Michael Opsahl

This clinic has an excellent lab with high fertilization rates, one of the main reasons I chose it. Both doctors here are highly qualified and experienced. The financial team is great to deal with—the financing is transparent, and they are willing to work with you and explain things step-by-step if anything is unclear. They also have POMA Care, where they refund most of a cycle if it's not successful, if you qualify. The nurses and MAs are very nice, remember you by name, and seem to be genuinely happy to be working there. This clinic is LBTQ friendly and I’ve seen diverse women of many races in the waiting room. On the whole of it, POMA is a great clinic and I would recommend it with some caveats. Caveats: The approach taken by the doctors here is generally conservative. I was told that for most people traditional stimming works, which is probably true, so if you are in that bucket then you have nothing to worry about. If you are a poor responder or have DOR, and want them to think outside the box, be prepared to do some convincing/butting heads. If you feel that you may need to experiment with meds and dosages, you may get frustrated. For example, if you want your dose adjusted or want to start a certain medication at a different time (poor timing cost me a cycle) than they tell you based on your knowledge of your own biology or want to propose a medication you were not prescribed, it is an uphill battle. Similarly, if you want to try medications that have some scientific backing, but are still considered experimental, (e.g. they just recently started doing PRP after popular demand, they are still lackluster on omnitrope), you will be met with little enthusiasm. Some other things I did not appreciate is that after a failed cycle, I was matter-of-factly told that this was likely the end of the road for me, which was devastating to hear (that turned out to be wrong) and I was subtly steered toward donor eggs (this clinic has their own donors, all anonymous). If I had listened and taken things at face value, I would not have had the success I had in a subsequent cycle. Some other smaller things, which I feel are worth mentioning—pre/post OP area is separated by curtains and there is a serious lack of privacy. After a retrieval I listened to my neighbor behind the curtain violently sobbing after she had just had a D&C procedure. I felt really bad for her, but it also it made me quite uneasy to have to listen to that as I was coming out of anesthesia. Another thing is that while they make you sign a consent form that no kids are allowed in the waiting room, I have observed young children there on at least several occasions. It did not bother me as much, but I could see how someone else might be upset by it and felt it wasn't right especially since they go to the trouble of prohibiting it in the consent form.

At Poma, we did a single cycle of egg retrieval, followed by genetic testing and then a single frozen embryo transfer. It is important to note that in Poma, the doctors (Dr Opshal, Dr Beesley and Dr Megan) work as a single unit. So you would likely be working with them in tandem throughout your fertility treatment process. The single most aspect about Poma that stands out for me, is how transparent their finance/billing process is. Everything is well documented with a lots of details (and also one can seek clarifications whenever in doubt). The documentation captures what all services are covered and what/how much you would need to pay for uncovered services. Poma is one of the most affordable fertility clinics in Washington and they provide multiple options. We also liked the fact how the clinic didn't ask us to redo the blood tests for which we already had reports. Displaying the fact that they are not blindly after money. - Poma Care : Depending on your age/score you will get back a size able amount of refund if they fail. NOTE- Even though its a slightly expensive option than others below (due to the refund element attached), you can withdraw from it mid journey if you think you no longer need it and they will refund back you the additional amount. - IVF batching : You can have multiple egg retrievals batched before doing. - Fresh embryo transfer: Poma is one of the few places where they do reach out to you if a fresh transfer is viable and is the best option for you. - Frozen embryo transfer and genetic testing: Genetic testing is done outside of Poma if elected. And for embryo transfer you get an option to select sex if you want to.

It’s a busy clinic which some might not like. The appointments were quick but efficient. I felt it ran like a well-oiled machine. The nurses always quickly responded through the portal. Overall the clinic was organized and friendly. I felt completely comfortable as a member of the LGBTQ community. I will be returning to this clinic when ready for my second child.

This is a long process. There are setbacks that are outside of your control or even the clinics at times. Poma does a great job of letting you set that pace with your treatment plan. I never felt rushed, forced, or like I only had one path forward. For someone who likes to do their own research and ask lots of questions, this was great for me.

The price was slightly cheaper, and there were way fewer hoops to jump through than other similarly successful clinics in the area--they got me in faster, and treated me much more like a person than a list of boxes to check. The clinic itself is comfortable and nice to be in, and the staff is friendly. They have great success rates.

Poma is the best of both worlds, when it comes to clinics. It's 'small' in the sense there are only 3 providers (2 MDs, 1 PA), but large enough that you don't have to wait too long to get established, they do cycles every month, etc. Be comfortable seeing any of the providers, or, learn to advocate and request only 1 provider whom you gel with (and be prepared to schedule around that). All providers are very timely in portal responses and you can message the providers directly. Ask questions of the lab- they are phenomenal and I wish I had more insight to them. They are very transparent in their costs and one of the best options around for cash pay IVF / FET.

They were honest about our chances and always answered our questions the best they could. They were definitely busy and rushed at times but always friendly and compassionate. I liked that they were upfront about costs.

This clinic is in a convenient location, parking is easy, staff is very friendly, and the wait time for an appointment isn't months out like other clinics. Their waiting room is usually full of other patients waiting for their treatments but the front desk ladies are always respectful! Last time I was there they helped a lost elderly lady with a language barrier get to her appointment with a different doctor in the same building but on a different floor. One of the gals took the time to walk her their herself. The customer service is amazing!

I do like that they communicate through portal messages. It is nice to have the chance to re read instructions, rather than trying to remember a phone call conversation. I can't think of any weakness, they do great in all areas.

POMA is a very well oiled machine. They are compassionate, thoughtful, and make this process easier by being supportive. They are also super efficient with your time and make multiple appointments in the same slot for you (office visit, blood draw, ultrasound, financial, etc).

The staff are genuinely compassionate and want all patients to be successful which is a strength of POMA. The operating room and laboratory is very professional with lots of identification checks. Weakness are (1) POMA is a very busy clinic and so you often feel rushed in your meetings and (2) egg retrieval waiting area felt like an emergency room with the individual bays separated by sheets. This isn't a big issue, I just had the odd experience of overhearing the doctors celebrate with other patients about all the eggs they just retrieved. I knew going into my own retrievals that I would only get a few eggs so it was painful to hear these conversations. I'm embarrassed to admit that I was actually in tears as I waited for my last retrieval at POMA after overhearing the previous patient's success. This was one of the contributing reasons we decided to move clinics.

The clinic is a smaller operation than many fertility clinics in the area. When we first attended there was only one doctor and they have recently added a second one. Both doctors are male, which was a little off-putting to me, but I was pleasantly surprised by how warm and compassionate they both are and how much I have appreciated working with them. The clinic seems to try to keep costs down as much as possible and to tailor treatment to the patient. I appreciated that it did not feel like a one-size fits all treatment approach. We also appreciate the Poma Care plan in which you can qualify for money back (the exact percentage depending on your age/health/stats) if you don't get a take home baby at the end of treatment. We could have saved money by not using Poma Care, but we appreciated the peace of mind it provided after we transferred the only viable embryo from our retrieval. We feel happy that, by "overpaying" with Poma Care, some of our money was refunded to another couple who was not successful like we were. We definitely plan on going back to the clinic to complete our family and plan to use Poma Care again for the same peace of mind. Parking is easy and free which is a bonus. It can be a little challenging and stressful to get in touch with the nurses in time for any adjustments to medications, but after being persistent, we always got the information we needed in time, but sometimes it was down to the wire. It is helpful to be really proactive about asking what you need to do in advance because otherwise it is stressful and last minute.

Clinic is very clean, looks organized, big enough, with great equipment/tools. Although the part that is sometimes frustrating is how busy they always seem. Sometimes you have to wait 15-40 min at your appt. and also with harder times to change your appt, or choosing another day.

When I was researching fertility clinics, these were some of the factors that I was looking for and wanted in a clinic that would care for us. First is obviously the reviews others have made about this clinic. I had originally heard about Poma through a friend, who knew someone that was a patient there. They had raving reviews about Poma and conceived their first child through IVF. I utilized social media and online reviews as well. I looked into more than one clinic. I found that some had several doctors. While others like Poma were smaller "boutique" style clinics with one doctor. I did not necessarily want to be treated at a clinic where I would be passed around from doctor to doctor, depending on who was working that day. This is one of my bigger reasons why I chose Poma. However, the reality is that this can be a challenge as well because he is only one person and needs to oversee all his patient's care. He does have a physicians assistant whom I've seen and think very highly of as well. So that helps. Location is also a big reason I chose Poma. Going through fertility treatment is grueling and you often need to be seen several times a month, if not a week to monitor your progress. This clinic was the easiest to commute to, close to my home and my husband's work. This made it easier for him to leave work for appointments. Lastly, Poma worked with my insurance. Fertility treatment is such a big expense and a lot of times, a medication or procedure is not covered. Poma is also very upfront with the price of IVF. Which helps because IVF is not a covered treatment on a lot of insurances. They also have a guarantee program where you pay an extra premium to guarantee a live birth and take home baby. They refund a portion of your money if that is not achieved.

Strengths - Organized overall. I like the organization and communication with financial. They answer any and every question you may have because it's all very confusing. You can even set up appointments with financial and then e-mail as well. The front desk remembers you when you walk in. The lab is very organized and they synchorinize your bloodwork with your ultrasound appointments well. Overall the clinic is great and a huge reason why we never wanted to switch anywhere else. Weakness: Communications needs to be a little bit better. Describing what each med is for, why you're taking something and why certain meds need to be taken could be expressed more. I felt like I always had to ask why I had to take something or what it's for. I'd hope that Dr. Opsahl could stop accepting patients if they feel that they are juggling too many in one cycle. I can tell during some of my appointments that they are rushing. It's not horrible but I've definitely noticed a difference in the years.

The clinics strengths are their financial team, front desk staff, and Megan Palazolla. They are very blunt in their phone consult, and I like that. I wish they had advised more treatment options such as acupuncture or weigh loss.

I really loved this clinic. I don't think I remember any weaknesses it has. My experience with them was wonderful. I don't know how they are now, but 2017 the team they had were very professional and friendly.

In general I would use Poma again, I'm hopeful that the bugs in the system have been worked out since I was there last. I felt like it wasn't about the money, that they were generally excited for people to have the family that they wanted. I appreciated that financials were always taken care of by people not associated with my medical care. The front desk staff were always pleasant and cheerful when appropriate.

Overall, the clinic was great. The parking was pretty good, the clinic itself was clean and welcoming. The front desk staff, at times, seemed annoyed and inconvenienced but for the most were nice. There were a few times I could hear them venting or talking about a patient and I felt that was unprofessional. For the most part, I didn't have to wait too long to be seen. The nurses were so kind and really tried hard to keep patients moving through without seeming like they were on a conveyor belt. Every one I ever met with was kind and empathetic.

As soon as you walk in the feel of the office is so comforting and relaxing. Which is a lot to say when you are so nervous and stressed out for these appointments. Front office staff is friendly and helpful.

Very friendly staff. The clinic is clean and welcoming. The rooms for before and after procedures lack the so much needed privacy. They could use a separating wall instead of curtains for after procedure. It would be nice if partners can go into the op room for egg retrieval.

Strengths: Lindsey (nurse) Weaknesses: not very proactive I found myself needing to reach out to see what next steps were which was stressful. They got so busy they wouldn’t take a phone call and would only communicate via the patient portal which was very difficult for complex matters. Dr’s bedside manner in how he communicates is not very compassionate and treatment doesn’t seem personalized. Megan the nurse practitioner is very rough with ultrasounds and was very invalidating to my thoughts and feelings based on what she’s seen with others, again making me feel like a number.

Strength: Dr. Opsahl is the main doctor there and he has an assistant who helps with some of the procedures. Due to the limited number of doctors, I feel that they know me and can better address our medical needs while feeling a personal connection. Weakness: For me the commute to a busy city is not ideal (typically have to leave my house 2 hours prior to appointment) especially with morning appointments and morning commuter traffic, but am glad the clinic is above a parking garage with ample parking.

They are wonderful! So helpful and work around the clock. I felt like towards the end they were starting to get more patients. I hope they don't get too big they lose the small clinic personality.

I very rarely was seen at my actual appointment time. There are so many people who go through IVF cycles at once that the staff ends up running behind. The staff also gets stressed out because they're so busy. I didn't think any of this affected the quality of care I received though.