Fertility Specialists and Clinics and IVF Financing: Los Angeles and Southern California

Southern California Reproductive Center is one of the most highly respected and well established fertility clinics in the world, based in Los Angeles, California with a patient population that is local, national, and international.

Our physician fertility specialists in the Los Angeles area are pioneers in the field, with 20 years of experience dating back to the emergence of in vitro fertilization ( IVF) and its associated technologies as a medical practice. We and the professional staff of SCRC are proud to offer our patients the best in IVF, andrology, embryology, assisted reproductive technology, and IVF financing at our California facilities.

Our Physicians

• Mark W. Surrey, MD
• Hal C. Danzer, MD
• Wendy Y. Chang, MD
• Shahin Ghadir, MD
• Tina Koopersmith, MD
• David L. Hill, PhD, HCLD

Our Staff
Reproductive Technology and IVF Financing

• Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc. (ARC)

Our Physicians

Our physicians are among the most experienced in their field, having been instrumental in the development and ongoing evolution of in vitro fertilization and advanced surgical techniques. They are fertility specialists with a Los Angeles base and an international reputation.

Mark W. Surrey, MD

Dr. Mark Surrey is the co-founder and Medical Director of the Southern California Reproductive Center, a recognized leader in the field of in vitro fertilization ( IVF). He also serves as Chief of Gynecologic Surgery and Clinical Chief for the In Vitro Fertilization Center at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles , California. He has served as the Immediate Past President of the largest society for IVF specialists in the western United States, and has authored numerous peer review publications on infertility. He is currently a full clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and President of the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society.

Dr. Surrey received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968 and his Doctorate from George Washington University in 1972. He completed an internship and residency at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He then earned a fellowship at the University of London in 1976, conducting research in Microsurgery for Infertility and IVF.

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Hal C. Danzer, MD

Dr. Hal Danzer is a partner and co-founder of Southern California Reproductive Center. He has been certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1979. Dr. Danzer served as Reproductive Endocrinologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, 1978–1988. He has also served as Assistant Professor in Residence, Adjunct Assistant Professor, and Visiting Assistant Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He has authored numerous publications, abstracts, and articles.

Dr. Danzer received his Bachelor of Science from the University of San Francisco in 1967 and his Doctorate at the St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1971. His internship was spent at the University of Southern California Medical Center in Los Angeles, and his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology was at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. There, he also earned a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology from 1976–1978. Dr. Danzer is now one of the most respected fertility specialists based in the Los Angeles area, with a far-reaching reputation for medical expertise and a keen interest in helping his patients realize their dream of parenthood.

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Wendy Y. Chang, MD

Dr. Wendy Chang is the lead author of the infertility chapter in Essential Reproductive Medicine, has authored numerous publications, and is a frequent lecturer on a number of reproductive topics. Her areas of clinical and laboratory research include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). She is fluent in English, Chinese, Spanish, and French. Dr. Chang completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospitals of Harvard Medical School. There, Dr. Chang was honored for outstanding clinical performance by the Vincent Gynecological Service, and received the award for the outstanding laparo-endoscopic surgeon in her class.

Dr. Chang completed her fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the combined program at the University of California , Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA in 1989, and her Master’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, in 1992. She received her medical degree at the University of California Davis in 1996. Dr. Chang has two daughters, who inspire her to help others attain the joys of parenthood!

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Shahin Ghadir, MD

Dr. Shahin Ghadir completed his fellowship training in the joint University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center program in 2006. He is a very culturally sensitive physician, fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi. Dr. Ghadir has also had numerous research publications in the form of abstracts, oral presentations, and web media. He is also a frequent lecturer on a number of reproductive endocrinology and infertility topics, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Dr. Ghadir received his Bachelor of Art degree (B.A.) in Psychology with cum laude honors from UCLA in 1994. He then received his medical degree from the Central University School of Medicine with summa cum laude honors and was ranked number one in his medical school class. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles. During his residency, he won the distinguished residency teaching award and in 2005 became board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Ghadir is an extremely friendly, charismatic and caring human being, and has been quoted among fertility specialists in the Los Angeles Times in an article titled, "Doctors Who Still Answer Your Calls."

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Tina Koopersmith, MD

Dr. Tina Koopersmith is an accomplished physician and surgeon welcomed by the Southern California Reproductive Center in December 2006. She has been acting medical director at Southern California Reproductive Center’s affiliate, the ART Reproductive Center. A graduate of Duke University Medical School, Dr. Koopersmith is board-certified in both Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. After completing her internship and residency at Women's Hospital, Los Angeles County–University of Southern California Medical Center, she was awarded a fellowship at that center's Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and she became a member of the clinical faculty at University of Southern California.

Dr. Koopersmith's clinical research has been presented at meetings of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society. Her areas of specialty include gynecological endocrinology (evaluation and treatment of hormonal disturbances) and gynecological surgery. She has hospital privileges at St. Joseph's, Encino-Tarzana, and Northridge Hospitals. Dr. Koopersmith has been in practice in the San Fernando Valley / Los Angeles area since 1995. She's been married to cardiologist Doug Schreck, MD since 1989, and keeps busy raising three boys — Ben, Jeremy, and RJ. Dr. Koopersmith brings with her a great level of personal attention to each of her patients.

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David L. Hill, PhD, HCLD

Scientific Director of the ART Reproductive Center in Beverly Hills since its inception, Dr. David L. Hill was previously Director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Century City Hospital for 14 years. Prior to that, he served as co-director of the John Muir Hospital In Vitro Fertilization program. Dr. Hill received his Baccalaureate and Masters degrees from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 1974 and 1976, respectively. He received his Ph.D. (Pathobiology) from the University of Connecticut in 1983. He did his first postdoctoral fellowship in Physiology and Biophysics at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute of Harvard Medical School, Boston. His second postdoctoral fellowship was at the John Muir Cancer and Aging Research Institute, Walnut Creek, California.

Dr. Hill is a member of the American and European Societies for Reproductive Medicine, Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, and the American Association of Bioanalysts. He is one of the most respected researchers in the field of assisted reproductive technology, and has many publications, abstracts, and presentations to his name.

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Our Staff

Our dedicated staff of nurses, counselors, laboratory staff, and assistants, many of whom have been with our fertility clinics in the Los Angeles area for 15 years or more, are caring and knowledgeable, and want to support you through every step of the process. They're here to answer your questions, eliminate your worries, and keep your physical and emotional well-being at its optimum. If you ever have a special need or request, don't hesitate — just ask. You will find our experience, knowledge, and compassion a constant source of comfort.

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JoAnn Bishop, RNC, Nurse Practitioner

JoAnn’s 27 years of clinical experience in Reproductive Health has played a vital role in delivering the quality of care for which the Southern California Reproductive Center is widely known. JoAnn graduated from LAC-USC Medical Center School of Nursing and continued her education at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Nurse Practitioner Program. She is a Certified Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner, and has spent the past 16 years at SCRC embracing the advances in this specialty while providing quality and compassionate care. JoAnn happily confirms that the success and challenges of helping patients achieve parenthood has brought her immeasurable personal joy.

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Suzanne Yahiro, MPaS, PA-C

Suzanne is a graduate of the Master's degree Physician Assistant program of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and California Association of Physician Assistants. She is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants. Suzanne notes, “I find the field of infertility extremely rewarding. Couples struggling to conceive go through such an emotional journey, and I enjoy being part of the team that makes the experience easier.”

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Desta Gelagay, Andrology Laboratory Director

Mr. Desta Gelagay, the Southern California Reproductive Center's Andrology Lab Director, oversees and conducts comprehensive andrology procedures including sex selection processes, intrauterine insemination (IUI) sperm preparation, cryopreservation, and a variety of other advanced tests. A member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Mr. Gelagay states that "I enjoy my job tremendously, knowing that what I do impacts the lives of many people in a positive way."

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Medical Assistants and LVNs

Our staff of Medical Assistants and RNs are here for you — they help deliver the answers and the special quality care we always strive to provide at our fertility clinics in the Los Angeles area. Left to right: Sandra (MA), Eva (MA), Mary Beth (LVN), Connie (LVN), and Olivia (MA).

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Ultrasound: Kathleen M. Koempel and Helen Brewer

At the Southern California Reproductive Center, our Sonographers are tops in their field. Kathleen M. Koempel, CRT, ARDMS (pictured) and Helen Brewer, CRT, ARDMS bring more than 33 years of combined experience to their work. Their great attention to detail and caring hearts make our patients' ultrasound during preliminary evaluations, ovulation tracking, intrauterine insemination, and embryo transfer a comfortable and gratifying experience.

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Cheryl Hatkoff, RN

Cheryl Hatkoff is our third-party coordinator. One of our cherished fertility specialists at our Los Angeles offices, Cheryl has worked with egg donors, surrogates, and intended parents and recipients for more than 14 years. As Dr. Surrey says, “Cheryl fosters hope in those who are in short supply.”

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SCRC Receptionists

Our front desk staff goes way beyond simply making appointments. They're essential to the calm yet vibrant environment you'll find in our patient waiting area.

Left to Right: Yesenia, Karen, Laura, Carmen.

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Our Business Office

Our financial team helps you explore your insurance coverage options and will assist you in securing access to advanced reproductive care. Left to Right: Andrea Menendez, Janet Rodriguez and Carol Gonzalez (Patient Account Representatives).

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Our Executive Team

The executive team at Southern California Reproductive Center plays an important role in administering the day-to-day business operations that help maintain the continuity of care you receive. Left to right: Don Yates, Director of Marketing; Toni Moore, Administrator; and Monair Wiggins, Office Manager.

The staff at our fertility clinics in the Los Angeles area also includes expert licensed family therapists and a clinical psychiatrist who can assist you at any stage of the process of creating your family: from the very beginning when you are learning about the options available to you, and at any time during the process when you may experience new challenges that require special emotional support and psychological understanding.

Contact any of the fertility specialists at our four Los Angeles-area offices to schedule an appointment for a private consultation. We're happy to answer all of your questions.

Reproductive Technology and IVF Financing

While the rewards of parenthood and creating the family of your dreams are priceless, the financial commitment can be very challenging. In keeping with our philosophy to assist you in all aspects of planning your family, in vitro fertilization (IVF) financing at the Southern California Reproductive Center is comprised of a variety of financing options and shared risk plans that allow you to carefully define your financial obligation as a cohesive part of your overall plan for creating a family.

Many insurance companies now provide financial assistance for the diagnosis and treatment of fertility problems. Be sure to check your policy or call your agent.

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Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc. (ARC)

In partnership with Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc. (ARC), IVF financing at the Southern California Reproductive Center includes the ARC Fertility Program as an independent financing option, with a wide variety of plans that have been formulated specifically to match the projected needs of your specific course of treatment, encompassing all aspects of medical, lab, surgical, and pharmaceutical care.

Based on the highest standards of fertility care recommended by our fertility specialists, each treatment package has been developed with a proven track record that has helped many of our patients build their families with comforting and appropriate financial control over the fertility process.

Three-cycle Plus™

Two-cycle Plus™

One-cycle Plus™

Flexible Care Option™

The ARC Pharmacy Plan™

The ARC Genetics Program™

Three-cycle Plus™

The greatest level of opportunity to get pregnant with the greatest limitation to the cost of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment is the Three-cycle Plus™ plan, which offers up to three fresh cycles and up to three additional IVF frozen/thaw cycles. By placing a maximum fee on the entire process, couples can reasonably balance their tolerance for financial risk with a pre-determined financial limitation on their IVF financing. The peace of mind that this allows fosters the atmosphere of comfort that is conducive to the most positive outcome. This plan also can be supplemented by The ARC Refund Guarantee Program. Additional details on this and all of the ARC fertility plans can be obtained when you contact the Southern California Reproductive Center.

Two-cycle Plus™

The Two-cycle Plus™ plan offers up to two fresh cycles and up to two additional IVF frozen/thaw cycles. Like all of our plans, by placing a maximum fee on the entire process, couples can reasonably assess their chances for a successful pregnancy with pre-determined financial limitations.

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One-cycle Plus™

The One-cycle Plus™ plan offers one fresh cycle and up to one additional IVF frozen/thaw cycle. This plan is the most affordable of all our pre-packaged plans and is the best course for couples who have assessed their chances for pregnancy as most likely under the treatment prescribed. The package provides all of the necessary procedures and the peace of mind that comes with a very affordable financial commitment at our fertility clinics in and near Los Angeles.

Flexible Care Option™

The Flexible Care Option™ is a very special IVF financing plan that combines one of the ARC payment plans with your personal health insurance. This flexible option addresses the fact that you may have insurance coverage for a portion of your fertility care, and it allows you to create a personalized financial plan that uses only those ARC payment options that are not covered by your insurance.

The ARC Pharmacy Plan™

In addition to medical treatments, the cost of fertility drugs and other associated medicines can be a prohibitive factor in the decisions leading to your desired treatment plan. The ARC Pharmacy Plan controls the high cost of medications and was developed to assist patients with finding affordable IVF financing solutions in California. This plan is offered through MDR Pharmaceutical Care, a leading pharmaceutical company. They offer express home delivery service at no additional charge and provide phone consultation with pharmacists who specialize in fertility therapies.

The ARC Genetics Program™

One of the most important fertility factors in a couple's decision to proceed with any pregnancy, natural or assisted, is the pre-existence of genetic, hereditary conditions, or disorders that may affect a positive outcome and a healthy pregnancy. ARC's Genetics Program offers free access to primary genetics screening for patients who have chosen one of the ARC plans, and at a reduced price if you wish to purchase the genetics screening independent of an ARC package.

In addition to ARC, IVF financing at the Southern California Reproductive Center includes other financing options that can offer low fixed rates. These options have been developed specifically for patients of fertility clinics in the Los Angeles area, and they allow you to create a payment plan with manageable, affordable monthly payments.

To learn more about the Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc. information, please
click here.

Contact the Southern California Reproductive Center

Contact the Southern California Reproductive Center to learn more about the reproductive assistance and fertility specialists at our Los Angeles-area facilities. We're happy to help you deal with this sometimes-challenging aspect of your care.

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