Dr. James Grifo, United States
4.3
Consultations 76
Reproductive Medicine
Doctor Introduction
Dr. James Grifo, United States
I pursued both an MD and a PhD in obstetrics and gynecology because this field best combined my desire to help others with my interest in advancing science. The field focuses largely on translational medicine, so I continually study and improve treatments.
I pioneered techniques known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), which examine specific genes and chromosome numbers in early embryos. These procedures can determine whether an embryo has genetic abnormalities that could put a pregnancy at risk and increase the chance of miscarriage or health problems at birth.
PGD and PGS require removing cells from an embryo, also known as an embryo biopsy, which is considered safe. I performed the first embryo biopsy that resulted in a live birth in the United States in 1992.
I focus particularly on assisted reproduction, helping people with fertility problems through egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our program's specialists were early adopters of egg-freezing technology and helped pioneer its development. In July 2005, the first baby conceived using a frozen egg was born at NYU Langone. I have made significant contributions to developing tools that help measure reproductive outcomes, increase successful pregnancies, and reduce IVF side effects.
At the Fertility Center, I work with a dedicated group of physicians to raise standards in the field. Fertility concerns are sensitive, and infertility treatment is not an easy process. When people come to us with an unfulfilled dream of building a family, our goal is to educate them about their options so they can take an active role in treatment. We are committed to making the experience as efficient and effective as possible.
My colleagues and I have worked together at NYU Langone since 1995. For many years before that, we all focused on one goal: helping people achieve their dream of having a child. Through the treatments we provide and the research we conduct at the Fertility Center, we have the opportunity to help build the world one baby at a time.
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Stephanie Garcia
2 years ago
Jan 30, 2025
I appreciated how Dr. Blackmore answered all my questions and concerns. She was very helpful with my decision and made it easy to choose. She examined me without rushing and responded kindly to my concerns. I would recommend her.
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Vanessa B
2 years ago
Mar 7, 2025
She was patient, kind, empathetic, and factual. She made room for sincere questions and never rushed me off the phone.
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Flaminia Marrucci
2 years ago
Feb 28, 2025
Everyone was very helpful and answered every question, even when it meant repeating themselves!
Dr. Berkeley was kind and welcoming while also being direct and straightforward when sharing information with us. Overall, a great experience.
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Ayume Orchid
1 year ago
Jun 10, 2025
Moxie (Xolo Maridueña) × St. Cecelia (Angelina Hathaway) = fully biological parents (professional insemination)
@NYU Langone Fertility Center (our favorite women's health clinic in New York)
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Emily Cavaliere
1 year ago
May 24, 2025
Dr. Grifo and his team at NYU Langone Medical Center come highly recommended. I have great confidence in the excellent medical care provided here. My experience was exemplary: their high standards of care and compassion matched the knowledge and experience of the doctor and his team.
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Samantha Gore
1 year ago
May 20, 2025
All questions were answered honestly, and they offered to find any answers we did not receive during the meeting.
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heng zhao
1 year ago
Jul 16, 2025
Our egg retrieval experience was terrible!! We discovered that anesthesia was not provided by NYU Langone, and they did not know the cost. The anesthesia provider was also out of network. We called for the anesthesiologist's billing department phone number, but they could not even provide a correct number.
In our insurance claims, we found a claim for nearly $8000 as our responsibility, just for 15 minutes of IV sedation. Really? That is outrageous.
========== 2023.7.10==============
Update:
After I complained, they contacted us and helped us reach the anesthesiologist's billing department. It turned out to be a surprise bill that should have been covered by insurance.
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My embryo storage billing continues to trouble me. Around 2023, NYU Langone transferred embryo storage billing to Preclude Cryopreservation. For the past two years, the two companies have been unable to work together to resolve the issue, even though my insurance covers storage. For two years, I have repeatedly had to call NYU Langone, Preclude, and my insurance company. It is extremely frustrating. Please simplify this process.
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Y. Wu
1 year ago
Jul 12, 2025
After the initial consultation, they never responded again. When I finally reached someone to discuss next steps, they wanted me to undergo a procedure that had never been discussed or consented to. Worse, they drew my blood for genetic testing despite knowing my insurance would not cover it and having no plan. This clinic clearly cares only about money and nothing else. I do not recommend it under any circumstances.
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Farjana Suchi
1 year ago
Jul 30, 2025
She respects patients, gives them time, and conducts herself appropriately.
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Lily X
1 year ago
Aug 22, 2025
If you are seeking personalized care, I do not recommend NYU Langone Fertility Center for IVF. Although some nurses and residents are attentive, the center operates like a factory—you see whichever doctor is on duty that day—and patients rarely see their attending physician after the initial consultation. This model exposes patients to greater risks, including inadequate postoperative care, insufficient OHSS prevention and monitoring, and even excessive sedation during procedures.
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Amy Lau
8 months ago
Jan 25, 2026
Everyone is warm and friendly when you are actually at the fertility center. However, if you call or need help, you cannot reach a real person beyond their outsourced answering service. Several times a nurse called and I missed it, but I could not call back because the line always went to the answering service. It was extremely frustrating. I do not recommend them. The administration added tremendous stress to my entire experience.
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J Kaye
12 months ago
Sep 24, 2025
I recently visited as a new patient, and the experience was very pleasant and helpful. I got an appointment sooner than expected, and my doctor and every nurse addressed all my concerns. So far, I am very satisfied with this center.
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N H
11 months ago
Oct 8, 2025
The staff on the sixth floor are unbelievable!!! They demanded that I sign a document stating that I would pay all costs if my insurance did not cover my scan. I called my insurance company on the spot, and they said it was covered. When I refused to sign, the staff began disclosing my private health information to other patients in the waiting area. When I accused them of violating HIPPA, they hid in a back room and laughed. Completely unprofessional—and guess what? My insurance did pay!
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Regina Bulatova
12 months ago
Sep 29, 2025
Dr. Fino is wonderful! She listens carefully, explains everything clearly, and is very kind and courteous. Highly recommended!
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Em K
10 months ago
Nov 26, 2025
Although some nurses and residents are attentive, the center operates like a factory.
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Rui
9 months ago
Dec 2, 2025
At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, the supposedly 24-hour postoperative patient advice line was unreachable. This is outrageous. I was in severe pain and urgently needed to speak with someone, but after surgery I could not even reach the advice line, let alone a doctor.
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Patricia van der Vliet
8 months ago
Jan 16, 2026
I have not yet had my egg retrieval, but so far I am very pleased with the care and guidance I have received. Dr. Berkeley and all the nurses at NYU Langone are wonderful.
During monitoring, many women do wait in the waiting room, and as other reviews mention, it can feel a little like a factory. But it is a great “factory” 😊, with short waits and dedicated nurses who always welcome you warmly and are ready to answer all your questions.
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Y P
8 months ago
Jan 2, 2026
This clinic is terrible—do not go! Everyone, from the front desk to the doctors, is disorganized. I saw Dr. Emily Weidenbaum, and the experience was awful. She was extremely unprofessional, could not answer simple questions, and gave confusing instructions. I later went to RMA and was very pleased with the doctor and clinic there. Do not go to NYU!
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Rizwan Tirmizi
8 months ago
Jan 21, 2026
This organization is terrible and completely disorganized, which is absurd for a family-planning provider. I had an appointment, but just before it they said they do not see patients above a certain BMI, even though they already had all my information. These people do not care about their patients.
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Melissa Gitlin
8 months ago
Jan 19, 2026
Terrible experience, do not go here. It is an overpriced factory, you will never have access to your doctor (or a doctor at all).
I did my egg freezing here and they mismanaged my medication plan which caused me to only retrieved 15% of eggs (typical is 75%).
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Shivi Gupta
6 months ago
Mar 10, 2026
It is so hard to talk to someone here. I am trying to talk to someone for 3 days and my call just get transfer to one dep to another. They don’t even know who can answer my simple question about donor egg prices. How can I even start any treatment here when it’s so challenging just to get simple info. Not a place to go if the staff can not answer a simple questions.
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Fiona Okumu
7 months ago
Feb 26, 2026
I had a wonderful experience at NYU Fertility Center as a patient of Dr. Berkeley. From the very beginning, he was incredibly detailed and straightforward, providing clear facts and setting realistic expectations.
I was fortunate to respond well to treatment and had a successful egg freezing cycle, and I truly felt supported throughout the process. The doctors, nurses, and staff are all warm, friendly, and professional.
I also appreciated how transparent they are about pricing. Everything was explained upfront, so there were no surprises at the end which is such a relief when navigating fertility treatment.
I would absolutely recommend this practice to anyone looking for compassionate, knowledgeable care.
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Oliver Jessen
6 months ago
Mar 14, 2026
Tip 1: If your period does not arrive during the expected window, you might assume they will automatically reschedule you for the next month. They will not. You must contact your coordinator and reschedule yourself.
Tip 2: They have a communication platform, but all messages are deleted after a short time. Save every message, along with staff names and email addresses.
Tip 3: My doctor denied that mood changes could be a side effect. I was completely unprepared for them.
Tip 4: The clinic closes in late December. If your period usually comes in November or December, confirm their opening hours before scheduling.
Tip 5: Be considerate of others. Unless absolutely necessary, please do not bring men to the clinic. I saw someone become distressed when accompanied by a man. Hormone injections made me extremely emotionally sensitive and vulnerable.
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Robert Nonemacker
6 months ago
Mar 4, 2026
I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Emily Weidenbaum and hear her philosophy of patient care. Her thoughtfulness and compassion were immediately clear. She has a warm, calm presence and explains complex matters in a clear, accessible way that puts people at ease. As a gay person, it was especially meaningful to hear her speak openly about inclusive care and the many paths to building a family.
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J Russo
7 months ago
Feb 26, 2026
Dr. Emily Weidenbaum is an excellent doctor. She is compassionate and patient and takes time to explain every step of treatment clearly. Fertility care can be stressful, but she makes patients feel supported and genuinely cared for. Her team is also outstanding—friendly, efficient, and consistently responsive—which makes the process much smoother. I always felt heard and confident in her care. I highly recommend her and her team.
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BeccaBChat
4 months ago
May 14, 2026
“Patients do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
I highly recommend Dr. Weidenbaum. She is not only a highly knowledgeable and experienced physician trained at world-class institutions, but more importantly, she truly demonstrates that she cares about her patients.
Every visit with her has felt refreshingly human and sincere. She is warm and friendly, takes time to ask patients questions, and listens carefully to their answers. She explains conditions and treatment options in easy-to-understand language. Rather than making decisions for patients, she uses a patient-centered approach, reviews the available options and their risks and benefits, respects personal preferences, and asks which treatment the patient prefers.
If we had more doctors like Dr. Weidenbaum, our healthcare system would be better, more efficient, and less stressful. I hope NYU Langone has her train the next generation of physicians.
Dr. Weidenbaum offers flexible appointment options—consultations and follow-ups to discuss test results can be conducted virtually, while examinations and laboratory testing can be done in person.
I also want to say that the overall experience was excellent. Dr. Weidenbaum’s nurse practitioner was kind, professional, and clearly well trained. Blood draws are difficult for me—my veins are hard to find, and I have vasovagal syncope, so I often faint during blood draws and sometimes vomit. Many phlebotomists struggle with my lab work. But Dr. Weidenbaum’s nurse practitioner was amazing! She found a vein and drew my blood in only 10 seconds. She did not slap my arm or reposition the tourniquet, so I did not faint! I wish she could do the lab work ordered by my other doctors too. Dr. Weidenbaum’s administrative staff, Christo and Jennifer, were equally excellent. They were highly responsive, communicated clearly, and were easy to work with. I wish all the clinicians I regularly see at NYU Langone were like Dr. Weidenbaum’s team.
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Dayanara Omadto
4 months ago
May 11, 2026
I really like how efficient and organized NYU’s 53rd Street location is, but I still go to the NoMad location because my doctor is there. Both locations have their strengths, but the staff and efficiency at 53rd Street are clearly superior.
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Dmytro Melnyk
4 months ago
May 8, 2026
A very disappointing experience. I called three times today. The first time, they hung up on me. During the second and third calls, the representatives were extremely rude. The connection was terrible on the third call, and I had to repeat the same information over and over. During the second call, they could not even find my information. During the third, they repeatedly asked the same questions, and it remains unclear whether the issue was ever resolved. This was an extremely frustrating customer service experience.
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Nurzat Karimova
3 months ago
Jun 10, 2026
I received care at this clinic throughout my pregnancy, but unfortunately, every visit was disappointing. Even for the earliest morning appointments, ultrasounds were often delayed by 20 minutes to more than 1 hours.
On the morning of my most recent appointment, I received a call at 7:30 asking whether I could arrive at 8:00 instead of the originally scheduled 8:30 because they expected delays. I explained that I could not arrive earlier and would come at my scheduled time.
Since I had previously waited more than an hour for appointments at this clinic and knew delays were common, I did not rush and ultimately arrived 12 minutes late. To my surprise, they told me they could not see me because I was late.
I expressed my disappointment to the supervisor and pointed out the inconsistency: patients are expected to understand and accept physician delays of up to an hour, yet the clinic would not accommodate my 12-minute delay, even though I might have had to wait because the clinic was already running behind.
At 37 weeks pregnant, the last thing a patient seeking prenatal care should face is unnecessary stress. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to support and care for pregnant patients, but this clinic's approach was unprofessional and lacked empathy. I hope the clinic reviews its scheduling policies and gives patients the understanding and respect they deserve.
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Soo L
3 months ago
Jun 6, 2026
Dr. Grifo and his team were truly exceptional throughout my fertility journey. His clinical judgment and decision-making were remarkably precise, leading to a prompt diagnosis and effective resolution of the problem.
I was extremely anxious and communicated with the team through countless emails, but his coordinator, Frances, always responded promptly and compassionately and helped me stay connected with the team.
Many of the nurse practitioners were also kind, knowledgeable, and experienced. Whether performing ultrasounds or reviewing blood test results, they usually provided the accurate information and reassurance I needed, which helped me feel at ease.
That said, several interactions with one nurse practitioner made me uncomfortable and sometimes felt cold or lacking in empathy, which was particularly difficult during such an emotionally challenging process.
Despite this, I ultimately conceived the baby I had long hoped for, thanks to Dr. Grifo and his team.
Dr. Grifo is not only highly knowledgeable but also a physician with a special calling. He genuinely cares for every patient and is committed to making the world a better place through his work in reproductive medicine. I have immense respect for him, and his clinical expertise is truly remarkable.
Even the FemVue procedure was virtually painless, and his interpretation of the ultrasound images was exceptionally precise. After this experience, I fully understand why he is regarded as one of the leading fertility specialists.
I will always be grateful to Dr. Grifo and his outstanding team.
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Joyce Medeiros
3 months ago
May 28, 2026
Stay away! Scheduling and canceling appointments is frustrating enough. I scheduled a month in advance, then called for several days trying to cancel so I would not be charged 75 dollars. I started treatment elsewhere, where I am treated like a patient rather than a fine to be collected.
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Cherry Pa
4 months ago
May 19, 2026
The doctor was kind, but for some reason, most of the staff seemed passive-aggressive, condescending, and incompetent. My brief interactions with them made me extremely uncomfortable and stressed, so I decided to switch providers.
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Mark Barry
3 months ago
Jun 26, 2026
I mean, we have our adorable daughter Maya, so even five stars feels a little stingy, haha. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Grifo. He is a rigorous scientist and, if you prefer, will communicate with you in appropriately technical language. I wish I could attach a photo of our six-month-old little Maya for everyone to see, but unfortunately I cannot. Thank you, NYU Langone Medical Center. Thank you, Dr. Grifo and all the wonderful staff. You helped make our dream come true, whether we wanted it or not. Haha.
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Hilary Zhang
3 months ago
Jun 23, 2026
A note for Chinese women: there is an exceptionally skilled phlebotomist here named Alyssa, at no extra charge.
Once treatment begins, you will need to come here every morning for a blood draw. If possible, ask specifically for Alyssa Kosh—honestly, she is the best phlebotomist I have ever had. In Chinese, there is a term meaning "flying needle," which describes a nurse whose technique is so skilled, fast, and precise that you barely feel any pain. Only the very best nurses are selected for such teams, which provide care in special circumstances. I do not know how she learned it, but she is unquestionably a master of this Chinese "kung fu."
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Sophie Kazickas
3 months ago
Jun 22, 2026
Dr. Emily Weidenbaum is wonderful. I highly recommend her.
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Lila Sullivan
2 years ago
Jan 6, 2025
Great doctors and amazing care. Clean facility, excellent scheduling, and a good online system! I loved the care I received here!
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Narjes Bozorgi
2 years ago
May 7, 2024
The front-desk receptionist behaved very disrespectfully. I asked questions about my bill, and he acted as though he wanted to leave as quickly as possible. I felt extremely disrespected.
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Lynne Lee
3 years ago
Jan 25, 2024
The doctors are wonderful! Get past the receptionists and schedulers if you can. I am currently in the waiting room for an 8:30 a.m. procedure that I have waited two months for, and they have already mishandled the schedule twice. I took a day off only to have them tell me they made a mistake. They told me to arrive at 7:30 a.m., and I arrived at 7:20. It is now 8:00 a.m., and they have not checked me in. The first receptionist arrived at 7:45. Now they say I must prepay for the procedure, but I do not have my HSA card because medical procedures do not usually require advance payment. They sent two preoperative emails and called to prepare me, but never mentioned payment.
My procedure is in 20 minutes, and I am not prepared. The front-desk employee said she must speak with billing before letting me in. Of course, she has not done so because 10 other people are checking in and she is the only person at the desk. No one seems to see my issue as urgent. This has been an absolutely terrible experience.
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Jna
1 year ago
Apr 2, 2025
The staff is incredibly rude and snappy. I understand there's repetitive on your end. But as a patient, this is all new. Do your job and have human courtesy to all these ladies who's experiencing infertility and already on edge. The doctors are incredible but the staff and technicians who draws blood are the worst people i have ever experienced. Do a favor. Go somewhere else. Why get treated by trash people?
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Kate Kay
1 year ago
Apr 14, 2025
Dr. Blakemore is one of the best fertility doctors in the world. Highly recommended—excellent communication, high-quality care, and an incredible nursing staff. The Nomad office is more comfortable and feels like a regular doctor's office, while 53rd feels more like a hospital.
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Alyssa Snyder
1 year ago
Aug 2, 2025
I had an excellent egg-freezing experience at NYU Langone Fertility Center. It was certainly not the least expensive option, and I initially hesitated about waiting six months for a consultation, but I am very glad I did. I felt well cared for from beginning to end.
The clinic is extremely clean and modern, and everyone I encountered was kind, professional, and helpful. Dr. Blakemore was wonderful—she explained everything clearly, and her calm, approachable manner helped me relax considerably.
Egg freezing can feel overwhelming, but NYU made the process as smooth and manageable as possible. I would definitely recommend them and would choose them again without hesitation.
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Brittany
12 months ago
Sep 29, 2025
We had a wonderful experience at NYU, especially with Dr. Brooke Hodes-Wertz. Every doctor we encountered was attentive, communicative, kind, and deeply invested in our journey. The phone system is somewhat inconvenient—you usually need to call the nurse line and wait for a return call—but once you reach a doctor or nurse, the experience is very positive.
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Gg Fu
12 months ago
Sep 15, 2025
Do not go to this location! The doctors are wonderful, but one female nurse here was extremely unprofessional. She mocked my English because I could not understand a sentence, then joked about it with her colleagues while my husband and I were still in the next room. We could hear their conversation clearly.
During the blood draw, she made several attempts and finally inserted the needle too deeply, causing severe pain. Immediately afterward, I could not move my arm. A large bruise developed, the pain lasted for days, and I had numbness from my elbow to my palm.
I continued my egg-freezing treatment at NYU, but made sure not to return here and used only the 53rd Street clinic. There, I never experienced that level of pain during blood draws or any unprofessional conduct from the nursing staff.
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Michele Parad
9 months ago
Dec 7, 2025
NYU Fertility Center, led by Dr. Grifo and others, has become a money-making operation. They show no interest in patients' medical histories or in asking how to achieve the best outcomes. I understand they are automating processes and administration, but this should not replace an essential part of health care.
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Heather Loeb
3 years ago
Dec 2, 2023
This is an exceptional practice. Dr. Grifo is personable, knowledgeable, and straightforward. We completed two egg retrievals, embryo testing, and a frozen embryo transfer, and I never felt lost in the science or nuances of the complex process. The nurses, support staff, and doctors were kind and always explained the fertility process, treatment plan, side effects, test results, and timing very clearly from beginning to end. They patiently answered all my questions and helped me navigate insurance smoothly, saving a great deal of time, stress, and frustration.
Finally, the office operates very efficiently. They have truly mastered both the art and science of care.
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Hannah Read
2 years ago
Sep 26, 2024
Where do I begin with Dr. Grifo and the team at NYU Langone Fertility Center? They are the most compassionate group and genuinely care about you and your fertility journey. They are easy to reach, always return calls, and maintain open communication. I cannot speak highly enough of the team. The nurses are among the kindest, most caring people. I never felt rushed or like just another patient. They care for every person as an individual with a unique journey.
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Jennifer Carter
1 year ago
May 4, 2025
At age 25, I consulted Jamie Grifo about egg freezing. Initially I was impressed by the technology and had a good impression of him; he seemed generally helpful. At my examination, I told him I had been diagnosed with a uterine abnormality requiring surgery and described the physical pain it caused. After examining my ovaries, he asked whether I thought I had two vaginas or cervixes. I answered, "I don't know." He then began a physical examination without my consent, using his fingers to examine my vaginal canal in a very aggressive and unprofessional manner. He left the room, and his demeanor had been so aggressive that the nurse, after witnessing it, did not want me to leave until the hallway was clear and he was gone. What he did left me humiliated and confused, but I was young and did not know what to do. Looking back, I would have called the police because there was a witness in the room. I urge caution with this man. I do not consider him particularly ethical and believe he is self-serving; if you are not viewed as the "right patient" who will undergo many profitable cycles with him, he knows it.
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