Helen Kim
University of Chicago Hospitals
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Medical SchoolCornell
ResidencyBrigham & Women's Hosp
FellowshipBrigham & Women's Hosp
Chicago - Desplaines
333 South Desplaines Street
Chicago, IL 60661
(773) 702-6642
Chicago - MD Ave
5758 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-6642
6 assessments
8
Age
40
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained
8
Dr. Kim was honest and candid about our options. She explained the results of our infertility evaluation in detail. When IUI did not work and we decided to go forward with IVF, she spent a large amount of time answering all our questions and reviewing the steps, risks in detail. ... The only thing that made me unsettled (and perhaps this is a reflection of my current stress/anxiety as we are still undergoing fertility treatment) is that I felt that we should have discussed IVF as a more serious option earlier when I had a better chance of success (I.e. was younger). Even though it was a span of a year, I felt that my chances of fertility success declined over that period based on my repeat testing/evaluations and that doing IUI first was a waste of time.
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Age
40
Treated
2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Doctor
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained
8
How was your experience with Helen Kim at Northwestern Medicine?
Dr. Kim was honest and candid about our options. She explained the results of our infertility evaluation in detail. When IUI did not work and we decided to go forward with IVF, she spent a large amount of time answering all our questions and reviewing the steps, risks in detail. She was very knowledgeable, drawing from medical literature/data, and transparent about our options and chances. The only thing that made me unsettled (and perhaps this is a reflection of my current stress/anxiety as we are still undergoing fertility treatment) is that I felt that we should have discussed IVF as a more serious option earlier when I had a better chance of success (I.e. was younger). Even though it was a span of a year, I felt that my chances of fertility success declined over that period based on my repeat testing/evaluations and that doing IUI first was a waste of time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Helen Kim at Northwestern Medicine?
Don't be afraid to voice your concerns and opinions up front.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Helen Kim at Northwestern Medicine?
Dr. Kim candidly talked me through options, even when those changed given my results from various treatments. She looked through my testing and explained the various options in detail.
Describe the protocols Helen Kim used in your cycles at Northwestern Medicine and their degree of success.
For my IUIs, we used 100 mg of Clomid for 5 days, triggered with Ovidrel. I did produce 2 follicles each time.
For my first IVF cycle, we started with Follistim at 300 mg and Menopur at 75 units for 3 days which is the standard start IVF regimen for the clinic from what I understand. I was then increased to Menopur 150 units along with the same dose of Follistim for 5 days. Despite the increase, my cycle ended up getting converted to IUI because of poor response (only 2 follicles).
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Excellent nurses all around. Responsive to messages, detailed, helpful. Some had more difficulty with my IUI than others, but they sought out help.
Describe your experience with Northwestern Medicine.
Clinic is a beautiful space, comfortable, efficient. Some of the US techs are more detail-oriented than others. Monitoring hours are early in AM which is helpful. There is still quite a wait for getting procedures done even if you show up on time--my IUIs typically went an actual 2 hours later than the set appointment time (even if you take into account the 45 minute sperm processing time).
Describe the costs associated with your care under Helen Kim at Northwestern Medicine.
I have fertility benefits which covered my IUIs and medications thus far. I do have a copay for labs, US, office visits which have equaled out to about $500-$800 thus far.
Describe Helen Kim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Northwestern Medicine.
We have yet to make it to transfer. But our plan is for PGS testing and transfer of 1 embryo.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
10
Age
41
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
4 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
10
She [Dr. Helen Kim] was always willing to collaborate on action plan when I needed more information. She was willing to consult with other doctors, and was supportive of myself and my husband... was thorough and kind. She explored all avenues regarding why I might not be getting pregnant, but always kept us moving forward. I felt informed and was a participant in my care. She called me back on the same day whenever I called with a question.
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Age
41
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European, Latino, Native American
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Endometriosis, Poor Egg Quality, Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
10
How was your experience with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
Dr. Kim was thorough and kind. She explored all avenues regarding why I might not be getting pregnant, but always kept us moving forward. I felt informed and was a participant in my care. She called me back on the same day whenever I called with a question. She was always willing to collaborate on action plan when I needed more information. She was willing to consult with other doctors, and was supportive of myself and my husband.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
It may take awhile to get in because they are a small practice, but it's worth the wait. Remember, one month is only one missed cycle. You will be glad you chose them.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
The people who work in the UCM fertility office are the kindest, most caring group of health professionals. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking treatment in Chicago.
Describe the protocols Helen Kim used in your cycles at University of Chicago Hospitals and their degree of success.
She is analytical and conservative. She looks at all the data before coming up with a plan. She does not take a one size fits all approach.
Describe your experience with your nurse at University of Chicago Hospitals. (Assigned nurse: Gayle)
The team overall is extremely compassionate and responsive. I could always count on a prompt reply to a telephone or MyChart inquiry.
Describe your experience with University of Chicago Hospitals.
Their strength is that as a small practice they can give wonderful personalized care. It can be hard to get an initial appointment but once you are working with them they are extremely helpful with scheduling.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at University of Chicago Hospitals.
Monitoring was first come first serve. The longest I ever waited was 30 minutes but that was rare. I generally waited less than 15.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals.
I don't remember.
Describe Helen Kim's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at University of Chicago Hospitals.
I did PGS testing and frozen transfers and therefore she only wanted to implant one embyro which I was fine with.
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9
Age
31
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
5 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
9
We've met with Dr. Kim twice in the very short time we have been seeing her. When we first met with her she spent almost two hours reviewing all of our results. She is very investigative as my husband's described. We have been given no real reasons for our infertility or two miscarriages and she seems like she is willing to do the work to find out why and to get us pregnant...I don't get the feeling she will sugar coat bad news so if you want the information in a very straightforward way then you will get it. If not, be ready for it...
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Age
31
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Sales Representative
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
5 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
9
How was your experience with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
Dr. Kim is willing to sit down with you and have a conversation and review all past results and clearly explain your options. So far, we really like her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
I don't get the feeling she will sugar coat bad news so if you want the information in a very straightforward way then you will get it. If not, be ready for it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
We've met with Dr. Kim twice in the very short time we have been seeing her. When we first met with her she spent almost two hours reviewing all of our results. She is very investigative as my husband's described. We have been given no real reasons for our infertility or two miscarriages and she seems like she is willing to do the work to find out why and to get us pregnant.
Describe the protocols Helen Kim used in your cycles at University of Chicago Hospitals and their degree of success.
Since Letrazole plus IUI did get my pregnant previously with our first doctor and there was no reason discovered for my miscarriage she thought starting with that again made sense before graduating to IVF.
First cycle, we moved forward with Letrazole plus IUI. We did not get pregnant.
Second cycle, we did Letrazole plus an IUI. My lining was questionable so we also added Estrace before the IUI. Mid cycle now.
Describe your experience with your nurse at University of Chicago Hospitals. (Assigned nurse: Kathy)
Results are provided electronically via MyChart. I've spoken to the nurse when I had questions about the results and she was somewhat helpful.
Describe your experience with University of Chicago Hospitals.
Coming from FCI, this is so much smaller in a good way. You see the same people every time (for blood and ultrasound). Dr. Kim has also performed the IUI (when it was a holiday weekend).
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10
Age
35 - 37
Treated
2015 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Uterine Fibroids
10
Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable about fertility. She gives you all possible outcomes and a plan of action before leaving her office to make u feel like there is an attainable solution. Dr. Kim is very thorough in reviewing your medical records and making sure all details are included in your chart...Ultrasounds and procedures to diagnose and treat fertility issues...Ask any and all questions you may have
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Age
35 - 37
Treated
2015 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Black or African-American
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Uterine Fibroids
10
How was your experience with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
Dr. Kim is very knowledgeable about fertility. She gives you all possible outcomes and a plan of action before leaving her office to make u feel like there is an attainable solution. Dr. Kim is very thorough in reviewing your medical records and making sure all details are included in your chart.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
Ask any and all questions you may have
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
The staff at the clinic greeted me by name and were personable and friendly as well as professionally.
Describe the protocols Helen Kim used in your cycles at University of Chicago Hospitals and their degree of success.
Ultrasounds and procedures to diagnose and treat fertility issues
Describe your experience with your nurse at University of Chicago Hospitals. (Assigned nurse: Gary)
Learning patients names was a plus. It made me feel like i was more than a patient coming in for a procedure.
Describe your experience with University of Chicago Hospitals.
The clinic is very clean and welcoming. The rooms are designed for optimal comfort. The staff is very timely. You do not spend a lot of time waiting for your appointment to begin.
You work with the same staff on a daily basis and they take time to get to know you and help ease the stress of on going procedures.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals.
Because of my insurance plan, i had a very low co pay. i am unsure of the total cost
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
3
Age
32
Treated
2012
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
3
I do feel that Dr. Kim and her staff cared about the outcome of my treatment but not that they were prepared to treat me individually or look beyond the standard reasons for what might be going on. After two miscarriages, they basically told me there wasn't anything else they could do for me and I should consult another doctor.
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Age
32
Treated
2012
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
3
How was your experience with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
Dr. Kim was very matter-of-fact and professional but not especially warm or compassionate.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
Do not expect warmth or compassion.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
I do feel that Dr. Kim and her staff cared about the outcome of my treatment but not that they were prepared to treat me individually or look beyond the standard reasons for what might be going on. After two miscarriages, they basically told me there wasn't anything else they could do for me and I should consult another doctor.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
They were all very nice but I did not get the feeling they knew me as an individual.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
10
Age
22
Treated
2014
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
10
She [Dr. Kim] made sure she talked in a nice respectful manner and made me feel like a daughter...She’s a loving doctor that’s there for your every need I came in not understanding and left feeling like nothing could stop me she explained what I needed to do even if I didn’t have the insurance. She made sure I understood that I wasn’t the only person going thru this and that’s it is possible for me to conceive
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Age
22
Treated
2014
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Black or African-American
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 Fertility Medications
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
10
How was your experience with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
She’s a loving doctor that’s there for your every need I came in not understanding and left feeling like nothing could stop me she explained what I needed to do even if I didn’t have the insurance. She made sure I understood that I wasn’t the only person going thru this and that’s it is possible for me to conceive
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
She is a going to help you every step of the way
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals?
She made sure she talked in a nice respectful manner and made me feel like a daughter
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Very very compassionate
Describe your experience with University of Chicago Hospitals.
Everything was perfect just the wait time will have you on the edge of your seat. They make sure your comfortable and understanding. The people that work there are very nice and helpful and you can get them to understand what you need and they make sure your ok at all times
Describe the costs associated with your care under Helen Kim at University of Chicago Hospitals.
I came thru emergency room sooo a lot of money
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