[Dr. Matthew Connell] explains things very well, personable and had timely communication...did my egg retrieval...made sure to stop by afterwards as well...antagonist protocol..bedside manner was very good— was very kind, always asked if we had questions, never made us feel rushed...personally called with results a couple times when it was sensitive.
[Shady Grove Fertility] can handle a high volume of patients...downside is its a high-volume operation...clinic rotates doctors...nurse was fine— she’s responsive and answers questions...not super warm and friendly but seems knowledgeable...had a different nurse and it seems like the amount of information varied
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
He explains things very well, personable and had timely communication. He did my egg retrieval (coincidentally because the clinic rotates doctors) and was great explaining what would happen and made sure to stop by afterwards as well.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
He’s great but because the clinic is large you may not have much face-to-face interaction. During monitoring I mostly saw different doctors and nurses.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
His bedside manner was very good— was very kind, always asked if we had questions, never made us feel rushed, and personally called with results a couple times when it was sensitive.
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
First round I did antagonist protocol (gonal f /300iu and menopur/3 vials), and after a couple monitoring appointments, he increased the menopur to 4 vials since i had a few follicles slowly responding. I had two follicles that seemed to rapidly grow and had an uneven response. The trigger was pushed back a day or two to see if the other follicles could meet the threshold size. Ultimately 8 were retrieved, 5 were fertilized and 1 made it to early blastocyst but then stopped developing.
Because of my response (or lack of), this round I’m doing a lupron microdose protocol and primed with birth control for two weeks. Stopped birth control three days ago, was cleared to start and did baseline bloodwork/scan the following day. Started lupron microdose twice a day and then will start gonal/menopur again in two days.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
The nurse was fine— she’s responsive and answers questions. She’s not super warm and friendly but seems knowledgeable. During the testing part early on before treatment, I had a different nurse and it seems like the amount of information varied — like when my husband gave a semen sample he was not given any instructions the first time and the second time, for the egg retrieval we had a whole packet (but it was given offhandedly when a nurse asked if I had gotten instructions).
Experience of care varied as well during monitoring. I had some who did the ultrasound very terse and offered no information and others who were wonderful and gave me detailed explanations.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
The location is convenient and its clear they can handle a high volume of patients. The downside is its a high-volume operation. If you like seeing the same doctor and having face-to-face interactions it might be challenging. Some other downsides but not necessarily dealbreakers are: they are switching portal systems so i have to deal with two logins and communication with the financial team has not been the best. However, some of the nurses and the front desk person are so wonderful and kind.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
Most if the time it was pretty efficient. They would schedule appts every 15 min for a block of time. One time I missed my time and they were great getting me seen asap.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
Still ongoing. Insurance covers most except pGT-A testing which was more than $2000. Medications were covered by insurance, except for the lupron compound since it’s diluted ($200). Generally with my co-pay medications were around $100 (refilled once in first round so total cost so far as im starting cycle 2 is about $500)
Describe Matthew Connell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
He prefers single embryo transfer to multiple.
What specific things went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
I had a couple issues with getting results/ instructions. However I called the after hours number and someone would get in touch.
Dr Connell was very knowledgeable, personable and compassionate...called after treatment cycles and adjusted the plan when it was not successful...was always willing to talk through the different options...4 cycles of IUI with letrozole that were not successful. We moved to IVF...fourth cycle produced 2 euploid embryos.
Shady Grove [Fertility Pennsylvania] is very organized and good at what they do....always were on top of contacting me the same day as appointments with the results and treatment plan...shared risk program is also a very good option...Everyone on the clinic team that I interacted with was kind and helpful.
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr Connell was very knowledgeable, personable and compassionate from our first meeting. He called after treatment cycles and adjusted the plan when it was not successful. He was always willing to talk through the different options and took into consideration what I also thought would work the best. I would highly recommend him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Trust the process and it may take longer than expected. There may be unsuccessful cycles, but Dr Connell is always willing to try again or adjust treatment plans.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr Connell was kind, caring and reached out through phone calls throughout treatments. The nurses and care team were also very good and caring.
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
We did 4 cycles of IUI with letrozole that were not successful. We moved to IVF then. Our first egg retrieval did not produce embryos that were euploid. Our next 2 egg retrievals were cancelled due to suboptimal responses. Our treatment plan then was changed to be similar to the first retrieval. Our fourth cycle produced 2 euploid embryos.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Amanda)
The nurses were very good about calling everyday with the results and next steps. Everyone on the clinic team that I interacted with was kind and helpful.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
Shady Grove is very organized and good at what they do. They always were on top of contacting me the same day as appointments with the results and treatment plan. They have multiple locations in the area that are convenient. The shared risk program is also a very good option.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
IUI was covered under our health insurance. We paid $30,000 for the shared risk program. Medications for IVF were covered under our insurance.
Describe Matthew Connell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
They will transfer 1 embryo only if it is PGT normal.
What specific things went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
The nurse forgot to tell me to take progesterone intravaginally after the first IUI. Also, our 1 IUI appointment was mistakenly scheduled fur the following week. They did fit us in, but it was a somewhat long wait.
Dr. Connell was very personable even though I never met him in person...all of our meetings were via tele health or phone calls...Even when he called with negative results, he would always exhibit compassion and empathy. He would allow me to cry, and provide emotional support, and then develop a plan for next steps. He also transferred locations during treatment but kept me on as a patient to see my treatments through until we get the end result of a live birth!
I would start by saying overall I had a great experience [at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania], but due to insurance reasons and substitutions, there were several frustrating times where I felt like I had to hound people to get information/cost/medications straight...I felt there were times I had to remind the staff/nurses of prior discussions of medication changes or substitutions...It was confusing and overwhelming at times and the staff were so great and caring during those times
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Connell was very personable even though I never met him in person. We started our fertility journey during the COVID pandemic, and so all appointments were tele health. Even when he called with negative results, he would always exhibit compassion and empathy. He would allow me to cry, and provide emotional support, and then develop a plan for next steps. He also transferred locations during treatment but kept me on as a patient to see my treatments through until we get the end result of a live birth!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
He is a wonderful and caring provider. He explains everything really well!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
He was very sensitive, caring, and empathetic even though all of our meetings were via tele health or phone calls.
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Since my husband and I had “unexplained infertility,” Dr. Connell was agreeable to my wishes of a few attempts at IUI. I was started in Clomid and our first try was successful in a pregnancy; however, then discovered to be ectopic. He thoroughly explained the plan to terminate before complications, and then having to wait a few months before trying again. We developed a plan for the next try. Clomid was prescribed again, and second IUI was negative. Clomid prescribed a third time, but due to shortage, he switched me to Letrozole. I ended up ovulating early and missed the opportunity for IUI and ended up with a chemical pregnancy naturally (on Letrozole). We prepared for another IUI, but had to change to timed intercourse due to travel. Dr. Connell wanted to have a touch base, and we discussed our options, and decided to move forward with IVF. I was monitored every other day and close to egg retrieval on a daily basis while on stimulation medications. They were adjusted a few times during the cycle based on my blood work and follicle growth. 10 eggs were retrieved, 8 were mature enough to be fertilized, 7 fertilized properly, 6 of them developed to blastocysts, and a biopsy was done for genetic testing and they were frozen. 4/6 embryos we’re genetically normal, and we are preparing for transfer in a few weeks. I was put on birth control to have control of my cycle, will start Estrogen injections this week, and Progesterone injections early December to prepare for transfer!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Amanda Randisi)
I felt there were times I had to remind the staff/nurses of prior discussions of medication changes or substitutions, but as a provider, it was easier for me to keep track of everything. It was confusing and overwhelming at times and the staff were so great and caring during those times!
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
I would start by saying overall I had a great experience, but due to insurance reasons and substitutions, there were several frustrating times where I felt like I had to hound people to get information/cost/medications straight. I would never assume that they have everything right, and always make sure to be you own advocate!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
I would have to pay around $400-$600 per IUI cycle. Stim medications ended up being $1800 after battling with insurance and my clinic (even the financial counselor not being able to help explain the cost), $2000-$3000 for biopsy for genetic testing of embryos, and $1700 for the genetic testing. IVF - $9000 was covered by fertility benefit through insurance.
Describe Matthew Connell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
We have not had a thorough discussion, but due to my age and insurance, it is recommended to do a single embryo transfer.
Every discussion we had [with Dr. Connell] felt like it was tailored to me. It was not just another phone call reading off the script. He spoke to me with details based on me and my treatment. He also gave me realistic goals for myself throughout treatment... I had multiple calls directly from him going over important updates and when I asked to speak to him directly, it was always made to happen immediately. I never waited more than an hour or two to get a direct call back from him or transferred to him immediately. That made me feel very important as his patient...
Shady Grove is a well oiled machine that runs smoothly and efficiently. I like the offices cleanliness and they are up to date. All nurses and front desk staff I’ve encountered have been very pleasant and helpful when needed...she’s [nurse] been the most helpful and informational part of my team! She has excellent patient care and is very compassionate whenever I needed. She was completely on top of every task regarding my protocols and when I needed things done quickly regarding meds, it was done immediately and always done right. I never have an unanswered question and feel totally comfortable in her care.
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
As we are still in the middle of treatment, I can’t say of course that all expectations have been met. I can say I feel confident in his opinion and treatment to get myself and my husband there. I had multiple calls directly from him going over important updates and when I asked to speak to him directly, it was always made to happen immediately. I never waited more than an hour or two to get a direct call back from him or transferred to him immediately. That made me feel very important as his patient. He also was eager to answer any and every question I asked him honestly and fully. I always felt like I was heard and that he never let me go with any unanswered questions. The only negative is that I have not gotten to have appointments with him in person I assume due to locations. But with the way he responds, it does almost feel like I’ve met with him before!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Trust him with your treatment as he’s made the necessary changes when something did not work for us to make it better and ask all of the questions so he can make you feel more comfortable!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Every discussion we had felt like it was tailored to me. It was not just another phone call reading off the script. He spoke to me with details based on me and my treatment. He also gave me realistic goals for myself throughout treatment and I never felt like “just another” patient when speaking to him
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
For IVF egg retrieval:
Birth control pill leading up to stimulation - reduce risk of cysts and regulate cycle timing
Prep of eggs to help stimulate multiple follicle growth - Menopur (75-225IU) Follistim/Gonal-F (25-300IU)
Prevent ovulation until retrieval ready - Cetrotide/Ganirelix
Ovulation induction - Lupron
Slow and steady medication dosing seemed to have my body respond the best (Menopur 150IU and Gonal-F 75IU)
My first egg retrieval did not yield the results we expected so he adjusted dosing for my second retrieval which was more successful!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Lauryn)
I have nothing bad to say of my primary nurse, Lauryn, as she’s been the most helpful and informational part of my team! She has excellent patient care and is very compassionate whenever I needed. She was completely on top of every task regarding my protocols and when I needed things done quickly regarding meds, it was done immediately and always done right. I never have an unanswered question and feel totally comfortable in her care.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
Shady Grove is a well oiled machine that runs smoothly and efficiently. I like the offices cleanliness and they are up to date. All nurses and front desk staff I’ve encountered have been very pleasant and helpful when needed. Everything is done in an efficient manner.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility Pennsylvania (US Fertility Network clinic).
Of course IVF comes at no small cost, but Dr Connell gave us all of our options and did explain each of them in detail and what he felt would be best for us.
Dr. Connell is a very sweet and comforting man. I always felt he had my best interest at heart and always took his time answering any questions we had. ... Every time I see him he always knows how to handle our issues. There has never been a time where I left the office with questions or hesitations. He's very sympathetic and compassionate. I always look forward to seeing him.
Every staff [Arizona Repro Inst] I have met have been amazing. I have never had an issue. Always helpful and informative on next steps. However I found that emailing with the office manager about billing was easiest. Phone calls were a lot harder to come by. ... Dyan is the best nurse! She is very informative and is always on the ball. She's very compassionate and friendly. Very passionate about her job. I couldn't ask for a better nurse!
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Arizona Reproductive Institute (closed)?
Dr. Connell is fantastic! Every time I see him he always knows how to handle our issues. There has never been a time where I left the office with questions or hesitations. He's very sympathetic and compassionate. I always look forward to seeing him.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Arizona Reproductive Institute (closed)?
Dr. Connell is a very sweet and comforting man. I always felt he had my best interest at heart and always took his time answering any questions we had.
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Arizona Reproductive Institute (closed) and their degree of success.
My first retrieval we used 300 IU of follistim and 150 IU of menopur. I can't recall my trigger medicine. We retrieved 19 eggs 17 were mature and had six blasts. This cycle we are doing the same follistim and menopur but adding in microdose leprolide also. I will know the outcome next week
Describe your experience with your nurse at Arizona Reproductive Institute (closed). (Assigned nurse: Dyan Olsen)
Dyan is the best nurse! She is very informative and is always on the ball. She's very compassionate and friendly. Very passionate about her job. I couldn't ask for a better nurse!
Describe your experience with Arizona Reproductive Institute (closed).
Every staff I have met have been amazing. I have never had an issue. Always helpful and informative on next steps. However I found that emailing with the office manager about billing was easiest. Phone calls were a lot harder to come by.
[Dr. Matthew Connell is] Everything you would want and more in a fertility doctor. Extremely knowledgeable. Caring and compassionate. Answered every question I had. Always took his time at in person appointments...Every time I met with him he KNEW me. He remembered the little things I talked about or said
[Shady Grove Fertility] made making appointments quick and easy. The main phlebotomist is excellent...never even left a mark. All appointments were on time...Everyone was kind caring and compassionate...Answered any and all questions via the portal ASAP. Knew who I was. Helped order all my meds
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Everything you would want and more in a fertility doctor. Extremely knowledgeable. Caring and compassionate. Answered every question I had. Always took his time at in person appointments. I couldn’t have asked for anything more in a doctor!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Ask questions!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Every time I met with him he KNEW me. He remembered the little things I talked about or said. SGF is a big operation but I felt scene.
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
1st ER- 19 eggs retrieved, 4 mature, 2 fertilized, 0 blasts
2nd Er- 21 eggs retrieved, 13 mature, 8 fertilized, 5 PGTA normal
Difference- primed with BC, added Lupron with Ovidril trigger. Waited like an extra 2 days to trigger to hopefully get more mature eggs.
1st FET fully medicated cancelled due to thin lining. Was given the option to Try unmediated or with gonadatropins. I selected gonadatropins. So far so good.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Jasmine )
Everyone was so great! Answered any and all questions via the portal ASAP. Knew who I was. Helped order all my meds. I cannot say enough great things
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
I would 100% recommend. They made making appointments quick and easy. The main phlebotomist is excellent. She never even left a mark. All appointments were on time. Everyone knew who I was. Everyone was kind caring and compassionate.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
Shared Risk Program under 35 cost 25,400. Then, PGS- 1700. Genetic testing about $1000. Most meds covered by insurance except Lupron $400
Describe Matthew Connell's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
Dr.Connell was very personable...would remember details about a conversation we had during a previous appointment...didn’t push anything on us...present for almost all my procedures...two timed intercourse cycles...two IUI cycles with letrozole and gonal F...IVF which was successful
[Shady Grove Fertility BMA] smelled like cigarettes most mornings...always greeted me at the desk...never waited longer than 3 min to be called back...felt like the office staff were my friends. They knew my face and name...I messaged the team almost everyday with the craziest questions and they always responded
How was your experience with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
He was really honest and always gave the risk for each procedure. He didn’t push anything on us and allowed us to choose what course of action we wanted to take. He always provided his most professional recommendations. He was present for almost all my procedures. He spoke to us in a way we understood without using a bunch of medical terms and not worrying if I had to Google what was said during an appointment. He was my second doctor and he came in on my treatment plan seamlessly.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Be prepared to walk away with understanding and all your questions answered.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr.Connell was very personable from meeting him on day 1. He would converse with us as if he known us this whole journey. He would remember details about a conversation we had during a previous appointment. He made me feel very comfortable as he was my first male doctor ever.
Describe the protocols Matthew Connell used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
We started with letrozole for two timed intercourse cycles which didn’t work. Then from there moved on to two IUI cycles with letrozole and gonal F. We were informed that the chance of conception was low due to low sperm motility. Then IVF which was successful without letrozole and some other meds.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Jasmine and Abby )
Excellent. I messaged the team almost everyday with the craziest questions and they always responded.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).
The office smelled like cigarettes most mornings. They always greeted me at the desk and I never waited longer than 3 min to be called back. I felt like the office staff were my friends. They knew my face and name.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Matthew Connell at Shady Grove Fertility BMA (US Fertility Network clinic).