Columbia Reproductive Center for IVF???

JKG · Post by **JKG** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 11:11 pm

Has anyone used Columbia Reproductive Center in NYC for IVF? I am currently at Columbia but am unsure about their IVF process. Any input would help. Thanks!

mb1981 · Post by **mb1981** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:05 am

I met with Dr. Park at Columbia and liked her but chose to go to Cornell with Dr. Spandorfer...in speaking to many people, Cornell has one of the best labs in the world which is very important in choosing a center. They are also rated the top IVF center in NYC (with NYU coming in second). They also have higher success rates.

That being said, I am sure that Columbia is good (my OB knows Dr. Park and says she is very good), however most everyone I know has chosen Cornell based on reputation and experiences of people they know.

JKG · Post by **JKG** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:19 am

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback. I am considering switching over to Cornell as well. I have heard great things about Cornell particularly Dr. Davis. My only issue is insurance, I have heard they only take United and Oxford. I have Aetna. Have you had any problems with insurance at Cornell?

mb1981 · Post by **mb1981** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:31 am

I have United so I was lucky- however you should be able to get insurance to pay 80% out of network at Cornell, I think?

They will just bill you and you can submit to insurance...I know that is not ideal. I actually wavered between the two and I think if Cornell had not taken me right away, I may have done a cycle at Columbia.

Can I ask your age? I know Dr. Davis is known for being the best around for older women or women with high FSH

JKG · Post by **JKG** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 1:01 am

I am 33 so I am thinking maybe i should do one cycle at Columbia if I have problems with insurance.

mb1981 · Post by **mb1981** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 1:04 am

Right, you probably don't need Dr. Davis at 33 and if FSH is normal.

I am 27 (DH has male factor) and we go to Dr. Spandorfer who I really like.

Good luck to you! I will look forward to hearing how your cycle goes

JKG · Post by **JKG** » Thu Mar 26, 2009 2:13 pm

Thanks mb1981. Good luck to you as well.

kbat · Post by **kbat** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:48 pm

I was thinking of Cornell as well. Finances are an issue. I did get a packet from them and I was a little concerned about it financially, so I sent them an e-mail. Never got a response, so I called the financial department. Basically, my insurance is Anthem BCBS. It appears that they are in-network from the insurance website, which would mean that the insurance pays 100%. Otherwise, I have a $500 out of pocket and then the insurance picks up 70%. I was told that for my insurance the doctors were considered in-network while the actual IVF procedure is out-of network. Honestly--I don't know how the doctors can be in network while the clinic is not in network. The basic IVF procedure is like $8K-$9K-- and I am sure that doesn't include a lot of stuff that adds up to be more $$$. I would have to come out of pocket intially and they would give me receipts to submit to my insurance. So not only would have to hassle w/ trying to get the $$$ back from the insurance, I would have to pay up front and then wait for the insurance to pay me back 70% (after deductible) whenever that would be. I basically crossed them off my potential list due to this one reason--financially it's better if I go in network in order to get it covered at 100%. I want to have the best, but just simply can't afford the best at Cornell..... I guess when you are one of the best, then you can make your own rules. They probably have lots of people who just pay--even if it's out of pocket. W/ the economy, I am looking to save as much $$ b/c I will be out of work as of May 1.

estrellita · Post by **estrellita** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:23 pm

I'm currently going to Columbia. I just started my process, and so far I like them. Good Luck to all of you wherever you decide to go

waiting for 4 · Post by **waiting for 4** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:36 pm

Hi ladies. Its sure been a while. I just started my Femara last night. Hopefully this will work but I am definitely not getting my hopes up. I have been enjoying just being me again. DH and I are getting along better than ever and I have been hanging out with my friends a lot lately. DH still hasnt found a legal job yet but there are a ton of opportunitites here in houston so it shouldnt be too long. I have an appointment on April 9 for a scan. It should be April 11 but I will be out of town. Keep your fingers crossed

estrellita · Post by **estrellita** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:46 pm

Waiting for 4, did u use clomid 6 times? Just curious because I was told by my GYN and my RE that clomid can be used only 5 times max

so now I'm confused.
Good Luck on your scan

waiting for 4 · Post by **waiting for 4** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:25 pm

i used it 6 with intercourse and 3 with iui. i've never heard there is a max just suggested to move on after 3 times w/ no success

jandc33 · Post by **jandc33** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 3:07 pm

Hi JKG-

I did 2 cycles at Columbia. I met Dr. Park a number of time and she is really sweet. The thing with Columbia that I found difficult to deal with is that you are literally seeing a different Dr. every time you go. Dr. park will be the one overseeing your care, however, the retrieval, transfer, ultrasounds will be done by the Dr. of the day. You can private message me if you want more info. Good luck!

kbat · Post by **kbat** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:20 pm

I've been to 2 different clinics, and everytime, I had a different dr for the retreival, egg transfer--whoever was scheduled that day. I guess it's pretty standard?

chriss · Post by **chriss** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 9:43 pm

Yes, it is standard. I go to Cornell, same thing. All of the doctors are great.

Columbia Reproductive Center for IVF???

Columbia Reproductive Center for IVF???

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