Richard Chetkowski's Online Review Report Card

Dr. Chetkowski touched me inappropriately during my ultrasound exam.I have had four IUIs and am beginning IVF through another fertility center, which uses his offices as a satalite office. I have had multiple ultrasounds over the past six months, most done by women, all done professionally, with minimal attention paid to my outer genitalia. Typically, the ultrasound wand is prepared and then inserted using a quick glance and light pressure to find your vaginal canal and push it in. Instead, Dr Chetkowski spent a full minute sitting between my legs "getting read", then used his free hand to touch and open me before inserting the ultrasound wand. This extra touching was entirely unnecessary and immediately made me feel violated and dirty. I was unable to focus on what he was telling me and had to ask the nurse to repeat it afterwards. I also reported what had happened to her before she left the room, and am considering filing a police report.Even if what he did is how he was originally taught (40 years ago), it is completely inappropriate and he should have modified his approach long ago. However, it was my strong impression that he took advantage of me and assaulted me. I will now be driving far out of my way for each upcoming ultrasound appointment (every other day) in order to avoid seeing this doctor ever again.Infertility treatments come at an incredibly vulnerable time for us, emotionally (and financially). I didn't say anything to the doctor in that moment because I wanted so badly to move forward with my IVF treatment, and I didn't want even being assaulted to get in my way. I regret that now, and wish I'd spoken up in the moment.Please, if you are looking for a doctor, do not choose this one. There are a shocking number of other one star negative reviews here, and I don't want anyone else to be exposed to what I experienced.

We let's hope he learned from his proctoring from the Ca medical board from 20+ years ago. His manner of ultrasound was inappropriate. Look up his history. Beware. He was rude throughout the IVF process as well.

When it was apparent that I had secondary infertility, my OBYN referred me to a few Doctors. The first one we went to was in SF. It was fancy, organized and full of young doctors. We felt really taken care of by the staff however the doctor we saw kept indicating that I was "old" at 38 yrs and that we should do multiple cycles of IVF right away!When we visited Dr. Chet, we found his office to be quaint, old fashioned but clean and comfortable. His staff is minimal - a receptionist, nurse, billing and lab person. During our consultation, he took a look at my follicles and then sat us down and discussed the possible areas that may be causing my secondary infertility. It was perhaps the most informative reproductive education I ever had! He indicated various areas that may be an issue (rather than just focusing on the number of follicles or my age). I also distinctly remember him stating that I'm still "young" at 38 and to not yet worry.After the consultation, the next task was to pinpoint WHY I was having issues getting pregnant. So Dr. Chet had me run some tests. In the end it turned out that my left fallopian tube was blocked. I couldn't believe that no other doctor offered me to take that test! From then on, I went to see Dr Chet every cycle to monitor which side my follicle was growing. Whenever we had a follicle on the "right" side, we either performed an IUI or tried on our own naturally. After 4 cycles with a follicle on the "right" side, we finally got pregnant!During the time we saw him, Dr. Chet also tried some medications (similar to those taken during IVF) to help increase the growth of multiple follicles. However, I was only able to grow up to 2 follicles at one time. Therefore, Dr Chet indicated that I am not likely a good candidate for IVF and would probably need multiple cycles if we went down that route. Also, later on after a few failed monitoring and IUI attempts he asked us if we wanted to keep trying using the same methods or if we wanted to consider using an egg donor. When we said we were open to it, he referred us to speak with a therapist specializing on "growing families" AND he also allowed us to continue our regular treatments with him. During the next "good" cycle, we performed an IUI and got pregnant.I'll admit that Dr. Chet is not super talkative which many people may have issues with, but my husband and I never found it a problem. His nurse (Vivian) is amazing! She always discussed the next steps and answered any questions I may have.

Run as far away from this Dr. as you can. He is arrogant, old-fashioned, and greedy.I went to see Dr. Chetkowski at Alta Bates IVF for issues with secondary infertility. And before he even had my test results, he was pushing IVF because I "was old" (I was 40). I told him that I was seeing him for a diagnosis as to why I was unable to have a second child and I needed answers first. I also told him I wasn't entirely comfortable with undergoing IVF. He proceeded multiple times to push me to justify why I didn't want IVF. Like I somehow need to justify my feelings? I'm sorry, but I'm the one who has to undergo the treatment and pay the money. He should have been more respectful of my decisions. Then, he proceeded to tell me that, if I do undergo IVF, he will need to implant multiple eggs because I "am old". I know a few other women my age who have gone to other clinics in the area and those clinics only implant one egg at a time. When I asked if that was an option, he dismissed me. I'm not risking multiples when I already have a child. I agree with what others have said. I think it's time for Dr. Chetkowski to retire.

Followup from 1.5 years ago; our son is thriving following another successful round of IVF. Thank you, Dr. Chetkowski and your great staff!

I met Dr Chet at what I assumed was the end of our very long road in our quest to have our 3rd child. It seemed I had just waited too long, was too old, and had nothing but bad eggs left. In the previous 2 years, I'd had 3 losses and 2 failed IVF retrievals. I went to see Dr Chet at the recommendation of my OB (Jill Foley). I knew right away that the experience with Dr Chet would be the polar opposite of my first RE. The first RE (RSC) had a very swanky office, was very polished, and had an army of doctors, nurses, case managers, and techs. Well, despite the bells and whistles (or perhaps because of them) the experience was an utter failure. I was treated as a statistic from day one, as they hustled me through their baby making factory. There was absolutely no personalization of my IVF protocol, even after a disastrous first round. In addition, I saw my doctor a total of 2 times - once before we started, and once when we met to discuss the failed cycle. She couldn't have picked me out of a lineup if her life depended on it. My case manager was nice but inept. And, the billing dept overcharged us $5K, which would never have come to light if I hadn't stumbled upon the error, and hounded them until they returned the money.Now to the polar opposite. Walking into Dr Chet's office, you quickly see there are no bells and whistles. This is just a small doctor's office with 2 doctors, 2 nurses, and an office manager. But here's the thing: You actually get to know your doctor, and he knows you. You see your doctor EVERY. SINGLE. VISIT. No matter if they're just doing a quick check, or a complicated procedure. And, Dr Chet really takes the time to treat every patient as an individual, not a number. In the first conversation we had, Dr Chet reviewed all of my medical data, asked very specific questions, and then said, "How would you feel about trying something a little more low tech?" You can't imagine how refreshing this is to hear when you've had another doctor basically tell you there is nothing they can do, and you should just move on to IVF with donor eggs. We did two medicated IUI cycles with Dr Chet. With 25% of the medication, I got 90% of the response as compared to the IVF cycles at the other clinic. The first resulted in a chemical, the second resulted in my 3rd child - our baby girl is now 8 months old. Most importantly, I felt like everyone at the office knew me, and was pulling for me. Wendy (one of the amazing nurses) talked me down from more than a few panic attacks. She really listened to me, which is so very, very rare today. Barbara, who runs the office, was equally amazing. My heart is full just thinking about all of them. They truly are the most dedicated and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Dr.Chetkoski Ryszard, is the best IVF doctor in the world! I strongly recommend him, he helped make our dreams come true. Also helped other families (that I personally know) in their process as well. On my first IFV cycle we were able to accomplish our goal! My son is almost 2 years old. Thank you and your office. THE gift of life is #priceless.

My son is now 2 and a half.I am not sure what possessed me to even look at reviews. But here I am. I noticed many poor reviews during the 2010-2011 time. I cannot speak to these women's experiences, I can only speak of my own. I came to him in 2011. I was 42 years old. My FSH was in the toilet, but I still wanted to use my own eggs. He spoke of donor eggs. I didn't want that option. He did put me through a battery of tests to make sure I could carry a child. I was fine in that regard. Against his better judgement, we went ahead and did an IUI. That didn't work.I tried diligently on my own and finally returned in 2012 to use donor eggs. This worked and I carried my child to term on the first try.I am not saying he is perfect. He is not the most "lovey dovey" person in the world and he can seem terse, but I don't believe he was ever a mean person. He was not. His personality is such that he is human...that is just how he is. While there were times I wish he would be hand holding and a shoulder to cry on, he isn't that. What he is, is a knowledgeable man with a high success rate. Ultimately this is what we want, right? The staff, is great (especially Barbara!). I think sometimes we want everybody to be super loving to us and caudal us especially in a time that we, lets face it, are desperate. Not everyone is going to be that person. People are people and not every nurse there is a hand holder. Nothing wrong with that.I couldn't be happier with my decision to go to him. He was my second doctor. The first one wanted $300 just to have a consultation...which I paid. That doctor didn't want to talk about FSH at all, but almost immediately sent me to the finance department to get financed for an egg donor I cried and looked around and emailed him and it so the trip began. He really is a good doctor. He does care about his clients and I couldn't recommend him more. It didn't matter to him that I was a 40 something single woman. :)

This is our second round at IVF following the successful birth of our first daughter, now age 4. I have nothing but praise and admiration for the venerable Dr. Chetkowski and his staff, and consider ourselves fortunate to have such expertise available in the East Bay.

Dr. Chet told me, " my job is to get your pregnant" and that was the end result. My son is now 8 months...dr. chat and his staff are great!