Joseph Chen, MD, FACOG, FACS — An Honest Editorial Review
Among fertility clinics in California, patients whose infertility is driven by endometriosis or fibroids often need a skilled minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon before — or alongside — an REI. Dr. Joseph S. Chen practices at 3779 Piedmont Avenue in Piedmont, just over the Oakland border, and is one of Kaiser Northern California's highest-volume complex benign gynecologic surgeons.
This is important to state clearly up front: Dr. Chen is not a reproductive endocrinologist, does not run IVF, and does not appear in SART reporting. He is a surgical subspecialist — the physician a patient is often referred to when imaging shows a large fibroid, a deep endometriotic nodule, or an ovarian endometrioma complicating a fertility workup.
Training and Credentials
Dr. Chen earned his MD from Creighton University School of Medicine. He completed his OB/GYN residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix (2015-2019), then completed a two-year AAGL-accredited Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas (2019-2021). He is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He is part of Kaiser's regional Endometriosis Specialty team.
Per Kaiser's practice description, Dr. Chen focuses exclusively on complex benign surgical gynecology and does not provide obstetrical or prenatal care.
Services and Surgical Focus
Dr. Chen's practice centers on:
- Robotic and laparoscopic excision of endometriosis, including deep infiltrating disease
- Myomectomy for fibroids (laparoscopic, robotic, hysteroscopic)
- Management of endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Chronic pelvic pain evaluation
- Ovarian cystectomy, including endometriomas
- Hysteroscopic polypectomy and septum resection
- Minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications
He does not perform IUI, IVF, egg freezing, or donor-gamete treatment. Patients pursuing assisted reproduction are managed through Kaiser's reproductive endocrinology team or referred externally.
Why an MIGS Surgeon Matters in a Fertility Workup
Endometriosis is found in roughly 25-50% of women with infertility, and submucosal or large intramural fibroids can reduce IVF success by distorting the uterine cavity. A thoughtful surgical plan — excision of an endometrioma before stimulation, myomectomy before embryo transfer, or septum resection before IUI — can change the arithmetic of the next cycle. At the same time, surgery for endometriosis can reduce ovarian reserve, so timing and coordination with an REI matter. Our how to read IVF success rates guide and the fertility clinics in California hub are a good starting point for finding that REI partner.
Patient Experience
Dr. Chen holds a 5.0 Google rating across roughly 69 reviews — unusually strong for a high-volume surgical practice. Recurring themes in public reviews point to clear pre-operative explanations, attentive perioperative communication, and thorough post-op follow-up. Piedmont Avenue is accessible from I-580 and the MacArthur BART station with a short bus connection; parking is typical of the neighborhood.
Considering At-Home Insemination?
Some patients dealing with a surgical gynecologic diagnosis still want to try conception on their own terms between consults, particularly when donor sperm is already in use or there is no known male factor.
At-home insemination kits from MakeAMom are a one-time, reusable purchase and arrive in plain, discreet packaging. They are not a substitute for surgical or REI care when indicated — but for patients in the planning phase of a fertility journey, they can fit alongside ovulation tracking.
If you have known endometriosis, fibroids distorting the cavity, tubal disease, severe male factor, or are 35+ and have been trying for six months, a board-certified REI is the right next step after any necessary surgery.
Insurance and Cost in California
California's SB 729, signed in 2024 and phased in starting 2025, requires many large-group state-regulated commercial plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including IVF. Kaiser members are covered under the Kaiser plan; gynecologic surgery for symptomatic endometriosis or fibroids is typically a covered medical benefit separate from fertility authorization. See our fertility insurance mandates by state guide and IVF cost by state breakdown.
Location and Contact
Address: 3779 Piedmont Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611 Phone: (510) 752-5873 Affiliation: Kaiser Permanente Oakland & Richmond Medical Centers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dr. Chen treat infertility directly? No. He is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. He treats endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic pain — conditions that frequently coexist with infertility — and coordinates with reproductive endocrinologists when assisted reproduction is indicated.
Is he accepting new patients? Access is primarily through Kaiser Permanente referrals. Non-Kaiser patients should contact the office or verify coverage before scheduling.
Does he deliver babies? No. Per his Kaiser practice description, Dr. Chen does not provide obstetrical or prenatal care.
Editorial note: Independently written by the Fertlo editorial team; not sponsored. See our editorial policy.