Pacific Fertility Center

The Doctors are very nice and very professional. The staff however, just acts like they can’t be bothered. Or when they mess up, that it’s just not that big of a deal. My wife has been dealing with them for a little over a month now and they (mostly one person in particular) have just messed up EVERY. SINGLE. TIME we come in contact with her. From sending us to the wrong location, getting our information wrong and failing to correct it, to having my wife call her about medications at a specific time and then saying «I’m a little too busy for this. Can you call back later?» But I will say this. When we’ve dealt with the people who seem to care, they do what ever it is they are doing very well.

Where to start? My husband and I feel blessed to have found Dr. Sahakian. We previously were seeing a Cedars-​Sinai fertility doctor. The group included several fertility doctors would consult on each patient. With every doctor I tell them my family history which puts me at risk for infertility. At the Cedars-​Sinai doctors office –DESPITE abnormal test results for both my husband and I she made us feel that it would be easy to get pregnant. She also recommended surgery. Please note there are younger MD’s there who seem surgery happy just to get experience. We were told we needed to have surgery ASAP, yet a month later nothing was scheduled.
Fed up we started looking for another doctor. Eventually after cold calling every fertility doctor in SoCal PFC was one of the few to return our call. The call alone was impressive. Pearla was well educated on all types of insurances and what would be covered. She taught us questions to ask and think of that we never could have realized on our own were important to ask.
We got an appointment that Friday and we were astoundingly impressed. At first the office scared us… it is so gorgeous we thought «no way we can afford this place». But it is run like a well oiled machine. Each staff member knows inside and out what they should know and everyone is caring and friendly.
Most importantly just from looking at my labs Dr. Sahakian proved his competence by immediately realizing I have endometriosis; something every other doctor denied despite the overwhelming family history and signs. Furthermore, he explained CLEARLY and HONESTLY what our labs meant and the road ahead. I don’t know about you but I do not want a doctor who is afraid of giving bad news that they sugar coat or avoid telling me what is really going on. Sadly, this is the majority of California doctors.
Please note we are not pregnant yet. My husband and I are probably the worst case scenario. We have started our second round of IVF. Yet, PFC has ALWAYS responded to our emails immediately, and it is obvious that they genuinely care about us. Wendy is always supportive and makes time for us even when we have nonsensical questions. Pearla gets us approved for everything before we even ask. And Dr. Sahakian… well it is obvious that not only is he an expert but he feels our pain and sadness. He manages to educate us, check for understanding, and give us bad news without ever compromising the medical facts or causing us to lose hope. I would say that is mighty impressive. A office is as great as its leader and by the way the staff is it is clear he sets the standards high and puts patients first.
I am sure some of you, like myself, read the bad reviews but to me if he can get a 66 year old pregnant. then I want him as my doctor! Remember we expect our doctors to trust us and not to ever say «I don’t believe you! I need proof you have pain or that this is your family history.» (Sorry I had to include my 2 cents on that awful review)
I hope you will try Dr. Sahakian. Despite not being pregnant yet and it looks so bleak I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Also, the surgery that Cedars-​Sinai doctors recommended has a high risk of causing permanent infertility. I truly hope this review helps anyone in this situation. My hubbs and I spent many days calling and talking to every doctor and this was the only place to go above and beyond our expectations. Oh and they have their own lab! So if you have insurance far more will be covered than if you use a doctor who does not have an in house lab.

I Don’t give out many 5 stars. After the miserable experience with Richard Paulson, this doctor Sahakyan, is the nicest, the most knowledgeable, and the most ethical. He resonates love, thoughtfulness, knowledge, experience. If I had a sister, in need of help, Sahakian would of been the one to be recommended. I have utmost respect for him. What he does is a costly affair, but you can not find a match with such an experience and kindness.

Dr. DeUgarte is a rare to find talent, extremely gifted physician! I will make sure to give her amazing reviews!!! I am so grateful for the office help and positive energy and great care. Please pass my million thanks to Dr. DeUgarte! God bless you all :) I’m truly grateful!

READ BEFORE CALLING
I called and made an appointment with a doctor at this foundation. I had some billing questions since I’m paying out of pocket for services and they transferred me to KIM who does billing and apparently is the «manager» of this staff. As I’m asking her questions about the procedures that any new patients would commonly ask, she gives me one word answers, doesn’t clarify anything with me, and spoke with attitude. As a staff member let alone «MANAGER» how are you going to treat someone like their not worth your business or their money?
I was willing to be seen at this office on a regular basis but remember I haven’t even stepped foot in the office and this is the representation they want me to perceive? The staff is the face of the practice, tip for the doctors: HIRE EDUCATED & RESPECTFUL PEOPLE WHO CAN PERFORM THEIR JOB! Part of me thought «this has to be a joke» but unfortunately it wasn’t. After coming and reading other Unilocal reviews of the staff (Kim the «manager»), I’ll take it as a sign from God to keep looking for a new fertility practice where I can have my questions answered and be taken care of like a patient should.

Dr. Deugarte is simply the best! She is so sweet, smart and thorough with everything she does. I felt like I was in good hands. She doesn’t miss a beat and monitors you very closely with frequent ultrasounds and labs, which I prefer. My OB/​gyn recommended her and she communicates with her when needed. Which I love! She is simply top notch:) Also, when Dr. Deugarte was out of town on one of my scheduled visits she makes sure to tell you. I was then seen by Dr. Sproul who was equally as great, the two times I saw her. :)

After reading some of the reviews on here I had to write my opinion. First let me acknowledge that about a year ago they outsourced their billing to a different company who sent me bills for items that I know I paid. The issues got resolved after several calls and I was happy.
The front office staff and the girls in the back are amazing! They helped me deal with all of the emotional turmoil that I went through. They told me good luck when I went through implementation. When I finally got pregnant they were excited with me. And best of all for me being a young married black chick (yes I said chick), I was happy when he (Dr. Sahakian) hired some nursing staff that looked like me. Kim in finance (who looks like a young vanessa williams) and Erika,(who shows you how to use the medication) always makes me feel comfortable and I don’t feel like just another number. The receptionist in the front know my face when I come in and they say, «I already got you go ahead and have a seat». It’s like Cheers without the alcohol.
Now the best part– Dr.Sahakian. He is AMAZING!!! I love his blunt honesty. He makes money, but he doesn’t just do it for the money. He doesn’t hold back and try to sugar coat any issues you have. I went through 3 IVF cycles. I got pregnant on the second one. The first one I messed up because I had to go to the bathroom so bad and couldn’t hold it after the implementation. I lost the baby after about a week on the second one. The third one I got pregnant with TWINS! I made it to my second trimester and had a miscarriage while I was on my birthday/​anniversary cruise with my husband. I researched doctors before I came here. Their payment options have given me the opportunity to afford a child that I never would have without Dr. Sahakian. He knows his stuff, I recommend him to anyone who is trying to have a successful pregnancy.
Lastly the remodel that they completed about a year ago is beautiful. It makes me feel like a princess or like I am in a spa oasis. They even have a TV in the room with cable when you do the implantation. Most of the bad reviews are about billing, but with their payment options, the lives and children that they help women bring into the world, their knowledge, success rates, and great supporting staff, they are worth every penny.
PS I’m starting a new cycle this month. Wish me luck!

Dr. DeUgarte is a gynecologist who has not just excellent skills but the ability to make you comfortable, cared for and reassured that everything will be OK. She is very personable and will extra mile for her patients.

My daughter and I came to see Dr DeUgarte originally for a 2 nd opinion.
We felt extremely fortunate to find her. Her caring and friendly personable demeanor made the visit uplifting despite somewhat disappointing diagnosis.
Now my daughter is under her care.
DR DeUgarte is not only knowledgeable and skillful but very approachable and reassuring.
The staff is pleasant and helpful.

Dr. Catherine DeUgarte gave us life’s most precious gift of two beautiful boys. As anyone that goes through fertility issues knows, it is an emotional and physical struggle. Dr. DeUgarte was with us every step of the way, offering her unconditional support. We will forever be grateful to her and her staff for all they have done.

Dr Sahakian is an amazing physician. He is very caring, incredibly knowledgable and provides all the options for the future parents which gave us so much comfort. The process was very tedious for us, I am not going to lie, but he and his staff were there for us the whole time day or night. The nurses are very caring and it truly feels like a family atmosphere.
He is very honest and straight to the point which made us so appreciative so we did not build false hopes. My wife is pregnant now and it is because of Dr Sahakian and the kind nurses. Thank you so much as words can not explain our appreciation for what you helped us achieve so far.
We recommended them to anyone who is in need of help.
Thank you again…

I came to see Dr. Deugarte as a single mother by choice with no fertility issue. She seemed very opiniated about who I should use as a father etc. right at the consultation. I thought some of her comments were inappropriate and her advice was beyond any I asked for. What I was looking for is really just a caring and honest RE after seeing another doctor in another clinic. The treatment seemed also reasonably priced at first (later on turned out to be pricier than another RE I am with now btw so this clinic’s billing practices are questionable as well).
Once the treatment started for the IVF she not only missed on prescribing important blood tests to monitor but also seemed to overmedicate me due to another mistake she made earlier. She for example kept me on a birth control pill and insisted that I should continue taking it despite serious side effects. She did never really listen to feedback on how I felt and in the end only told me that when I got pregnant that «you beat all odds».
Really? But I have no fertility issue. She suddenly turned from opiniated into a nasty doctor who was not even happy for me when I got pregnant but somehow not right after her treatment. I felt overdosed on progesterone and needed to call her to ask for a blood test and getting the dosage cut in half. There was no follow-​up from her. Was it because I was on their discounted plan? The hormonal imbalance and poor treatment might have contributed to the miscarriage and again Dr. Deugarte was not interested in following up and treating. I ended up going to another RE for help who only shook his head and immediately treated the imbalance which btw could have caused infertility or even breast cancer.
Right there I should have never looked back but thought I give her a final chance with an IUI treatment. But she turned outright nasty and did not want to listen to my concerns from the earlier treatment that I wanted to discuss. This doctor does not like or can take in feedback and is only nice until she gets paid. After that there is a nasty side to her personality and bad bedside manner I have not seen in another doctor. She also seems to have a chip on her shoulder and treats other women with very little respect. She pretty much told me to shut up when I tried to give her feedback on another inappropriate and negative voicemail she left me that make me break out in tears as it was mean and not even correct. During the final visit she proceeded telling me that I should see someone else if I do not trust her. I responded that that is fine as long as she would not just abandon me in the middle of the treatment. Interestingly enough she stated exactly what another couple on Unilocal wrote: «I do not care.» Really? Why are you in this profession if you do not care and do not prescribe necessary tests and treat hormonal issues you caused in the first place? Not sure why she gets any positive reviews. She must take advantage of other women who simply do just exactly what she says and then fail. I am educated and was shut down when I very rightfully so asked for explanations and questioned her treatment options. We reported her to the board for patient abandonment and threatening me when I said I would do so. Asking for my money back and moved to a different doctor who could not believe what I had to go through with her. A lawyer then wrote me a nasty letter that if I report her to the medical board that my private health information would no longer be private. That lawyer’s letter also got forwarded to the medical board. My experience shows that there clearly needs to be closer supervision of reproductive endocrinologists (RE) and that they cannot just take advantage of patients and take money while having little interest in success and truly helping patients.

I was so excited when I found dr. DeUgarte! She’s so sweet and lovely and her office is literally just across the street from my office. Perfect!
So why the 2 stars? Well, although she and the front desk girls are great and they have a new swanky office, the headache, collection calls & everything else that will follow when you walk out those doors is just not worth it. They literally have the most incompetent billing person who never answers calls, corrects mistakes or answers emails.
If you don’t mind having to deal with random bills 7 months after your routine appointment & collection calls due to their mistakes in billing, then i would totally refer this office! Otherwise, look elsewhere…

i am very grateful that After a very long time trying to have a baby i finally found Dr. Sahakian on line. I called him we spoke on the phone the very first time he explain the whole procedure and answered all my questions he then asked me. «would you allow me to be your Doctor?
I live in the bay area and it was worth it going all the way to L. A to have my invitro done. he is very professional and with a lot of years of experience. i cant count how many times i went to LA sometimes in an emergency basis because my regular OB in my area just did not know or could not see my sac or fetus, of course i would panic i called Dr. Sahakian and he would perform an ultrasound in less than 5 minutes he could see my baby immediately no matter if he was only 4 weeks reassuring everything was ok,
I had my egg retrieval 4-​28-​2014 and 3 eggs transfer 5 days later. when i checked my HCG levels they were above 200 confirming my pregnancy. i went back and forward several times to L. A each and every time Dr Sahakian was very caring, and understanding. i have already recommend this Doctor to friends and family. Now my baby boy is 4 weeks old he was born on 1-​27-​2015 and cant thank Dr. Sahakian and staff enough.

We felt hopeless until we met doctor Sahakian though a friend of ours and decided to try IVF. I am now 4 months pregnant with a healthy baby girl and I’ve never been happier in my life. I will be bringing by pics of Alana for you doctor to post on your wall of fame :). Thank you for being so kind and patient and entertaining my thousands of questions. I adore you and your staff.
I will be forever in your debt.

Unfortunately, while the doctors and staff were great, the unethical and unprofessional billing practices are unforgivable.
— We paid in full for every appointment we ever had; well over $ 2000
— We were told the insurance covered any outstanding balance
— Received a bill for $ 600 FOUR MONTHS AFTER
Of course blaming the insurance company.
Lesson: To all you clinics and doctors out there; YOU are 100% responsible for your patient experience. Stop blaming the insurance companies and billing companies. Sad and pathetic the level of service provided from such highly educated people.

Where do I start. Dr. Duguarte is the best… the absolute best. I saw her for a little over a year. A very hard year it was, but so worth it in the end.
Let me start by saying how knowledgable, trusting, and sensitive Dr. D is. She is very honest, and doesn’t beat around the bush. This is something I like in a doctor. She told me she could get me pregnant, but it would take time and patience. I trusted her and I’m so glad I did.
After a few early miscarriages she wanted to run a blood panel for genetic testing. I did test positive for MTHFR. This was a huge deal to me and my husband. My body we found out didn’t produce and folic acid, and I also had a blood clotting issue. Finding all of this out gave a lot of answers. Between this and my low quality of eggs, we were ready to take the plunge. After being on a regimen of vitamins, acupuncture, a clean diet and exercise. We were ready, I did my part, and now it was time for Dr. D to work her skills.
We did get success. I know this doesn’t happen for everyone. I know just how lucky we are. To have found Dr. D and also to have a healthy baby. I can honestly say I don’t know if we would have him today if we had gone with another doctor. In the end you follow your gut, and what it says to you. And to me I felt to strongly about Dr. D and her staff, and would recommender to anyone who is seeking help in infertility. You will not be disappointed.

This review is for the doctors to see, especially Dr. Sahakian. Please do not ignore this as some random negative review. If no action is taken, it will only continue to degrade the clinic’s reputation out in the Unilocal community.
My girlfriend started going to his clinic some time ago and has been very bothered by the office staff here. The support staff dealing with billing and appointments especially. They will always give her attitude, and she has been billed MULTIPLE times wrongly. She has an insurance plan in which the clinic is part of the network, but she has gotten 3 consecutive billings saying it’s out of network and billing her over a THOUSAND dollars! If she hadn’t called the insurance company (which by the way took hours — combining all 3 times), and disputed the billing, she would have had to pay HUGE amounts of money because of the incompetence of the nurses.
When these oversights were communicated to the staff, not only did they not even listen, they gave her sass and attitude and dismissed her complaints (obviously because they kept doing it wrong). This is not chump change we are talking about, medical bills are SERIOUS business. It’s very stressful to see bills outstanding for HUNDREDS of dollars at a time, when they should have been fully covered by insurance. I don’t know if this was a scheme from the fertility center to get more money, trying to make people pay out of the inconvenience of disputing the claims, but I will give them the benefit of the doubt for now, since fraud is a very serious accusation.
Also, it doesn’t stop just there. My girlfriend would always emails them in advance whenever any appointments had to be rescheduled due to her demanding schedule, as she always does this days in advance. HOWEVER, these people would keep calling her, multiple times a day trying to «confirm» her appointment, when in fact she has rescheduled DAYS if not WEEKS ago. How is this ok?!? I understand the clinic may be busy, but that is UNPROFESSIONAL. It’s not just a waste of time and money for the doctors (they could be scheduling patients in that free time!!!), but it’s also a HUGE waste of time to keep getting calls for something that should have been a semi-​automatic change in the scheduling. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to read an email and shift an appointment time.
PLEASE do a THOROUGH review of your office staff. Even if the doctors are fantastic and wonderful, these supporting staff at the front desk are the FACE of the clinic, and the first and last people patients will interact with on a DAILY basis.
P. S. (4 stars for the doctors, but 1 star for the staff)

I will keep this short and sweet and rate 5 Stars to Dr. Kari Sproul! She is a wonderful, compassionate doctor and if I can recommend more stars I would. She is the kind of doctor you want in your corner. I was lucky to find her. See for your self as My experience+ Dr. Sproul = VERY, VERY successful!!!
Also, the Nurses there are helpful, kind and just beautiful people !

NEWSFLASH. 3÷22÷2014. Dr D is giving an informational on fertility questions in April and it is free:
I went in to see Dr D a couple weeks ago and I got off the elevator and went to turn around and get back in as I thought I was on the wrong floor. They totally redid the front! It’s beautiful! Such an elegant waiting room, I wish I had taken a picture, there is big royal looking seating and light painting, beautiful curtains — lovely. I especially like the fancy cappuccino/​tea/​chai/​latte maker. It’s completely relaxing to sit there. Nice work!