Dr. Kristin Bendikson, United States
     
5.0
Consultations 40
Reproductive Medicine
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Doctor Introduction

 Dr. Kristin Bendikson, United States


Dr. Bendikson completed her OB/GYN residency at Harvard University and her reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowship at Cornell University. A California native, she graduated with honors from UCLA. After first leaving Los Angeles to attend NYU School of Medicine, she returned following her training to become an assistant professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Dr. Bendikson held leadership roles at USC Fertility for more than a decade. She founded the Pregnancy Loss Center for patients experiencing miscarriage and pregnancy loss. She also founded USC's Fertility Diagnostic Program, which helps young adults better understand their reproductive potential and make informed choices about their future.

She is a nationally recognized leader in fertility. Since 2016, she has chaired the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Patient Education Committee and served on the ASRM Practice Committee. She is a board member of the ASRM Early Pregnancy Loss Special Interest Group and served as its chair in 2020. Los Angeles magazine has named her one of the city's top doctors for many years.

Dr. Bendikson has presented her award-winning research at national and international conferences. She has authored numerous publications on topics including the effect of vitamin D on implantation, IVF at advanced maternal age, egg freezing, IVF outcomes among women of different ethnicities, and embryo sex selection.

Her goal is to provide the highest-quality care and help patients achieve their wish for a healthy baby, now or in the future. She also strives to guide patients through a difficult journey with the support and personal attention they need and deserve.


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Location and Hours
500 Broadway #7, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
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  • Monday

    07: 00 - 17: 00

  • Tuesday

    07: 00 - 17: 00

  • Wednesday

    07: 00 - 17: 00

  • Thursday

    07: 00 - 17: 00

  • Friday

    07: 00 - 17: 00

  • Saturday

    Closed

  • Sunday

    Closed

    • Closed Now
    Affiliated Clinics
    Kindbody - Santa Monica, United States
         
    • Reproductive Medicine
    Hours: 07: 00 - 17: 00
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    Jan 25, 2025
    I am deeply grateful to Kindbody and Dr. Bendikson for the incredible care and support they provided during my IVF and egg-retrieval process. From the beginning, Dr. Bendikson's expertise, compassion, and dedication gave me confidence that I was receiving the best care. Her guidance and meticulous attention to every detail made a complex process manageable and hopeful. The entire staff at Kindbody Santa Monica was outstanding. Every interaction, whether with nurses, coordinators, or reception staff, was marked by kindness, professionalism, and genuine care. They truly went above and beyond to ensure I felt supported at every step. Thanks to their expertise and unwavering support, my journey ended in the most beautiful way—with a happy, healthy baby boy. I will always be grateful for their life-changing work and wholeheartedly recommend Kindbody and Dr. Bendikson to anyone beginning this journey. They made my dream come true, and I will always remember them.
    Jan 24, 2025
    I am very grateful to Dr. Bendikson and the Kindbody Santa Monica team for their excellent care and the support I needed. After a long and difficult journey, I am pregnant and grateful to everyone who made it possible.
    Jan 24, 2025
    Dr. Armstrong is absolutely the best. She took excellent care of me. I truly felt that she took the time to get to know me, discuss every procedure thoroughly, and support me through all the highs and lows of IVF. She genuinely cares about her patients, which I believe is rare today.
    Jan 21, 2025
    Like many other reviewers here, I was not satisfied with their response time. In fact, no one contacted me when I had questions, and I gave up after calling five times. I was placed on hold for 30 minutes and then disconnected. The staff was unhelpful, and no one seemed to know the answers to basic questions. It is unfortunate because the facility is beautiful and my employer recommended them.
    Jan 17, 2025
    So far, this has been a wonderful experience. The entire staff is excellent, and the clinic is very clean. Everyone is knowledgeable and friendly. I am under Dr. Armstrong's care, and she is 10/10—very patient and genuinely easy to work with. Thank you, Kindbody, for this journey!
    Feb 13, 2025
    The Kindbody team was warm, welcoming, and easy to work with. I felt supported throughout the process, and every appointment was comfortable. From my first appointment to my final follow-up, Dr. Bendikson was very informative and helpful, and I expect she will continue to be a resource for me. I am truly grateful that I chose Kindbody to freeze my eggs.
    Feb 11, 2025
    It was a pleasure working with Dr. Kathiresan. She helped me become pregnant through IVF and have my child. Dr. Kathiresan treated me as a person rather than a number. She listened, responded empathetically, set appropriate expectations, presented options, and served as a partner and adviser through every high and low of treatment. Her approach is methodical and research-based, and she consults her team when a question or case is uncertain. Working with a skilled sonographer, she successfully performed my embryo transfer. She is also skilled at recommending effective egg retrieval protocols during ovarian stimulation. In addition, Dr. Sundheimer performed two retrievals, and both times we obtained more mature eggs than expected. Regarding Kindbody as a whole, I recommend working with them. Compared with a hospital office, the practice created a more uplifting and even soothing experience. Isabel at the front desk was excellent at accommodating appointments before work. Although patients may see a rotating group of assigned nurses, the nurses are knowledgeable and responsive to questions in the portal. I should also say that the billing department leaves much to be desired in transparency and communication. Patients need to be very proactive about billing and insurance, if applicable. Even so, I would recommend Kindbody Santa Monica to friends because its doctors are talented. I am personally grateful for my positive experience here.
    Feb 22, 2025
    I received services at Kindbody from June 2024 to February 2025. Although my treatment journey was unsuccessful, the nurses and Dr. K. took excellent care of me. However, the billing and insurance department is the worst I have ever experienced. At this point, my account has a large amount of money owed to me. I had to prepay half the cost of the IVF procedure, which was fine and fairly standard. However, I never received the procedure, so of course I expected a refund. For weeks, I called the 1800 number—there is no direct number for billing, and the customer service representatives of course do not have this information—and used their messaging portal. Even after reaching someone, Lisa, they essentially offered no help and could not answer basic questions. I then contacted another person, Heather, who was knowledgeable but still did nothing to resolve the issue or give me updates. Since July, my insurance company has been mailing Kindbody checks to pay for my services, but somehow Kindbody “never received them.” They do not even track the checks they receive. Even after I provided multiple insurance documents detailing how the checks were sent, Kindbody still refused to refund me. I have to contact them every other day for updates, and those messages mostly go unanswered. Withholding any amount is unacceptable, but refusing to refund $8,000 because of their own incompetence is outrageous. Infertility is difficult enough without insurance and billing drama. This is terrible.
    Jul 1, 2025
    The entire team was very kind and patient and explained everything in detail. I felt safe and had great confidence in their abilities!
    Jun 28, 2025
    I had just uploaded all my PHI to the Kindbody portal and had not even scheduled my first appointment when I received the following letter: "In keeping with our values of integrity and transparency, we are writing to inform you that your protected health information (PHI) was inadvertently disclosed. On March 20, 2025, a patient received a benefits verification form containing your name and insurance plan name instead of her personal information. We learned of this on March 24, 2025, and took immediate action. We took the following steps to mitigate the risk: the benefits verification form was removed from the patient portal on March 20, 2025, and destroyed immediately after removal. In addition, to prevent similar incidents from occurring again, our team escalated the incident to senior leadership and conducted a comprehensive review and retraining of the relevant personnel. Kindbody values and complies with state and federal patient privacy laws and will therefore follow the breach notification process established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We sincerely apologize for this incident. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 415-231-5752 and ask to speak with the Regional Director of Practice Operations for the San Francisco clinic." I tried calling the number they provided several times, but no one answered. The dates in the letter also contradict one another: the incident occurred on March 20, they learned of it on March 24, yet they claim the form was removed on March 20? This is all very confusing and could have serious consequences for me. I hope they will resolve this with me, and I also want others to know about it before deciding to work with Kindbody, especially given the sensitivity and seriousness of that decision.
    Jun 19, 2025
    Abigail listened to us, put us at ease, and answered every question we had before starting our IVF journey. My husband had been very cautious about the entire process, but she completely changed his perspective. We finally have hope and can see light at the end of the tunnel as we try to start our family. Kirstyn has also been our point of contact throughout. She responds very quickly and has answered every question we asked. She is wonderful.
    Jun 4, 2025
    For more than three years, we tried to conceive and were repeatedly told that "nothing was wrong." We were physically and emotionally exhausted and beginning to lose hope. Then we found Kindbody, and everything changed. From the first consultation, we felt heard in a way we never had before. The team took the time to understand our situation in depth, and for the first time, we received real answers. Kindbody was the first clinic to identify the underlying issue that other clinics had overlooked for years. Their compassion, advanced testing, and personalized treatment plan gave us not only clarity but genuine hope. Thanks to their support and expertise, after years of heartbreak and uncertainty, we finally welcomed our daughter, who is now 6 weeks old. We will always be grateful to the Kindbody team for helping us achieve our dream of becoming parents. If you feel lost, do not give up—do not hesitate to trust Kindbody. They truly changed our lives. We also want to thank the best physician, Dr. Bendikson. None of this would have been possible without her. From the first day we transferred to her care, she made me feel completely safe and truly listened to me. She is amazing.
    May 7, 2025
    Our overall experience with Kindbody was positive. The doctors, nurses, financial navigators, and genetic testing team, especially the PGT team, were knowledgeable, empathetic, and dedicated to patient care. The clinic is thoughtfully designed to create a calm environment during a stressful process, and the patient portal is a useful tool for tracking communication. One area for improvement is streamlining communication between teams. At times, we found ourselves navigating multiple message threads with different staff members, which occasionally caused confusion. For example, poor communication about scheduling led my partner to repeat testing unnecessarily, delaying our IVF timeline. That said, we were very fortunate to work with a highly supportive team. Nurse Sara, financial navigator Danielle, precertification associate Lisa, and PGT associate KC were all exceptional—clear, responsive, and proactive in guiding us through each step. We sincerely appreciate their care and dedication. Thank you!
    Aug 26, 2025
    I had my son eight years ago and then experienced three miscarriages—the last was my daughter, whom I lost at five months. After losing her, I was completely devastated. Over the age of forty-five, I had given up entirely on my dream of having a second child. Kindbody gave me something unexpected—hope and answers. I had blamed myself for losing my babies, but they helped me understand why it happened and finally brought me peace. I know this journey is not easy and nothing is guaranteed, but having a doctor and staff who truly guide me through the process means everything. I am deeply grateful to have Kindbody by my side.
    Aug 16, 2025
    Dr. Armstrong was our second fertility doctor and exactly what we were looking for when we decided to switch. Our previous doctor worked at a large clinic where I felt like a number. Dr. Armstrong was the complete opposite. She always greeted us with a smile and knew each of us well. She was candid about outcomes and told us what worked and what did not. We had been trying to conceive for nearly 5 years and had already undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI) before transferring to Kindbody. This fertility journey was painful in many ways, and it was wonderful to have a doctor I looked forward to seeing and who could make me smile. Dr. Armstrong was also very compassionate. Whenever I was struggling, crying, or deeply frustrated, she was kind and patient, shared useful information, and recommended our next steps. Just before our next egg retrieval cycle, we unexpectedly encountered an insurance dispute. Dr. A worked with us to resolve the issue and found a solution that would not bankrupt us, ultimately helping us welcome our beautiful son.
    Aug 3, 2025
    The staff provide good service, but the billing is terrible. I paid everything I owed yet continued receiving emails saying a balance was due. I contacted customer service, and they said the issue was resolved and closed the ticket, so I could no longer comment on it. That was several weeks ago, and I have now received another email showing a balance due. It is incredibly frustrating. I would not recommend this location—or perhaps the entire company is this disorganized.
    Sep 5, 2025
    Kindbody was wonderful. I had two sons through IVF and a donor, and I am so happy with my children. The team was excellent and created a warm, comfortable environment.
    Sep 12, 2025
    I love the Santa Monica team. Everyone is warm and attentive. I completed three rounds of egg freezing with them, and they were very supportive throughout the process. Dr. Kathiresan always answered my questions patiently, so I highly recommend them.
    Sep 10, 2025
    I have been working with Kriszta Tiwari, and my nutrition quickly began to improve. She gave me practical advice that I could put into action immediately. She is nonjudgmental and tailors her recommendations to my lifestyle. For example, she taught me how to eat PHFF meals and make delicious breakfasts, which helps me stay full. Rather than focusing on calorie intake, she makes sure I eat whole foods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and optimize my diet. This changed how I read labels and shop for food. I lost weight, which was one of my goals, but overall, feeling healthier and being more mindful about what I eat have been most important.
    Sep 30, 2025
    This was much better than my experience with the Cedars-Sinai group. It was well managed, welcoming, and communication was excellent.
    Sep 20, 2025
    This experience was absolutely worth my 6 lb 12 oz weight loss! It was a roller coaster, but the care I received—apart from a few unfriendly egg-retrieval nurses—and the kind staff were amazing! I would do it another 100 times for this result.
    Oct 14, 2025
    We had a wonderful experience at Kindbody Santa Monica and highly recommend it! From the moment we entered, everyone was friendly, kind, and welcoming. It felt nothing like a rigid medical environment and more like a supportive, caring space where people genuinely cared about us. Dr. Armstrong was outstanding throughout treatment. She patiently explained every question, large or small, ensuring we remained informed and comfortable. Her bedside manner was excellent and made us feel like true partners in every decision. The nurses and staff were also wonderful—compassionate, professional, and always ready with reassuring words or a smile. Thank you, Kindbody!
    Oct 13, 2025
    Kindbody Santa Monica is conveniently located with ample parking and a modern, clean, attractive environment. From consultation, bloodwork, and ultrasound to egg retrieval, it is a one-stop location for fertility needs. During visits, you can speak with on-site nurses, and every doctor and technician is helpful and pleasant to work with. New or prospective clients should always advocate for themselves and be persistent. Do not be afraid to ask questions, make full use of time with your doctor, and voice concerns at any time. Kindbody is a clinic with excellent, caring staff, and you will be well cared for.
    Nov 15, 2025
    I had a terrible experience at Kindbody. Two failed IVF cycles used up all my benefits, I paid more than $10,000 out of pocket, and I am still paying off the loan😏😏
    Nov 8, 2025
    Kindbody has been my fertility clinic since I froze my eggs, and I began IVF there last year. I became pregnant after just one cycle, and Dr. Armstrong was instrumental in its success. From the initial consultation through embryo transfer, she consistently showed attentive care, extensive knowledge, expertise, and confidence. Even after the transfer, she stayed in touch to ensure the baby was developing well. I am extremely satisfied with the entire process and would recommend Kindbody and Dr. Armstrong without hesitation.
    Nov 3, 2025
    Everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable. I felt well cared for, especially after the egg retrieval.
    Oct 31, 2025
    Nov 28, 2025
    I am incredibly grateful for the attentive care and professional guidance I received during egg retrieval. I was once unsure whether to pursue fertility treatment, but I am now very glad I continued. More importantly, Kindbody provides an excellent platform for people at every stage of their fertility journey. They employ highly professional and knowledgeable healthcare staff. I look forward to continuing this journey with the team.
    Mar 5, 2026
    After consulting several fertility clinics, I chose Kindbody. Their technology and patient portal appeared modern and efficient, and I assumed most clinics would follow similar processes. My experience, however, showed that the quality of care can differ significantly. I had very limited interaction with Kristin Bendikson, the physician overseeing my care. I spoke with her only twice during my entire IVF cycle. Almost all communication went through physician assistants acting as intermediaries. Although they were friendly, they often had to relay questions to the doctor and then respond. Given the approximately $30,000 cost of treatment, I expected more direct physician involvement. My egg retrieval took place in January 2025 during the Santa Monica wildfires, when the Kindbody clinic treating me had to close temporarily. I was therefore told to travel to Newport Beach for the retrieval. Although Dr. Bendikson managed my cycle and monitored follicle growth before retrieval, she did not perform the procedure. The clinic assigned a doctor I had never met, whom I first saw immediately before surgery. Because egg retrieval is a critical part of IVF, this lack of continuity at such an important stage was concerning. Before retrieval, monitoring scans showed more than 14 follicles measuring over 14 mm. Follicles of this size would typically be expected to yield eggs at retrieval, yet only 7 eggs were retrieved. When I asked why the remaining follicles were not retrieved, the doctor verbally told me that my bowel obstructed the view. My medical record, however, stated that the retrieval was “difficult due to abdominal breathing.” These very different explanations left me with many questions about what actually occurred. Even allowing for normal biological variation, retrieving eggs from only about half the follicles documented during monitoring was a significant discrepancy. The procedure itself seemed to end very quickly, leaving many follicles unretrieved and greatly reducing the number of eggs available for fertilization. During retrieval, each follicle is typically aspirated individually, and based on the number documented beforehand, I expected a more comprehensive attempt to retrieve eggs from the available follicles. Of the 7 eggs retrieved, only 2 developed into embryos. One embryo was abnormal, and the only normal embryo ultimately failed to implant. The lack of follow-up care was equally concerning. After a phone call informing me that the transfer had failed, the doctor did not contact me to review the cycle, discuss what may have happened, or address next steps. About a month later, I developed unusual symptoms and contacted the clinic for an appointment. After repeated follow-ups, I was eventually told to see my primary care physician because it was “no longer their responsibility.” After treatment, I learned that Dr. Bendikson had left Kindbody and joined Pinnacle Fertility. As a result, I had no real continuity of care and could not have a thorough review with the physician who originally managed my cycle. IVF is a major medical process with significant emotional and financial costs. Patients deserve attentive physician guidance, continuity of care, and appropriate follow-up. Unfortunately, my experience at Kindbody left me feeling like a number in a system rather than a patient receiving individualized care.
    Dec 31, 2025
    Dr. Armstrong is very kind, thoughtful, candid, and attentive. We could not have found a better team to accompany us on our fertility journey. Forever grateful to the entire Kindbody team!
    Dec 25, 2025
    First, we have always been very satisfied with the clinic staff. They are highly professional, communicate well, and gave us great comfort during our hardest moments. However, KindBody's insurance and billing departments are terrible, which is why we ultimately ended our relationship with them after nearly two years. They are currently withholding nearly $1,000 that our insurer already reimbursed. Previously, they also withheld $8,000 that had been reimbursed by insurance. It took eight months of repeated communication and follow-up to resolve that issue. From November 30, 2024, to December 19, 2025, we left 26 portal messages about the same issue and have still received no response. We also sent three emails each to Victoria Deak in insurance and Robert Ayala, who oversees patient experience and call center operations, but heard nothing. At least 27 phone records show that we contacted KindBody's about this issue, yet we still have not recovered the money our insurer paid them. They were paid twice but refuse to communicate with us to resolve the issue. I strongly advise against KindBody's. Their insurance and billing systems are bad enough; choose an organization that respects your time and money. Update: Instead of refunding the $770 they owe us, their billing department found time to send us a $43 bill for an unpaid deposit on services provided in April 2025. If zero stars were possible, that is what I would give. KindBody's has been losing money and, as of 2025, can barely sustain operations. Whether they will make it through 2026 remains unclear. Spend your money elsewhere before they are acquired and their service declines further.
    Dec 19, 2025
    I had an excellent experience at Kindbody Santa Monica. The entire team was efficient, kind, and incredibly supportive throughout the process. Dr. Kathiresan is wonderful-knowledgeable, compassionate, and made me feel confident and well-informed every step of the way. I'm so grateful to have gotten pregnant on my very first embryo transfer. I highly recommend Kindbody Santa Monica to anyone considering IVF.
    Jan 24, 2026
    I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Kathiresan during my IVF journey, and I can’t recommend her highly enough. She is truly caring, thoughtful, and attentive. Throughout my process, she provided timely adjustments to my medications, carefully monitored my progress, and always made sure I felt supported and informed. I never felt rushed or dismissed. She took the time to explain decisions and made me feel confident in every step. What really stood out was her care after the egg retrieval. She checked in, made sure recovery was going smoothly, and adjusted treatment quickly when needed. It made a stressful process feel much more manageable. IVF can be emotionally and physically overwhelming, but Dr. Kathiresan’s compassion, responsiveness, and expertise made all the difference. I’m incredibly grateful to have had her as my doctor and would absolutely recommend her to anyone going through fertility treatment.
    Jan 14, 2026
    The staff were very friendly and made everything extremely easy. They made me feel comfortable, and I would definitely recommend them to my friends.
    Jan 14, 2026
    Feb 6, 2026
    Everyone at this clinic—the front desk, ultrasound technicians, doctors, nurses, and others—is very kind. There are about three or four nurses you can meet after bloodwork and ultrasound. They are all patient and friendly and answered every question I had. I would give the clinic itself five stars. My primary nurse works remotely and messages me to confirm medications, doses, and other details. Although she is very nice, she made three mistakes, including one about medication timing and another involving a prescription sent to the wrong pharmacy. If I had not double-checked everything and asked her to confirm, I might have missed a medication and waited indefinitely for the pharmacy to contact me, perhaps never receiving it. Other reviews mention billing. Kindbody's billing team is truly awful. They are very difficult to reach, and because they make frequent errors, you must understand all your insurance coverage and track every payment. I had to identify their mistakes and ask for clarification and corrections. Reaching them was nearly impossible. I tried every route—phone, portal, scheduled financial calls, and more. If I could, I would give their billing service zero stars.
    Feb 5, 2026
    I hardly know where to begin—my experience at Kindbody was amazing. I was very afraid at first, but the entire team was thoughtful and thorough, supporting and reassuring me at every step. I felt genuinely cared for and supported from beginning to end. Kindbody, thank you for everything. You are truly wonderful!
    Feb 3, 2026
    I had a great experience with the doctors, nurses and staff at Kindbody in Santa Monica. I found the level of communication was really good and they answered all my questions in a timely manner. I never felt rushed or surprised by anything which says a lot given the nature of treatment can be an emotional rollercoaster. The only challenge was the billing process. I recommend reviewing each bill and asking questions if there's a discrepancy in what was billed and any insurance payments applied. Overall I'm very happy with my experience.
    Mar 5, 2026
    We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Kattiresan and the entire team. From beginning to end, they were compassionate, patient, and genuinely attentive to our needs. Every step of treatment was explained clearly, and we always felt supported and cared for. Fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, but their kindness and professionalism meant so much to us. We highly recommend this clinic to anyone looking for a medical team that truly cares about its patients.
    Mar 17, 2026
    My wife and I had a generally good experience at Kindbody. My previous IVF experience was in Mexico, so I cannot compare it with other Los Angeles clinics. We chose Kindbody because our family doctor had reciprocal IVF there rather than within her own health system, and the clinic is visibly LGBTQ-friendly, with rainbows everywhere. Pricing is generally transparent, though insured patients should expect some costs that are usually not covered (we paid a $500 administrative coordination fee, a $500 sperm-thawing fee, and out-of-network anesthesia costs). These were disclosed before the procedure. Payment was straightforward, and they did not care where we bought medication as long as we obtained it, which matters when saving on medication over multiple cycles. The clinic is exceptionally well run. Scheduling was never an issue, appointments generally began on time, portal communication was smooth, and nurses were always available for medication and timing questions. The clinic is bright and welcoming, more like a spa. The ultrasound technicians were excellent, especially Natasha, who could always find my notoriously shy ovary and was consistently encouraging. Blood draws were also trouble-free despite my difficult veins. Kindbody's clinical team seems willing to offer innovative solutions for difficult cases. Unlike some local clinics that have not updated their practices based on recent research, they accept low-level mosaic embryos. I am now 11 weeks pregnant with one, so I am deeply grateful they were willing to give a mosaic embryo a chance!
    Apr 19, 2026
    Where do I begin? Kindbody and all its amazing healthcare professionals gave me an experience I will never forget. I genuinely looked forward to every appointment and interaction with the team. This was unquestionably the best healthcare experience I have ever had. Their kindness, empathy, and care moved me deeply. The staff wholeheartedly connect with patients and provide genuine care. You are exceptionally well cared for from start to finish. Dr. Kathiresan and everyone on the team, thank you so much! 🤍🤍🤍
    Apr 18, 2026
    I had a wonderful experience at Kindbody. The care team was professional and informative, and the online platform was easy to use. I appreciated their attentive service and excellent care. I highly recommend Kindbody for all your family-planning needs.
    Apr 12, 2026
    My Kindbody experience was excellent from start to finish. The staff were warm and friendly, put me at ease, and made me feel genuinely cared for. I was very anxious about egg retrieval and freezing, but the technicians, nurses, doctors, and staff patiently reassured me. It was especially comforting to learn that some female employees had undergone the same procedures at Kindbody. I highly recommend Kindbody!
    Apr 10, 2026
    I entered the operating room extremely anxious and honestly unsure whether I could go through with it. Every Kindbody staff member completely changed how I felt. From the moment I entered, they made me comfortable, reassured, and genuinely cared for. The staff were kind and patient and reassured me at every step. They answered my questions, eased my anxiety, and ensured I felt safe and informed throughout. I will never forget the anesthesiologist during my egg retrieval. I was crying continuously, and she was exceptionally thoughtful and caring. She stayed beside me, comforted me, and made me feel safe. That care meant so much. My husband and I are very glad we chose Kindbody. I am deeply grateful for their excellent service and recommend them to anyone beginning IVF.
    Apr 30, 2026
    Dr. Abigail Armstrong is an exceptional fertility specialist who consistently listened patiently to my wife and me, clearly explained complex treatment options, and created a personalized care plan that made us feel reassured and supported throughout our challenging fertility journey. Her calm, thoughtful bedside manner, combined with her outstanding clinical knowledge, assured us that we were receiving not only excellent medical care but also genuine compassion. What truly sets Dr. Armstrong apart is her ability to build trust through consistent communication, respect, and individualized attention. My wife and I sincerely appreciate her responsiveness, professionalism, and dedication. She always made sure we never felt like just another case. Her collaborative approach created a true partnership, making us feel seen, heard, and cared for at every stage of treatment. For anyone undergoing fertility treatment, Dr. Armstrong is an exceptional advocate and trusted guide whose skill is matched by her kindness. Key points: Exceptional medical expertise combined with compassionate, patient-centered care. Clear communication throughout treatment, building trust and confidence. Personalized fertility strategies tailored to each patient. A collaborative, supportive, and emotionally attentive approach from beginning to end.
    Apr 28, 2026
    I had an excellent experience at Kindbody! Dr. Kathiresan and the entire staff were supportive, kind, and always patient in answering my questions, even after hours! I loved the calm atmosphere, positive environment, and wonderful staff, all of which made my egg-freezing journey very smooth. I highly recommend this clinic and Dr. Kathiresan!
    May 15, 2026
    From the first interaction, the clinic created a very professional and welcoming experience. Lucretia was friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful throughout the conversation. Her professionalism and positive attitude reflected the care and quality of the entire team. It is clear that the clinic values excellent communication and respectful customer service. I also appreciate the management team for building such a warm and professional environment for both patients and staff.
    Jun 13, 2026
    很遗憾，我在Kindbody的经历令人失望。在这样一个非常敏感的过程中，他们的服务缺乏人情味且前后矛盾，作为患者，我没有感受到应有的支持。 之后的账单处理也令人沮丧，难以解决。总的来说，我对一家生育诊所的期望更高，希望他们能提供更多的沟通、更多的关怀和更一致的服务。
    Jun 12, 2026
    Dear Kindbody management - We received an email from Kindbody on 6/9/26 notifying us that any frozen specimens will be transported from California to Massachusetts and in a same day follow up call to the number provided in the notice I have been informed this will begin as soon as next week. You have given us potentially only days’ notice to figure out an alternate lab to transport everything to or everything is going to be shipped fully across the country. Your employees have stated they do not know anything about this process and cannot provide any additional information or written assurances our specimens will be held at the Kindbody lab until I have an opportunity to find an alternate lab locally or any specific timeline for the potential transfer. This is unacceptable and upsetting. Please have your general counsel or a knowledgeable employee reach out to me immediately so we can actually have a productive conversation and written assurance or we will be forced to escalate to protect our specimens. It is unfathomable your company would treat patients like this when such important and sensitive materials are at stake.
    Jun 11, 2026
    警告！***诈骗警报*** 千万别联系他们。他们不仅会恐吓你去做一些你根本不需要的昂贵手术，还会没完没了地骚扰你，逼你支付你根本不欠的账单，而且他们根本不会让你联系主管或其他部门来解决你的问题。 我写这篇评论是为了提醒大家，在我向有关部门举报他们之前，不要重蹈我的覆辙，经历我所经历的噩梦。 我们两年前就预约了，预约时间是2024年！医生甚至还没给我做检查，就开始恐吓我们，说我的年龄太小，必须尽快冻卵。我不得不要求她做检查，因为她的意见是她自己的，作为一名医生，她不应该在没有检查或提供其他选择的情况下就试图说服你做任何手术。她直接就开始散布恐慌。这太不道德了。 我问她具体需要做哪些检查，看看我们的保险是否涵盖，她却说服我们去Kindbody做检查更好。她说，如果我不先付预约费和检查费，他们就不让我抽血！这些人甚至不让我们离开前台去别的地方抽血，除非我们先付钱。我们付了钱，他们抽了血，然后我们就离开了。 我们决定不再去他们那里了。感觉就像一场交易。这些人一点也不友善，根本不关心你的身体。我们联系了其他机构，并尝试更换保险以获得报销。 总之，大约三个月前，我开始收到Kindbody的骚扰信息，说我欠他们35美元。他们打电话、发短信、发邮件，用尽各种手段骚扰我。 最后我还是给他们回了电话，想弄清楚是怎么回事，因为我已经两年没去过那里了。我们所有的费用都是自费的。没有任何保险，所以也没有任何自付部分或莫名其妙出现账单的理由。 客服人员无法告诉我账单的内容，也无法告诉我账单是从什么时候开始的。她一直纠缠着要我提供银行卡信息，直到我感到不耐烦，要求和主管通话。 她说主管不在。我开始录音，以便留作证据。我问主管什么时候回来。你们不能在没有任何费用说明的情况下给我收费。她说她不知道，然后一遍又一遍地索要我的银行卡信息。 我要求她的主管给我回电，或者告诉我应该联系谁来解决这个莫名其妙的账单，但她说她做不到。所以我告诉她我要挂断电话，因为我不会把我的银行卡信息给一个连账单内容都解释不清楚的人。 他们还在继续骚扰我，在采取法律行动之前，我想写下这篇评论，提醒所有可能在弱势情况下被Kindbody骗子诈骗和虐待的女性。 请远离他们。为了你自己的安心，请避开它​​们。
    Jun 9, 2026
    我在Kindbody的经历非常棒。熟悉诊所的运作方式后，一切都进行得非常顺利。前台工作人员、抽血师、超声技师、护士和医生都非常专业。他们待人亲切，在我脆弱的时候给予我安慰，并一直鼓励我。在去另一家生育诊所咨询后，我更加确信在Kindbody完成试管婴儿疗程是正确的选择……而且我很高兴地说，我实现了我的目标——怀孕了！
    May 20, 2026
    Dr. Bendikson is an angel! She always listens patiently, explains everything carefully, and thoroughly investigates the root cause. I previously froze my eggs with her and plan to see her for all future cycles and any other issues that arise during my fertility journey. I feel so lucky to have found her!
    Apr 10, 2026
    Dr. Kristin Bendikson was absolutely wonderful throughout my egg-freezing journey! I truly could not have asked for a better experience. She made me feel completely at ease, cared for, and supported throughout the process. She is not only extremely knowledgeable and an expert in the field, but also warm, considerate, and compassionate. She always answered all my questions patiently and explained everything clearly and understandably. I never felt alone because she was always there, providing steady support and feedback at every step. Her attention to detail, prompt responses, compassion, and dedication make her a truly exceptional doctor. During a process that can feel overwhelming or stressful, she made everything manageable and even empowering. I am very grateful to Dr. Bendikson for accompanying and supporting me throughout this journey, and I sincerely recommend her to anyone considering egg freezing! Words cannot express how grateful I am for this experience and for having such an excellent doctor guide me through it.
    Apr 19, 2026
    In 2020–2021, Dr. Bendikson helped me through one of the hardest periods of my life, perhaps the most turbulent time both in the world and in my own life. Hello, pandemic! Hello, rapidly declining egg supply! Recently, I again told the story of ‘how I decided to become a single mother by choice while the world was falling apart.’ I have told it many times, and it always gets laughs. I finally realized that I should properly thank Dr. Bendikson, which led to this review. She is an expert. She is highly professional. She will be honest and direct while remaining warm. If it is possible, she will help you become pregnant. When you tell your story again, I hope you can do so with laughter and a smile. By the way, Dr. Bendikson—my little girl is now healthy and happy and just turned five! Thank you!
    Mar 5, 2026
    This review reflects my experience undergoing IVF treatment with Dr. Kristin Bendikson while she practiced at Kindbody. Throughout the IVF cycle, my direct interaction with Dr. Bendikson was extremely limited. I spoke with her only about twice during the entire process. Almost all communication went through physician assistants who acted as intermediaries. Although they were friendly, they often had to relay questions to the doctor and then respond. Given that treatment cost approximately $30,000, I expected the physician responsible for my care to be more directly involved in and supervise the treatment process. My egg retrieval took place during the Santa Monica wildfires in January 2025, when the Kindbody clinic where I received care was temporarily closed. I was therefore instructed to travel to Newport Beach for the procedure. Although Dr. Bendikson had been supervising my cycle and monitoring follicular development, she did not perform the procedure herself. Instead, the retrieval was performed by another physician whom I had never met and first saw immediately before the procedure. Given how critical egg retrieval is in IVF, the lack of continuity of care at such an important stage was concerning. Before retrieval, monitoring scans showed more than 14 follicles larger than 14 millimeters in diameter. Follicles of this size would generally be expected to yield eggs during retrieval. However, only 7 eggs were ultimately retrieved. When I asked why the remaining follicles were not retrieved, the physician verbally told me that my bowel had obstructed the view. However, my medical record stated that the retrieval was 'difficult' because of abdominal breathing and apnea. These two very different explanations left me with many questions about what actually happened during the procedure. Even allowing for normal biological variation, retrieving eggs from only about half of the follicles seen during monitoring represents a significant discrepancy. Of the 7 eggs retrieved, only 2 embryos developed successfully. One embryo was abnormal, and the only normal embryo ultimately failed to implant. The lack of follow-up care was equally concerning. After I received the call informing me that the transfer had failed, Dr. Bendikson did not contact me to review the cycle, discuss what may have gone wrong, or talk through next steps. Later, when I developed unusual symptoms and requested an appointment, I was ultimately told to see my primary care physician. IVF is an emotionally and financially demanding medical process. Patients deserve active physician involvement, continuity of care, and follow-up from the doctor responsible for their treatment. Unfortunately, that was not my experience.
    Mar 14, 2026
    Dr. Bendikson is absolutely the best fertility specialist! She is very understanding and kind and makes you feel heard and cared for. Thanks to Dr. Bendikson, after six difficult years of infertility, we welcomed our miracle daughter following our first embryo transfer with her. I will always be grateful to her, and if we want a second child in the future, I would choose her again without hesitation.
    Nov 27, 2025
    Dr. Bendikson is an excellent fertility specialist. She is highly skilled, kind, and professional. Fertility treatment can be very stressful, and she helped ease some of my concerns about a high-risk pregnancy. Dr. Bendikson helped me make difficult decisions that were crucial to treatment. She consistently supported me and genuinely cared about a successful pregnancy. My pregnancy and baby are now doing well. My husband and I are very grateful that Dr. Bendikson supported us and helped give my pregnancy such a good start.
    Oct 5, 2025
    Dr. Bendikson did an amazing job! My pregnancy was high-risk, but she remained persistent. I did not become pregnant at first, but I insisted on trying again, and it worked. Even my brother said Dr. Bendikson had done a wonderful job when he saw the embryo implant and develop into a baby. I am now close to delivery, and by God's grace I hope to introduce my healthy baby to Dr. Bendikson. Thank you so much, doctor! I am glad I met you and will definitely recommend you to others. You truly put your whole heart into this IVF journey.
    Aug 9, 2025
    Jun 6, 2025
    We are extremely grateful to Dr. Kristin Benikson for her exceptional care, expertise, and attentiveness throughout our IVF journey. From our first appointment, Dr. Benikson made us feel heard, supported, and hopeful. She patiently explained every step, ensuring we felt comfortable, reassured, and fully informed. Her warmth and professionalism transformed what could have been an overwhelming experience into a journey built on trust and confidence. Thanks to her dedication and guidance, we are now joyfully expecting our first child—a dream that would not have come true without her. Dr. Benikson is an outstanding physician and a wonderful person. We are deeply grateful that she helped us grow our family. We wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking fertility care—you will receive the very best care.
    Jun 11, 2025
    Dr. Bendikson and the KindBody team were wonderful! They provided exceptional care, expertise, and support throughout my egg-freezing process. From the beginning, I felt fully informed, reassured, and genuinely cared for. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and warmth helped me through what could otherwise have been a very difficult process.
    Jun 27, 2025
    I had an excellent experience at Kindbody. From the moment I entered the clinic, the atmosphere felt remarkably calm and welcoming, which made an important difference during an otherwise stressful journey. The receptionists always greeted me by name, adding to the personal and warm environment. Every staff member I met was not only professional but genuinely kind, making each visit reassuring and supportive. I especially appreciated the messaging system on their website. It made communication extremely convenient. I could ask questions and always received prompt, helpful replies. Overall, I am very satisfied with the care and experience they provided. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking fertility support in a caring, well-organized environment.
    Jul 4, 2025
    We are very grateful to Kindbody, Dr. Bendikson, and all the excellent doctors, nurses, and staff who worked with us during our fertility journey, including egg freezing and IVF. Every staff member we met at the Santa Monica clinic was kind and compassionate and provided exceptional care. I felt well supported during the intake meeting, every interaction with the doctors and nurses was very positive, and I especially appreciated having all information, including medication instructions, organized in an easy-to-navigate patient portal. The portal's messaging system also made it convenient to contact them, and when I had questions—even when I did not know what to ask early in IVF—they responded quickly. If you are considering IVF or other fertility care, I highly recommend Kindbody!
    Jul 11, 2025
    Dr. Bendikson gave me a wonderful experience during my embryo-freezing journey. From the beginning, she was calm, clear, and compassionate—exactly what I needed during this vulnerable and emotional time. She took time to guide me through every step, answer all my questions, and ensure I felt supported and informed throughout. Her communication was thoughtful and never rushed, which helped ease much of my anxiety. What impressed me most was her ability to balance professionalism with genuine care. I always felt well cared for and believed she truly cared about my experience, not only the outcome. I am extremely grateful for her attentive care and highly recommend Dr. Bendikson to anyone considering egg or embryo freezing.
    Feb 13, 2025
    From my first appointment through my final follow-up, Dr. Bendikson was informative, helpful, easy to work with, and made me feel comfortable. She answered questions outside normal business hours and always responded promptly. I felt supported throughout, and every appointment was easy. I am truly grateful I chose Kindbody and Dr. Bendikson for my egg-freezing process and know I can also rely on them as a future resource!
    Feb 27, 2025
    An amazing doctor. She was very helpful throughout the process and answered every question and concern. The journey was remarkable, my first IVF cycle succeeded, and I am delighted to have my baby boy.
    Mar 23, 2025
    Dr. Bendikson became my fertility doctor in 2021 when I began pursuing my desire and dream of becoming a mother. After several years and several IVF treatments, that dream came true when I became pregnant and gave birth to my daughter. Given my age at the time, my chances of becoming and/or remaining pregnant were low, perhaps very low, but fortunately the IVF cycle succeeded. In addition to crediting God, or whatever supernatural power one believes in, I credit Dr. Bendikson and her team for that success. Dr. Bendikson's expertise and experience, together with her team, helped me become a mother and fulfill a lifelong dream. I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Bendikson and her team for helping give me the most incredible and special gift: motherhood!
    Apr 22, 2025
    I had a wonderful experience freezing my eggs at Kindbody. The entire team was welcoming, friendly, and informative. They always ensured I had every resource I needed and followed up regularly, making me feel truly supported. The center itself was clean and inviting and did not feel like a typical doctor's office. Kindbody accommodated my schedule very well, and I had no conflicts during the two weeks of treatment. Communication was mainly through the portal, and the team always responded promptly to questions or concerns. They handled ordering my medications and ensured I had enough throughout the process. I met Dr. Bendikson twice, and each time she was very personable and knowledgeable. Communication with her was excellent. I felt comfortable asking anything, which helped me understand the process and reduced much of the uncertainty. Overall, I give Kindbody 10/10. I have recommended them to friends and family and will definitely return for any future fertility treatment!
    May 5, 2025

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