[Dr. Katari] spent close to an hour with us at our first appointment reviewing our treatments so far and explaining to my husband and I how and why she would like to approach things. All follow ups were prompt with her or the other staff at the clinic...was very informative and supportive when our expectations didn't align with what may or may not be possible...delivers information in a direct way while still being compassionate
Nursing staff, IVF coordinator and financial team [at UPMC Magee] all work well together to get you answers and information as quickly as possible especially for such a large clinic...$19,600/cycle including ICSI and PGD testing. Clinic also works with ARC for financing...Care team is organized, compassionate and does their best to answer questions and meet your needs including coordinating appts and prompt follow up to questions especially those sent through your e-chart
How was your experience with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Our experience with Dr. Katari has been very positive. She is informative and thorough in her explanations and treatments. She delivers information in a direct way while still being compassionate about your emotions and experience.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Dr Katari is very thorough and collaborative but you should have your thoughts and questions organized and also be prepared for changes in your expectations so you can feel satisfied with your appointment and treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
After a challenging experience with doctors at a different clinic we switched our care to Dr Katari. She spent close to an hour with us at our first appointment reviewing our treatments so far and explaining to my husband and I how and why she would like to approach things. All follow ups were prompt with her or the other staff at the clinic. At our pre-art appointment to review tx plan and sign consents she thoroughly what we could expect and was very informative and supportive when our expectations didn't align with what may or may not be possible.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UPMC Magee.
Nursing staff, IVF coordinator and financial team all work well together to get you answers and information as quickly as possible especially for such a large clinic.
Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.
Care team is organized, compassionate and does their best to answer questions and meet your needs including coordinating appts and prompt follow up to questions especially those sent through your e-chart.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee.
$19,600/cycle including ICSI and PGD testing. Clinic also works with ARC for financing
Dr. Katari did come to visit me and wish me luck before my surgery...However, it is very odd that I am in her care and rarely speak or meet with her. On a phone consultation her and I had she told me that IVF is probably a better option. When I told her that I would like to know why I cannot have children before I consider putting a financial strain on my family...she suggested I get another job so I could afford the procedure.
In the past year I have maybe seen my Dr. [at UPMC Magee] 3 times. However, I have probably visited the clinic sometimes twice a week. The majority of my interactions have been with the nurses and residents. Each time I go to our clinic I am seen by a different person. This was something I did not expect. I had 3 IUI's and they were all performed by different people, to my knowledge none of them were the Doctors in the clinic. I do not have anything negative to say about the individuals I saw for my various testing and procedures other than they were not my doctor. I feel like there should be a little more consistency with who is treating the patient.
How was your experience with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
My heart would like to give my Dr. one review and my head would like to give her another. It is hard for a Dr. to get to know a patient when they are rarely seen by them. In the past year I have maybe seen my Dr. 3 times. However, I have probably visited the clinic sometimes twice a week. The majority of my interactions have been with the nurses and residents. Each time I go to our clinic I am seen by a different person. This was something I did not expect. I had 3 IUI's and they were all performed by different people, to my knowledge none of them were the Doctors in the clinic. I do not have anything negative to say about the individuals I saw for my various testing and procedures other than they were not my doctor. I feel like there should be a little more consistency with who is treating the patient. I had to have a pollup removed from my uterus before I could start my IUI's. My Dr. did not perform that procedure, She made it known that her schedule did not make her available and that a different doctor would need to do it. A Dr. who I had never met until they were wheeling me into surgery. To me, that is a bit odd. Infertility is dealing with emotions, it is dealing with intimate parts of your body and I feel that you should know and trust the person handling them. Dr. Katari did come to visit me and wish me luck before my surgery, which I thought was very nice. However, it is very odd that I am in her care and rarely speak or meet with her. On a phone consultation her and I had she told me that IVF is probably a better option. When I told her that I would like to know why I cannot have children before I consider putting a financial strain on my family because we could not afford such a costly procedure she suggested I get another job so I could afford the procedure. Whether her comment was meant to be helpful or not, it was hurtful and unprofessional. I also do not feel that I have received definitive answers on medical things that were found while doing testing. I think my Dr. could be more descriptive with what they found, such as fibroids, and if they are or are not hindering my ability to carry a child. I feel that a lot of the times I was reeving half answers instead of all possible scenarios. There were days where I really appreciated my doctor and felt I was in the best hands, and there were days where I did not believe that to be true at all. Does that have to do with me thinking emotionally vs. rationally? Maybe. However, I do not know anyone on an infertility journey that is not feeling the same way.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Be your own advocate. Be your own voice with your infertility journey and what you are and are not willing or able to do. You are in good hands, however you may struggle from time to time wondering if you are.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
This is an emotional journey. There are expectations that people have. Some expectations are irrational and some are normal. My last IUI failed last week. I have no reasons as to why this did not work, for I was told this was a great option to do. I have fibroids - a lot of them. When calling to state my last IUI failed, the option they gave me was to make an appointment with the doctor. The earliest appointment they could give me is around mind December. I asked if the Dr. even knew that my procedure did not work, and they basically told me over the phone that no, they do not give them that information. If a Dr. is treating me, and a treatment failed, I feel like they should be the first to know, not the scheduling center. If the Dr. does know that 3 separate IUI's failed and I have a history of fibroids and nothing has been determined as to why an IUI would not work, I would think the Dr. would want to speak with the patient in a timely manner rather than a few months out.
Describe the protocols Sunita Katari used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.
I believe I am diagnosed with unexplained infertility. I am not too sure since I was never told my exact diagnosis. The first year there were many tests. Egg quality, egg count, sperm quality, sperm count, more internal ultrasounds than I have ever experienced in my entire life, so much bloodwork that I actually began producing scar tissue in my arm from the amount of needles. The testing was thorough and necessary. When they said be patient during this journey they were right! I feel that all the testing was done appropriately. If there were negative findings, such as fibroids, we would do another test and another. From the time I met Dr. Katari the goal was to be healthy enough to have an IUI performed. After almost a year we go to that point. We did two u-nmonitored cycles and for the third cycle it was supposed to be monitored. I appreciated that Dr. Katari was trying to save us some money by not doing all monitored cycles and she said that I was ovulating very regular so doing at home testing would be fine. The third cycle she wanted monitored to give us the best chance. My communications for the IUI procedures were with the nurses and residents only. I never saw my Dr. through any of the procedures or testing. After my second IUI failed and I was told to get ready for my 3rd I received a phone call right before I was supposed to start taking the chlomid. It was the Dr. office stating the the Dr. would not like me to do the third IUI this round because she wanted to me have another ultra sound to check my tube stability. This threw me for a loop. I was prepared for another cycle and without much explanation the plans changed from one day to the next. I had to have an ultrasound in a different department, who always had difficulty scheduling me within the correct time period my infertility Dr. needed the apt. to be. When it was time for my third and final IUI I knew that it was supposed to be monitored. When I called to start this cycle I said I was told this cycle was to be monitored and asked for them to explain to me what else needed done. I was received with the response of "this one does not need to be monitored the Dr. said you can do the at home tests". Again, this was frustrating because I am preparing to get ready for our final cycle, and the information I am receiving is different than the information the Dr. had already given me as a game plan. Again, no explanation about the change in plan. I never knew if it was a miscommunication because I am dealing so little with the Dr. or what. I did end up doing a monitored cycle for round 3 but unfortunately it still did not work.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.
THEY ARE FANTASTIC.
I have had more interactions with the nurses at the clinic than anyone else. They are organized, they are detailed, and they are compassionate. Every time I had to call the nurse line after a failed IUI when the nurses returned my phone call one of the first things they would always say to me is how sorry they were that it did not work.
Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.
The strengths are they seem to have a great flow with getting people in and out of the waiting room and getting them in and our for their testing. Once you have an appointment you are fine. They know how to assist patients waiting and assist them well. The downside is trying to get an appointment. When you need to see the doctor, you have to wait months for the next appointment. For a new patient waiting to start treatment, I can understand. But for a patient, like myself, who has been going there for over a year, I find it very difficult to understand why I have to wait months at a time to see my Dr.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee.
The testing and surgery to remove the pollup was handled by my insurance. The un-monitored first IUI cycle cost approximately $400. That was for the insemination only. The second un-monitored IUI cycle cost approximately $700 because aside from the insemination I also needed blood work done one time because my at home tests were not reading correctly. The monitored cycle I did, which was my last IUI cost approximately $1,300.
What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?
Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.
I feel that there needs to be more communication with the Dr. and the patient. I have been fortunate and have never had any serious health issues that I needed to see a specialist. Maybe this is the normal when you are seeing a specialist and I am used to only seeing my primary care physician. I am not sure. However, there were times where I was waiting to hear back regarding test results from my Doctor and I did not receive them. One time I had to call several times regarding a result to see if I needed to do a monitored cycle for an IUI and I only knew a few days before.
She [Dr. Katari] was very knowledgeable about infertility and was willing to explain things in an easy to understand way. She was very upfront about options and potential outcomes and tried to make you feel confident about the decisions you were making....went above and beyond and helped me to complete grant applications and is always available to help via email....We had 3 IUI cycles. They all included a pregnancy blood test to confirm negative during period. These all were done using 5mg of letrozole cycle days 3-7.
I believe this clinic [UPMC Magee] works very well. I feel confident in their approach to treatment. They are well organized and allow for a one stop shop so to speak which eases the burden of having to travel to multiple clinics or facilities for frequent testing. They become your family....The office has a 24/7 RN line and they always called back the same day to help answer questions....So far OOP for 2019 I have spent over $600. However, it might have been more if this MD was not considered in my preferred network
How was your experience with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
She was very knowledgeable about infertility and was willing to explain things in an easy to understand way. She was very upfront about options and potential outcomes and tried to make you feel confident about the decisions you were making.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Go in knowing that you will have a strong support system
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
This clinic is very busy but anytime you had a call or a need they were very prompt and helping and always happy to explain things. All of the office staff are friendly and eager to help you. My doctor went above and beyond and helped me to complete grant applications and is always available to help via email.
Describe the protocols Sunita Katari used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.
We had 3 IUI cycles. They all included a pregnancy blood test to confirm negative during period. These all were done using 5mg of letrozole cycle days 3-7. I was instructed to use ovulation predictor kits at home. Then a vaginal US on cycle day 12 or 13 and based on follicle size I was instructed to give the Ovidrel trigger shot and within 24-48 ours they did the insemination with a urine pregnancy test 15 days post insemination.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.
The office has a 24/7 RN line and they always called back the same day to help answer questions.
Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.
I believe this clinic works very well. I feel confident in their approach to treatment. They are well organized and allow for a one stop shop so to speak which eases the burden of having to travel to multiple clinics or facilities for frequent testing. They become your family.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee.
So far OOP for 2019 I have spent over $600. However, it might have been more if this MD was not considered in my preferred network
Dr. Katari went through IVF treatments herself so she was very compassionate and understanding what we were going through. She’s very easy to talk to and was very patient answering all of our questions....She was very helpful through the entire process and answered all of our questions. She showed compassion and helped guide us the best way she felt possible. She’s a very good doctor and I would recommend her to anyone I know that needs an RE.
They [UPMC Magee] were very helpful throughout the process and answered all of our questions. The staff was very friendly and well organized. It was easy to schedule appointments and get in touch with the staff. I would definitely recommend them....All of the staff has been extremely friendly, nice and supportive throughout our process. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. The answered all of the questions my husband and I had.
How was your experience with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
She was very helpful through the entire process and answered all of our questions. She showed compassion and helped guide us the best way she felt possible. She’s a very good doctor and I would recommend her to anyone I know that needs an RE.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Dr. Katari went through IVF treatments herself so she was very compassionate and understanding what we were going through. She’s very easy to talk to and was very patient answering all of our questions.
Describe the protocols Sunita Katari used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.
The first cycle I did with Dr. Katari resulted in 21 eggs with 4 embryos created. The second cycle I used Menopur and Cetrotide injections over 11 days. They were able to retrieve 12 eggs and 6 of them fertilized.
Describe your experience with your nurse at UPMC Magee.
All of the staff has been extremely friendly, nice and supportive throughout our process. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. The answered all of the questions my husband and I had.
Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.
They were very helpful throughout the process and answered all of our questions. The staff was very friendly and well organized. It was easy to schedule appointments and get in touch with the staff. I would definitely recommend them.
Describe Sunita Katari's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UPMC Magee.
I like her [Dr. Sunita Katari] as a person and I really felt like she wanted me to be a mom and she will always answer emails but I felt like she’d be better with easier cases. I never felt like she thought about my treatment and never looked at my chart and records until she was in the room. I was never confident that’s I was getting the best treatment... I remember her saying she used the same protocol for every ivf.
They [UPMC Magee] are Always open and answer messsages quickly. But they are not compassionate and I don’t feel like they are thorough and I don’t feel like they like hard cases. You really have to advocate for yourself.... They [the nursing staff] always answer messages quickly but I never felt they cared or would advocate for me
How was your experience with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
I like her as a person and I really felt like she wanted me to be a mom and she will always answer emails but I felt like she’d be better with easier cases. I never felt like she thought about my treatment and never looked at my chart and records until she was in the room. I was never confident that’s I was getting the best treatment
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Be an advocate for yourself. Research and know what treatment you want to do. She’ll let you do it but you have to suggest it
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
I didn’t feel like she wanted hard cases and only felt like she looked at my chart when she came in the room and didn’t really think treatments through
Describe the protocols Sunita Katari used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.
I remember her saying she used the same protocol for every ivf.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.
They always answer messages quickly but I never felt they cared or would advocate for me
Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.
They are Always open and answer messsages quickly. But they are not compassionate and I don’t feel like they are thorough and I don’t feel like they like hard cases. You really have to advocate for yourself.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee.
I was lucky to have full coverage
What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.
They didn’t do any of those things. I just felt like they weren’t efficient
The one time I met with her [Dr. Katari] she seemed really nice and knowledgeable. But after that one appointment it felt like she wasn’t directing my treatment at all, but rather I was just going through a pre-prescribed series of hoops. ... I only had one face to face visit with my Dr. over the course of several months of treatment. Everything was done through the nurses or through messages online. I didn’t really feel like anyone was paying attention to my case personally. ...
The clinic [UPMC Magee] was organized, wait times were realistic. One area for improvement would be additional support for figuring out the financial/insurance side of things. I felt like they just left me to figure out a lot of that part on my own which was overwhelming. ... Most of my communication at the clinic was through the nurses. They were very responsive. I liked that there was an online portal to email questions etc.
How was your experience with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
The one time I met with her she seemed really nice and knowledgeable. But after that one appointment it felt like she wasn’t directing my treatment at all, but rather I was just going through a pre-prescribed series of hoops.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
Ask for more face to face visits with the Dr. herself rather than just working through the nurses.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee?
I only had one face to face visit with my Dr. over the course of several months of treatment. Everything was done through the nurses or through messages online. I didn’t really feel like anyone was paying attention to my case personally.
Describe the protocols Sunita Katari used in your cycles at UPMC Magee and their degree of success.
We tried 3 cycles of IUI (two of which I took clomid). Our fertility issue is with sperm motility, so the hope was to “lessen the distance” the sperm had to travel, and with the clomid I guess to hopefully increase the chances with possibly ovulating multiple eggs. All three cycles failed.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at UPMC Magee.
Most of my communication at the clinic was through the nurses. They were very responsive. I liked that there was an online portal to email questions etc.
Describe your experience with UPMC Magee.
The clinic was organized, wait times were realistic. One area for improvement would be additional support for figuring out the financial/insurance side of things. I felt like they just left me to figure out a lot of that part on my own which was overwhelming.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Sunita Katari at UPMC Magee.
Not sure yet
Describe Sunita Katari's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at UPMC Magee.
N/A
What specific things went wrong at UPMC Magee?
Failed to call with results
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at UPMC Magee.
A couple times I had to call in to get results because they failed to inform me.
