Dr. Joshi strikes a very nice balance between being kind and being direct. I felt like he gave me an honest assessment of our situation, while being empathetic to what we were going through. He quickly diagnosed me with diminished ovarian reserve and predicted that our chances of success with IUI and IVF were fairly low. He walked us through that diagnosis and our options clearly. He let us lead the way making decisions about what to do, while guiding us and always being ready to answer numerous questions.
The Kaiser REI Santa Clara has a wonderful, warm team, and I was very happy with everyone I met there. However, their scheduling and follow up processes are sometimes frustrating. Kaiser is very rule-based, so you have to work within that. Also, several times the REI said it would order blood tests done, but then when I went to the lab they said they didn't have the order and refused to do the test until I waited for them to contact the REI. Although the overall care at the REI was good, these little things really add up to extra stress when you're doing IUI or IVF.
How was your experience with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr. Joshi was a great doctor who knew his area very well and also made me feel cared for as a patient. Kaiser has fairly strict rules about what can be done, so that can be frustrating, but Dr. Joshi worked hard to get me the best outcome within those constraints.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Do your research before seeing an REI doctor so you know what to expect and can ask questions about different treatment options. The FertilityIQ courses are excellent for this. Sometimes it's hard even for the doctor to know which treatment approach will have the best outcome, so the more you know, the more you can ask questions that help you and your doctor decide on the best path for you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr. Joshi strikes a very nice balance between being kind and being direct. I felt like he gave me an honest assessment of our situation, while being empathetic to what we were going through. He quickly diagnosed me with diminished ovarian reserve and predicted that our chances of success with IUI and IVF were fairly low. He walked us through that diagnosis and our options clearly. He let us lead the way making decisions about what to do, while guiding us and always being ready to answer numerous questions.
Describe the protocols Nikhil Joshi used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente NorCal and their degree of success.
We did two IVF cycles. In the first cycle, we did the most standard medication approach. It didn't produce many follicles, so we cancelled the retrieval and did IUI. In the second cycle, we tried a lot of medication, and that produced more follicles so we completed the retrieval. Still, probably because of DOR, the 2 embryos didn't grow very well so we were not successful.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
I saw nurses for maybe half of my appointments at the REI, and they were excellent. Carla was especially kind and knowledgeable.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
The Kaiser REI Santa Clara has a wonderful, warm team, and I was very happy with everyone I met there. However, their scheduling and follow up processes are sometimes frustrating. Kaiser is very rule-based, so you have to work within that. Also, several times the REI said it would order blood tests done, but then when I went to the lab they said they didn't have the order and refused to do the test until I waited for them to contact the REI. Although the overall care at the REI was good, these little things really add up to extra stress when you're doing IUI or IVF.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
The IUI and IVF were consistent with Bay Area average prices
Describe Nikhil Joshi's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Dr. Joshi was very clear that 1 embryo at a time is usually best, but also said exceptions may be made when the embryos aren't very good quality.
What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Several times, the REI said it had ordered blood tests, but the lab said they didn't have the orders and refused to do the tests.
[Dr. Joshi's] Strengths - willing to explain things in detail, patient, not condescending, willing to explore/consider your suggestions, didn't feel he rushed appointment Weaknesses - could show a bit more compassion, also a bit of optimism wouldn't hurt, constrained by what is allowed in the Kaiser system (I suppose not his fault), could have provided more rationale for treatment approach (contact is mostly with nursing staff)...
the nurses [at Kaiser Permanente NorCal] have been 10/10. They are both knowledgeable, informative, and have shown a lot of compassion. Ultrasounds were very gentle, everything explained clearly, they were able to answer questions, seem very organized and on top of everything. Calls and emails are answered very promptly most of the time...they are closed Sunday...
How was your experience with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Strengths - willing to explain things in detail, patient, not condescending, willing to explore/consider your suggestions, didn't feel he rushed appointment
Weaknesses - could show a bit more compassion, also a bit of optimism wouldn't hurt, constrained by what is allowed in the Kaiser system (I suppose not his fault), could have provided more rationale for treatment approach (contact is mostly with nursing staff)
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Not really specific to this doctor - but overall believe in your own fertility and remember that you are the one person who cares the most about your own outcome. Advocate for yourself, don't be afraid to ask questions (or be the 'annoying patient') - push to get all the answers you need to feel comfortable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Had a phone consult with the doctor and although I feel that an in person appointment would be better and more personable the doctor seemed attentive and responsive. He was able to meet me where I was at (in terms of background knowledge of the subject) and explain things at a level of detail that I appreciated. He also took the time to fully answer all questions and made me feel that it was ok to question him to further my understanding. Personally I would have been more comfortable with a female RE but he didn't make me feel uncomfortable and was not overly patronizing as has been my experience in the past. I did feel that in some ways the doctor is very focused on numbers and possibly is a bit too realistic - given we all exist on a curve, I think that it is ok to reserve a little hope for all people's potential fertility no matter how challenging. DOR diagnosis and felt immediately that there was a push towards donor egg, but willing to try IUI (didn't outright clearly state no to IVF but that was the general message implied).
Describe the protocols Nikhil Joshi used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente NorCal and their degree of success.
We did a letrozole cycle. The doctor suggested clomid but was willing to give letrozole when I asked because I had information from my previous clinic that I have a possible thin lining. I also heard the side effects were less. He stated there wasn't much difference in side effects between but agreed to try this route I was happy he was open to this.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
The nurses working here on the non-IVF side are both amazing. I had a bad experience at my last clinic and had very high anxiety about starting to work with this clinic but the nurses have been 10/10. They are both knowledgeable, informative, and have shown a lot of compassion. Ultrasounds were very gentle, everything explained clearly, they were able to answer questions, seem very organized and on top of everything. Calls and emails are answered very promptly most of the time.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Weakness - I didn't really get to choose my doctor (was assigned); start was a little confusing/rough (was rushing around getting last minute labs, meds etc because my cycle day 1 was on a Saturday and they are closed Sunday); they are very booked up a lot so appointment times are limited (can't be too selective)
Strengths - Nurses made me feel I am in good hands and they are willing to go above and beyond; clinic is decently nice and clean; felt respected by most of the support staff (with one exception of a staff member that was really rude)
During the transvaginal ultrasounds there is a monitor in the room - it is usually a female but there is a male assistant (receptionist) of the doctor who will be a monitor sometimes. I suppose some people may not be comfortable with that and I guess I was surprised they don't have a female available for this role (as most clinics do).
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
ultrasounds approx 180 each, a lot of other items were covered so I am not sure exactly
What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Failed to call with results
Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Lab results were not reported to me prior to starting my cycle there - I feel that the doctor should have viewed them and sent a message but some were just never reported at all. Had to request multiple times. Some that were discussed also not ordered so have to get needle stick multiple times.
I did not feel supported [by Dr. Joshi] in the least, which is why I switched mid-cycle to another doctor...I had to remind him EVERY appointment - even when I was coming in every other day during the retrieval cycle - that I had PCOS, and did not have periods. He would see me for maybe 10min and say "everything looks good" and thats it...No explanation, no support, same line regardless of outcome. When I tried to share worries or ask questions, I told a nurse would call...
The clinic [Kaiser Permanente NorCal] in general is not very supportive...We needed to ask several times for instructions on how to administer shots, and she [nurse] seemed frustrated when we asked if she could email us the link to the online videos rather than have us search for them. She then seriously put our egg retrieval into jeopardy by writing out inaccurate instructions for our trigger medication...
How was your experience with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
As mentioned he did not communicate information at all- by comparison, my first visit with my new doctor, I got 4 pages worth of preparation information for my cycle. I never knew what the blood tests were for or what they meant (except through my own research). I had to call multiple times to get information on how to give myself shots. Problems were rarely addressed, and his office gave printed wrong medical directions to me and blamed me for 'my body's failure to accept medication', instead of the fact I'd followed his (wrong) directions. He then wasn't even going to have us do the egg retrieval and just assumed the eggs were lost - had another doctor not intercepted, we would have lost the eggs that were very much still obtainable. He made no apologies for his botching of the cycle, and even alluded to us needing to pay for a whole new cycle - despite, again, this being him and his office's mistake.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
GO WITH SOMEONE ELSE. Seriously, he treats you like a number. He is always SIGNIFICANTLY late to appointments. He never apologies. He will not share any information with you. He will be very difficult to get ahold of. He does not treat you like a human and do not expect sympathy or understanding from him. There are better doctors out there.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr.Joshi quite frankly was awful. Not only could he not keep an appointment to save his life (he averaged, at a minimum, being 45min-90min late) but aside of the first consultation, he shared very little information. Blood tests would be ordered but I'd never know why or what they meant. I had to remind him EVERY appointment - even when I was coming in every other day during the retrieval cycle - that I had PCOS, and did not have periods. He would see me for maybe 10min and say "everything looks good" and thats it, or worse, begin saying "oh we'll get 20 eggs" (next visit) "everything looks good we'll get 15 eggs" (next visit) "everything looks good we'll get 10 eggs" etc. No explanation, no support, same line regardless of outcome. When I tried to share worries or ask questions, I told a nurse would call. He would flat out say there were no side effects to procedures, and when I asked what they were just in case (I always get side effects) he pretty much acted like I was being ridiculous and wouldn't have them - even though I did. I did not feel supported in the least, which is why I switched mid-cycle to another doctor.
Describe the protocols Nikhil Joshi used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente NorCal and their degree of success.
IVF - up to the egg retrieval. We were never given an option and told due to my age this was the route we needed to take (frozen embryo). We had a number of medications that were prescribed as a default. No rationale other than 'this is what you take' were given. He also didn't seem to understand his own procedure timelines, giving us a much shorter view of how things would go, including forgetting to include the time I'd need to recover from related surgeries that would delay implantation.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Kaiser Permanente NorCal. (Assigned nurse: ANALISA JUAREZ)
So, Analise was not very communicative or clear, with me or my partner often needing to call and clarify messages. We needed to ask several times for instructions on how to administer shots, and she seemed frustrated when we asked if she could email us the link to the online videos rather than have us search for them. She then seriously put our egg retrieval into jeopardy by writing out inaccurate instructions for our trigger medication, and when she called me, said "You havent taken the medication yet, have you? I know I said verbally you already should have but I see I wrote it down differently" - essentially admitting she knew she hadnt told me it correctly (otherwise why state it as already knowing I hadnt?) and did not apologize for the messup, instead blaming me for following the written directions she'd given me.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
The clinic in general is not very supportive, and if at all possible, I'd recommend going with Fremont (or another provider than Kaiser). My first appointment I was nervous and ended up with 160/90 blood pressure - I love that the nurse said "is this normal for you?" even though she could have seen my chart showing no high blood pressure issues and a history of much lower blood pressure results. We also needed to frequently remind them of my PCOS status and had to double check about medications being sent over. I was told I needed to be at my appointment at a certain time, only to find the office wasn't even open until 25min later. Only plus side is partner is allowed in waiting room area.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
$21,000 before we could even get scheduled; $7,000 for medications. Optional genetic testing cost an additional $3500
Describe Nikhil Joshi's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
He said to do eSET..there was no reason given other than it was the best option for me
What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
After all tests and blood work, we had a video visit with him [Dr. Joshi] . We found him very knowledgeable, to the point, and knows what is covered in our insurance plan...He is extremely supportive of our decision and the forthcoming. During the call, he answered all our queries regarding IVF treatment, shared necessary details, and even update my health summary for the future doctor.
Kaiser NoCal. Strengths: - Good Doctors - Having everything (from bloodwork to any complicated tests) under a single roof. Weakness: - Hard to get an appointment with the doctor sometime. - If you are going for an IUI, you will not get any regular comunation from your doctor but from NP, who don't have much empathy. - There is no straight way to communicate with your doctor when you need
How was your experience with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
I got in touch with Nikhil Joshi in early 2020 after trying for a baby for more than a year. After all tests and blood work, we had a video visit with him. We found him very knowledgeable, to the point, and knows what is covered in our insurance plan(which was very helpful in the beginning).
As our all test results were okay (no red flag), he suggested 3 IUIs as a treatment plan as it was covered in our insurance, not IVF. Unfortunately, all three were failed. I took an emotional break in late 2020 and wanted to resume IUI again in January 2021 (another 3 cycles). Fortunately, my husband got a new job that gives IVF benefits through other insurance.
In January 2021, I had my follow-up call with Dr. Joshi where I shared the upcoming changes in my health insurance plan. He is extremely supportive of our decision and the forthcoming. During the call, he answered all our queries regarding IVF treatment, shared necessary details, and even update my health summary for the future doctor. He even helps me to understand the SART website for fertility clinic selection. I couldn't expect anything else from him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
It is hard to get an appointment with Nikhil Joshi so please have patience. Good luck!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Dr. Joshi is very knowledgeable, kind, and systematic. During my appointment and visit, I never felt that he is in a hurry or not answering my concerns.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
In Kaiser REI, NP is the people who work with IUI patient, not doctors. During my IUI treatments, not Nikhil Joshi but different NP attended me.
Most of them were always in a hurry and not compassionate. I felt like a number in front of them.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Kaiser REI is your only choice for fertility treatment if your insurance provider is Kaiser NoCal.
Strengths:
- Good Doctors
- Having everything (from bloodwork to any complicated tests) under a single roof.
Weakness:
- Hard to get an appointment with the doctor sometime.
- If you are going for an IUI, you will not get any regular comunation from your doctor but from NP, who don't have much empathy.
- There is no straight way to communicate with your doctor when you need
I had an initial consultation with him [Dr. Nikhil Joshi], and currently are waiting to start IVF. I had a surgery with him prior which was a hysteroscopy...For us he recommended a single embryo transfer. He stated that is is much safer, and we both agreed with him...He is very understanding and compassionate and honest!! He explains everything clear and well!!!...He is very warm and caring. He answers all my questions and responds to my emails promptly. He makes sure both my husband and I understand what is going on. I had a hysteroscopy performed with him and he did a wonderful job making sure I understand everything pre, intra, and post op. He doesn't confuse you will medical jardin and makes you feel comfortable to answer any type of question.
The REI clinic is great [at Kaiser Permanente]...However, we had to attempt 6 rounds of IUI's before having a consultation with an IVF doctor which I didn't like. Also, I didn't officially get diagnosed with endometriosis until I had my consultation with my IVF doctor which is disheartening, and I felt I should have been told this from the beginning. He also told me about my hysteroscopy procedure that I needed which I feel all this should have taken place prior to doing my 6 rounds of IUI. So, all this was a bit frustrating because it seems kind of backwards.
How was your experience with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
He is very warm and caring. He answers all my questions and responds to my emails promptly. He makes sure both my husband and I understand what is going on. I had a hysteroscopy performed with him and he did a wonderful job making sure I understand everything pre, intra, and post op. He doesn't confuse you will medical jardin and makes you feel comfortable to answer any type of question.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
I would say to be patient because everything is a process, and he does give all sides as far as explanation and then he gives his recommendation.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
He is very understanding and compassionate and honest!! He explains everything clear and well!!!
Describe the protocols Nikhil Joshi used in your cycles at Kaiser Permanente NorCal and their degree of success.
I had an initial consultation with him, and currently are waiting to start IVF. I had a surgery with him prior which was a hysteroscopy. I was on birth control 3 months prior to that surgery and once that was completed I was able to get off it. As of now I am not taking any medications yet
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
We haven't specifically been assigned a nurse yet due to the covid 19 shut downs. We were coincidentally cleared for IVF right when the shelter in place occurred.
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
The REI clinic is great they weren't any delays in care. However, we had to attempt 6 rounds of IUI's before having a consultation with an IVF doctor which I didn't like. Also, I didn't officially get diagnosed with endometriosis until I had my consultation with my IVF doctor which is disheartening, and I felt I should have been told this from the beginning. He also told me about my hysteroscopy procedure that I needed which I feel all this should have taken place prior to doing my 6 rounds of IUI. So, all this was a bit frustrating because it seems kind of backwards.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
We got an estimated cost based on Dr. Joshi's recommendations which estimate at $23K
Describe Nikhil Joshi's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
For us he recommended a single embryo transfer. He stated that is is much safer, and we both agreed with him
What specific things went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
On one occasion the NP did not place my order to have any Hcg blood test done which I had to call and wait at the lab for them to put the order in (which didn't take long to do). Another time my prescription for birth control was not put in as well which I had to call and have them out in.
He's [Dr. Nikhil Joshi] very patient and generous with his time. He is very informative and helpful and offered options if iui didn't work. Lay out my care in easy to understand way. I really appreciated his care and expertise...He took his time to explain everything and work with my meds...Pay attention to his advice. He goes thru things quickly
Kp mainly doesn't carry fertility coverage in ca, check the price first with their billing dept. Things take time, be patient and it will recur every month smoothly. They are very responsive with questions...[nurses are] No nonsense, didn't make me wait a long time. Very understandable and caring...
Pay attention to his [Dr. Nikhil Joshi] advice. He goes thru things quickly
How was your experience with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
He's very patient and generous with his time. He is very informative and helpful and offered options if iui didn't work. Lay out my care in easy to understand way. I really appreciated his care and expertise
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
Pay attention to his advice. He goes thru things quickly
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nikhil Joshi at Kaiser Permanente NorCal?
He took his time to explain everything and work with my meds
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
No nonsense, didn't make me wait a long time. Very understandable and caring
Describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente NorCal.
Kp mainly doesn't carry fertility coverage in ca, check the price first with their billing dept. Things take time, be patient and it will recur every month smoothly. They are very responsive with questions