North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine

Tomah and NCCRM are amazing! After one extremely frustrating year with Carolina Conceptions, I cannot sing the praises for NCCRM and Dr. Tomah loudly enough! The difference in personal attention, assessment of my situation, and price is beyond belief. I only saw nurses at Carolina Conceptions and their only solution was more money, more injectables more drugs. Each month I was told that I wasn't responding well enough, despite spending $3000-5000/cycle on dr. visits and drugs. Plus, I always had at least one, often two, large, viable eggs. Turns out CC only did a partial analysis of my husband's sperm, thus I was being treated improperly and it ended up costing me nearly $10,000 (out of pocket) more than it should have cost! In additon, the office staff and nurses were kind and quite accomodating, but the Office Manager at CC was downright rude. Tomah recommended clomid and IUI for just a few hundred per cycle vs. CC continually recommending injectables for 10x the cost. Don't be put off by NCCRM's worn office and longer waiting period (I did wait about 1/2 hour in the waiting room). The personal attention and cost savings are well worth the wait and the worn furniture. Dr. Tomah is honest, kind, and helpful. He has given me hope when CC only gave me empty promises and an evaporating checking account. Trust me. I know what you're going through and Dr. Tomah can help you.

Posted 11/04/09 | Report Abuse

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last year at age 33 went to see Dr. Vulgaropolos at NCCRM with secondary infertility.Besides the long wait I had to chase the nurses for lab results, phone calls after phone calls and no response, finally I called bac and asked to speak with the doctor adn they are simply unreachable.Then a nurse calls me back explaining how bad my lab results look but could not answer any further questions I had, and plus if my reports are that bad, I expect a call from the doctor and not the nurse.Then I go back to see Dr V. and he was just cold and most non-compassionate and un-interested.I decided to leave the same day and since been at Duke fertility.

Posted 10/14/09 | Report Abuse

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This practice may have a great success rate, but I felt like I was at a breeding farm. The care of the female patient is absolutely horrid. Find another clinic!!!

Posted 06/08/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Have been going to Dr Toma for 13 yrs they give complete care and I have never waited for over 1 1/2 hours in that 13 years .It is 45 min most of the time .Dr Toma has done many surgeries on me and they have all gone great. ,He always asked if anything is different and tests for everything My feeling is that he has a wonderful practice is happy in what he does and is making a real contribution in life.I would recommend this practice to anyone. Dee

Posted 06/04/09 | Report Abuse

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Been there with my wife, appointment was of 2:30 PM and we got Dr Toma at 4 PM to see us, and just for 3 mins. When doctor talks to in a good way and assures you things will be okay we will take care of you, you get confident and confidence drives everything, but this was not the case with Dr Toma. He does not seems to interested in knowing your part of story, interested in knowing when you want to start IVF and IUF, all money game. He may have had dinner with Mr Bush, but whats a big deal is he really a good in his profession? I felt he just want to be politician and NCCRM is his second most important thing for him.Go to other places except NCCRM

Posted 05/29/09 | Report Abuse

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In my view, Dr. Toma's behavior is totally unacceptable and borderline unethical. In addition to the horrific customer service (including extremely long--up to 3 hour--wait times, rude demeanor, and total lack of access to a doctor to answer any questions during a difficult and very unfamiliar, complex procedure), there are several extremely disturbing events that occurred during my experience with NCCRM, including but not limited to, conducting unnecessary procedures, giving me incorrect or incomplete instructions/prescriptions, and failing to answer direct questions about my treatment. Avoid this practice! Dr. Toma appears to be solely concerned with profit and puts quantity over quality at every turn. While nice and polite, the billing staff made several mistakes (including filing claims and receiving insurance payments twice for the same exact treatment and refusing to refund the insurance company's money for several months) and failed to timely file insurance claims which lead to me having to pay out of pocket more than I should have given my coverage. In addition, after paying several thousands of dollars, I had one last bill for $70 remaining after over a year of dealing with insurance and office billing mistakes that was sent to a collection agency just a few weeks after sending me the corrected bill (and AFTER I had already paid it and they cashed my check)!!! I was absolutely stunned. After all the discussions we had over billing/insurance issues during the past year, they are clearly aware that I am paying attention, concerned about my account, and responsible with my credit (I ALWAYS pay what I owe in full and on time), but they sent a small bill to collection without any notice. They are totally inconsiderate and obviously only concerned with money. AVOID this place!!! I have since been to Carolina Conceptions and couldn't be happier--excellent service, competent and caring doctors and staff, and respect (what a concept!). I would strongly recommend CC. Good luck to everyone seeking fertility treatments!

Posted 04/20/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I went in, needing to speak to a nurse. All were in, "meetings". I have not started a cycle and they continue to put me off! I have since been in contact with Carolina Conceptions and they are totally different. They answer calls, nurses call back and Dr's email. What a change. We have a clear plan and will cycle in June! Breath of fresh air. Please do not waste your time here (NCCRM) It's all a numbers game. Dr. Toma refuses to answer questions! Run, run as fast as you can!

Posted 04/15/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I was a patient at NCCRM from August 2007 - June 2008. When I went to my first appointment, I thought to myself, finally I am making progress as I've been trying to conceive for years. The farthest I had ever gone with infertility medication was clomid for 7 cycles, so I really thought conceiving would be easy for me. I have PCOS, but I am a healthy 36 year old female. During my IVF cycle, I developed 37 eggs, which 23 of them were fertilized (believe it or not, all grade 4). Two of which were transferred during the IVF cycle (the remaining were frozen). At any rate, during the transfer, I noticed that Dr. Toma was fumbling while conducting the procedure. It took him a while to complete the transfer. I assistant had to leave out of the room at least two times to get a different instrument. It turns out, he couldn't get through my cervix. It's no surprise that I did not get pregnant (and I did not feel confident about the procedure when i walk out of the office, I knew I didn't work just because of the way he was fumbling through the procedure). Here is the issue I have to this day...I had four frozen embryo transfers after my initial IVF procedure. Can you believe he had the same issue all 4 times? He couldn't get through my cervix? After everything was all said and done, he tells me that he couldn't get through my cervix because I had scar tissue. Here is another issue...I didn't have scar tissue before NCCRM started the IVF and FET cycles. I was very disappointed. Additionally, the other reviews were correct about the wait time. Everything was absolutely true. I don't know about the Greensboro office, but the Cary office was very disappointing to me.

Posted 02/28/09 | Report Abuse

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My husband and I have been battling infertility for 6 years. I have PCOS, endometriosis and a blood clotting disorder called anti thrombin antigen. Dr. Toma has been COMPLETELY honest with us since our very first visit over 3 years ago. He is blunt but he knows his business. Infertility is hard enough to go through without a doctor not giving you the facts about your situation first. I absolutely appreciate his candor. After 4 IUIs (at another clinic), 3 IVFs and 4 miscarriages I am finally 7 months pregnant because Dr. Toma did not sugar coat things for me --- he told me the truth, no frills. The staff at NCCRM has been invaluable to me over the past few horrifying years. If you've done IVF, you know how hard it is. Every day Brenda at the front desk would lift me up - I was scared and depressed but she always found a way to make me laugh. Every nurse I saw was compassionate and knowledgeable. Folita, Judy, Karla, Eman - I know there are more I am not listing here but seriously they have all been wonderful. Everything Dr. Toma has ever told me has been accurate. Even when I thought it wasn't possible or other docs disagreed - he was right. Don't sell yourself short. If you want a baby, this practice will give you a map on how to have one and the fastest way possible. They will even indulge you while you try on your own with little hope. This practice makes me want to work there so I can help women the way they have helped me.

Posted 01/17/09 | Report Abuse

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I was with NCCRM at Cary and had a very frustrating experience with Dr Toma. Nursing staff were good but Toma I would say is an incompetant and inconsiderate doctor.

He never shows any interest in hearing your problems.
He is very reluctant in answering the questions. I even wonder if he knows the things well. He is always hours late for appointments.

I had a history of ectopic preg before i went there. After my second IUI it was positive but the hormone levels were not increasing as it should be and i had light bleeding everyday. I was concerned tht it is another ectopic but he was least bothered.I was 6 weeks pregnant and I read in internet that an ultra sound can be done at this stage. After our persistent requests he did an US and said he dont see anything in uterus. We asked him what that meant and he said "it doesnt mean anything and we need to wait couple of weeks more" and just left the room. I was more worried as last time i had the ectopic it raptured and endangered my life and i lost one of my tubes. Just 1 hr after he said this, i received a call from the nurse saying that the doctor thinks he is 99% sure that it is another ectopic and need to remove the pregnancy the very next day... i dont know what revelation he had in that 1 hr which changed his mind from 0 - 99% sure... I think he consulted some other knowledgeable doctor after he left.

Anyway we removed it in time. If I was not keen on the US, he would have ignored it and i would have ended up in the ER with my remaining tube also gone. That would have been an end of our dreams to have a child in natural way other than ivf.
I will never go to him again and warn all of you to be away from them and go to some experienced, knowledgeable doctor who have some heart for the trauma of his patients who give their hopes in his hands.

Posted 01/14/09 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Of course the people who have negative reviews are the ones most seeking out a review to post. I am VERY grateful to NCCRM and Dr. Toma, Folita, and Karla, as they are sole reason why I have my beautiful baby girl. I had a wonderful experience there. I never had a problem with the front desk or any customer services. Dr. Toma's nurses were always readily available to answer ALL my question the whole way through. They worked very diligently to complete our common goal for their numbers, yes, and for my dream, of pregnancy.

Posted 11/15/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Where do I begin? From my embryos being thawed accidently, then having to be thrown out. Dr. Toma has the worst bedside manner! Folita is pretty awful, too. Karla, is wonderfull! They treat you like cattle. It's about boosting their numbers. They have no care for women that miscarry and you will wait over an hour for your appointment. I have wasted too much time and money with them. I'm moving to CC...

Posted 09/26/08 | Report Abuse

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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While I agree that the long waits show a lack of organization and respect, this is something I can handle if you feel like your concerns matter. The nurses and office staff are considerate. The same can not be said for Dr. Toma. I went for an ultrasound after having implanted two frozen embryos. After a rushed search with the ultrasound revealed an empty sac, Dr. Toma's only response was "Yep, there's no baby. You can get dressed now." His whole visit lasted about three minutes. What a way to treat somebody in this situation.

Posted 09/12/08 | Report Abuse

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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We had my wife's tube reconnected here.
No luck yet but only problem we've faced with them is having services done closer to home. That is instead of driving to Cary for everything.

Other than that everything seems professional with them.

Long office visits are expected, long waits.

It's standard at any doctors' office.

Posted 08/25/08 | Report Abuse

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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My husband and I have struggled with infertility for over 8 years. After relocating and taking a break from fertility treatments, we decided to invest our heart, time, and money with Dr. Toma. We did an IFV cycle, got pregnant, and show Dr. Toma an 8 week ultrasound. My husband and I sat in the office for 2 hours before seeing Dr. Toma for our ultrasound, learning that he was out riding his horses. We were so excited and so very scared. When Dr. Toma performed the ultrasound the sak was empty ... we had miscarried. Dr. Toma looked at me and my husband and said, "oh well, there is no baby. I guess we will have to try again." That is a quote. Imagine laying on the table in a very vulerable position to begin with, thinking that you are about to see the first picture of your baby and to be told that. Words can not describe how heartless this practice is. We are now at Duke.

Posted 08/12/08 | Report Abuse

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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My husband and I went to UNC first and then to here. I have PCOS and have been fighting infertility for 4 years. I feel as though the team in Dr. Mulvaney's office is exceptional. I don't see Dr. Toma in there and it's possible that that is the change they needed to make. Angela is so patient and knowledgeable. Rhonda is the best at keeping me feeling as though she's on top of things and is always EXTREMELY helpful when I call even though she's doing ten things at once. I haven't seen Dr. Mulvaney since my first visit. We've done two rounds of clomid and was pregnant the first go round. We're checking my uterus with the saline ultrasound next month and then hopefully we'll be back on. I really feel with the help of the Greensboro NCCRM center we're going to either be successful or walk away feeling like we did all we could.

Posted 07/27/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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So far, I haven't had a bad experience like the other reviewers here. Dr. Mulvaney and the nurses seem very experienced and they all have done a great job explaining test results and treatment options without sounding condescending. I get anxious when I go to the doctor and Dr. M always cracks me up at my appointments. The person who handles insurance went above and beyond her job duties to help me out. She called my insurance, verified my coverage, deductibles, etc. and mailed me a summary of her findings without me even asking. She volunteered to meet with me after my first appt. to answer all my insurance/financial questions. I left feeling like I was in good hands. The only drawback for me is the wait time to see the doctor. I've always had to wait 30-45 minutes each time.

Posted 05/25/08 | Report Abuse

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We are currently patients at NCCRM. I don't know if something has changed recently, but so far we are very pleased with the office and Dr. Toma. We just finished our first month clomid/met/IUI. Unfortunately it wasn't our month, but the care and monitoring we received were excellent. Dr. Toma answers our questions in a concise, professional manner. Both my husband and I are get to the point type people though. Our nurse, Karla is excellent. She always calls me back quickly and never seems bothered by my countless questions. The reason I only gave 4 stars is due to the time we have to wait to see Dr. Toma. We have had to wait at least 45 minutes to see him for 5 minutes twice now. I have to cancel my own clients to see him. I understand that problems arise; however, it seems to be a frequent pattern that proper scheduling could correct. That is my only complaint.

- Kate S.

Posted 11/08/07 | Report Abuse

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After multiple IVF attempts at another clinic and 10 years of infertility due to endometriosis, we were told to give up hope ever having a baby. We decided to get a 2nd opinion from NCCRM. We were told our case was an easy one. Unbelieving, we attempted an IVF with them as a final chance. Much to our surprise, we became pregnant with 1 attempt at NCCRM! We had a healthy baby girl. The staff is very knowledgable. They have an IVF class set up for patients that you are required to take before you do IVF there. The stafff has always been pleasant and has returned phone calls. I've never had a long office wait so I'm not sure what is the story with the other reviewers. They have some of the highest rates in the US and thats what it all boils down to. They get results.

Posted 04/25/07 | Report Abuse

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I had a horrific six months with this practice. After having several friends find success here, I thought they were what I needed. Boy, was I wrong! There is not enough staff to handle the patients; testing is shoddy; care is cold and unfeeling; patient education is non-existent. Since leaving this practice, I have heard numerous horror stories from here. We have since gone to Dr. Meyer at UNC and followed him to his new practice, Carolina Conceptions. The difference in the two offices is phenomenal. If you want to see how infertility treatment should not be handled, go ahead and visit Mulvaney and Toma!

Posted 02/10/07 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I hope that any woman experiencing fertility problems reads this review before visiting Dr. Toma at NCCRM. I am 25 and in relatively good health - besides struggling with PCOS. I waited 1.5 hours in the waiting room until I was ushered into a tiny room to wait for the doctor. He came in after about 45 mins (meanwhile, I was so nervous I thought I was going to vomit), talked to us for 5 mins and left again. The nurse came in again after another 20 mins and took me into the ultrasound room. I took off my clothes (I had my period, so I hesitated to even do that) and waited another 45 mins naked until he came back in to check my ovaries. He quickly and nonchalantly explained my issue to me as if I was a first grader and sent me on my merry way with many prescriptions and more questions than answers. I went in for a 21 day progesterone test and the nurse that delivered my results said they were "bad, very very bad" and wanted me to go right to IUI procedures. Well, ladies, it turned out I was PREGNANT! This nurse told me there was little chance I even ovulated so I thought there was no way I was pregnant. After speaking with that nurse and struggling through her cold-hearted monologue - I immediately made an appointment at UNC Reproductive Endocrinology. I went to see Dr. Scotchie there - she is WONDERFUL! Please don't waste your time with NCCRM and go to a practice that really cares. It is too difficult to struggle with infertility AND incompetent Doctors and Nurses.

Posted 01/12/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Stay away from this place. People are treated like objects in a production line. Wait is over 2 hours to see Dr. Toma. He is very unprofessional and staff is over worked. We were given incorrect test results and almost lost hope of having a baby because of them. I know 5 other people with same experience!

Posted 12/29/06 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Wow this is a wonderful place, so clean, and doctors know their stuff, Very helpful with questions and the rooms are good . We didnt wait to long but seemed a while before we did get to talk to the doctor, nurse are nice as well, the only draw back was the price, If you dont have insurance be prepaired to pay A LOT which is fine if you can afford it lol, most people who go there do have insurance but lovely place , they also let you know that your not alone in what your going throw

Posted 09/06/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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