Genetics And IVF Institute

Review: My bladder was punctured during the egg retrieval procedure done by [redacted] on08/06/13 . GIVF has failed to recognize this problem despite multiple phone calls to the clinic to address "blood clots with urination only". I was very specific concerning my symptoms and stated "passing blood clots with urination" but the nursing staff and the doctor failed to address my hematuria issues and instead asked questions relating to vaginal bleeding such as "do you have to use a pad or panty liner?" .

Frustrated and in a lot of of pain after the egg retrieval, I stopped calling GIVF after the third phone call after concerning hematuria. The bleeding turned into a full blown massive hematuria by 08/11/13. During the GIVF clinic visit with the massive hematuria on 08/11/13, I was treated as having a urinary tract infection and antibiotic was prescribed. Possible bladder puncture was never discussed. I was in a pain because I was unable to urinate... more than anything I was scare!

The next two days (08/11/13 to 08/12/13) were literally a nightmare!! I was in so much pain and unable to urinate due to massive blood clots. Retrospectively I should've gone to the ER to relieve my symptoms and pain but the ER visit was not recommended by [redacted].

An appointment was made on my own with a urogynecologist. On 08/16/13 bladder cystoscopy was done and it revealed [redacted] puncture sites in the bladder!!. In addition to cystoscopy, CT urgraphy and Urodynamic studies were completed.

It's been over a month since by bladder has been punctured during the egg retrieval and I continue to have many problems. I have pain with urination and I am unable to empty the bladder (urine retention). This is affecting my life greatly in very negative way. I am unable to get a restful night of sleep and always tire due to frequent urination.

It has been very emotionally draining as well. I went to a ER on 08/21/13 with symptoms of "heart attack" due to distress and anxiety secondary to hematuria and ongoing bladder issues.

After meeting with [redacted] to discuss my concerns on 08/19/13, I was told that I will be contacted by the GIVF representative to discuss my case. GIVF representative, [redacted], called me on 08/21/13 an stated that she would call me back to discuss my case on 09/23/13 but that never happened. I contacted GIVF on 08/26/13 in an effort to talk to [redacted]. **. [redacted] emailed me back stating that she will give me a call "later this afternoon" but she did not call back until 08/29/13. After 4 days of waiting for the phone call, I was too upset to talk to GIVF and I didn't want to hear another excuse again. "later this afternoon" does not equate to calling me 4 days later especially when I am in pain and frustrated with the bladder issue.

At this time, I am not interested in discussing my case anymore. Instead, I would like to get a full refund of $6800 for PGD and I would like my account balance to be "ZERO". Currently my balance is $1800. In an effort not drag on this case, I will not be asking for my ongoing medical expenses and compensation for days off from work to address the bladder issue.

But I would like have have the refund of $6800 and my account balance to be "ZERO".

Without a speedy resolution, I am planning to report GIVF to JCAHO and other agencies based on HIPPA violation and failure to conduct Medical Reconciliation.

Numerous HIPPA violations were observed during my visits and email correspondences. GIVF does not use encrypted email. Emailing identifiable personal information such as date of birth and medical information is under the HIPPA violation.

Also, during blood draws and ultrasounds, technicians did not ask for my name and identifiable informations such as DOB to make sure they have the right patient. This was address to the head nurse of the clinic over the phone call before starting the IVF treatment but I was told to ask to double check with the technician to make sure the technician has the right patient!! It was frustrating during my IVF cycle having to double check with the lab technician with the every blood draw.

Furthermore, Medical reconciliation was not done by the GIVF. On 08/04/13 I was told by [redacted] to stop the IVF medication and was told to pick up a medication order from the pharmacy to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The medication prescribed was Carbergoline but I was already on Carbergoline for an elevated prolactine level. Not knowing that the "medication" to prevent hyperstimulatin was Carbergoline, I called the pharmacy to order the medication but I was not able to order because according to the pharmacy record, I was already on the medication. This matter was complicated by the fact that my regular pharmacy was not open and I was trying to refill the medication on a Sunday morning.

After several phone calls to the pharmacy, the insurance company and the GIVF, I finally realized what [redacted] prescribed me was "[redacted]" whick I was already taking!!! This confusion could've been prevented if my medication record was REVIEWED before ordering Carbergoline!!

The ongoing bladder issue is very distressing! So many careless mistakes have been many by the GIVF. When different issues that I discussed above were addressed to the nursing staff and the doctors @ GIVF, I was told that mistakes were rare @ GIVF and they are "good". But that does not matter,!! Every health care facility needs to follow rules and regulations to prevent costly careless human mistakes. I am suffering greatly because of it!!

As I stated above, I would like to get a of $6800 (PGD) and I would like my account balance to be "ZERO". Currently my balance is $1800. I would like to have a check for $6800 and a statement stating "ZERO" balance from GIVF.Desired Settlement: 1. Refund of $6800 (PGD)

2. A statement stating "ZERO" balance from GIVF. Current account balance $1800.

3. Do not want to receive anymore billing statement from GIVF

Business

Response:

Dear **. [redacted],

Thank you for forwarding this complaint to us. After review, I have determined that this is not one of our patients and I am able to confirm this, as we do not perform any medical procedures at [redacted] and are not medical. [redacted] is a sperm bank, providing donor semen to clients for the purpose of procreation. It seems as though this complaint belongs to Genetics & IVF Institute (GIVF). Please kindly remove this complaint from our records, since it is not for [redacted].

I plan on following up with you next week to confirm that this complaint was removed from our account.

Regards,

Director of Client Services

Business

Response:

October 4, 2013

Dear **. [redacted]:

We received the above-referenced complaint submitted to the Revdex.com, We are handling the matter directly with **. [redacted] in a way we are confident will be acceptable to **. [redacted]. We did nothing wrong and you should not make public any information concerning this matter.

Sincerely