Joanne Kwak-Kim, MD

Dr.Kwak Kim and Margaret Sullivan are angels from God. I’ve always prided myself on being healthy, eating clean, and staying fit so when it came time to have a baby I didn’t know why I was having such difficulty. After 2 different endocrinologist, 3 failed IUI’s, 4 failed IVF’s w/ 8 embryos I knew there had to be another way. I found Dr.Kwak online. Her treatment plan really works however the IVIG is key. At first my insurance did not approve it but once they did, I got pregnant on my own without IVF. It might be an intense protocol with a ton of medication and other doctors will not agree with that sort of protocol however I am holding my daughter in my arms as I am writing this. Please block out the noise follow the protocol and take two deep breaths and relax because it works and I am a testament to it. Stay positive and don’t give up. If there is a will there is a way.

Dr. Kwak-Kim is very nice and so is her staff however be prepared to spend a lot of money. They are not upfront with you on a lot of procedures that need to be done or the costs. From reading reviews it seems they try to put everyone on the same treatment plan. I think it's because all these things can help with improvement on fertility for different causes and this way they have their bases covered. I was put on IVIG every two weeks, Metformin pills twice a day, Lovenox shots twice a day, and a prescription viatmin for falate, vitamin E, vitaminD, and fish oil. Luckily my insurance covered most services including IVIG although I still had to pay 20%. What I was not told until after I started the IVIG is that every other week I had to get my blood drawn. I don't live close so they said no problem they provided the tubes and I would just mail it. Well every two weeks it was $50 to overnight the blood and $957 for them to process it (After Insurance I paid $120). Good luck finding… someone to draw it for you, I called multiple facilities and no one would draw and give me the blood to overnight to them. You also have to get CBC and a few other labs done 1-2 times a month at Quest which was another $200 each time after insurance. These two things wouldn't have been as much as a big deal if they would of told us up front and we knew we would be doing this. Then if you ever have a phone consultation with her they not only charge for the time on the phone but the time the doctor enters all the information into the computer and your file along with prepping for the phone call. I had a 15 minute conversation and it was $280 that insurance would not cover. Also they charge a $280 fee for the use of the portal every month, so basically if you ask any questions you will get a $280 charge which is NOT covered by insurance as it is coded "Prolong Service W/out contact" Again they did not tell me of this charge and I have never been charged with any doctor for using the portal which they provide. Also if you do get pregnant you will need to see her weekly through the first trimester so plan for that as well. Again, she is a nice doctor but charges for everything so just don't be sticker shocked when you commit. I unfortunately did not get pregnant with this plan but I still have hope with one last Embryo.

I was referred to Dr Kwak Kim and Rosalind Franklin because of unexplained fertility issues. She determined I had an auto immune disorder which could be causing the problem. After over a year of treatment, infusions, and blood work tests and monitoring, my immune levels have not improved. My husband and I have had billing issues working with Rosalind Franklin and the insurance company. We have paid thousands of dollars, and have not gotten anywhere. We are still dealing with a billing issue from Accredo Specialty Pharmacy who supplied the medication (Gammagard) for my treatment. They sent us too much for the last round of treatment and are trying to force us to pay for it, because the doctor signed off on it. This is very expensive medicine! Make sure you have great insurance coverage!

I literally owe my children's lives to Dr. Kwak. Without her care, I would not have been able to conceive them at all. She is a thorough detective, an honest and caring teacher, and a partner in the treatment process. I would (and do!) recommend her wholeheartedly to any couple experiencing unexplained fertility problems.