HRC Fertility – Pasadena

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I love the HRC Pasadena team especially Dr. Nelson, his team of nurses and the wonderful Hasmik who handles the blood draws.
I am a bit of a nervous nelly and am terrified of needles. Dr. Nelson and the team at HRC Pasadena were very kind about this and made me feel as comfortable as possible.
They are always available to answer questions and did so in a professional and caring manner. The team is knowledgeable, and willing to find solutions to any challenge.
We whole-​heartedly reccommend Dr. Nelson and his team at HRC Pasadena.

A friend who was successful twice with Dr. Nelson recommended hubby and I to him. Our experience was more like a business transaction with them. It was a quick consultation and we were left with many questions, when I wanted to continue to ask, he acted like I was wasting his time and was trying to rush us along. We ended up going with the first doctor we consulted with, Dr. Evans at the PFC, and are overjoyed at our choice. We had a successful fresh IVF cycle with her and are about to do an FET next month.

Just graduated from HRC at almost 12 weeks with twins off 1 round of invitro. I started at a diff fertility clinic and after receiving poor treatment I was eager to find a clinic that cared about me. Dr. Kolb was a recommendation from a friend who had done invitro. Although we live in riverside I was willing to make the drive for a Doctor who cares. I felt Dr. Kolb was very honest and felt confident in his expertise. His nurse Natalie has been wonderful as well. She’s warm and comforting. Even the billing department, and blood draw dept was nice! And that’s what every patient deserves when they are paying a lot of money and going through something so emotional and draining. The other huge plus about this office is, there was not one occasion where I waited longer than 10 minutes to be called back. They obviously understand we are working professionals and respect our time. I’m so happy that we chose Dr. Kolb.

We’ve loved working with HRC Pasadena. It’s been a long, emotional road. Dr. Kolb and Yvonne have been a blessing every day. Can’t thank them enough!

Hello, I’m writing an update because I’ve gotten quite a few questions in messages regarding my negative review of HRC Pasadena, which also makes me think others have possibly had these questions and just were shy to ask. So I thought I’d share. The two main questions I get:
1) Which doctor did we end up using after we left HRC Pasadena?
This is the most common question I am getting asked. I am not sure how proper it would be to list another doctor in a review for HRC Pasadena. However, I have written Unilocal reviews of both our miracle workers we worked with, both our fertility doctor AND the urologist that helped me work through our fertility issues. Both of them are our miracle workers and I wrote reviews of both. If you search through my Unilocal reviews you’ll find them easily enough. That said, I am always ALWAYS happy to share our experiences so please feel free to message me if you’d like to hear more
2) Why some of the vageueness in my review?
Because I wrote only personally our experiences. While this happened many years ago, I continue to blog about our IVF experiences and network with others and talk to others. And we continue to hear stories even up to the present day about people’s experiences with HRC Pasadena. I did not want to relay these stories from others because these are not my stories to write on Unilocal.I’ve encouraged these people to share them on Unilocal so they will when they are ready. However, let’s just say we hear enough stories that it got to a point that I felt I had to share (and have been continuously encouraged to share) my negative experience with HRC Pasadena even if it was years ago Hope that makes sense. That said, I am always happy to share our experiences if you want to contact me. Infertility is not fun, and we found information to be helpful in making decisions, and sometimes just found it comforting knowing we weren’t alone. So feel free to message me if you have questions or would like to know more about what we learned.
3) Lastly, something about why we left HRC Pasadena. And while this was 8 years ago, it seems to still be relevant today from messages and other conversations people are having with me. I originally wrote this next part as an updated review 1÷21÷16 because of messages I’m still getting. However I also wanted to be fair and make sure people know that I am focusing on our own experiences which is to be fair 8 years ago now. However, I still think it’s relevant considering some of the messages I am getting and if these people are to be believe it’s interesting to think that 8 years later they are still treating people the same way. Anyway, so to be fair and strike a balance of what happened 8 years ago with what I am hearing today from other Unilocalers and other friends of friends, I decided to just update this review and deleted my posted update from 1÷21÷16.
The main reason we left HRC Pasadena after after two IVFS in 2008 was that after two IVFs with no success, HRC Pasadena then went straight to suggesting surrogates and egg donors and sperm donors. In other words he gave up on our own biology. We were shocked. I felt my jaw drop as this hit us as a huge surprise. We were expecting next steps in changes in protocol, other tests, SOMETHING but instead he basically is saying to us that nope, that’s all there is to do. You can’t have your own biological kids. We weren’t ready to give up at all and that’s why we left HRC Pasadena to seek other opinions.
Turns out their assertion was wrong by the way. After more consultations and more referrals we found out there was an issue WITH ME. My wife’s eggs and health and hormones were all perfectly capable of doing the job after all. We consulted another fertility doctor and a urologist and combined both of them gave us our three miracle children.
Point is, HRC Pasadena told us after the second IVF that we couldn’t have our own biological kids anymore. Two cookie cutter sessions and that’s it. We expected more, and so we sought out others who gave us more. If that story happens to sound familiar, and it doesn’t sit well with you, then perhaps you might consider what we did: get a second opinion and even a third opinion. We certainly are glad we did.
Best wishes to everyone out there reading these reviews.

I love HRC Pasadena. I love Dr Nelson and his team!
After 5 years, 4 surgeries, 3 failed IVF cycles, and many doctors saying they couldn’t do anything else for me; HRC and Dr Nelson gave me hope. And they were the ones that God aided in helping us to have our beautiful baby girl.
Our experience with HRC was and has been, by far, the best experience I’ve had dealing with infertility clinics. They were very matter of fact, but still very warm and hopeful. My previous experiences with other clinic were very cold. AND the process was way easier to understand and follow, unlike what I had experienced with the previous clinic. I personally believe that the «simplicity «in the process was also what helped this IVF cycle to work. I was a little less stressed about that part of it.
It was just an all around great experience for us.
We’re actually here in Pasadena from Sacramento, with our happy and healthy 9 month old daughter, to pay them visit!
They will always have our admiration.
With all my heart, Thank you HRC

Dr. Wilcox is truly a doctor’s doctor. You come to him for one reason: RESULTS. It is not happenstance that he has earned one of the HIGHEST SUCCESS rates in the country. His treatment plans are derived through a combination of extensive training; a multitude of interdisciplinary experience; and a firm grip on peer reviewed studies. Despite his large case load, he manages his team and your experience with precision.
Unfortunately, my wife and I begin IVF with another Reproductive Endocrinologist and were left with a complete failure (eight eggs harvested with no fertilization). This is very rare with ICSI. To make matters worse, we were told to start considering a sperm donor after just one cycle.
Following a careful review of our previous cycle, Dr Wilcox outlined a clear cut plan to get us pregnant. He completely set our minds at ease, which admittedly is not an easy task. My wife and I wanted to hear the very minute details of his treatment plan, and he was happy to oblige. Furthermore, we wanted to hear why he believed that his methods were going to yield better results than our previous cycle. He changed my wife’s medication regimen, carefully monitored her follicle progression and hormone levels (changing her dosing as needed), altered collection methods, and wallah (although definitely not that simple) we are EXPECTING TWINS!
If you are looking for your best shot at a family, SEE Dr. Wilcox. You may have to wait a little longer to see him, but he is well worth the wait!

My wife and I came here to explore options. After the initial testing showed great results we decided to move forward. But on the day of after my ultrasound the doctor assistant informs us there is a polyp on my uterine wall but wasn’t on any of the other 5 ultrasounds but it would be OK and they will address if the insemination isn’t successful. At this point what do you do? She kept reassuring it will be OK and it looks like a polyp. So of course it didn’t result in a pregnancy and after to speaking to several others the insemination should have been postponed and the polyp addressed. I emailed the results to the nurse and her response was to schedule an appointment to address the polyp. REALLY!!! After spending damn near $ 5000 with no pregnancy so you really think I trust you. Hell no. I believe you wasted my excellent sperm per the doctor’s words stating the sperm I chose had 27K which is above the normal 18K. What you can do is reimburse me my $ 1400 for my sperm. I know all of the risks however when an obstacle comes up it is their responsibility to medically go in the correct direction and not what is best for their bottom line!!!

I couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant experience, Dr. Wilcox and his nurse Gladdys are awesome. The atmosphere is very calming along with Dr. Wilcox he is extremely kind. My questions were always answered and phone calls always returned right away. I had a procedure done within the last few days and I was taken back by how perfectly everything went. Overall very impressed with the Dr. And staff.

I have great memories of my experience as a first time egg donor here. I could not have asked for a better doctor, nurse (Gladdys), and staff. They were all very friendly and helpful from start to finish. I loved the fact I saw my doctor each time I had an appt and Dr. Wilcox was great, he seemed to truly care and did his best to make me feel comfortable. Egg retrieval went smoothly, no issues or OHSS even with large number of eggs retrieved. I’ve realized after dealing with other clinics, that I was fortunate to have been a patient here for my first time donating!
Thank you Dr. Wilcox and staff.

No joke, was told to «Google It» by a nurse when asked for information.

I have had such a great experience working with the staff at HRC! Doctor Nelson is amazing, I highly recommend him. Not only is he patient but he is a guru… so knowledgeable! I got pregnant really quickly and was so impressed with Dr Nelson and his staff I did not want to move to a normal OB. The only knock I have on this place was at times I had to wait a while before being seen but he was worth the wait.

I had the best experience here after experiencing the worst experience at the HRC in Fullerton. I was referred to the Pasadena office and was skeptical and weary of driving an hour each way. My anxieties were put to rest quickly.
Dr. Bradford Kolb and Yvonne, his nurse coordinator were professional, friendly, on top of everything and genuinely cared about my husband and I and our journey to getting pregnant with twins. It was like night and day compared to the Fullerton office and the hour commute was well worth it. If you’re spending that much money, you want to go to the right place.
Marilyn was also very helpful. She worked with Yvonne as a coordinator. I felt a lot of confidence with all of the staff members that I worked with.
My husband and i feel truly blessed that we got pregnant on our first try. Yvonne and Dr. Kolb always got back to my questions in a timely fashion. Dr. Kolb even gave me his cell phone number on my initial consultation (which I never had to use. Thank God).
We couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant experience. It’s difficult enough and very emotional when you are dealing with infertility, but having the right staff and Dr. makes all the difference in the world.
i will truly miss seeing them and working with them now that we have graduated to our OB/​GYN, but we plan on keeping in touch with them and giving them updates on our progress.

I am a surrogate for the 2^nd time now.
My first doctor was Dr. Kolb, at first I felt neutral about HRC. Now am in my second journey and the IP’s have different clinic. I can now see I was in heaven. The nurse that collects your blood here is by far the best and I have been pregnant 3 times!
Dr. Kolb’s protocol has Endometrium which is the suppository version of progesterone. I am currently dealing with the injections (ouch!). My current RE swears by the injections but I was pregnant in the first cycle using Dr. Kolb’s painless protocol. The IVF coordinator is so communicative and always response rapidly and elaborately to your emails. The best part is the fact they have several offices that work in conjunction with each other so appointments are more flexible on time and location. They are actually not afraid to use outside labs.
If I am every a surrogate again it would have to be with IP’s who are already with Dr. Kolb.

I want to thank Dr. JOHN WILCOX for his amazing professionalism. I cannot thank him enough because I got pregnant on the first try of treatment! He really knows what he is doing! He is so caring and amazing! This is a dream come true after 4 years! His nurses are nice. Thanks again HRC! :)

The clinic is getting busier and the quality of their service is compromising a little.
Initially they were very good with follow ups but as they got busier I had to reach out to get updates. They’re not very sensitive towards patient’s emotions and understand that it is very stressful to wait for results. It takes only few seconds to make follow up calls in the morning yet they don’t do that.
Dr. Kolb is very knowledgeable and carrying but the clinic’s overall service is not so great.
I hope they can either hiring more trained staff or train the existing ones better.

its an ok clinic. Bunch of people who care a looot about money. Doctors do their job and thats it. Staff is ehh. suppose to follow up on your labs and results

I was an egg donor through Growing Generations and came to HRC for my retrieval and medications. This was the easiest egg donation cycle I ever went through. Growing Generations took care of everything, so my medications were sent to me (I lived in WA state at the time), and I was able to go to a third-​party clinic to get blood drawn so they could analyze my hormones and tell me what dosages of my medications to take based on the blood work and measurements taken by another doctor.
By the time I met with Dr. Kolb, everything got easier from there. Dr. Kolb has a very polite and hospitable bed-​side manner. He’s very sweet and knows how to make his patients feel safe and secure. He did my blood work and measurements in my last week before the retrieval. I worked a lot with Trisha (Patricia), and she was very good about informing about how the whole process worked and what the blood work meant, and I even asked her questions much later after the retrieval and she was able to answer me right away. I felt like my relationship with the nursing staff and doctor here was strong and that they really cared about my health.
When the day of the retrieval came, I had to show an hour early for the nurses to prep me for surgery. Dr. Kolb was able to retrieve 17 eggs from me. Nice! I’m very happy for the couple, and even happier to have found out that they had gotten pregnant on the first try with my eggs.
My follow-​up appointments went well, and I didn’t experience any OHSS symptoms or any other post-​op issues. Great doctor and nursing staff and highly recommended for egg retrievals!

Now into my second trimester I wanted to make sure to write a very positive review of Dr. Kolb and HRC.
HOW MY HUSBAND AND I PICKED HRC
I was refered here by a good friend who is also a nurse practicioner at a reproductive endocrinology practice in New York. I also heard good things from my acupuncturist. I figured when two totally different people with no stake in the matter mention the same practice and doctor, that’s probably a pretty good indicator to at least do a consultation.
WHAT WE DID
We signed up for the three cycle IVF plan. I became pregnant during the first cycle and, so far, so good, everything is going pretty smoothly. Yay!
Specific Feedback
Dr. KOLB
Dr. Kolb has really good bedside manner. He’s polite, respectful, and emphathic. I think his overall goal was to give sufficient information without giving so much information as to avoid causing patients stress or anxiety. He was also always optimistic in a way which seemed reasonable and put us in a good mind frame.
One tip: I think (and I don’t know this for sure) Dr. Kolb seemed to err on the side of giving less information. So in other words, he might give a comment such as ‘it looks like your follicles are developing on schedule’ but not give the specific details. However, if I wanted to know more information (what does this mean? what size is appropriate for where things are? etc.) He was always happy to answer questions. So if you’ve got questions, dont’ be afraid to speak up and ask.
What I really appreciated about Dr. Kolb was how he handled the harder parts of my cycle and follow up. Even though everything did work out, there were some bumps along the way. My follicles didn’t develop that evenly and the cycle was almost converted to an IUI. Then, even though we did the egg retrieval and things looked good, many of the eggs harvested did not develop meaning that my 5 day transfer became a last-​minute 3 day transfer. Then, I developed moderate OHSS at the onset of pregnancy. And THEN, I developed some pretty painful and large cysts (I think as a product of the OHSS). These caused me some intense pain and super scary symptoms during the first weeks of my pregnancy. Despite all of these issues, Dr. Kolb (and his fabulous nursing team!) was great at giving my husband and I the information we needed and keeping things on track.
Also, Dr. Kolb is very supportive of the use of acupuncture during IVF. They have a larger room used for IVF transfers which can help accomodate accupuncture. So if you’re going to do acupuncture, he’s a good pick.
THE FABULOUS NURSING TEAM
Dr. Kolb works with three nurses, Natalie, Marie, and Janeen. All were extremely helpful and professional and warm. One tip I’ll share: I didn’t have that many questions (I think!), but when I did, I tried to always email in the question with some context reminding them of where I was in the cycle process. Dr. Kolb’s nurses try to answer emails right away and they seem like they rotate who answers an email. As such, the nurse answering questions might be on rotation in the surgical center and may not have your chart in front of you, so make sure to give some context to your question to get a specific answer. The only times I didn’t get very clear answers to my questions was when I realized that they were trying to give me an answer ASAP, but didn’t necessarily have all the appropriate information about *exactly* where I was in the process in front of them.
THE OTHER DOCTORS IN THE PRACTICE
I ended up speaking with both of Dr. Kolb’s other partners when I, boom, gained 14 pounds seemingly overnight due to the OHSS and when I started having horrible, horrible pain due to cysts. Both were super professional and nice and transfered the information from my calls to Dr. Kolb. I felt like they worked as a team.
THE FRONT DESK STAFF
Most folks were super nice and helpful. The one exception is someone I never actually saw but ended up speaking with a few times. He sounds like a younger man and was really vague and unhelpful.
BILLING
In person billing was great. I can’t remember the name of the person, but she’s extremely nice, helpful, and professional. The reason why I’m deducting a star from my review is due to Kimberly, the person who handled our initial payment consultation (financial consultant?). She was unhelpful, unclear, and seemed sort of condesending. She also lost all of our paperwork which we’d faxed in. She also didn’t have very clear information about how to use our insurance (yes, we had insurance which paid for a big chunk of the proceedures). Working with her was the downside of the HRC experience.
So in sum, I would really recommend HRC and Dr. Kolb. Even if I hadn’t had a successful outcome, for the reasons I outlined above, I felt like I got excellent quality care which I was luck to receive.
Many thanks to Dr. Kolb and his nursing staff and other HRC members for all your help.