Website: http://www.sfperinatal.com/

Physicians: Jim Goldberg, Michael Katz, Thomas J. Musci, Per L. Sandberg, Melinda Scully

I decided to go to SF perinatal for prenatal testing because I wanted to do CVS w/ Dr. Goldberg. Turns out I can't do CVS due to the position of the placenta and the tilt of my uterus. Long story, but they wouldn't book me w/ Dr. Goldberg for an amnio and I had no idea whom to ask for instead, so they gave me an appointment with Dr. Susan Fong instead. Can anyone give me any feedback on her? She seems to be the youngest/newest member of their practice, which does not fill me with confidence.

Alternately, can anyone recommend another practitioner at SF perinatal for amnio? I'm thinking of ditching the whole practice and going back to Denise Main at CPMC (who did my amnio 3 years ago and was wonderful). But SF perinatal has such a sterling reputation, and I am already all set w/ their genetic counselor, etc. So whom should I see there for amnio? Thanks for any advice. an Oakland mom

I developed a subchorionic hematoma as a result of my CVS procedure. I am now 15 weeks and my OB is being what seems to be overly cavalier about the fact that I've had two major bleeds already, saying there's nothing we can do and that all will probably be fine. I needed to take the initiative to make an appointment with a perinatologist for an ultrasound to follow up my last bleed and get the referral from my OB after the fact. I'm concerned though that the perinatologist I will see (Dr. Weiss at East Bay Perinatal) does not have sufficient experience with SCH. I know this is a fairly common complication in pregnancy, so I'm hoping someone can recommend an excellent perinatologist who will be proactive about monitoring the hematoma and taking other measures that can prevent PROM and/or premature delivery. If I left it up to my OB, I'd be doing absolutely nothing special, which it seems from my research is not necessarily the best approach. anonymous

I had a major problem with a pregnancy, which had a risk of harming one of my fetal twins. It was discovered by East Bay Perinatal, and their handling of how they told us, what they suggested as follow-up, etc. was poor at best.

My reproductive endocrinologist referred us to SF Perinatal, as one of the best in the country, and was also covered by Blue Cross (my insurance at the time) -- and I thank GOD for them. They handled my complication with the most amazing approach, knowledge, and compassion.

They had such a major effect, that I made sure to do all the rest of my ultrasound work there, and they ultimately made a very important call to admit me 1 mo. early to the hospital for the delivery of my daughter.

Without Drs. Goldberg and Sandberg, I think there would have been major problems, if not a major loss. Trust your instincts. East Bay Perinatal is for high-volume, no-complications patients -- do not hesitate to get specialized care. Both my regular OB and EB Perinatal failed to recognize 2 major issues, that could have terminated my pregnancies.

Go immediately to San Francisco Perinatal, even out of pocket. You will feel much much more confident about the diagnosis, and they are *NOT cavalier. Feel free to contact me if you want more information, you are correct in questioning this.

I am having a CVS test performed in 2 weeks at East Bay Perinatal Medical with DR. Weiss. So far I have not read anything negative about him or the practice, but the postings are a little old, so am looking for updated comments. My doctor wanted to get me in UCSF as she said they are better at CVS but they are out of network. My authorization did not go through, but she said they would approve of me going to California Pacific Medical Center to see Dr. Main instead. I am unsure why my doctor and nurse both said they would rather me go to UCSF. Is it the risk of miscarriage or they are better at reading the results? I will be asking them this on Monday at an appointment. Any recent experiences with Dr. Weiss or Dr. Main? Good or Bad? I think I am worrying too much. Diane

My experience at SF Perinatal (http://www.sfperinatal.com/) was really good. They are caring (I felt faint during both ultrasounds and they took good care of me), professional, have 3-D imaging equipment as part of the their usual ultrasounds and send you home with pictures on a CD, which is a nice perk. The genetic counselors are also really good.

Best of luck to you! Robin

editor note: East Bay Perinatal was also recommended.

Can someone please recommend an excellent Perinatologist(maternal & fetal medicine) physician for a high-risk pregnancy in the Berkeley/San Francisco area? Thank you!

Re: CVS - Recommendations?
Hi - Congratulations on your pregnancy! I was in the same situation as you, and I did a lot of research on the CVS procedure (even against my midwife's recommendations). I learned that the risks involved are due mainly to the experience of the doctor. And, I learned that we have one of the best pre-natal physicians specializing in CVS in the whole country here in San Francisco! Dr. James Goldberg of SF Perinatal. Though there isn't enough data to support this officially, they say that their CVS miscarriage rate is about the same as amnio. I had a very easy, absolutely no problem CVS there in February, and the experience overall was just wonderful. The office staff members were friendly enough, the genetic counselor was thorough, the ultrasound technician was skillful and sweet and gave us a CD of the baby, and Dr. Goldberg himself was a gem -- affable, supportive, he talked me through the whole procedure, it was entirely painless, I could watch the whole thing on the screen ! above my bed, he explained everything to my husband who asked detailed technical questions, and they called me a week later with, thankfully, positive results. I would recommend them absolutely. I actually had to go in twice -- the first time at 10 weeks the baby wasn't in a safe enough position to do the procedure, so I went back at 11 weeks.

One thing I didn't expect was just how crampy I'd feel after the procedure. I was so glad my husband accompanied me -- I needed his support walking out of the building, I put my car seat back and slept on the way back to Berkeley, and when we got home I brought books and laptop into my bed and stayed there the entire rest of the day. They recommended 2 hours resting but I rested about 10 hours! I didn't want to take any chances. Now I'm 5 months pregnant and continue to be amazed at the wonder of it all! I would definitely go with them again. (415) 202-1200 www.sfperinatal.com VERY happy with Dr. Goldberg

FWIW, I had another prenatal test (ultrasound) with Dr. Jim Goldberg at his new clinic (he used to be CPMC). He is also very experienced and popular for CVS. While he was fantastic and informative and also very kind, I was less than impressed with his support staff, who were all somewhat impatient and unfriendly.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! anon

Re: Should I change my insurance for CVS?
I have had CVS three times with Goldberg and no complications ever. Last one at age 42. I would also pay for FISH results - about $250 - and you hear back in about 48 hours. I think it is worth it if you can change easily and then change back. I am guessing you would not even need to see your new'' ob -I mean, at that stage in pregnancy you only go in once a month or so. If you have any complications from CVS you'd see Goldberg. Your current doc can write a ''perscription'' for goldberg if needed - or you can just take the referral you current ob writes to goldberg. Good luck. been there

Re: CVS at UCSF?
I'd consider going to Dr Goldberg - he is now in practice at SF Perinatal. I have had CVS twice with him & his bedside manner, compassion (after getting bad news), and skill make him a great choice. I don't know anything about his new practice (other than they seem to take alot of insurance plans), other than he is part of it. good luck

Re: 6 weeks pregnant and want to get CVS testing
I would go to Dr. Goldberg at SF Perinatal. Dr. Goldberg headed the CVS testing at CPMC for many years, and left to start SF Perinatal about a year or so ago, along with several of the other top CPMC perinatologists (e.g. Dr. Katz). That is where my OB practice refers everyone. I had a CVS done there by him in November, after having several miscarriages. Their miscarriage rate is much lower than ''average'' stats, and Dr. Goldberg was very calming and professional (I was terrified, but it didn't hurt at all, although I couldn't watch). Good luck! happy SF Perinatal patient

Re: Need recommendations for amnio

I've visited three clinics in the Bay Area for prenatal testing, and researched a few others, and ended up going to the Peninsula to have my Amnio done by Dr. Liner. See attached http://www.obgynscan.com/about.htm I had to pay a higher PPO rate to go there instead of East Bay Perinatal, but I'm really glad I did it. They have a very low rate of complications, and I felt they were extremely careful and knowledgable. It was also the only place my husband and I felt the geneticists really knew their stuff, since we had some fairly complicated genetics questions. By comparison, at UCSF, where we did nuchal translucency and considered doing CVS, the geneticist seemed to know less than we did and couldn't give us accurate information on the complication rate for procedures. I've done ultrasounds at East Bay Perinatal and been less than impressed. Dr. Liner was great and the bedside manner at the whole clinic was fabulous. They also offer the option of getting FISH analysis done so you get the results in 2 days, which we elected to do. It all turned out fine and it was worth the extra money to feel like we were being taken care of. an anxious mom

Can anyone recommend a perinatologist outside of Kaiser? I'd particularly like to find one with extensive knowledge of (and treatment for) pregnancy and lupus anticoagulant antibodies.

Re: Doctors who do CVS
I have been told by two MDs (one reproductive endocrinologist, one maternal-fetal medicine specialist, i.e. high risk OB) that Dr. Jim Goldberg is the best in the Bay Area for CVS. He works through California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, and it's worth the trip over the bay in my opinion. Of course, it depends on if your insurance covers him.

We did CVS for our twins at 12 weeks with Dr. Goldberg, and it was a very professional and pleasant experience (as pleasant as it can be when they stick a long needle into your abdomen twice.) We received our results 1 week later. I also thought the genetic counselors there were quite good. Lisa