring and reassuring. Answered all questions I had no matter how minimal it may have seemed. She gave me a good understanding of what was happening with my body and gave me a better understanding of what PCOS meant. Explained all ultrasounds and told me what was expected of me after my egg reached a certain size.

To ask all the questions and not be afraid to ask for things to be explained in a different matter if you don’t understand.

I was instructed to use clomid on cycle days 5-9 and then go in regularly for ultrasounds. Once my egg was a certain size I was instructed to have timed intercourse. Then 2 weeks later a pregnancy test. If it was positive I would go in for a pee test in the clinic to confirm.

I believe the clomid cycle cost 1,200 which included the ultrasound. The clomid cost was around $60 The trigger shot was around $200

She explained all options and risks in a way we understood. She was encouraging and positive every visit and even after our failed attempts. She really was there 98% of the time. Unfortunately my fresh transfer she was at the other location but I know they have their schedules.

Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions!

Endometrim Follistim Menopur Ganirelix Pregnyl Dexamethasome Estradiol Methyl prednisolone Azithromycin Leuprolide

It was busy but they ran it well and I was never there long!

IUI’s $1500 each. We did 3 and medicine was about $200 each time. Our IvF was 15k and about 5k for medicine. The frozen transfer was $4500 and $1500-$2000 for medicine

She knew from the beginning we would like to transfer 2. She didn’t love it but respected our wishes and told us the risks.

She really cares about her patients. I really felt like she understood what I was going through every step of the way. I did my first IVF cycle with her and even though it didn’t result in a live birth I would still recommend her. I switched clinics only because of the cost not the doctor

Do your research on financing

I spent overall meds included around 24k

She was very kind and very patient. That’s what I needed. And I cried on our last appointment. She is the best! CJ and Tiffany were so special too. This business has got to be hard but ehh made it so amazing.

Give her the time and confidence. She will hug you and cry with you but has your best interest at heart.

When I was with Dr. McKnight, I was very pleased with her manner. She took the time to answer our questions, although we were so confused and uninformed in the beginning of our infertility whirlwind that this time didn't amount to much. Of our many countless visits we really only saw Dr. McKnight three times, but she was definitely great when we did get to see her.

Make sure you specifically request to see the DOCTOR when you want to meet with her. There were a handful of visits where we expected Dr. McKnight to be there and it was just a nurse. Perhaps this is standard practice, but we didn't know and we felt let down. Other than that, I would just say to prepare questions so that the time you do get with McKnight is as effective and useful as possible. She will be candid and kind in my experience.

Based on my extremely low AMH and borderline FSH, the plan Dr. McKnight put in place was an aggressive IVF regimen. The first round began with birth control pill suppression followed by a mix of high dose gonadotropins and microdose lupron. My trigger would have been HCG followed by retrieval, ICSI and comprehensive chromosome screening on all embryos. Unfortunately, my body did not respond to the meds, my estradiol stayed undetectable and I didn't even make it to trigger. A week or so after this failure I had a random follicle growing and an estradiol spike on NO medication. I was thrilled and rushed into another mini round of IVF with virtually the same protocol and tried to save the few follicles that were growing. I did my HCG trigger, but the day before my retrieval showed that my estrogen levels came crashing back down. Dr. McKnight told me this probably meant that there were no viable eggs in the follicles and she would not recommend doing egg retrieval will only one large follicle and crashing estrogen levels. I was heartbroken, but it was not McKnight's fault. I can only add that perhaps, with diminished ovarian reserve and a poor response to the first round, perhaps I should not have been on any lupron suppression? I just don't know. Perhaps we should have tried a different protocol. That being said, I think I will go back to Dr. McKnight after my stem cell therapy and try to batch with her.

The cost up front for the pre-retrieval and post-retrieval blood draws and appointments, egg retrieval and FET was $21,000.00. This was meant to get you from your first appointment through your surgeries and to your positive pregnancy test.

When my husband and I were naive enough to think we would even have these options, we asked about single vs. multiple embryo transfer. Dr. McKnight said she respects anything her patients decide to do, but strongly recommends single embryo transfer. We didn't ask for further explanation as my husband and I agreed we ought to do single embryo transfers only.

She really was wonderful to interact with. Very personable and real! We wish she would have been more directly involved in our month by month care because we really liked interacting with her. She was always very compassionate when we scheduled re group visits after another type of treatment failed

Maybe be more open about interactions with staff? We should have been more honorary about how our interactions weren’t always so great with them.