Walter Reed/2nd Opinion

[Anonymous]

We are going through the IVF process at Walter Reed (Art of Washington) I have been very unimpressed with them so far (We are on our 3rd Dr and no one answers the phone during working hours to name a few) They are providing inconsistent timelines, despite having several appointments, all tests run,etc. We started this process 7 months ago.

I have heard great reviews, but wondering if people just have low expectations because it is significantly cheaper and they are used to the overall poor quality and long wait times associated with military medical care.

Would you get a 2nd Opinion and if so where?

Has anyone used ART and a private clinic and if so, which did you prefer?

[Anonymous]

Dr. Hill is the director at WR and I have heard that he is good. It seems like you identified communication and continuity being issues. Is there any way that you can get direct contact information for one of the nurses? Ask to be assigned a primary nurse? I do not know how their workflow goes, but this could be the key in getting what you need. My guess is that if you can get going, that the actual stimulation, collection, embryology lab, and transfer protocols are on par with the medical/scientific parameters found in the private sector, just decreased customer service focus. Probably worth trying a cycle there given the remarkable discrepancy in price with private clinics. OTOH if Shady Grove participates with Tricare you might get a 2nd opinion/consult visit there. Good luck! Let us know how it all turns out.

[Anonymous]

I did a cycle through Walter Reed and had tremendous success—2 live births from one stim cycle (1 fresh transfer and 1 FET years later). I agree that it’s hard to get in contact with the doctors before the procedure, but the nurses are pretty responsive via email. Once the process starts, the docs are pretty on top of everything. I like that there are several competent physicians working on a case together. Overall, this is a no-frills operation in terms of customer service, but the clinic’s success rate and cost is pretty great. Give them a try!