Dr. Amato is very short and to the point, I like that in a doctor...I was an egg donor...did not mention that she suspected that I had OHSS...If she had, that may have affected my decision to donate eggs. I do believe that she omitted this information as she did not want me to back out of the donation at such a late stage.
[Oregon Health Sciences University] can be frustrating to deal with...rarely answer the phone, so it is difficult to schedule appointments. As an egg donor, I have had a lot of difficulty getting bills paid in a timely manner...nursing staff were responsive and kind. They explained everything before every scan or procedure...made sure I was comfortable with everything before proceeding.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato is very short and to the point, I like that in a doctor. However, she did not mention that she suspected that I had OHSS and that was why I was feeling the way I was. If she had, that may have affected my decision to donate eggs. I do believe that she omitted this information as she did not want me to back out of the donation at such a late stage.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
As an egg donor- do your research beforehand. Unfortunately, there isn't much good information out there on egg donation, but it is important to know the signs of complications.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I was an egg donor. I did not feel like I was given the full information of what was happening to my body during this process. I was told that OHSS was a risk, but not that I had it or was being prescribed medications to treat it. I was just told to take pick up these medications which would help with the side effects of egg donation. After the procedure, I noticed OHSS listed in my post op note.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
I did two egg donation cycles. Both times I was on Menopur, Follistim and Ganirelix. They used HCG and Lupron as trigger injections. I'm sorry, I do not recall the specific dosages of any of these medications.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Oregon Health Sciences University.
The nursing staff were responsive and kind. They explained everything before every scan or procedure and always made sure I was comfortable with everything before proceeding.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
This clinic can be frustrating to deal with. They rarely answer the phone, so it is difficult to schedule appointments. As an egg donor, I have had a lot of difficulty getting bills paid in a timely manner. I can never seem to reach anyone that actually knows anything about these issues. If you leave voicemails, they will never call you back. I have requested a call back dozens of times over the last year, and received only one call back during that time (and they were not able to resolve the issue either).
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I was an egg donor, so my only costs at the moment are the bills that OHSU said they would pay, but still haven't! Currently that totals around $600 that I should not have to pay. Since I have been sent to collections, I may have to just eat this cost.
Describe Paula Amato's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I did not have this procedure.
What specific things went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University.
As an egg donor, I have been very frustrated with this clinic. I completed my first egg donation in Nov of 2022. At that time, they assured me that they would cover the medical expenses associated with this procedure. They had me go to a separate monitoring clinic for ultrasounds. Since then, almost 13 months, I have been trying to get them to cover the cost of these ultrasounds. I have repeated called and emailed them with no real result. Every time I manage to reach a human instead of an answering machine, I am reassured that they will escalate this to their manager. I wait about two weeks, see that nothing has changed and then repeat the process. As of last month, I was sent to collections. I am now trying to work out this issue with the collection company. I am beyond frustrated with this process. If I ever get them to cover this charge, then I get the joy of starting on the bill for the ultrasounds during the second egg donation. So, if you're considering donating your eggs here, factor in the ultrasound bills when you look at that hefty sum they are offering you!
Dr. Amato was lovely and very easy to work with. She wasn't the most talkative person, but she was always there to answer questions we had, which was great ... She wasn't the one to usually initiate conversations, so we learned to have a list of everything we wanted to know for visits. We saw her very rarely, and mostly dealt with nurses or other doctors, though she was our main doctor.
As previously stated, my only critisicm of the clinic [OHSU] is the lack of communication between us (the IP's) and the clinic and our GC. Lots of frustating calls and random bills in the mail that could have been avoided if there was a central person we could discuss on all matters, instead of speaking to the doctor, then the nurse, then finance, then billing, etc.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato was lovely and very easy to work with. She wasn't the most talkative person, but she was always there to answer questions we had, which was great..............................................................
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Prepare every question you could ever have about the process, and have it with you for the appointments.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato was very nice, and answered all questions we asked of her. She wasn't the one to usually initiate conversations, so we learned to have a list of everything we wanted to know for visits. We saw her very rarely, and mostly dealt with nurses or other doctors, though she was our main doctor.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
During our donor egg retreival, they discovered not as many follicles growing as they wanted. So they decided to stop the cycle, reset, and do it again. She predicted it would yeild a better result, and it did! We got 23 mature eggs, and ended up with 13 healthy embryos.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Katie)
My only real beef with OHSU is that it's VERY difficult to communicate with everyone and be on the same page. We would get info on one thing, and a cost, and a month later find out something else happened and it cost twice the price, and nobody had let us know. Either having one nurse be in charge of everything for each couple, or something else would help this alot. We had a lot of phone calls with the billing and finance departmetns that were frustrating because nobody was talking to each other. And it's a shame, because it's a lovely place and everybody was very nice and seemed to truly care about us.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
As previously stated, my only critisicm of the clinic is the lack of communication between us (the IP's) and the clinic and our GC. Lots of frustating calls and random bills in the mail that could have been avoided if there was a central person we could discuss on all matters, instead of speaking to the doctor, then the nurse, then finance, then billing, etc.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
We spent approximately $38,000 for donor eggs ($7,000), embryo creation, and 1 transfer, as well as the corresponding doctors appointments.
Describe Paula Amato's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Dr. Amato strongly preferred a SET, which after exhaustive research and many discussions, we agreed with. For both the health of the baby, and the GC
What specific things went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University?
she [Dr. Amato] has mentioned before IVF was started that she would recommend a single egg transfer due to the risk of multiples and having a bicornuate uterus...I received an MRI to verify that my previously diagnosed bicornuate uterus was not a uterine septum, which would require surgery prior to IVF treatment. I was also prescribed an extra medication called Saizen during the egg retrieval process to improve my egg quality.
they [Oregon Health Sciences Univeristy] offer different “packages” from 2 different financing companies. Our specific package included: 2 egg retrievals, up to 2 fresh embryo transfers, and unlimited frozen transfers from fresh cycles. This package was one of the more expensive options at $23,705.78...You do have a primary doctor and nurse but I personally have only been scheduled with my primary people a few times. I’ve seen other doctors and nurses at the clinic many times.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
To be completely honest, out of the many times I’ve been to the clinic, I’ve only seen Amato twice. (All the doctor’s work togetherat theclinic and even have daily meetings to discuss patients) But each time she was great. Very knowledgeable and answered our questions. We had been going through fertility care for awhile so we thought we knew a lot but she explained a lot more.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
We read reviews online of Amato beforehand and a few said to make sure to ask questions. I feel she explained everything well before us asking any questions we had about our own personal care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Interested in our journey, listened to our concerns, available for questions
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
I received an MRI to verify that my previously diagnosed bicornuate uterus was not a uterine septum, which would require surgery prior to IVF treatment. I was also prescribed an extra medication called Saizen during the egg retrieval process to improve my egg quality.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Rachel)
I saw several nurses since I started treatment there and every one has been great. This may seem like an odd thing to be happy about but they are all great at drawing blood. I bruise very easily and having to have blood draw every 1-2 days is tough on my veins. Luckily I only bruised once from my blood draw, which makes me very happy since I use my arms a lot at work. They have all been very helpful too. My personal nurse Rachel is always willing to communicate with me, especially through email since my work schedule doesn’t work very well with her work schedule.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
One thing you’ll have to be is willing to see any doctor or nurse available. They tell you that they all work together at the consult. I personally think it’s great but I could see it confusing or annoying some people who like to stick with the same people. You do have a primary doctor and nurse but I personally have only been scheduled with my primary people a few times. I’ve seen other doctors and nurses at the clinic many times.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I don’t remember specifics but they offer different “packages” from 2 different financing companies. Our specific package included: 2 egg retrievals, up to 2 fresh embryo transfers, and unlimited frozen transfers from fresh cycles. This package was one of the more expensive options at $23,705.78
Describe Paula Amato's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Oregon Health Sciences University.
We’re not quite at that stage yet but she has mentioned before IVF was started that she would recommend a single egg transfer due to the risk of multiples and having a bicornuate uterus.
Dr. Amato is nice, she seems to be fairly to the point and blunt (in a good way) about her expectations...treating our infertility based on my health issues and formulating our plan to fit my body/needs...Make sure that you understand your protocol as it pertains to your specific situation. She is thorough in answering your questions but you need ask them...
[Oregon Health Sciences Univ] is clean, visually appealing, and in a great location...they have a team-based approach, so you won’t always see your specific doctor, but I do wish that we saw the same provider each time. My biggest advice would be to ask questions...purchased a multi-cycle package (2 full cycles included) with IVF, ICSI and embryo genetic testing (unlimited embryos) for $27,000. The package offers money back if you conceive after the first cycle. Which is approximately $8,400.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
We are at the very early stages of our first IVF cycle, so it’s hard to tell exactly how it’s going. Dr. Amato is nice, she seems to be fairly to the point and blunt (in a good way) about her expectations. She reminds me of my regular Gynecologist, which I feel is a bit comforting.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Ask questions! Make sure that you understand your protocol as it pertains to your specific situation. She is thorough in answering your questions but you need ask them!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
We are in the very early stages of our first IVF cycle with Dr. Amato and her team. So far, Dr. Amato seems to be treating our infertility based on my health issues and formulating our plan to fit my body/needs.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
Still in the early stages. But we are going the Antagonist protocol. I’ll be starting injections on the 12th of October. Follistim and Menopur. Our first suppression check is on the 9th, where we’ll be able to ask a lot more questions about our protocol.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Rachel)
So far, we have only talked to our nurse over the phone but she is extremely thorough and compassionate. The office staff is also so nice and welcoming.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
The clinic is clean, visually appealing, and in a great location. It’s easy for me to leave work for a short mid-day appointment. I understand that they have a team-based approach, so you won’t always see your specific doctor, but I do wish that we saw the same provider each time. My biggest advice would be to ask questions. Tell them what your timeline is and also make sure to really look into all of the available cycle packages.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
So far, we’ve purchased a multi-cycle package (2 full cycles included) with IVF, ICSI and embryo genetic testing (unlimited embryos) for $27,000. The package offers money back if you conceive after the first cycle. Which is approximately $8,400. Medications so far have been amount $2,500. But I anticipate the total for medication to be around $3,500.
As a gay couple, we found Dr. Amato to be welcoming, helpful, knowledgeable and professional. We were very happy with her both in terms of outcome and patient experience. Given that we lived out of state, she was especially accommodating in setting time to consult before we chose OHSU, to meet during treatment, and to arrange for skype/phone communication whenever possible.
The facility [Oregon Health Sciences U] and all staff we worked with are great -- and they have all been very willing to work with us and accommodate us from a different state. Very gay friendly as well. The only negative I can think of comes from explanation of costs. We were given a rough estimate of cost...but it became hard to follow along w/ what each new charge was and how it tied back to the estimate.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
As a gay couple, we found Dr. Amato to be welcoming, helpful, knowledgeable and professional. We were very happy with her both in terms of outcome and patient experience. Given that we lived out of state, she was especially accommodating in setting time to consult before we chose OHSU, to meet during treatment, and to arrange for skype/phone communication whenever possible. When our first attempt at egg retrieval didn't yield enough follicles, she adjusted course and the result the second time was great.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
The advice I'd give about Dr. Amato is similar to the advice I'd give about any doctor -- namely, you'll likely be talking to the nurse more than the doctor on in-between appointments...so make sure to take advantage of her when you're face to face or on the phone. She's very willing to answer questions and return calls...i just had'nt realized going in that the IPs see the actual doctor for a relatively few number of appointments.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She was always willing to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs, answer our questions, and work w/ us remotely via skype, phone, etc.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
Not sure I can recount these very well. We had the donor on a cocktail of hormones/meds to help her prepare for retrieval, and those had to be adjusted after the first round didn't yield enough. GC was on progesterone and estrace before and after transfer. We only transferred one embryo.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Katie)
Our primary nurse left the clinic very early in the process, so we had an interim nurse for a period, and then transitioned to a new full-time nurse. This for the most part didn't cause major issues, but it did mean that someone was always playing catch up. Not their fault, of course.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
The facility and all staff we worked with are great -- and they have all been very willing to work with us and accommodate us from a different state. Very gay friendly as well. The only negative I can think of comes from explanation of costs. We were given a rough estimate of cost...but it became hard to follow along w/ what each new charge was and how it tied back to the estimate. A few times we had to bounce between the financial coordinator, nurse, and billing to reconcile why there was a difference between what we had expected to pay and what bills arrived. Overall the cost was not dramatically different from the estimate -- but it was at times frustrating along the way to try to keep track of what was what. Everyone was very friendly, but this was the one example where things could have been more smooth.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
$33,000
Describe Paula Amato's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Oregon Health Sciences University.
My recollection is that we were told we could do either -- but through our research, and talking w/ the doctor and GC, we determined that a single embryo transfer was less risky and therefore the right approach.
Dr. Amato is a very practical doctor. She is clearly very smart and analytical, and that worked really well for me. She did a great job responding to questions. I also always felt like I knew that plan and that she was taking my concerns into account. She was realistic in her expectations, but also encouraging and hopefully with us for the end result....Dr. Amato will be attentive and will absolutely provide information when requested, but she will not be a hand holder.
OHSU does a really great job of coordinating care. The steps I needed to take throughout the process was crystal clear and the clinic was very organized. The facilities were wonderful and they have an amazing view of the Willamette river. OHSU is organized in such a way that you have one doctor as your primary point of contact, but most of your procedures will rotate between the four doctors. All four of the doctors were really wonderful and they have excellent coordination with each other.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato is a very practical doctor. She is clearly very smart and analytical, and that worked really well for me. She did a great job responding to questions. I also always felt like I knew that plan and that she was taking my concerns into account. She was realistic in her expectations, but also encouraging and hopefully with us for the end result.
Her approach is friendly, but not as warm as other doctors. In addition, while she was great at responding to lots of questions, she didn't volunteer information as generously as other doctors might. This worked out ok for us since I always came in well-informed with lots of questions, but if you need your doctor to be more of a impetus for that, Dr. Amato might not be as good of a fit.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
It's important to know that fertility doctors have a lot of patients and their main role is to develop a plan to get you pregnant. Dr. Amato will be attentive and will absolutely provide information when requested, but she will not be a hand holder. Luckily, her nurse Rachel does a great job doing some of the more logistical helping and answering the inevitable endless questions that come up during the process. Rachel works very closely with Dr. Amato.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato always made us feel comfortable and we never felt rushed getting our questions answered. She was very realistic and down to earth about everything. She isn't the most 'touchy feely' doctor, but that worked well for us. We wanted the information straight up with adequate time to address our concerns, and we got that with Dr. Amato.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Rachel)
Rachel did an excellent job. She was always very patient with questions and fast in responding to emails. She offered up best practices and tactics to get through the process and was always incredibly organized with the paperwork that was necessary. Rachel showed a lot of compassion and understood how emotional the infertility process could be. We were very grateful to have her as our primary contact as we went through IVF.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
OHSU does a really great job of coordinating care. The steps I needed to take throughout the process was crystal clear and the clinic was very organized. The facilities were wonderful and they have an amazing view of the Willamette river.
OHSU is organized in such a way that you have one doctor as your primary point of contact, but most of your procedures will rotate between the four doctors. All four of the doctors were really wonderful and they have excellent coordination with each other. The only procedures I had that were not performed by a doctor were early cycle ultrasounds.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
- Meeting with the doctor for a consult was $250.
- Pre-Cycle diagnostic expenses cost about $2,000 in total.
- IUI cost about $500, then another $325 if we did an ultrasound first.
- My IVF stimulation medications were about $3,500 from the OHSU pharmacy.
- OHSU has IVF package options. We chose a non-refund package for two IVF cycles at $21,000.
- PGS testing was $3,800. Of this $1,800 was paid to OHSU for biopsy and the rest was paid to the testing lab for up to 8 embryos.
Describe Paula Amato's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Dr. Amato had a strong preference for me to transfer only one embryo since we were doing PGS testing and I was 33 at the time. That was fine with me, so we didn't have any further discussions on the topic.
More clinical than personable, which was OK with me. Follow up was my biggest frustration-- She [Dr. Amato] and the rest of the OHSU team never finalized protocols until I was mid cycle (i.e. had been on BC for a week or two) which meant I was in the dark and I was always scrambling to get medication in time. Conversations after failed pregnancies weren't very sympathetic, after the third chemical pregnancy she suggested I go to another doctor.
Overall I like the clinic [OHSU]. The biggest frustration is with the late setting of protocols and lack of communication that sometime comes with this. Some cycles were better than others, and others I was having to get medication last minute (and pay a premium to do so) because it took so long. Similarly, when someone was on vacation or the schedule is out of the norm the communication sometimes broke down (i.e., not getting my transfer instructions at all because they occurred after a holiday. I took the wrong medication as a result).
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
More clinical than personable, which was OK with me. Follow up was my biggest frustration-- She and the rest of the OHSU team never finalized protocols until I was mid cycle (i.e. had been on BC for a week or two) which meant I was in the dark and I was always scrambling to get medication in time. Conversations after failed pregnancies weren't very sympathetic, after the third chemical pregnancy she suggested I go to another doctor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
If you're fine with "going with the flow" than Dr. Amato is good for you. If you like to be in control and plan a lot of ahead of time I would have reservations.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Always remembered my information but conversations felt rote, received a few "I don't know, that's a drag" in response to chemical pregnancies.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
Long lupron protocol, 1 menopur & 150 gonal f, stimmed for 11 days.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Hannah)
Hannah was wonderful. She was compassionate and always willing to have a long explanatory conversation when she it was something she could explain. When it wasn't, she was great at finding the answer and getting back to me in a reasonable amount of time.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Overall I like the clinic. The biggest frustration is with the late setting of protocols and lack of communication that sometime comes with this. Some cycles were better than others, and others I was having to get medication last minute (and pay a premium to do so) because it took so long. Similarly, when someone was on vacation or the schedule is out of the norm the communication sometimes broke down (i.e., not getting my transfer instructions at all because they occurred after a holiday. I took the wrong medication as a result).
What specific things went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Failed to order appropriate test
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University.
They forgot to call me with pre-transfer instructions, called in medication late. The nurse often caught minor mistakes in time, I was beyond grateful for her.
Dr. Amato is passionate about her work, as evidenced by the fact that she is/was on the ethics committee for SART. I get the impression she lives and breathes her work and is very invested in the success of her patients...Dr. Amato was candid but always present and ready to answer questions either online or while on call. I felt she was very interested in our success, not just for her numbers but because she believes in her work...
Very professional, private, elegant space in a new building. The egg donor pool was limited in number and limited to in-house only. I don't know if they allow outside donors but I don't think so...She [nurse] was an absolute sweetheart. She endured the most trivial of questions and always got back to me quickly if she needed to consult the RE...
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato is passionate about her work, as evidenced by the fact that she is/was on the ethics committee for SART. I get the impression she lives and breathes her work and is very invested in the success of her patients.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Pick her even if you have to wait longer for the appointment. Hard as it may be, try to keep your emotions in check and listen objectively to the facts, otherwise feelings cloud your judgment and you forget to ask the important questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato was candid but always present and ready to answer questions either online or while on call. I felt she was very interested in our success, not just for her numbers but because she believes in her work.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
We did IUI twice, at our insistence, and both failed. We quickly moved to egg donor (fresh cycle). I used estradiol for a while (no memory of the dose or duration; tablets) followed by 12 long weeks of progesterone in oil shots (2 ml I think, but its a blur). I didn't really mind the estradiol like some people except it gave me headaches. The POI was awful for the first few weeks, but I got used to it.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University.
God I wish I could recall her name. She was an absolute sweetheart. She endured the most trivial of questions and always got back to me quickly if she needed to consult the RE.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Very professional, private, elegant space in a new building. The egg donor pool was limited in number and limited to in-house only. I don't know if they allow outside donors but I don't think so.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I think the bottom line was about $25K. Nothing was covered by insurance
Dr. Amato is a straight shooter. ...She is very responsive to questions and concerns. She made my husband, myself and our donor feel at ease. ... She tells you the facts but still shows compassion for your situation. She is very responsive to emails and replys in a timely manner. She returns calls promptly and is willing to work with you. ... She may appear stern but she is very compassionate! ...
OHSU has a variety of opportunity for those seeking a family. There are financing options available which I was not able to find at other clinics. This staffing is consistent so you see many of the same faces. It is a calm and quiet environment and they are willing to work through any trouble. ... We had a counseling appointment set up for our donor and her spouse. As well as my husband and myself. Somehow the appointment was not available when we arrived.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato is a straight shooter. She tells you the facts but still shows compassion for your situation. She is very responsive to emails and replys in a timely manner. She returns calls promptly and is willing to work with you.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She may appear stern but she is very compassionate!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She is very responsive to questions and concerns. She made my husband, myself and our donor feel at ease.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Rachel Cox)
Rachel is very compassionate about her work and it shows. She has a very sweet demeanor and make sure that all questions are answered in a timely manner.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
OHSU has a variety of opportunity for those seeking a family. There are financing options available which I was not able to find at other clinics. This staffing is consistent so you see many of the same faces. It is a calm and quiet environment and they are willing to work through any trouble.
What specific things went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Lost appointments
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University.
We had a counseling appointment set up for our donor and her spouse. As well as my husband and myself. Somehow the appointment was not available when we arrived. They did however squeeze us in at the end of the day. It was a mild inconvenience were scheduling around other things during the day putting childcare for my daughter we had a counseling appointment set up for our donor and her spouse. As well as my husband and myself. Somehow the appointment was not available when we arrived. They did however squeeze us in at the end of the day. It was a mild inconvenience for scheduling around other things during the day putting childcare for my donto.
Dr. Amato was very honest with us but cancelled egg retrieval during our first cycle of treatment due to not enough eggs being produced... She was honest with us but a bit pessimistic about our chances. A bit more optimism would have been nice. She prescribed Menopur but cancelled egg retrieval during our first cycle of treatment. We spent a lot of money on the Menopur, so we were quite disappointed that this did not lead to any success.
Strengths: pharmacy in same building [Oregon Health Sciences University], easy to get to, free parking, comfortable, new facilities. Weaknesses: did not strive to get insurance to cover some of treatment. Not everything needs to be specifically filed as infertility, forcing the patient to pay 100%.... We thought the nurses were very good, well trained, and professional... Intrauterine insemination endocrine management $475 Follicular scans $1300 Blood draws $130
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She was honest with us but a bit pessimistic about our chances. A bit more optimism would have been nice. She prescribed Menopur but cancelled egg retrieval during our first cycle of treatment. We spent a lot of money on the Menopur, so we were quite disappointed that this did not lead to any success.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Be aware that if you're not a very good candidate for using your own eggs in an in vitro fertilization attempt, she'll likely stop your cycle and try to push you towards donor egg IVT.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato was very honest with us but cancelled egg retrieval during our first cycle of treatment due to not enough eggs being produced
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
225 units of Menopur daily, starting on day 3 after start of period
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Oregon Health Sciences University.
We thought the nurses were very good, well trained, and professional
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Strengths: pharmacy in same building, easy to get to, free parking, comfortable, new facilities.
Weaknesses: did not strive to get insurance to cover some of treatment. Not everything needs to be specifically filed as infertility, forcing the patient to pay 100%.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Dr. Amato is pretty blunt. She seems kind but lacks warmness. Dr. Amato was brief in explanation of the process. It was often assumed I had done an IUI previously despite the numerous times I said it was my first. There wasn’t much discussion about my options or success rates. Most information I gathered on my own...I don’t feel everything was explained thoroughly. After my first IUI, Dr. Amato just told me to take a pregnancy test in two weeks. I had to inquire what next steps were. There was no discussion of success rates.
Dr. Amato [at Oregon Health Sciences University] wanted an unmedicated treatment...All nurses were nice...The paperwork I had to fill out was heteronormative....not LGBT specific despite the fact it was known I’m seeking fertility treatment due to being LGBT. The receptionist is super nice! Majority of staff I interacted with are very kind. Parking was confusing the first time I went so leave with extra time. Do your research and be prepared with questions.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I don’t feel everything was explained thoroughly. After my first IUI, Dr. Amato just told me to take a pregnancy test in two weeks. I had to inquire what next steps were. There was no discussion of success rates.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr. Amato is pretty blunt. She seems kind but lacks warmness. Dr. Amato was brief in explanation of the process. It was often assumed I had done an IUI previously despite the numerous times I said it was my first. There wasn’t much discussion about my options or success rates. Most information I gathered on my own.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
Dr. Amato wanted an unmedicated treatment.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Oregon Health Sciences University.
All nurses were nice.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
The paperwork I had to fill out was heteronormative....not LGBT specific despite the fact it was known I’m seeking fertility treatment due to being LGBT. The receptionist is super nice! Majority of staff I interacted with are very kind. Parking was confusing the first time I went so leave with extra time. Do your research and be prepared with questions.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Well one follow up visit (in which Dr. Amato said I’ve completed everything and can start IUI next cycle) cost over $1400. This is an expensive process and I had to take out a personal loan to assist with the costs of treatment.
She [Dr. Amato] seemed to write me off because of my age and initial test results: all at the low end of normal. Didn't feel like she cared that we were struggling and that we were being impatient.... I just never felt like I connected with this doctor. She kept telling me we were fine, and then things would get worse (results wise). Even when we did procedures, I don't remember being asked how we were feeling, or any considerations to the challenges of being an infertility couple. Like IUIs were wasting her time.
For a large facility, I had higher expectations. But between the coolness of the doctor and the lack of connection with the staff [Oregon Health Sciences U], its hard to say if they had any real strengths. The view from the windows was nice.... They mailed me a different couple's IVF protocol; a major privacy breach.... I never had the same nurse from one day to the next. No relationships developed.... I just never felt like I connected with this doctor. She kept telling me we were fine
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I just never felt like I connected with this doctor. She kept telling me we were fine, and then things would get worse (results wise). Even when we did procedures, I don't remember being asked how we were feeling, or any considerations to the challenges of being an infertility couple. Like IUIs were wasting her time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I hope she has some brilliant technical skills that we just never got to see; her coldness was too much for us to deal with.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She seemed to write me off because of my age and initial test results: all at the low end of normal. Didn't feel like she cared that we were struggling and that we were being impatient.
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
She wanted us to keep trying on our own and reluctantly started us on Clomid + IUI. She thought we would just need one cycle, then two, then...we went to someone else.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I never had the same nurse from one day to the next. No relationships developed.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
For a large facility, I had higher expectations. But between the coolness of the doctor and the lack of connection with the staff, its hard to say if they had any real strengths. The view from the windows was nice.
What specific things went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Lost paperwork
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Oregon Health Sciences University.
They mailed me a different couple's IVF protocol; a major privacy breach.
Dr Amato was open to my desires and weighing those with odds of success...I felt that Dr Amato was warm, down to earth, and accommodating. She was up front and honest yet gentle with her information. She spent the time I needed with me even during my initial free meet and greet. Dr Amato was also on time!... I will be using donor egg and sperm....Don’t be afraid to ask any questions
Strengths include being willing to try with patients own eggs even if the odds are low, as long as the patient understands. Other clinics are too worried about ther statistics. Being part of a university [Oregon Health Sciences] they are not influenced by pharmaceutical companies or other companies sales....I bought a fertility package since my insurance did not cover anything. It was less expensive than paying per item.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I felt that Dr Amato was warm, down to earth, and accommodating. She was up front and honest yet gentle with her information. She spent the time I needed with me even during my initial free meet and greet. Dr Amato was also on time!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Dr Amato was open to my desires and weighing those with odds of success
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
I will be using donor egg and sperm.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Katie )
It wasn’t always easy to get in touch with the RN on the phone
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Strengths include being willing to try with patients own eggs even if the odds are low, as long as the patient understands. Other clinics are too worried about ther statistics. Being part of a university they are not influenced by pharmaceutical companies or other companies sales. They offer Financial packages. Very open to every family type.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I bought a fertility package since my insurance did not cover anything. It was less expensive than paying per item.
She [Dr. Amato] paid attention, listened, and gave me her best efforts.... I appreciated her thoughtful care. I felt like a person, not a number. She gave me her best advice even when I didn’t want to hear it. She is very skilled and knowledgeable and readily shared her knowledge with us. We genuinely believed she cared about us and wanted to help us.... During our twins heartbeat ultrasound, the doctor cried with us. When we came back for a FET after ten years, they all remembered us.
Great location [Oregon Health Sciences U], easy scheduling, straightforward billing. It feels like a team that’s on your side. During our twins heartbeat ultrasound, the doctor cried with us. When we came back for a FET after ten years, they all remembered us. The lab director did our transfer even though he no longer practices, just supervises. It’s like a family.... Straightforward fees. Very inexpensive FETs ($1600)... I felt like a person, not a number. She gave me her best advice even when I didn’t want to hear it.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I appreciated her thoughtful care. I felt like a person, not a number. She gave me her best advice even when I didn’t want to hear it. She is very skilled and knowledgeable and readily shared her knowledge with us. We genuinely believed she cared about us and wanted to help us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She can be direct which I appreciate.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
She paid attention, listened, and gave me her best efforts.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Very responsive and kind.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Great location, easy scheduling, straightforward billing. It feels like a team that’s on your side. During our twins heartbeat ultrasound, the doctor cried with us. When we came back for a FET after ten years, they all remembered us. The lab director did our transfer even though he no longer practices, just supervises. It’s like a family.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Straightforward fees. Very inexpensive FETs ($1600)
[Dr. Paula Amato] makes me feel calm...She appreciates my journey and honors it. With the successful ivf transfer to the unfortunate loss she made sure to speak to me every step of the way...does not belittle me...able to lay the facts down...Treats me like I am family and that I matter...I felt I was in the right place at the right time...All the staff treated me with love and care...
The hospital [ Oregon Health Sciences University] is great state of the art. At first overwhelming but then you get used to the beautiful environment and how nice everyone is...All the staff treated me with love and care...felt a connection with the nurses that would draw my blood. I had a couple that would always treat me like i was there family and would make me Feel like I was in the right place...[Dr. Amato] appreciates my journey and honors it.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Treats me like I am family and that I matter. She gives me the time to after concerns and does not belittle me. She appreciates my journey and honors it. With the successful ivf transfer to the unfortunate loss she made sure to speak to me every step of the way.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Just be sure you’re ready to commit to a lot of apts.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
I feel like Dr Amato makes me feel calm and perseverance of what we are really here for. She treasures the journey and still is able to lay the facts down. She treats me like family.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Rachel/Whitney )
All the staff treated me with love and care. I appreciated my main nurse but felt a connection with the nurses that would draw my blood. I had a couple that would always treat me like i was there family and would make me
Feel like
I was in the right place.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Great staff and Drs and nurses. The hospital is great state of the art. At first overwhelming but then you get used to the beautiful environment and how nice everyone is. There was never a time
I didn’t feel I was in the wrong place. I felt I was in the right place at the right time.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
My costs were with arc and I was able to have taken care of fully there. The only thing not included was the meds and other minor apts.
With both iuis [with Dr. Paula Amato] I was prescribed 50 mg clomid I did the the trigger shot then the iui next day...always takes the time to explain everything to me and let me ask all the questions I want to...I always lefted the clinic with knowledge of what the next move will be. Also her and her team always respond to my emails in a timely mannor...Strengths are very knowledgable of the procedures, always respond to emails very quickly. Always answer all your questions. Good at explaining everything so you understand the procedure. Very friendly and kind.
About $700.00 for each iui [at Oregon Health Sciences University]...Strengths are very knowledgable of the procedures, always respond to emails very quickly. Always answer all your questions. Good at explaining everything so you understand the procedure. Very friendly and kind...The clinic and Dr. Amato always takes the time to explain everything to me and let me ask all the questions I want to...With both iuis I was prescribed 50 mg clomid I did the the trigger shot then the iui next day.
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Paula Amato always very caring and takes her time answering questions I always lefted the clinic with knowledge of what the next move will be. Also her and her team always respond to my emails in a timely mannor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
That they are in good hands and good care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
The clinic and Dr. Amato always takes the time to explain everything to me and let me ask all the questions I want to
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
With both iuis I was prescribed 50 mg clomid I did the the trigger shot then the iui next day.
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
Strengths are very knowledgable of the procedures, always respond to emails very quickly. Always answer all your questions. Good at explaining everything so you understand the procedure. Very friendly and kind.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Definitely come with questions. She [Dr. Paula Amato] is caring and I enjoyed having her as my doctor, but is not the most touchy feely/effusive of the doctors, so you if you want someone who is very warm in demeanor you may want to chose one of the other doctors in the clinic...Strongly encouraged single embryo transfer rather than multiple transfer...During consultation and subsequent treatment/questions always answered based on my individual circumstances
I really liked this clinic [Oregon Health Sciences University] a lot! The staff was great at responding quickly to my questions, and were able to work with my schedule. I was lucky to have success with my first round of IVF with frozen embryo transfer...[nurses had] Fantastic communication, always quick to respond to my responses. Rachel and all the staff were superb!
How was your experience with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Excellent doctor. Very good plan of care, responsive to my questions. She is not someone to volunteer a ton extra information if not asked, so definitely come with a list of questions. Although the clinic had me with different doctors depending on schedule, she did my initial consult and my frozen embryo transfer, and was the doctor responsible for my plan of care.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
Definitely come with questions. She is caring and I enjoyed having her as my doctor, but is not the most touchy feely/effusive of the doctors, so you if you want someone who is very warm in demeanor you may want to chose one of the other doctors in the clinic.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University?
During consultation and subsequent treatment/questions always answered based on my individual circumstances
Describe the protocols Paula Amato used in your cycles at Oregon Health Sciences University and their degree of success.
Egg retrieval was freeze-all, antagonist protocol. Although I don't have PCOS, I had polycystic appearing ovaries, so she knew I would likely be a brisk responder. I had low-dose stimulation meds, but still ended up getting OHSS. I had 34 eggs retrieved (28 mature) and had 11 day 5/6 embryos frozen. We used ICSI for mild male factor infertility. I was very happy with the results. I did fully medicated frozen transfer. First attempt had to be canceled due to ovulating through meds, but next attempt did leuprolide suppression ahead of time and the embryo transfer was successful.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Oregon Health Sciences University. (Assigned nurse: Rachel Cox)
Fantastic communication, always quick to respond to my responses. Rachel and all the staff were superb!
Describe your experience with Oregon Health Sciences University.
I really liked this clinic a lot! The staff was great at responding quickly to my questions, and were able to work with my schedule. I was lucky to have success with my first round of IVF with frozen embryo transfer.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Paula Amato at Oregon Health Sciences University.
I purchased a package through ARC
Describe Paula Amato's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Strongly encouraged single embryo transfer rather than multiple transfer