Rma Orange County- Newport Beach's Online Review Report Card

I was very hesitant to move forward here because of the many negative reviews, but I still gave it a chance and had a consultation. Unfortunately, I left feeling devastated and even more discouraged about my fertility journey. I paid more than $250 for what felt like a rushed and impersonal conversation that was unkind and mean. The doctor asked about my fertility history in such a blunt way that even my husband felt uncomfortable for me as he saw me panic. When I mentioned that I hoped to have 3–4 children in the future, her response was simply, “Given your age, that’s going to be difficult if you don’t start now.” I became emotional, and instead of showing compassion, she brushed it off with, “Yeah, fertility isn’t fair, okay moving on…” That left me shocked and in tears. The TikToks seem funny, until it’s not. She made an apathetic post months ago about how if you wanted a kid by 2026, then your time is out already which was distasteful and horrific. So many women reposted it and spoke ill of it and how it made them go in panic. She is not a people person and is not kind unfortunately along with the nurses there. They are all judgemental. Anyways, Afterward, I was quickly pushed into an exam and then sent to another staff member to discuss finances. That interaction was even more discouraging — I was spoken to in a dismissive, almost judgmental way, as if my ability to pay determined whether I belonged there. The overall impression I got was that this clinic emphasizes luxury (ocean views, prestige, appearances) over actual patient care. I was also told that with any interaction with the Dr., I must pay to speak to her even if it’s to ask a question- which felt very unprofessional and awkward. The entire atmosphere felt cold and transactional. The phone staff were curt, the office staff were judgmental, and the doctor seemed detached, with little bedside manner in a field where empathy should be a priority. Fertility treatment is one of the most emotionally and financially difficult journeys a couple can go through. Patients need a doctor who is not only knowledgeable, but also compassionate, kind, and supportive. I left the clinic crying and heartbroken. This experience confirmed what so many other reviews warned about. If this practice wants to improve, compassion and respect must come first — because right now, it feels like patients are treated as numbers, not people.

AVOID THIS CLINIC. After 3 strikes you should be out, I gave them 5. I am so sad with this whole process and I hope this review helps other women avoid this terrible practice. I am still waiting for “a follow up call” weeks later once again so I feel it’s finally time to share my horrible experience. Please note— I rarely write reviews (this is probably my first one), but I feel it’s important to share my experience given the sensitivity of fertility care. While Dr. Gazelle has an impressive background with degrees from Harvard and Stanford and is very knowledgeable with statistics, my overall experience was extremely disappointing and, honestly, disheartening. From the start, the practice felt disorganized and impersonal. Her staff was kind when you reached them, but there were no check-ins, no follow-ups, and not even confirmation that my appointments were on the calendar—I had to constantly call to make sure I was scheduled. I was doing more work than them. Every appointment required pre-payment in cash, even before a short five-minute Zoom call, and Dr. Gazelle was consistently 15–30 minutes late, both virtually and in person. The promised “concierge liaison” never followed up regarding my lab work. Again, I had to reach out 3x to get loaded into my portal and each time they were loaded wrong. If I wanted to review the results I had already paid for, I was required to book another appointment and pay an additional $125 just to have them explained. Oh and note, the doctor won’t get on the call until the cc transaction has processed. Please also note I do not care about paying cash for great service or medical care. We are financially sound. But the way they demanded the funds were just weird. I am business owner and this isn’t the correct etiquette. After only a few tests (which in my opinion were not thorough), she quickly labeled me as “unexplained infertility” and immediately steered the conversation toward IUI—while simultaneously telling me it probably wouldn’t work—and then pushed IVF as the only real option. “You must be exhausted after a year of trying on and off— IVF is probably the best easiest route for you now.” (Manipulation tactic— “exhausted”.). I came to her for answers not a magic $30-60k procedure that also could fail. No answers were given as everything she found was extremely healthy and normal. Beyond the financial frustration, what hurt the MOST was the lack of compassion. Fertility treatment is already one of the most emotionally vulnerable journeys a person can walk through, and I felt unseen, unheard, and treated more like a number than a patient. What should be a supportive and hopeful process felt transactional and even fear-driven. My feedback: This clinic desperately needs better systems, better communication, and above all, better patient care. A strong degree means little without empathy, organization, and follow-through. I cannot in good conscience recommend this doctor, despite her impressive credentials.

They are only looking to take your money!! I came in and was immediately given a PCOS diagnoses without any hormonal lab work or health screening. When I was shocked to hear this sudden diagnosis Dr Ghazal said “I was one of the lucky ones” and sat me down with her financial coordinator to discusses how I plan to pay for 10s of thousands of dollars in IUI and IVF treatments. She ordered blood work that only consisted on a CBC and T4 order. There was no day 21 test, no testosterone test, and nothing else related to my hormonal balances. I waited to get a second opinion from my OBGYN and was told that I certainly do NOT have PCOS and that I am in fact perfectly healthy. I went though months of anxiety regarding my fertility status for absolutely nothing while I am sure this facility preys on perfectly healthy women for their financial benefit.

Our experience with Rise Fertility, and specifically with Dr. Ghazal, was incredibly disappointing and emotionally draining. This clinic completely failed to provide the care, empathy, and professionalism that any patient--especially one going through fertility treatment--deserves. Dr. Ghazal showed no compassion throughout the process. She rushed through every interaction, and the follow-up call after a very emotional stage of treatment was cold, brief, and dismissive. There was no space for questions, no emotional support, and no sign that she truly cared about what we were going through. Sadly, the lack of empathy wasn't just limited to the doctor. The nurse practitioner we dealt with also showed no concern or sensitivity toward our situation. Despite seeing how emotionally impacted my wife was, no one at the clinic showed even the slightest bit of compassion. To make matters worse, after paying over $20,000 for treatment, the clinic had the audacity to charge us just to access our own medical records. That was not only unethical--it was a slap in the face after an already heartbreaking experience. We would never recommend Rise Fertility to anyone. The emotional insensitivity and lack of patient care here are unacceptable. Please look elsewhere if you're seeking support, empathy, and professionalism during such a vulnerable time

After 10 years of TTC, being treated by multiple previous fertility clinics, 3 failed transfers and none of them seeking further missed diagnosis. Dr. Ghazal and NP Heidi never gave up on us. They always listen to our concerns and tried different protocols. We were finally able to have our take home baby this past fall 2024. 🥰💕 Thank you team for all your support and willingness to help us achieve parenthood.

This review and my gratitude for Rise Fertility are long overdue. A year ago as a single woman in her mid-thirties, I made an empowering decision to freeze my eggs at Rise Fertility. From the start, the team’s warmth, compassion, and professionalism made all the difference. Dr. Ghazal was thorough and honest, ensuring I felt informed and at ease throughout the process. Her nurse, Laura is excellent! She went above and beyond, offering continuous support and genuine care that turned an intimidating process into a positive one. The medications were tough on me physically and mentally but as I reflect back, the relief I feel in regards to the pressures of the biological clock made it all worth it. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication and kindness. I couldn’t have asked for better care and support during such an important step towards my future. I highly recommend Rise Fertility for any fertility treatments.

If you're looking for a fertility clinic with a personal touch, where the staff knows you by name and genuinely cares about your well-being, Rise Fertility is the place to go. I was referred to Dr. Ghazal by my GYN, and from my very first appointment, I felt informed - Dr. Ghazal clearly explained all my options without any pressure, helping me make the best decisions for my situation. Over the course of a year, the team at Rise shared both good and difficult news with me, but they were always compassionate and supportive. I highly recommend Dr. Ghazal and the entire team at Rise Fertility. Thanks to their care, I am now 4 months pregnant and couldn't be more grateful!

After receiving news from another doctor that it would be impossible for me to get pregnant, I was shattered. Fortunately, I found Rise Fertility! The thought of going through the process of IVF was terrifying for me, but I am so grateful to have found Rise Fertility. They helped me have my miracle baby, and the women at Rise made me feel safe in their care. I couldn't recommend them more. I am incredibly thankful to Rise Fertility.

I came to RISE is 2023 for help from the team after I had two miscarriages. I am so very glad I did as The team was able to help me identify next steps in trying to conceive! With this help, I was able to make the decision to conceive on my own, and just had my baby boy on 6/21/24. The team at Rise helped give me the confidence to try one more time on my own before any other interventions. I felt like they had my interest in mind, and were very caring! Thank you Rise team!

10 years and five other doctors later of trying to have a baby and this is the only doctor that knew what was wrong and FIXED it! Now I have my family, and every single person I have referred to her has gotten pregnant. Dr. Ghazal has helped me and everyone I know trying! You have to see her!