Northwell Health Fertility

My experience with Dr. Lauren Elisabeth Ursillo revealed significant deficiencies in compassionate care and effective communication. Throughout our interaction, I felt unsupported and noticed a lack of empathy from Dr. Ursillo. Communication proved challenging, particularly regarding essential follow-ups concerning my implant plan and discussions about my health. These discussions were often delegated to physician assistants and nurses, despite my request for direct communication. Dr. Ursillo's approach appeared to lack genuine empathy towards my medical decisions, notably regarding my choice not to seek consultation with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor due to my age and previous experiences with pregnancy-related hypertension. A direct conversation initiated by Dr. Ursillo could have allowed us to address my concerns and history, potentially avoiding unnecessary and stressful consultations. Improving interpersonal skills and taking a more proactive role in patient care discussions could greatly benefit Dr. Ursillo's practice. Enhancing communication practices and demonstrating empathy would significantly enhance the patient experience under her care. While Dr. Lauren Elisabeth Ursillo possesses medical expertise based on her position, my experience highlighted the need for improvement in patient-centered care and compassionate communication. Dr. Ursillo abruptly halted my treatment midway through a four-month cycle, insisting that I consult a Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor to approve my egg implantation, citing concerns about my age and slightly elevated blood pressure. This demand was unexpected, as throughout my two-year tenure at the clinic, I had not previously been required to see a Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor or been informed of any concerns about my safety in becoming pregnant. Prospective patients seeking a healthcare provider who actively engages, empathizes with their concerns, does not base treatment decisions on age, and values direct communication with their doctor may wish to consider these aspects when evaluating Dr. Ursillo's practice.

I would not even give this fertility clinic one star. They discriminate against women over 40 years old, holding them to different standards than others. They claim that due to my age and slightly elevated blood pressure, I need clearance from both MFM and a cardiologist to proceed with pregnancy for my “safety.” This concern for my “safety” only surfaced with the new doctor, as my regular doctor went on leave. I previously completed 25 IUIs and an egg retrieval without any medical clearance from MFM or a cardiologist, implying that the clinic perceives different risks between IUI and IVF pregnancies. Four months into the cycle, after taking all the prescribed medications including two full Lupron cycles, I was informed—just two days before the implant process—that I needed all this medical clearance. This is absurd. Although I provided a note from my primary care physician of 12 years, who manages my blood pressure and affirmed I am fit to get pregnant, it was deemed insufficient. Conversely, a doctor (Dr. Ursillo) who met me for five minutes on Zoom claimed I am not fit for pregnancy due to my age and minor blood pressure issue. Furthermore, the MFM doctor they insisted I see within their practice was influenced by a prior meeting with the clinic, leading to a prejudiced evaluation. I strongly advise staying far away from this fertility clinic and Dr. Ursillo, who communicates indirectly. The "Vice President" of Northwell Fertility, Daniel Vacmen, who is not listed as such but introduced himself as the vice president and Mary Jane his partner, have also been uncooperative. They have refused to answer specific questions regarding other medical conditions preventing my approval for implantation to get pregnant, despite my clearance from my primary care physician. When confronted with accusations of age discrimination, they backpedaled, stating age was not the issue, yet they refused to release my medical records promptly to see an attorney, likely to alter them. Additionally, they declined to provide the standard operating procedures they referenced and the New York laws they claimed to uphold but couldn't explain. After paying in full for an IVF cycle, they are now holding my embryo hostage with arbitrary rules that only surfaced after over two years of being their patient. This clinic is a disgrace, failing to provide the warmth and emotional support essential for women enduring the mental and physical challenges of trying to conceive. They are solely focused on financial gain, with no understanding of the struggles we face. I’m not the only one being treated this way there are several others that are going to join in on the conversation with an attorney.  I will not stop until justice is served for all women being fat shamed and discriminated against for being over 40.