Dr. Abbasi at Columbia Fertility

[Anonymous]

I like Dr Abbasi and I found her nurse, Kalandria, to be very responsive. I am not sure what type of comfort others are expecting, for me it is easier to get in and get out rather than to have a 5 min comforting talk. She gets straight to the point and does not waste your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I saw her a few months ago. Had 4 iuis. All unsuccessful. Before the negative results of the last one she called us in to discuss ivf. Of course we were thinking about it, but her approach did not please us. Anyways, we took some time off and decided to do it overseas. The new doctor asked us for many tests she never asked us. We had chlamydia, which was taking up my tubes making them completely closed. The iuis were a waste of time and money because of that. It's asymptomatic in some cases but easily treated with antibiotics. The new doctor also tested me for immune issues and I tested positive for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, taking Lovenox now.
I think she sticks to the basic protocol, taking that we had until now unexplained infertility she should have done some more testing at the time. So much time, money and hopes wasted.

She tested me every 6 months.

Also, annual testing is recommended.

[Anonymous]

IM nicked at the APA testing or lack of. THAT is her thing and she tested me right off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used Dr. Abbasi for the birth of my daughter, who is now 5 years old. I cannot say enough fabulous things about her. She is direct, which I personally liked, considering that I needed to hear the truth - the good, the bad, the obstacles. I could reach out to her 24/7 and she was always aware of what my conditions were. Basically, she was on it. Additionally, her staff is great.
Hands down, she is the BEST. I send her cards every year and am truly grateful for ALL she has done.

We used Dr. Abbasi after several years with another clinic. My daughter is now two. PP's description is spot on -- she is not warm and fuzzy, but I preferred her direct approach and she always seemed to be able to answer emails very quickly. She gave us great advice through out our journey. She was direct about our options but never pushed us one way or another. I wish we had started with her.

[Anonymous]

New Poster here. Currently I've been a patient of Abassi for about 3 years. During this time her mood is always a roller coaster with us. Some days she doesn't give you the time of day and others it's all smiles. I've had many appointments where she literally is cutting us off or dismissing my comments when I've tried to express myself. She hardly spends the time to explain test results or to discuss anything when you ask her about different paths.

Honestly the reason why I've stuck with her for so long is because we'd already been through so many tests and procedures with her and most recently we did 2 medicated IUI cycles so I wanted to continue with a doctor who knew my history. But in the past few months after dealing with only cold responses (if any) and inefficiency from the staff and Dr. Abassi herself I'm finally checking for a new fertility clinic (most likely SGF).

I don't expect my infertility doctor to spend hours holding my hand and talking to me but I do at least deserve to be given time to consult and share my concerns with my doctor. Infertility is a very emotional process and I believe your provider should be considerate of this, especially since we aren't seeking their help for free.

[Anonymous]

I am currently a patient of hers. I chose her because I suspected to have immune issues (and I do). Over the last 9 months, she has not been the warmest or the most informative unless specifically asked. But she has given me the diagnosis and treatment plans I needed and I am happy with the results so far. When she is in a good mood, she does smile and can be warm. I have not had other REs so I don't have any comparisons, but she seems just fine, compared to some OBs I have seen in the past.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am currently a patient of hers. I chose her because I suspected to have immune issues (and I do). Over the last 9 months, she has not been the warmest or the most informative unless specifically asked. But she has given me the diagnosis and treatment plans I needed and I am happy with the results so far. When she is in a good mood, she does smile and can be warm. I have not had other REs so I don't have any comparisons, but she seems just fine, compared to some OBs I have seen in the past.

Yea I wouldn't mind her lack of warmth and bedside manner so much if she would actually care to answer my questions or give me the information I need regarding my results or treatment plan. For some reason she and the nurses don't really care to reply to my emails or calls. I've tried to be patient but I think I've reached my limit now. Glad that she's working out for you though.

[Anonymous]

I've done 2 cycles with her (unsuccessfully) and left. You need to be very persistent asking questions. I had to wrestle my info from the nurses too. They probably thought I was a pain in the neck, but Dr. A is a pain in the neck too, so it's par for the course. PP who stayed with her for 3 years - were you successful in having a baby? If not, you have the patience of an angel..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've done 2 cycles with her (unsuccessfully) and left. You need to be very persistent asking questions. I had to wrestle my info from the nurses too. They probably thought I was a pain in the neck, but Dr. A is a pain in the neck too, so it's par for the course. PP who stayed with her for 3 years - were you successful in having a baby? If not, you have the patience of an angel..

I'm PP who stayed for 3 years -- no we have not yet conceived but I don't blame her for this because I believe it will happen when it's supposed to ... my main issue here is the quality of service experience that the clinic has provided.

100% I agree with everything you said about them, PP. I was really trying to be patient and hope things would get better because a few times she was in a good mood but unfortunately it wasn't the case. Those days I remember my husband and I couldn't believe our eyes when we saw her smile lol.

Anyway, I don't want to keep complaining but I'm at least glad to know that I am not the only patient who had this experience because I used to think maybe I did something to offend her. I hope for the best for her current patients and anyone else who's struggling with infertility.