I think Kindbody and Meredith Brower are scam artists...saw the doctor only once and that was the day of the egg retrieval surgery. Prior to the surgery, I never saw the doctor once...do not spend time on patients individually so everyone’s put through the same protocol.
Kindbody is a terrible idea. It’s basically private equity investors buying out fertility practices and investing in technology to increase efficiency and profits by cramming as many patients under each doctor as possible...care more about showing efficient costs to their investors than patient results....do have great marketing and a very well designed web portal...if you want actual healthcare and results, avoid this place!
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
I think Kindbody and Meredith Brower are scam artists. Do not bother to freeze your eggs with them. They have no interest in your results, probably because for egg freezing, there’s a huge chance you won’t come back for them and they won’t be held responsible for the results. Out of 8 oocytes retrieved, only 3 were viable because they did not adjust my protocol. I did actually come back for mine later and none of the 3 made it to viable embryos. Save your money, do not bother to freeze your eggs here. I went to 2 other fertility clinics as well, and both were much better. Avoid private equity backed clinics like Kindbody.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Do not go here. Kindbody is private equity backed and is trying to prove that through tech, they can cram more patients under a single doctor. She is negligent and I did not see her until day of surgery. Go to another clinic.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
I saw the doctor only once and that was the day of the egg retrieval surgery. Prior to the surgery, I never saw the doctor once! Kindbody just tries to cram as many patients in as possible, relying on nurses and their website to increase efficiency. Yes, their website is better than most clinics, but ultimately my abysmal results showed me that a well-designed website cannot make up for a negligent doctor.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Kindbody relies entirely on nurses and their website. I will say their online portal is much better than any other clinic I’ve been to. But that’s about the only good thing I can say about them.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Kindbody is a terrible idea. It’s basically private equity investors buying out fertility practices and investing in technology to increase efficiency and profits by cramming as many patients under each doctor as possible. The doctors are negligent and they do not spend time on patients individually so everyone’s put through the same protocol. They care more about showing efficient costs to their investors than patient results. They do have great marketing and a very well designed web portal, but if you want actual healthcare and results, avoid this place!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
$11,000 including medications for the entire round of egg freezing
Dr. Brower has made us feel safe...upfront and direct with us while also being incredibly kind and personable. We like her so much that we followed her to the new clinic [Kindbody]...our first egg retrieval and embryo making cycle came back different than what she expected she advised my husband to do a DNA fragmentation test...called us personally when she gets results and it is always when she says she will or sooner...has been at all of my appointments, except one...
Having KindBody as our clinic brightens my mood a little bit when we go in because of the people and the space they have created...transparent about all of their pricing and information is very easy to find on their website...I love my patient portal- It has all of my information from past appointments and tests as well as instructional videos for injections and a timeline of my journey...[nurse is] available to us over email and WhatApp and responds quickly.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
I answered a lot of this in the first question, as I did not know what other questions there would be, but I will write more. Dr. Brower has been amazing! She is very compassionate towards our situation and makes sure to give us all of our options. When we went in for our first appointment with her, based on our test results, we thought IUI would work. After the IUI did not work (it was our first time with Brower and our fourth time overall) with more tests it became apparent that my husband's sperm are not the best quality; we decided to move forward with IVF. Although some unexpected things have occurred with our first egg retrieval and ICSI (only 1 embryo survived of 8) she has given us all the information she has and what all of our options are. She has called us personally when she gets results and it is always when she says she will or sooner. She has allowed us to talk things through and decide what we want to do with her guidance and not with pressure. Brower has been at all of my appointments, except one, due to Covid-19 and having a limited number of people in the office (the office is now closed, but this was when it was just starting to pick up). Even if I was just getting blood drawn she'd make sure to pop in and say hello. She is also very into the education of a women's body and participates in panels to help educate on fertility/infertility, which I think is awesome! I'd say her strengths are making sure to cover all options, depending on the patients, and being personable- following up with results when she says she will. We can't say what her weaknesses are at the moment, as we have not found any, but I do wish she would have talked to us more about doing more extensive tests on my husband before we did our first egg retrieval/ ICSI- although the tests from his urologist specialist did not make it completely apparent that we needed to do this, so I don't blame Dr. Brower. We really lucked out with finding her and we can't say enough good things on how she has been with us on this journey of trying to start a family.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Don't be afraid to ask any and all questions. Brower is honest and will answer all of your questions to the best of her ability. Also to ask her for recommendations on nutrients, acupuncturist, and therapist as she works along side with all of them and has a handful of people she'd recommend.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
I feel like a human because; From the moment we met Dr. Brower we knew she was the doctor for us. She was very thorough with her process and how she would work with us based on our past tests and results. She made room for us to discuss what our thoughts were and answered all of our questions and made herself available to us. We had seen two other doctors before Brower and I won't say much, but the first one I left the office crying. Dr. Brower has made us feel safe and has been very upfront and direct with us while also being incredibly kind and personable. We like her so much that we followed her to the new clinic she transferred to after we'd only met with her twice (she was at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California in Santa Monica and left late 2019 to be the primary Doctor for KindBody's new location in Santa Monica, CA). We have not been able to complete a transfer due to Covid-19 and will have to do another egg retrieval when we can start the process again. There are a couple things that have been abnormal through our first egg retrieval process and have not turned out how Dr. Brower has expected. She has guided us on more tests for my husband to do and also what other processes we may need to ender to have a successful amount of embryo continue to grow after day 5 (we went from have 8 embryo to only having 1 after day 5). The entire staff at KindBody, Santa Monica, CA, has been amazing. We have a nurse that is also always available to us and the front desk women get back to us in minutes if I have a question. They have also worked with us on making payments. Even after not so great results with our first egg retrieval Dr. Brower has given us next steps and back our hope of becoming parents.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Kindbody - Los Angeles and their degree of success.
I am not sure of the exact naming of the protocol but I was originally going to start my first egg retrieval cycle with taking birth control starting on day 3 of my period for about 10 days then going in for a blood test and ultrasound. If everything look right and my blood test came back good I'd return in 3 days for the same thing and then start my injections. Unfortunately my body did not respond to the BC (I had already started to produce a cyst on my follicle) so I had to stop and wait until my next period cycle. Once I started my period again Brower had me come in on day 2 and if the ultrasound and blood test came back good I would start the injections that night. I was able to start injections in the PM of day 2 of that period (Gonal F - 300 units
Menopur - 150 units). I started my injections on 3/11 and had an egg retrieval on 3/21. During that time I went in every other day for blood tests and an ultrasound until 3/18 and then I went in every day until my retrieval on 3/21. I continued with the Gonal F and Menopur until 3/18 and added in the Cetrotide, 1 kit in the AM, 3/14-3/19. I took my trigger medication, Novarel 2500/Lupron Trigger on 3/19 at 9pm, went in for a blood test on 3/20, and my egg retrieval was 3/21, in the morning. The treatment strategy was to try and sync the growth of my follicles and to get the most good mature eggs (and not have the follicles get too big) . I usually have 18-20 follicles showing during ultrasounds before and during medication. My left side ended up under producing more than she thought, and my right side was pretty good. I had 17 eggs retrieved, 11 were mature and 8 became embryos. Of that 8 only one survived after day 5, and came back good from genetic testing. Because my body and uterus/lining seem to be in amazing condition Dr. Brower is hopeful that the one embryo will transfer and become a pregnancy, however she can't make promises and has been very honest about that. Because we want two children I told her we thought we should do another cycle before trying the transfer because I will be 35 this year and it will be better now for egg quality than in the future; she agreed. Because of our first egg retrieval and embryo making cycle came back different than what she expected she advised my husband to do a DNA fragmentation test and then see what we can do and what our options are after we get the test results. She also explained that because of my egg reserve test results (my AMH is 3.24 and AFC is usually 18-20) and age it would be abnormal for it to be all egg quality (as you know there is no way to test of egg quality) so we need to wait for my husbands results before we move forward with another egg retrieval and embryo making cycle. We also found out my husband has a varicose vein in one of his testicles which could be leading to poor sperm quality so depending on his DNA fragmentation test an option could be to remove the sperm directly from the testicles before doing another cycle/ICSI. We hope to get some answers from the test he did soon so we can figure out next steps, what our options are, and put some plans into action, although we are seeing now that plans do not go as they seem they will. For my next egg retrieval cycle, we hope we are able to start in June if everything reopens for medical fertility procedures, Brower is going to try another protocol to see if she can get my follicles to sync up better. I will prep during May to synchronize my follicles with Estrogen patches prior to my June period. I will go into the office 1 week after my ovulation in May for blood test. Once my bloodwork confirms ovulation I will start an Estrogen patch and change it every 3 days until my June period. On Day 2 or 3 of my June period I will have an office appointment with a blood test and ultrasound and if it looks good I will start my Injections that night.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Kindbody - Los Angeles. (Assigned nurse: Ann)
Ann is amazing as well! She is very compassionate and truly cares about us and our journey. She respects all of our feelings and is very organized and gets all the information to us in a timely manner when she says she will. We meet with her after all major appointments and she goes over all protocols and details and answers all of our questions. She follows up after my appointments in an email with all of our information again. She is also available to us over email and WhatApp and responds quickly.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
KindBody is amazing (I am using that word a lot)!! They are a new kind of fertility clinic and I can't say enough good things about them. They allow women to go in at any point of their life to find out about their body/fertility and get information. They are very transparent about all of their pricing and information is very easy to find on their website. As a patient I love my patient portal- It has all of my information from past appointments and tests as well as instructional videos for injections and a timeline of my journey. The clinic also offers additional services like yearly check ups, nutritionists, therapists, and acupuncturists. Before Covid-19 the clinic would offer free fertility panels to go to, now they have switched it to online zoom calls and have been able to add more speakers. I love the community they are helping to build and the resources/information they are sharing for free. The office is super chic and very clean and bright. There are motivational quotes on the walls and the staff is very friendly (some of the staff also followed Dr. Brower when she moved to this clinic). The past few weeks have been rough for us with our embryo results, it's a lot of money and we have to do it again and hope that it is possible for us. Having KindBody as our clinic brightens my mood a little bit when we go in because of the people and the space they have created. They also take insurance, however our insurance does not cover infertility treatments or testing.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
You can also find this and other procedure prices on their website. An egg retrieval cycle with transfer is $12,500 and with genetic testing it is $17000, which is what we did (genetic testing is up to 8 embryo for $4500). If you have 2 cycles of egg retrieval instead of $25,000 they discount it to $20,000, and with genetic testing it is a total of $29,000. Which is what we will end up paying. The medications are $4,000-6,000 each cycle. For me the first cycle, without transfer medications has been about $5,000 or a little more. I will have to see what the cost of transfer medications are however I expect them to be $500-$1,000 since I was told the range for all medications is usually $4,000-$5,000. DNA fragmentation test runs $275-$500, we have not received the bill yet. If my husband has to have sperm removed directly from the testicles it looks like that is $3000-$12,000; from what we have looked up on the web (Doctor Brower would not do this producer).
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Dr. Brower explained that this depends on the patient and situation. For us, since my uterus and lining look great, she advised the eSET (and right now that is all we have- hopefully we will get more after the next cycle). She explained how there are more risks for twins if more than 1 egg should attach after transfer. She prefers patients not to go with multiple embryo transfer if the uterus and lining are good and there are no other concerns, however if someone wants to have twins she will talk to them about that. We feel comfortable with her recommending eSET for us and selecting the best embryo if we get more out of our next cycle.
Dr Meredith Brower is hands down the most brilliant, skilled but also incredibly kind and compassionate doctor...My husband and I were looking forward to every appointment and walked out lighthearted and confident. You feel in good hands every step of the way. She's a true professional with a highly scientific approach and in the same time sees the humans in front of her. We got pregnant with her at first try and are over the moon expecting our first child. She managed to make a dry, scary, at times overwhelming process like IVF pleasant. I can't recommend her enough. She is nothing short of amazing and I wish all doctors would be a bit more like Dr Meredith Brower.
[Kindbody - LA] Strength: DOCTOR (Meredith Brower), atmosphere, seamless process, portal, planning, team. Everybody feels very kind, so the name "Kindbody" is quite accurate. Weakness: Financial department. Chaotic, made a few mistakes and you are quite busy making sure everything is correct. I truly hope they improve that...The nurses were overall great, compassionate, pleasant, skilled. I felt in good hands.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr Meredith Brower is hands down the most brilliant, skilled but also incredibly kind and compassionate doctor I have ever encountered in my 41 years, living in three countries and two continents. Her passion and joy for the profession are contagious. My husband and I were looking forward to every appointment and walked out lighthearted and confident. You feel in good hands every step of the way. She's a true professional with a highly scientific approach and in the same time sees the humans in front of her. We got pregnant with her at first try and are over the moon expecting our first child. She managed to make a dry, scary, at times overwhelming process like IVF pleasant. I can't recommend her enough. She is nothing short of amazing and I wish all doctors would be a bit more like Dr Meredith Brower.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Trust the magic of this incredible doctor fully and enjoy one of the most wonderful patient-doctor experiences of your life.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
From beginning to end Dr Brower puts you at ease with her expertise, thorough explanations, kindness, optimism and patience of an angel. Her empathy and compassion are unmatched. She is a true CARE provider, in the truest sense of the word.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Kindbody - Los Angeles and their degree of success.
First she thoroughly inspected me and discovered a polyp which she surgically removed in order to make a successful pregnancy happen. She presented me with all my options, risks, benefits, and let me decide my best option- Which for me was IVF. She guided me through a very successful egg retrieval process and a successful embryo transfer.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
The nurses were overall great, compassionate, pleasant, skilled. I felt in good hands.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Strength: DOCTOR (Meredith Brower), atmosphere, seamless process, portal, planning, team. Everybody feels very kind, so the name "Kindbody" is quite accurate.
Weakness: Financial department. Chaotic, made a few mistakes and you are quite busy making sure everything is correct. I truly hope they improve that.
What specific things went wrong at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Mistakes from the financial department were made. And once they failed to explain that I have to call for my medications so we ended up scrambling with a costly overnight medication delivery.
Dr. Brower was knowledgeable and patient with me. I tried three IUIs with kindbody that were not successful and when IVF was suggested my partner and I were not ready. When we were, Dr Brower answered our questions and gave us the time and information we needed to move forward in a way that was comfortable for us and our plan was of the utmost importance to Dr Brower because it was important to us. She was wonderful to work with
[Kindbody is] Accommodating, compassionate, welcoming, and beautiful! No weaknesses that I can recall; everything and everyone is incredibly organized and helpful. I would recommend coming to Kindbody a few minutes early for your apts bc the Santa Monica location can be tough to park...They were very upfront about costs beforehand, but my insurance has a special fertility benefit so I believe I paid a much smaller amount after insurance was billed than a traditional out of pocket patient
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr. Brower was knowledgeable and patient with me. I tried three IUIs with kindbody that were not successful and when IVF was suggested my partner and I were not ready. When we were, Dr Brower answered our questions and gave us the time and information we needed to move forward in a way that was comfortable for us and our plan was of the utmost importance to Dr Brower because it was important to us. She was wonderful to work with
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Share your concerns and ask your questions! No question is too small and no concern is too silly for Dr Brower to go over with you
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr brower always was prepared for our apts with my up to date information and listened when I asked questions. She took time to truly think about her answers and delivered them with kindness and grace
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Kindbody - Los Angeles and their degree of success.
I cannot recall too many specifics but I remember responding really quickly to folistim injections during our IVF cycle and Dr Brower made a quick adjustment. She was always ready with alternate meds and protocol tweaks which made me feel so well taken care of!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Earth Angels
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Accommodating, compassionate, welcoming, and beautiful! No weaknesses that I can recall; everything and everyone is incredibly organized and helpful. I would recommend coming to Kindbody a few minutes early for your apts bc the Santa Monica location can be tough to park
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
They were very upfront about costs beforehand, but my insurance has a special fertility benefit so I believe I paid a much smaller amount after insurance was billed than a traditional out of pocket patient
She [Dr. Brower] has excellent bedside manor, talks to you like a human (not a number), takes all of your history and testing into consideration, and is very honest and clear with her diagnosis and treatment plan. She takes time to explain everything, answer all questions, and never rushes you...Be prepared with all of your medical history - everything matters and she will review it all. Also, be prepared to work with other doctors in the clinic as they all work together to accommodate their patients. We were told that, while Dr. Brower is our primary RE, she works as a team with her other doctors and we may work with other doctors during the process....
Kindbody is great about providing prices upfront....I wasn't told to take any painkillers before my saline ultrasound, and it was an incredibly painful procedure...Century City location is in a mall, which has pros and cons. The office itself is beautiful and warm. But parking can be confusing, and walking in and out of a mall for medical procedures is a little strange, but it is also a nice distraction. Just something to consider as a new patient if you are considering KindBody....
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
As a patient, I felt extremely comfortable with Dr. Brower. She has excellent bedside manor, talks to you like a human (not a number), takes all of your history and testing into consideration, and is very honest and clear with her diagnosis and treatment plan. She takes time to explain everything, answer all questions, and never rushes you.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Be prepared with all of your medical history - everything matters and she will review it all. Also, be prepared to work with other doctors in the clinic as they all work together to accommodate their patients. We were told that, while Dr. Brower is our primary RE, she works as a team with her other doctors and we may work with other doctors during the process.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr. Brower was very warm and kind. We met with her both virtually and in person and her demeanor was always friendly. She took the time to get to know us and answer all of our questions, and we never felt rushed. That was very important to me as my husband and I want to make sure we had all of the answers to our questions. She was also very honest with us about our chances with IUI vs IVF vs spontaneous pregnancy, considering my test results and medical history.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Kindbody - Los Angeles and their degree of success.
I went through all of the testing and was scheduled to begin IVF in July 2021, but ended up getting spontaneously pregnant the month before starting IVF treatment (unfortunately, it ended in a miscarriage). That said, Dr. Brower recommended IVF over IUI due to our ages, my medical history, and the fact that we had been TTC for over 3 years with no results. She did not push for genetic testing because I was 33 at the time, and she explained that genetic testing is recommended for women over 35 as that is when the risks of genetic issues become much higher. She also recommended progesterone as I have symptoms that are indicitive of low progesterone.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Kindbody - Los Angeles. (Assigned nurse: Michelle Glatz)
I worked with many staff members at Kindbody, but primarily worked with Mccrae Medina as my care coodinator and Michelle Glatz as my primary RN. I only spoke with them via messaging in the Kindbody portal, so my review is based only on written communication, never verbally (over the phone) or in person.
Both Mccrae and Michelle were kind, warm, attentive, and helpful. Michelle was very proactive in reaching out to me with information on the necessary medications and processes, including the estrogen priming phase, which I was unaware of before I started speaking to Michelle. She was very detailed in her information and always willing to answer my questions.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Overall, Kindbody is an incredible clinic. Everyone, from the front desk staff to the nurses, to the phlebotomist, to the doctors, is incredibly kind, professional, and helpful. For example, my husband doesn't do well getting his blood drawn. We told this to the phlebotomist when he had to get his panel, and she immediately took him into an exam room, made him comfortable, and distracted him while she drew his blood. She was so kind, funny, and thoughtful. The nurses and front desk staff are all very warm and accomodating.
My only criticism is that I wish I had had more information about my saline ultrasound. I've had numerous vaginal ultrasounds but this was my first saline ultrasound. When I went in, the nurse asked me if I took motrin beforehand. No one told me to, so I said no. Then I got worried about the pain. And I had a right to be worried. Getting the tube into my cervix was incredibly painful to the point that I had to ask them to stop and let me breathe. I found out that my uterus was tilted so they were having a tough time inserting the tube, but some painkillers would have been nice.
Also, the Kindbody Century City location is in a mall, which has pros and cons. The office itself is beautiful and warm. But parking can be confusing, and walking in and out of a mall for medical procedures is a little strange, but it is also a nice distraction. Just something to consider as a new patient if you are considering KindBody.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Kindbody is great about providing prices upfront. My initial virtual consultation was $150, I think follow up appointments with Dr. Brower were $200-300. The entire IVF procedure (not including medications) is $12,500-13,500. If you want to do genetic testing, it is another $4,000. Medication can range from $3,000 to $6,000.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Dr. Brower recommended to single embryo transfer, and provided two reasons: 1) the success rate of implantation is very high for a single embryo (she provided a percentage but I don't recall what it was) and 2) because of the high success rate there is a very high chance that multiple embryo transfer would result in twins. A twin pregnancy is considered high risk, so for that reason they recommend against it.
What specific things went wrong at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
I wasn't told to take any painkillers before my saline ultrasound, and it was an incredibly painful procedure. Upon entering the exam room, the nurse asked if I had taken ibuprofen. I said no, no one told me to. She said it was ok, but then I was worried about it being painful, and it was. I wish the clinic had told me what to expect or at least advised me to take painkillers beforehand.
Dr. Brower is a dream -- honest, open, knowledgeable, and extremely kind. She is/was also readily available for questions and concerns. I could not have had a better experience with her...She also has wonderful bedside manner, I feel like she cared a lot about me as a person, in addition to having an investment in a successful outcome from my treatment...was honest and open throughout my egg freezing experience. She outlined all the possible outcomes, pros, cons, what I should expect and also admitted that they -- the fertility treatment community -- don't have all the answers yet because things in the field are always evolving.
Cannot recommend Dr. Brower and the entire team at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California enough. My egg freezing experience was incredibly positive -- minimal wait times for appointments, kind and compassionate staff members across the board, who were professional and very kind during all of my visits for: ultrasounds, blood draws, injection training, etc. My experience was great...The Santa Monica clinic is my favorite -- you have to go to the Thousand Oaks location for your surgical procedures, which was the only drawback for me to working with Fertility and Surgical Associates of California, because I live in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica location feels homey and intimate and as I mentioned previously, I never waited very long, always felt relaxed being there.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
I could not have had a better experience. Dr. Brower was honest and open throughout my egg freezing experience. She outlined all the possible outcomes, pros, cons, what I should expect and also admitted that they -- the fertility treatment community -- don't have all the answers yet because things in the field are always evolving. I love that honesty! She also has wonderful bedside manner, I feel like she cared a lot about me as a person, in addition to having an investment in a successful outcome from my treatment.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
I cannot recommend her enough -- you will feel safe, secure, informed and respected.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is a dream -- honest, open, knowledgeable, and extremely kind. She is/was also readily available for questions and concerns. I could not have had a better experience with her.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Oh wow, I'm admittedly not great with nitty gritty details but I'll do my best. I went through basic(?) treatment for egg retrieval. 11 days of shots/injections and then my retrieval -- or "harvest" as I like to call it -- was on day 13. I'm one of the lucky ones who responded really well to all stages of the process and had lots of healthy, growing follicles. So much so that my trigger shot was reduced at the end because Dr. Brower worried I'd be overstimulated.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: I sadly cannot remember names but I loved them ALL so much!)
Cannot recommend Dr. Brower and the entire team at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California enough. My egg freezing experience was incredibly positive -- minimal wait times for appointments, kind and compassionate staff members across the board, who were professional and very kind during all of my visits for: ultrasounds, blood draws, injection training, etc. My experience was great.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The Santa Monica clinic is my favorite -- you have to go to the Thousand Oaks location for your surgical procedures, which was the only drawback for me to working with Fertility and Surgical Associates of California, because I live in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica location feels homey and intimate and as I mentioned previously, I never waited very long, always felt relaxed being there.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
So far, I've only spent about $3,000 out of pocket for medications. Waiting for my final bills BUT I was/am very lucky to have coverage via Progyny. A miracle of a company that works with my company's insurance to help cover fertility and family planning treatments. Progyny is a godsend and half the reason I was able to go through with my egg freezing this year.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Dr. Brower is a rockstar. We came to her so desperate, confused, and with multiple issues. She instantly became our North star. She was so wonderful at explaining the process and such an expert while guiding us through it. I felt safe and in skilled hands the entire time. IVF is a strange and lonely experience and what I appreciate most about Dr. Brower is that through her approach -- she made me feel brave.... She is communicative and compassionate and will answer any question you have, no matter how silly you think it might be.
The best thing about FSAC is that they have numerous offices and all the doctors see patients at each office. I could always get an appointment at a convenient time, place, and with my specific ER. And while that might sound hectic, it's not. The nurses and office team are so on their game that the three different offices function as one.... The nursing staff was always available to us and willing to go over ALL of my questions
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is a rockstar. We came to her so desperate, confused, and with multiple issues. She instantly became our North star. She was so wonderful at explaining the process and such an expert while guiding us through it. I felt safe and in skilled hands the entire time. IVF is a strange and lonely experience and what I appreciate most about Dr. Brower is that through her approach -- she made me feel brave.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Don't be afraid to reach out. She is communicative and compassionate and will answer any question you have, no matter how silly you think it might be.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
I always felt like an individual under Dr. Brower's care. She and her team were so compassionate and confident during our work together. She calmed all my individual fears, gave us realistic expectations, and developed a very specific protocol. Most importantly she kept us focused and relaxed during our journey.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Antagonist protocol with HGH.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Michelle G & Michelle E)
The nursing staff was always available to us and willing to go over ALL of my questions (and I had a lot). they guided us through each step, taught us how to use each of the medications and always returned our calls. I was impressed and appreciative.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The best thing about FSAC is that they have numerous offices and all the doctors see patients at each office. I could always get an appointment at a convenient time, place, and with my specific ER. And while that might sound hectic, it's not. The nurses and office team are so on their game that the three different offices function as one.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
I can't remember.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Dr. Brower's approach was always realistic and rooted in the best outcome for my health. I really appreciate the single embryo transfer approach.
Dr. Brower outlined the different stages and steps to fertility treatments. She went over the pros and cons of each treatment based on our situation (a previous ectopic pregnancy requiring removal of right Fallopian tube). She gave us the option of starting with more conservative treatments, which we did, and gave us full decision making authority to decide when we wanted to move on to the next stage of treatments. Although she let my husband and I decide how quickly we wanted to go to IVF, she provided her recommendations and insight along the way which was just what we needed to make smart, informed decisions. The balance between letting us decide for ourselves and guiding us in the right directions was perfect!
All of the nurses [at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California] were great! very knowledgeable and accommodating...I loved the clinic. It was always clean and inviting and there was never a long wait. The clinic was extremely efficient. I liked the fact that you did not need to go to a separate lab for blood work...Dr. Brower was absolutely incredible. She was the perfect combination of knowledgeable, honest, and empathetic. I could not have asked for a better doctor. She made a stressful and emotional process as easy as it could possibly be. She was always very responsive and caring.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is one of the best doctors I have ever seen. I cried the day she graduated me to my regular OB. She was always understanding and sympathetic to our needs and wants. At the same time she provided her expertise and experience in a way that gave us the opportunity to make the best decisions for our situation. She is simply the BEST!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Trust her and trust the process. She knows what she's doing!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower was absolutely incredible. She was the perfect combination of knowledgeable, honest, and empathetic. I could not have asked for a better doctor. She made a stressful and emotional process as easy as it could possibly be. She was always very responsive and caring.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
On day 1 Dr. Brower outlined the different stages and steps to fertility treatments. She went over the pros and cons of each treatment based on our situation (a previous ectopic pregnancy requiring removal of right Fallopian tube). She gave us the option of starting with more conservative treatments, which we did, and gave us full decision making authority to decide when we wanted to move on to the next stage of treatments. Although she let my husband and I decide how quickly we wanted to go to IVF, she provided her recommendations and insight along the way which was just what we needed to make smart, informed decisions. The balance between letting us decide for ourselves and guiding us in the right directions was perfect!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Wendy)
All of the nurses were great! very knowledgeable and accommodating.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
I loved the clinic. It was always clean and inviting and there was never a long wait. The clinic was extremely efficient. I liked the fact that you did not need to go to a separate lab for blood work.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Our insurance covered most of the treatments. I generally paid a $40 co-pay per visit
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Based on my medical history and the reasons behind our infertility treatments, Dr. Brower felt that a single embryo transfer would likely be successful and we would get pregnant without the need for multiple embryo transfers. She was right!
I don't recall anything being out of the ordinary from a protcol standpoint [with Dr. Brower]...is very warm and personable. She created a realistic expectation for me so that I could remain hopeful but not be surprised if I was disappointed. She is informative, writing things down for my husband and myself. Available to email and would call me personally after procedures and test results. I am very lucky to have received treatment under her care.
Approx $7500 for the drugs to facilitate egg production, $1000 for egg retrival and $2500 for embryo transfer [at Fefrtility & Surgical Associates of California]. Approx $200 weekly ultrasound visits. Plus medication for post embryo transfer approx $1000...I only waited to see Dr. Brower one time longer than 5 minutes. All other appointments I was see right away. The lobby was always quiet and pleasant. Easy street parking. Warm exam rooms.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is so warm and kind. She took the time to know my husband and I, our life circumstances, work and our personalities. I made mistakes with my medications (just 2) and she made me feel like it wasn't the end of the world and had adjustments for me to make. Despite all of that I had a successful transfer and so far 1st trimester.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Know that she's got you! Allow her to do the worrying for you. Relax and trust that she is excellent at what she does. The process is already stressful with cost and fear of the unknown. If you can do this, your experience will be as good as it can get given the circumstance. Try not to think to far into the future and focus on what's happening right now, get past that and then onto the next hurdle.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is very warm and personable. She created a realistic expectation for me so that I could remain hopeful but not be surprised if I was disappointed. She is informative, writing things down for my husband and myself. Available to email and would call me personally after procedures and test results. I am very lucky to have received treatment under her care.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I don't remember the specifics, I tried to just do what she recommended. Trying to get the dosage and timing right of the drug administration. I don't recall anything being out of the ordinary from a protcol standpoint. I did messing up the estrogen patch and orally taking a vaginal medication. OMG! :) but I'm pregnant
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Terri)
The staff were great!
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
I only waited to see Dr. Brower one time longer than 5 minutes. All other appointments I was see right away. The lobby was always quiet and pleasant. Easy street parking. Warm exam rooms.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The costs for us were out of pocket. Approx $7500 for the drugs to facilitate egg production, $1000 for egg retrival and $2500 for embryo transfer. Approx $200 weekly ultrasound visits. Plus medication for post embryo transfer approx $1000.
Dr. Brower was always straight forward and very personable. She is very knowledgable and very good at communicating. She has a very warm bedside manner....We both have physical complications and a little more testing would have been beneficial. Instead, we were given donor options.... The new doctor performed some critical tests, that Dr. Brower did not do or recommend. These tests would have saved us a lot of trouble and money from doing the 3 unsuccessful cycles.
The staff [at UCLA] is friendly and we always felt comfortable there. Jessica was the nurse who usually greeted us and drew blood. She is very sweet, and seems to enjoy her job. Parking is expensive if you don't have an early morning appointment...Teri is the nurse who I worked with all 3 times. She is knowledgable and kind, but it could be a struggle to communicate with her via phone or email....My insurance did not cover IVF so, it was all out-of-pocket.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
We did 3 IVF cycles with Dr. Brower at UCLA Santa Monica. She started the 3rd cycle and setup the protocol, and left for maternity leave during the cycle. Dr. Rodi did the egg retrieval on the 3rd cycle. We were initially referred to Dr. Brower by my husbands urologist, and they communicated with each other during the process. We did a few tests in the beginning, such as a genetics test, blood work, urine analysis, and tested my husbands sperm motility. That was it, and we began stimulation. Each time we tried a different injection recipe with similar results. We were told there was no way to test the quality of the sperm and eggs. We both have physical complications and a little more testing would have been beneficial. Instead, we were given donor options. Dr. Brower has since transferred to a new facility, and we have chosen to seek a new doctor. The new doctor performed some critical tests, that Dr. Brower did not do or recommend. These tests would have saved us a lot of trouble and money from doing the 3 unsuccessful cycles.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
If you run into some complications, it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. That goes with any medical procedure from any doctor. She is very knowledgable, but there could be something she is missing. It happens to everyone.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower was always straight forward and very personable. She is very knowledgable and very good at communicating. She has a very warm bedside manner.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
Cycle 1 (max dosage): Birth Control 16 days, Androgel 12 days, Androderm 5 days, Gonal F 300 u 11 days, Menopur 11 days, Cetrotide 4 days, and Ovidrel trigger.
Cycle 2 (max dosage):: Androgel 18 days, Lupron 21 days, Gonal F 300 u 10 days, Menopur 10 days, and Ovidrel trigger.
Cycle 3 (lower dosage): Birth Control 16 days, Menopur 11 days, Omnitrope 8 days, Cetrotide 4 days, and Ovidrel trigger.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Teri Abraham)
Teri is the nurse who I worked with all 3 times. She is knowledgable and kind, but it could be a struggle to communicate with her via phone or email.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
The staff is friendly and we always felt comfortable there. Jessica was the nurse who usually greeted us and drew blood. She is very sweet, and seems to enjoy her job. Parking is expensive if you don't have an early morning appointment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
My insurance did not cover IVF so, it was all out-of-pocket.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
I began priming and OCP suppression later that month. When our first retrieval cycle did not go well (objective was to get something to test), she gave us the option to repeat the same protocol or to try a different one for our second cycle. I found Dr. Brower to be appropriately communicative, candid, and caring...My first cycle with Dr. Brower was antagonist - I testosterone primed with Androgel for 34 days and stimmed with 300 Gonal-F, 150 Menopur, and hgh for nine days (adding Cetrotide days 7-9), triggering with a single dose of Ovidrel on the 10th day. We retrieved 12 eggs, of which only 7 were mature and ICSI'd, of which only three fertilized. One became a morula, but the other two did not make it that far. We had no blastocysts to test and freeze as was our goal. Because that went poorly, we wanted to try a different protocol to see how that would go. The cycle after the first egg retrieval, I started OCP on CD3 preparing for another antagonist protocol. I testosterone primed with Androgel for 24 days (stopping 2-3 days before beginning stims as I ran out because it had been ordered before changing to the luteal lupron plan). We had subsequently decided on a luteal lupron protocol (without OCP), but I needed to remain on the OCP for about a week for hysteroscopy visibility. After that I had to monitor for ovulation with OPKs to ensure ovulation before starting lupron suppression (10u once daily) on CD20 for 13 days. I began stimming this time with 450 Gonal-F, hgh, and reducing the lupron to 5u for days 1-4. Beginning day 5, I reduced the Gonal-F to 300 and added 150 Menopur along with the hgh and lupron through day 10. I triggered on day 11 with a single dose of Ovidrel. We decided to try half IVF and half ICSI since all ICSI didn't work out well for us last time - we admit the human element with ICSI scares us a little bit and like the idea of some natural selection. We retrieved 10 eggs, of which 8 fertilized (5/5 IVF, 3/5 ICSI), and are currently waiting to see how they fare.
My only comparison [to UCLA] is with a private clinic (not affiliated with a large public university), and I had much better service (at a price!) at the private clinic. Monitoring was only every other day toward the end of stims, so I didn't know what my actual situation (E2, largest follicle size) was at trigger, whether hcg in my system was sufficient after trigger, etc. At my last monitoring appointment, I noticed that they do not measure all of the follicles (I didn't have that many being AMA), just the few largest to get an idea. While I understand that this appears to get the job done, I usually like more information when possible. Again, I like the frequency with which I got to see my own doctor, which I understand doesn't happen everywhere.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
I was referred to Dr. Brower by my ob/gyn after the loss of our first pregnancy. I consulted with her as we were coming up on six months (over the age of 35) without a successful pregnancy. My husband and I met with her after we got my initial blood work back. She was sympathetic about our loss, presented different treatment options, and was appropriately candid about the less than rosy statistics for them. We decided to proceed with IVF as it offered our best chance of success and we liked the prospect of being able to test to reduce the risk of another loss. I began priming and OCP suppression later that month. When our first retrieval cycle did not go well (objective was to get something to test), she gave us the option to repeat the same protocol or to try a different one for our second cycle. I found Dr. Brower to be appropriately communicative, candid, and caring.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Maybe not specific to Dr. Brower, but it's important to understand that infertility is a very frustrating branch of medicine that does not offer the same quality of data that others do. There are still a lot of unknowns and every patient is different.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
I appreciate that Dr. Brower considers the emotional aspect of infertility and related treatment. I also appreciated seeing Dr. Brower (or her partner in Dr. Brower's absence) for my ultrasound monitoring appointments instead of an ultrasound tech. She was very responsive to email/web portal inquiries.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
My first cycle with Dr. Brower was antagonist - I testosterone primed with Androgel for 34 days and stimmed with 300 Gonal-F, 150 Menopur, and hgh for nine days (adding Cetrotide days 7-9), triggering with a single dose of Ovidrel on the 10th day. We retrieved 12 eggs, of which only 7 were mature and ICSI'd, of which only three fertilized. One became a morula, but the other two did not make it that far. We had no blastocysts to test and freeze as was our goal.
Because that went poorly, we wanted to try a different protocol to see how that would go. The cycle after the first egg retrieval, I started OCP on CD3 preparing for another antagonist protocol. I testosterone primed with Androgel for 24 days (stopping 2-3 days before beginning stims as I ran out because it had been ordered before changing to the luteal lupron plan). We had subsequently decided on a luteal lupron protocol (without OCP), but I needed to remain on the OCP for about a week for hysteroscopy visibility. After that I had to monitor for ovulation with OPKs to ensure ovulation before starting lupron suppression (10u once daily) on CD20 for 13 days. I began stimming this time with 450 Gonal-F, hgh, and reducing the lupron to 5u for days 1-4. Beginning day 5, I reduced the Gonal-F to 300 and added 150 Menopur along with the hgh and lupron through day 10. I triggered on day 11 with a single dose of Ovidrel. We decided to try half IVF and half ICSI since all ICSI didn't work out well for us last time - we admit the human element with ICSI scares us a little bit and like the idea of some natural selection. We retrieved 10 eggs, of which 8 fertilized (5/5 IVF, 3/5 ICSI), and are currently waiting to see how they fare.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Teri)
Teri is an experienced IVF coordinator/nurse, but I'm not sure if her workload is too much handling all IVF patients. She was very helpful in getting my IVF cycles approved with my insurance, but sometimes I would not get responses to my emails.
The other nurses I saw for blood draws and to take my vitals were pleasant and professional.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
My only comparison is with a private clinic (not affiliated with a large public university), and I had much better service (at a price!) at the private clinic. Monitoring was only every other day toward the end of stims, so I didn't know what my actual situation (E2, largest follicle size) was at trigger, whether hcg in my system was sufficient after trigger, etc. At my last monitoring appointment, I noticed that they do not measure all of the follicles (I didn't have that many being AMA), just the few largest to get an idea. While I understand that this appears to get the job done, I usually like more information when possible. Again, I like the frequency with which I got to see my own doctor, which I understand doesn't happen everywhere.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
I had insurance coverage for my two IVF cycles with her. The office uses another fertility center or one of the university surgical centers for its surgeries, so bills came separately from different departments at UCLA (physician billing is different from hospital billing) or from the third party fertility center directly. Genetic testing (of me, not embryos) was also billed separately.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UCLA.
Dr. Brower made clear that multiples basically increase the risk of everything that can go wrong. We would probably only transfer more than one if untested.
What specific things went wrong at UCLA?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UCLA.
I have had to follow up with the IVF nurse a couple of times regarding whether prescriptions had been called in.
During every single little step in the process she [Dr. Meredith Brower] was there. She is incredibly prompt and detailed in her response to any and all questions - day or night AND on the weekends. She is up to date on her research and studies and is willing to work with you to make your protocol personal and what you specifically need. She helps you find financial assistance, if needed. In addition to Dr. Bower, you get her wonderful team - Teri, IVF Coordinator, who knows where to get the protocol meds cheapest and gives a great injection tutorial, and Jessica, nurse, who is an incredible joy to be around even at 7:30am and can draw blood at first poke even with the tiny vein
Teri, IVF Coordinator [at UCLA Santa Monica], is so much fun and so incredibly nice. She has been in the IVF business for over ten years and worked at a couple different clinics. She's seen the industry evolve and really is a great help for injections. She knows the best pharmacy to have your protocol meds purchased through, regardless of them going through insurance or being out of pocket. Additionally, she will coach you on your injection trainings. She has the best tips for painless injections and knows how to administer an inje
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower is an amazing doctor with an incredible bedside manner. I unfortunately needed the assistance of a doctor to conceive, but my husband and I were lucky enough to have Dr. Brower on our side. IVF can be an emotional and time consuming process, nevermind the financial implications if insurance doesn't cover it. However, with Dr. Brower you feel like you have another person besides your spouse and/or any family and friends to turn to. Too often you hear a doctor say he/she understands what is happening to your body or knows what you're going through and they really don't. But this is not the case with Dr. Brower. During every single little step in the process she was there. She is incredibly prompt and detailed in her response to any and all questions - day or night AND on the weekends. She is up to date on her research and studies and is willing to work with you to make your protocol personal and what you specifically need. She helps you find financial assistance, if needed. In addition to Dr. Bower, you get her wonderful team - Teri, IVF Coordinator, who knows where to get the protocol meds cheapest and gives a great injection tutorial, and Jessica, nurse, who is an incredible joy to be around even at 7:30am and can draw blood at first poke even with the tiny veins I have! It is a true blessing to graduate from Dr. Brower's care to the care of a regular OB for the remainder of your pregnancy, but trust me when I say this (as you'll be thinking/saying the same thing) - you'll wish she delivered babies too! I did not want to leaver her office at my last appointment. She invited my husband and I into her office to see if we have any final questions - I always have questions (which she is beyond happy to answer) - and I couldn't muster one, not even to stay longer. I will miss her care immensely, but am excited to work with her again in the future when we want to conceive again.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
You made a great choice! Dr. Brower is patient, empathetic, sympathetic, and always available. Even if results aren't always great, you'll know that you have a support system always available.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower has an incredible bedside manner and treats every patient uniquely based on that patient's needs and protocol and how the patient like their news/information delivered.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
I am not infertile, but went through fertility treatment because I have a chromosomal dominant disease that I did not want my child(ren) to have so my protocol may be different. I started off on birth control and the reason for this is to regulate your cycle, calm your ovaries, and so your doctor knows when you are most likely to ovulate. I had ten days of ovarian stimulation which included Gonal-F and Menopur and the final four days included Cetrotide so I wouldn't ovulate. I have a Lupron based trigger shot, which is great if you're a candidate for it as it helps combat the likelihood/side effects of OHSS. Post-retrieval for seven days I took Cabergoline which continues to combat the likelihood/side effects of OHSS. After starting my period, post-retrieval, I started birth control again (I wanted to do the transfer as soon as possible) so that my doctor would know when I would ovulate. I stopped birth control pills about 10-12 days in and got another period and then started a protocol of Estrogen by transdermal patches on my abdomen, which helps produce a thick uterine lining making it more likely that your embryo transfer will produce a pregnancy (thick lining=easier implantation of embryo). The Estrogen also stops ovulation. The five days leading up to the embryo transfer I started Progesterone. Dr. Brower provided a protocol of two Endometrin suppositories and a 1ml evening injection of Progesterone. She allows for Progesterone to be administered in one of three ways: three Endometrin suppositories; two Endometrin suppositories and a 1ml evening injection of Progesterone; or a 2ml evening injection of Progesterone. I started on the original protocol, but found that the injection was a breeze and the suppositories were frankly quite messy that about two days into this (three days prior to transfer) I switched over to the last option - a 2ml evening injection of Progesterone. Big plus is the progesterone by injection is MUCH less expensive than the Endometrin. The Estrogen transdermal patches and Progesterone (whichever protocol you choose) is done until you reach 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UCLA. (Assigned nurse: Teri and Jessica)
Teri, IVF Coordinator, is so much fun and so incredibly nice. She has been in the IVF business for over ten years and worked at a couple different clinics. She's seen the industry evolve and really is a great help for injections. She knows the best pharmacy to have your protocol meds purchased through, regardless of them going through insurance or being out of pocket. Additionally, she will coach you on your injection trainings. She has the best tips for painless injections and knows how to administer an injection that normally may sting so that it doesn't. Jessica, nurse for Dr. Brower, is so incredibly sweet and nice ALWAYS. I had doctor appointments at the crack of dawn, 7:30am, and she was always so nice and had a great attitude even at that time of day. A big plus is she is great with blood draws. I have tiny veins that sometimes like to roll, she gets the blood draw in the first poke, no bruises and no pain!
Describe your experience with UCLA.
First thing is it's in Santa Monica, which is notorious for awful, expensive parking. Go across the street and park in the meter spots if you have an appointment in the early morning, meter parking is free there until 9am! As for the clinic, it is always clean, comfortable, and warm. The staff are nice and quick with check-in and check-out. You're going to be there every other day sometimes, and they really do recognize you and get to know you. The bedside manner really is great across the board.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
0% of IVF and related expenses are covered by my insurance so it was fully out-of-pocket. One cycle of IVF cost about $3,000 and one transfer cycle monitoring cost about $2,000 - these are both paid directly to the doctor's office at the end of the cycle
She [Dr. Brower] was very clear about my chances of getting pregnant and didn't sugar coat anything. Also, her encouragement helped my spouse and I focus on the next step and kept us from drowning in the big picture. The big picture can be very overwhelming. Dr. Brower is very thorough in her explanations and she took the time to answer all of our questions. I never felt rushed which is important because this kind of treatment is very emotional. She is very compassionate and I feel that she is very invested in the success of her patients...
Scheduling and changing appointments [at UCLA - Santa Monica] is very easy and efficient here. Whenever I had questions about insurance, I felt like I received an informed answer. The UCLA online system is easy to use and I could send messages to my doctor without having to call. Don't park in the ramp as it is too expensive and there is no validation. Street parking in Santa Monica near the clinic is permit parking only...
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower is careful to be cautiously optimistic. She was very clear about my chances of getting pregnant and didn't sugar coat anything. Also, her encouragement helped my spouse and I focus on the next step and kept us from drowning in the big picture. The big picture can be very overwhelming.
Dr. Brower is very thorough in her explanations and she took the time to answer all of our questions. I never felt rushed which is important because this kind of treatment is very emotional. She is very compassionate and I feel that she is very invested in the success of her patients.
UCLA has a great online system where you can email the doctor, see test results, upcoming appointments, etc. Dr. Brower always answered my emails within 24 hours and often within 6 hours. I never had an inquiry go unanswered
Against pretty big odds, I am happy to say that I am 12 weeks pregnant today.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at UCLA?
I think this could be advice to anyone. Take really good notes, so when you are in an appointment you can give accurate answers about yourself and you ask every question that's on your mind.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at UCLA?
Dr. Brower is very patient and calm. She took the time to answer all of my questions and I never felt rushed. When I received disappointing news, she stayed with me to comfort me.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at UCLA and their degree of success.
I pursued 2 cycles of IVF.
The first protocol: I prepped with bcp then I administered Gonal F, Menopur and Omnitrope. I had a poor response possibly due to the bcp over-suppressing the ovaries.
For the second protocol: I prepped with testosterone gel and clomid (and an estrogen patch? I can't remember). I administered Gonal F, Menopur and Omnitrope then triggered with Ovidrel.
We discussed doing something different if we needed to try another cycle, but I didn't have to!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UCLA.
I had very positive experiences with the nursing staff. The nurse I had most often, Jessica, really enjoys her job and gets excited about good news. It was nice to have people cheering for my pregnancy.
Describe your experience with UCLA.
Scheduling and changing appointments is very easy and efficient here. Whenever I had questions about insurance, I felt like I received an informed answer. The UCLA online system is easy to use and I could send messages to my doctor without having to call.
Don't park in the ramp as it is too expensive and there is no validation. Street parking in Santa Monica near the clinic is permit parking only. I would make morning appointments and park at the meters across the street. It gets busier as the day goes on. Parking always takes longer than you think it will!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at UCLA.
UCLA offers a package for IVF. If your treatment is cancelled, they break down the appointments and bill the appointments individually. Dr. Brower is knowledgable about billing and insurance and was able to explain the cost with me along the way. She identified cost savings when possible. For example, I was scheduled for a polyp removal procedure. I found out I was pregnant and Dr. Brower recognized that it was ectopic. While I was in surgery for the ectopic, she removed my polyp at the same time. This saved me from a separate procedure, a lot of extra expenses and more heartache.
I also qualified for a great discount for fertility medication through Compassionate Care. There was a time that I miscounted my meds and Dr. Brower was able to pull from the office supply (donations from previous patients) to cover me until I could get to the pharmacy the next day. She met me after hours and I was so grateful.
The IVF coordinator, Teresa Abraham, is very good about calculating how much medication is needed, so you don't have to buy more than you need. Not a drop of my Gonal F was wasted because she was able to extract more out of the used pens to make another dose. This is a big deal considering the cost of the injection pens.
Dr. Brower is brilliant, cautious, thorough, warm, attentive, and thoughtful. I couldn’t have asked for more in a doctor. As someone who often feels anxiety in doctors offices, I never felt anxious around her and found her presence so comforting. We had a surgical procedure performed and she was the perfect balance of professional and compassionate...She remembered the details of our case every time and was never mixed up. When we “graduated” she gave us both big hugs.
Kindbody is beautiful and peaceful and doesn’t feel like a sterile doctors office at all. The front desk was on top of things. We never had a long wait, and I have no complaints about how the office was run. We always got prompt responses and results from our team including phone calls from the doctor, going above and beyond. I wish all doctors offices were like Kindbody...The nurses here talked to me and made me feel so comfortabl
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr. Brower is brilliant, cautious, thorough, warm, attentive, and thoughtful. I couldn’t have asked for more in a doctor. As someone who often feels anxiety in doctors offices, I never felt anxious around her and found her presence so comforting. We had a surgical procedure performed and she was the perfect balance of professional and compassionate and was so sweet to me when I was coming out of my anesthesia. We were so sad to leave her!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Get in now before she fills up!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
She was extremely warm and curious about us. We NEVER one felt rushed and always felt like there was plenty of time and that we mattered to her. She remembered the details of our case every time and was never mixed up. When we “graduated” she gave us both big hugs.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
I have had a history of passing out when giving blood. The nurses here talked to me and made me feel so comfortable in addition to providing me with snacks and juice that I had no issues, even when I had to give 8 vials on one visit! I had never had such an anxiety free blood draw. It was very significant for me.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Kindbody is beautiful and peaceful and doesn’t feel like a sterile doctors office at all. The front desk was on top of things. We never had a long wait, and I have no complaints about how the office was run. We always got prompt responses and results from our team including phone calls from the doctor, going above and beyond. I wish all doctors offices were like Kindbody.
Wasn't able to see her at every visit (my issue, not hers, because I had to come super-early for work) and she [Dr. Brower] called me every afternoon to talk about results. Was wonderful about being to able to both make her own recommendations on how I should proceed but also give me the space to make my own decisions. So warm and reassuring during ER process (my first time getting any kind of procedure)
[Kindbody has a] Beautiful office. Nice online setup with teaching, education, ways to monitor meds and progress. Easy to communicate with staff and make appointments. Everyone is super-professional and friendly. payment easy to figure out and prices are clear...$6500 procedure + approximately $4000 meds..
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Wasn't able to see her at every visit (my issue, not hers, because I had to come super-early for work) and she called me every afternoon to talk about results. Was wonderful about being to able to both make her own recommendations on how I should proceed but also give me the space to make my own decisions. So warm and reassuring during ER process (my first time getting any kind of procedure). Staff is also so organized and professional; communication was top-notch. Ann, her nurse, is amazing. Felt very well cared for. Oh and office is beautiful.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Go see her for a consultation at the very least. Is both very honest and doesn't give false hope, but also warm and open. A great combo.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
She is such a warm, lovely person who makes you feel like you have all the time in the world to ask as many questions. Also very emotionally in-tune to what's going on with her patients.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Kindbody - Los Angeles and their degree of success.
lupron
gonal-f
menopur
hcg trigger
Describe your experience with your nurse at Kindbody - Los Angeles. (Assigned nurse: Ann )
Incredibly organized, knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Loved working with her. Never ever felt chaotic (unlike other fertility offices).
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Beautiful office. Nice online setup with teaching, education, ways to monitor meds and progress. Easy to communicate with staff and make appointments. Everyone is super-professional and friendly. payment easy to figure out and prices are clear.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
She [Brower] is very compassionate and warm, while still being extremely professional and thorough....Excellent level of care. Always looking for the best options and open to answering any and all questions throughly. She is empathetic during setbacks but remains focused on working with you to find the best treatment possible to help you conceive a baby.... She retrieved 20 eggs, but the synchronicity of maturity was off and only 9 were mature. Six fertilized, but all had arrested by Day 6. We are planning a new cycle with a different protocol to work on synchronicity and to also focus on DNA fragmentation.
You really feel like a human being in this office [Fertility & Surgical Associates]. You are greeted warmly and treated with such care and compassion.... Easy to make appointments, excellent care, very organized. I wish they had a patient portal where I could access all of my test results. The Santa Monica office is small, which is very nice. The Thousand Oaks office is larger and that is where the procedures take place.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Excellent level of care. Always looking for the best options and open to answering any and all questions throughly. She is empathetic during setbacks but remains focused on working with you to find the best treatment possible to help you conceive a baby.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Ask questions and fully understand your treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
She is very compassionate and warm, while still being extremely professional and thorough.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
Antagonist protocol with Menopur, Gonal-F, and omitrope. Ovidrel trigger. She retrieved 20 eggs, but the synchronicity of maturity was off and only 9 were mature. Six fertilized, but all had arrested by Day 6. We are planning a new cycle with a different protocol to work on synchronicity and to also focus on DNA fragmentation.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Melissa)
You really feel like a human being in this office. You are greeted warmly and treated with such care and compassion.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Easy to make appointments, excellent care, very organized.
I wish they had a patient portal where I could access all of my test results.
The Santa Monica office is small, which is very nice. The Thousand Oaks office is larger and that is where the procedures take place.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Out of pocket cost for the cycle was $9500 plus the cost of medication. The retrieval procedure had some additional costs for a test and for the anesthesiologist. PGS testing for up to 8 embryos is $4500.
I honestly couldn't recommend Dr. Brower more to anyone seeking fertility treatments. She's a brilliant, caring and kind doctor. ... She treats her patients with respect and is thorough about all the procedures. Plus, I know now it's very rare to see your RE at nearly every appointment. But I did with Dr. Brower. She's truly the best. ... Dr. Brower is an incredibly compassionate and understanding RE.
The Santa Monica office [Fertility & Surgical Associates of California] is small and the appointments are on time. The care is designed specifically for you. The nurses and doctors remember you. I visited another clinic and it felt like the factory. FSAC couldn't be more opposite. ... [nursing staff] They are all amazing. I couldn't be happier with my experience there.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
I honestly couldn't recommend Dr. Brower more to anyone seeking fertility treatments. She's a brilliant, caring and kind doctor. After seeing another RE in the area, I thought all fertility doctors were similar (short, cold, felt like a number). I was so wrong. She treats her patients with respect and is thorough about all the procedures. Plus, I know now it's very rare to see your RE at nearly every appointment. But I did with Dr. Brower. She's truly the best.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Run to see her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is an incredibly compassionate and understanding RE.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
They are all amazing. I couldn't be happier with my experience there.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The Santa Monica office is small and the appointments are on time. The care is designed specifically for you. The nurses and doctors remember you. I visited another clinic and it felt like the factory. FSAC couldn't be more opposite.
Dr. Meredith Brower is one of the kindest and capable healthcare professionals I have had the pleasure of working with. She is very knowledgeable while being able to explain things in a way that is easy to understand. She is nurturing, and it's so obvious how much she cares for each of her patients. We feel so fortunate that we found her!...Dr. Brower is there for you and will do everything she can to help you reach your goal, whatever that may be.
The clinic [Fertility & Surgical Associated of California] is great. Billing staff is helpful. Doctors, PAs/NPs, and nurses are the best. Location is easy to find. Equipment is up to date and the wait time is short. Overall we had an excellent experience with this clinic...Dr. Meredith Brower is one of the kindest and capable healthcare professionals I have had the pleasure of working with. She is very knowledgeable while being able to explain things in a way that is easy to understand. She is nurturing, and it's so obvious how much she cares for each of her patients. We feel so fortunate that we found her!
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Meredith Brower is one of the kindest and capable healthcare professionals I have had the pleasure of working with. She is very knowledgeable while being able to explain things in a way that is easy to understand. She is nurturing, and it's so obvious how much she cares for each of her patients. We feel so fortunate that we found her!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Be honest with yourself and with your doctor about what you hope to achieve. Dr. Brower is there for you and will do everything she can to help you reach your goal, whatever that may be.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower is the kindest and most empathetic specialist you could ask for. She made us feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. She kept morale high with her positive attitude, while still being honest and open about realistic outcomes.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The clinic is great. Billing staff is helpful. Doctors, PAs/NPs, and nurses are the best. Location is easy to find. Equipment is up to date and the wait time is short. Overall we had an excellent experience with this clinic.
Dr Brower is a massive blessing and a master at what she does....consistently made me feel understood, my concerns were always treated with importance and respect....was incredibly caring and knew exactly what to say and how to say it, through every stage of my journey...could trust her revised plan
Kindbody is the most calm and welcoming space. The staff is patient and warm upon entry to departure. There’s a nurse or two I’d avoid, but 90% are 10/10. My husband felt equally as comfortable and I welcomed every visit...Egg retrieval, PGT testing, FET.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr Brower is a massive blessing and a master at what she does. She consistently made me feel understood, my concerns were always treated with importance and respect. She was incredibly caring and knew exactly what to say and how to say it, through every stage of my journey. When there were setbacks, I always believed I could trust her revised plan. I am now almost 10 weeks pregnant with a PGT tested, healthy baby. We had only one embryo, and are so grateful to be at this stage. We wouldn’t be here without Dr Brower
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Trust her. Be vocal with any and all concerns.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
She was so present, kind, but treated me like an intelligent human.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Kindbody - Los Angeles and their degree of success.
Egg retrieval, PGT testing, FET.
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Kindbody is the most calm and welcoming space. The staff is patient and warm upon entry to departure. There’s a nurse or two I’d avoid, but 90% are 10/10. My husband felt equally as comfortable and I welcomed every visit.
She listens carefully. She took so much time to answer our questions and discuss everything with us.Dr Brower has a very warm bedside manner. She is thorough, extremely smart, empathetic, kind, and careful. She always put me at ease and patiently answered my many questions every step of the process...
Kindbody runs an efficient operation. They always had appointments available at the times I requested. The front desk team was awesome. They opened the clinic on a Sunday for my retrieval (I was the only procedure that day). The facilities are new, high tech, comfortable, beautiful. The ultrasound techs were very nice.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr Brower has a very warm bedside manner. She is thorough, extremely smart, empathetic, kind, and careful. She always put me at ease and patiently answered my many questions every step of the process.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
You can feel confident you’re working with a warm, extremely kind, experienced, highly skilled doctor
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Kindbody - Los Angeles?
Dr Brower is so warm. She listens carefully. She took so much time to answer our questions and discuss everything with us. She has such a lovely, kind, compassionate demeanor
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kindbody - Los Angeles.
I had a couple different nurses, I didn’t always know their schedules and they didn’t always respond as quickly as I would have liked
Describe your experience with Kindbody - Los Angeles.
Kindbody runs an efficient operation. They always had appointments available at the times I requested. The front desk team was awesome. They opened the clinic on a Sunday for my retrieval (I was the only procedure that day). The facilities are new, high tech, comfortable, beautiful. The ultrasound techs were very nice.
She [Dr. Brower] is extremely personable and extremely meticulous and detailed in her explanations of the challenges, process and a plan for the what ifs. She has excellent bedside manner and can put an anxious patient like myself at ease even during these challenging times....Her staff and Dr.Brower are always sensitive to my emotions during the cycle but also post a failed cycle.
They [Fertility & Surgical Associates of CA] are always warm and friendly and shown genuine concern and support.... Her staff and Dr.Brower are always sensitive to my emotions during the cycle but also post a failed cycle.... She is extremely personable and extremely meticulous and detailed in her explanations of the challenges, process and a plan for the what ifs. She has excellent bedside manner and can put an anxious patient like myself at ease even during these challenging times.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
She is extremely personable and extremely meticulous and detailed in her explanations of the challenges, process and a plan for the what ifs. She has excellent bedside manner and can put an anxious patient like myself at ease even during these challenging times.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
To always stay positive and to not be afraid to ask questions or for information to be repeated since Dr. Brower is so good at explaining.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Her staff and Dr.Brower are always sensitive to my emotions during the cycle but also post a failed cycle.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
They are always warm and friendly and shown genuine concern and support.
On top of being highly competent and professional, Dr. Brower has a genuinely kind demeanor and you automatically feel like she really is for you and your journey. She was very patient, explaining things to me in medical terms then all over again thoroughly to non-medical husband. ... She is organized with a high attention to detail and writes down notes and lists for you. ... Overall, she made a sensitive and exhaustive journey less stressful.
The providers and staff make the clinic. FSAC Santa Monica is a phenomenal clinic because of this. All blood-draws and ultrasounds are done in the office. The staff really seem to enjoy each other. Wendy, PA, is also great and highly knowledgable and kind. The environment is warm and welcoming. Is a smaller clinic with a small waiting room which I personally prefer. Parking: structure parking is very expensive. You can find street metered parking which is free before 9am.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Fertility is a highly sensitive and exhaustive journey and as a medical professional myself, it was important for me to find a provider who is not only knowledgable but an expert in her field and up to date on the most recent research. I found this in Dr. Brower and trusted her completely throughout our journey. On top of being highly competent and professional, Dr. Brower has a genuinely kind demeanor and is very compassionate and empathetic. She is organized with a high attention to detail and writes down notes and lists for you. Logistically, she and her staff are also also very accessible and accommodating with scheduling, thereby decreasing any potential additional stress about missing work with the many ultrasounds and blood draws needed with fertility treatments. Overall, she made a sensitive and exhaustive journey less stressful. It can be hard to find someone who is great at what they do and have amazing bedside manner, but you absolutely get that with Dr. Brower.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
don't look elsewhere
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
On top of being highly competent and professional, Dr. Brower has a genuinely kind demeanor and you automatically feel like she really is for you and your journey. She was very patient, explaining things to me in medical terms then all over again thoroughly to non-medical husband.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
IVF: Gonal F 300U, Menopur 2 vials, Cetrotide 0.25mg, Ovidrel x1
Omnitrope 33u - only used in the second IVG cycle for egg quality.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Evelyn)
highly organized, accommodating, and knowledgable. Very kind and compassionate
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Strengths: The providers and staff make the clinic. FSAC Santa Monica is a phenomenal clinic because of this. All blood-draws and ultrasounds are done in the office. The staff really seem to enjoy each other. Wendy, PA, is also great and highly knowledgable and kind. The environment is warm and welcoming. Is a smaller clinic with a small waiting room which I personally prefer.
Parking: structure parking is very expensive. You can find street metered parking which is free before 9am.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
After reviewing risks of multiple embryo transfer and multiple gestation thoroughly with Dr. Brower, we elected for single embryo transfer only.
Dr. Brower delivers objective and reliable medical advice in the most caring and compassionate ways. While there are no guarantees in the fertility treatment process, Dr. Brower is candid and helps patients see the big picture even when you are scared and frustrated in the short term. She clearly explains the details of what can be a long and complicated process and helps patients understand timelines and potential outcomes.
The fact that they [Fertility & Surgical Associates of California] have three offices is great because you can get coverage on the weekends if you need to have blood work done or be examined. The quality of the staff and doctors is great. I interacted with 2 doctors in addition to Dr. Brower and they were both excellent (in different ways from Dr. Brower). All of the nurses were kind and gentle with blood draws. ... The entire nursing staff and care coordination team was friendly, responsive, professional, and caring.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
In addition to my prior feedback, I feel that I could not asked for a better fertility doctor than Dr. Brower. Her bedside manner and her relationship to her patients is unparalleled and so well-suited to helping women/couples during this difficult time in life.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Without hesitation, go see Dr. Brower!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
As soon as I met Dr. Brower for the initial consultation I knew that I was in great hands. Dr. Brower delivers objective and reliable medical advice in the most caring and compassionate ways. While there are no guarantees in the fertility treatment process, Dr. Brower is candid and helps patients see the big picture even when you are scared and frustrated in the short term. She clearly explains the details of what can be a long and complicated process and helps patients understand timelines and potential outcomes. She is welcoming to spouses and takes the time to make sure both partners are comfortable and all questions and concerns are addressed. As an added bonus, her entire office staff is friendly and professional.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
I do not remember the specifics of the treatment strategies, but at the time, she explained everything in depth and provided explanations for why we were doing a certain protocol and how it would change if we were to do another retrieval cycle.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Evelyn)
The entire nursing staff and care coordination team was friendly, responsive, professional, and caring. Had good experiences with everyone that I interacted with at the clinic.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The fact that they have three offices is great because you can get coverage on the weekends if you need to have blood work done or be examined. The quality of the staff and doctors is great. I interacted with 2 doctors in addition to Dr. Brower and they were both excellent (in different ways from Dr. Brower). All of the nurses were kind and gentle with blood draws.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
I was fortunate to have insurance coverage, so my costs were around $6000 out of pocket in co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, and out of network surgical facility fees
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
We definitely discussed the number of frozen embryos to transfer and given my age and the likelihood of success, she strongly recommended starting with one.
Dr. Brower's bedside manner is matched only by her expertise. She was so knowledgeable about every aspect of the IVF process, and took the time to break down each step in a manageable way. We had some scares early on in the pregnancy, and Dr. Brower was incredibly responsive, and regularly checked in. ... Dr. Brower strongly recommended a single embryo transfer, given my age, because of the risks of multiples in a pregnancy.
I think the clinic's lab [Fertility & Surgical Associates of California] is a strength. Your embryos are never moved, and all testing is done onsite, which means you get the results much faster. The doctors are also very available, and reachable. They can always fit you in when you need to be fit in. ... The nursing staff were wonderful. Always prompt, warm, and very organized.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower's bedside manner is matched only by her expertise. She was so knowledgeable about every aspect of the IVF process, and took the time to break down each step in a manageable way. We had some scares early on in the pregnancy, and Dr. Brower was incredibly responsive, and regularly checked in. That Dr. Brower went through IVF is so comforting - when she makes a recommendation, you know that she understands all the context, and what you're going through. We are so glad we found Dr. Brower.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
To relax - you are in great hands.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr. Brower and her staff are simply incredible. They are responsive, empathetic, and caring. They all remembered me, warmly greeted me, and genuinely seemed invested in my journey and success.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
The nursing staff were wonderful. Always prompt, warm, and very organized.
Describe your experience with Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
I think the clinic's lab is a strength. Your embryos are never moved, and all testing is done onsite, which means you get the results much faster. The doctors are also very available, and reachable. They can always fit you in when you need to be fit in. Dr. Brower also runs on time, which is very appreciated.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Meredith Brower at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
We had insurance, so I really am not sure.
Describe Meredith Brower's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Fertility & Surgical Associates of California (First Fertility Network clinic).
Dr. Brower strongly recommended a single embryo transfer, given my age, because of the risks of multiples in a pregnancy.
Dr Brower has amazing bedside manner and treats her patients and their partners like a person...kind, empathetic, and encouraging throughout the entire process...was very kind to try other brands and dosages of progesterone to help curb my hives/rash...is informative, available and communicative for any questions, empathic and kind, and encouraging
[ Reproductive Partners Medical Group] has made a lot of improvements from pre-2024...I would read reviews with a more recent lens of experiences...Becky was fantastic to work with and the best cheerleader to us through our cycle...called me herself and was audibly excited for us.
How was your experience with Meredith Brower at Reproductive Partners Medical Group (Ivy Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr Brower is the type of doctor every person going through fertility care should have. She is informative, available and communicative for any questions, empathic and kind, and encouraging. She sees you as a whole person, understands the journey you've been on and the sensitivity it takes to be a support during the fertility process. I moved clinics to stay with Dr Brower and am happily in my second trimester with my second successful pregnancy as a result of working with Dr Brower. My first miracle child is the light of our lives and the best gift Dr Brower gave us in 2023. We look forward to our second miracle in 2025.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Meredith Brower at Reproductive Partners Medical Group (Ivy Fertility Network clinic)?
If you have any hesitations, give her a chance. She is on your side and will be a support and guide to you along the way.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Meredith Brower at Reproductive Partners Medical Group (Ivy Fertility Network clinic)?
Dr Brower has amazing bedside manner and treats her patients and their partners like a person. She is kind, empathetic, and encouraging throughout the entire process.
Describe the protocols Meredith Brower used in your cycles at Reproductive Partners Medical Group (Ivy Fertility Network clinic) and their degree of success.
My first cycle I had pretty gnarly reactions/symptoms to some of my meds. She was very kind to try other brands and dosages of progesterone to help curb my hives/rash.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Reproductive Partners Medical Group (Ivy Fertility Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Becky)
Becky was fantastic to work with and the best cheerleader to us through our cycle. When the positive pregnancy test came back within a couple hours, Becky called me herself and was audibly excited for us. I cried knowing how well taken care of we were from the entire staff.
Describe your experience with Reproductive Partners Medical Group (Ivy Fertility Network clinic).
RPMG has made a lot of improvements from pre-2024 (as I have friends who worked with them previously and had not great experiences due to admin staff). I would read reviews with a more recent lens of experiences.