Treatment in Auckland

Just interested in people's experiences of Fert Treatment in Auckland. I am with FA and they have always been fabulous and I really like each and every one of the docs there. But a friend has been told that someone had probs with a doc there and this concerned me. Thanks
D

Remember that your journey and interactions are unique to you.

If you do experience a less than ideal interaction then I would suggest discussing it with your healthcare provider. Write to them if talking is too hard. Don't just let it upset you.

I have been treated very well by my provider to date, but I received a letter from my them that was rushed and inaccurate and made me feel terrible (they referred to my mc cycle as a negative, among other things). I considered going elsewhere. I wrote to the doctor who had written the letter and calmly explained what was wrong with it and how I felt. It turned out that the letter went straight to the medical director and Head of Department, my notes went into a second medical review (there was a question about doses for my next cycle) and then it went to the doctor who wrote it. She called me and apologized unreservedly for her mistake and mended the relationship. I was amazed :)

Everyone has a bad day sometimes.
People try to do the best they can most of the time.
Sometimes you'll meet someone you just don't get on with (and this may be a healthcare professional). You can always ask to see someone else.

Good luck.

We dealt with Auckland FA for a year before moving to Wellington recently and transferring our case. Previously we were with Auckland Fertility Plus for a year who were wonderful but couldn't help us any further. I agree with Linda about Auckland FA reception - one woman was very frosty and we were made to feel bad for asking about costs in detail, this was followed by a bit of sarcasm the next few visits..oh well we handled it.

The specialist Simon Kelly was OK, but we felt we had to pry any detailed information out of him (a trait I have found among many male doctors). On the other hand the Sperm Donor coordinator Jenny was amazing! We finally felt someone was listening and actually smiled :) She helped us find the perfect donor too!

As for Wellington - they are another kettle of fish. We had a shocking incident with one doctor (decided not to make complaint so as not to attract negative energy) so had to swap to another one - who is much better. The reception and Nurses (especially Laura the Donor Coordinator) are just wonderful and such a pleasure to deal with.

What I noticed most both with Auckland and Wellington FA is that communication is scarce. For the amount of money we pay for each cycle it would be nice to receive the blood test results and have them explained as well as the whole cycle process. I don't think text messages are an appropriate way of communicating with your client.

In saying that though we are just so grateful that FA exist and provide such invaluable services. If it wasn't for them many families would still be childless with no hope.

My biggest advice to FA clients is ask LOTS of questions and don't give up until you get all your answers and if your specialist is not providing you with the service you are paying for then don't be afraid to swap for one you feel comfortable with.

Pixi wrote: LexQueen wrote: Just interested in people's experiences of Fert Treatment in Auckland. I am with FA and they have always been fabulous and I really like each and every one of the docs there. But a friend has been told that someone had probs with a doc there and this concerned me. Thanks D So how things going with your treatment? Good we hope, infertility or ability to become pregnant such a long journey for many, all baby dust to you. Noted in my introduction as a new member, you ask a QS, and I answered. Then you said your where a Lawyer in the new introductions thread, I asked what sort of Law do you practice? You may of been busy but never said what sort of Law it was you practiced. If you don't like one place for treatment, good that you have other places you can go for help, how long have you been trying? don't give up.

Oh see on your blog, 13 yrs you have been TTC, such very long time. Wish you the best.

pocohontas wrote: hi there, i am also interested in this as i have just received my appointment date with FA. I have been booked in with Simon as well, Toes Crossed you mentioned that Simon was not very forthcoming with info so i will note that and make sure i ask lots of questions, did you end up staying with him or did you change? Has anyone else had any experiences with FA in AKL?? good or bad. What did your first appointment involve? i am curious about this, would like to pre warn DH about what may happen, im fine with whatever as im used to it now, but DH might get s shock if i dont warn him! Thanks in advance

Hey pocohontas,

Simon was nice enough but like you say ask lots of questions. The first visit is a lot of forms to be filled out by you and your partner. Then depending on your situation he will ask you lots of questions regarding your cycles but it really all depends on why you are there. He will then send you for a number of blood test and scans. BE AWARE though that they can do scans in-house for FREE but they will try to send you for a scan around the corner and that place will later send you an invoice for $300!

When we initially joined FA after being with Fertility Plus we were under the understanding that all clinics do their scans in-house, done by the Specialist. FA and Simon did not inform us that by sending us somewhere else there would be a separate invoice involved despite us asking time and time again about ALL costs involved (so we could plan it all out). When we got the invoice we were annoyed as then they treated us like we couldn't afford it - offcrouse we could, but that's not how you treat your clients... So make sure you triple check all costs before you go for any other scans / bloods etc. We had to really push and they finally admitted they should have informed us about the extra costs and they cancelled the extra invoice. It was an unpleasant experience right at the start though - one receptionist was particularly frosty. We were with them for another 6 months and found the Nurses and Donor Coordinator just wonderful.

Now we are with Wellington FA and they do ALL their scans in-house - so the cost is covered by the FA visit. They also could not understand why Auckland FA would have sent us somewhere else for scans as all the specialists are trained to do scans and have all the equipment.

Finally, even if they seem unwilling to discuss costs make sure you persist, they give you a fees brochure but there are other hidden costs involved so just keep asking. Other than that Simon and the clinic are professional. Just have your wits about you.

Good luck!!! and baby dust :)

Hi there,

so my appointment in April has been brought forward to next week! im really excited/scared/nervous!
im sure you all understand these feelings!
they have also changed who i am seeing so am now seeing Phill McChesney, has anyone seen him???