Shady Grove - what were they thinking

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

They play the numbers for profit

Interesting... a business that wants to make a profit. The nerve of them...

Until infertility is considered a disease (not talking about a potential disease that results in infertility) it will continue to be a huge for profit business since insurance in most states is not required to cover it. I would place it in the realm of plastics (boob jobs, nose jobs, tummy tucks etc.) ... not an essential service (but very happy it exists - I mean IVF but maybe a boob job or tummy tuck in my future would be nice also... j/k). With any business with competition in the area we would expect them to have significant advertising. Obviously, the radio station I listen to is not the same as others because I only hear Dominion commercials daily.

If we all lived in Colorado it would be a no brainer to use CCRM.

Shout out to a fellow WTOP listener!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Those of you defending SG, are you staff, or do you not get that this is about more than the email. If Shady Grove had goodwill with us, we would more easily forgive the mistake. But Shady Grove shows its pure profit motive in the way it treats its patients, while purporting to provide medical "care". When you need more than one hand to count lab, surgery (missing a retrieval!?!) and protocol mistakes that Shady Grove has made on you and friends, in such an important matter in which you invest so much money, time, physical and emotional trauman--the email is just a slap in the face.

Goodwill, when it is there, cushions the blow. Shady Grove has worn out the goodwill with callousness and incompetence.

So such hideous, callous "marketing", is like scraping the bottom of a dry well with a rusty bucket.

But for the SG staff posting here, don't worry too much, the fact that SG accepts most insurance and most generous Shared Risk program ensures your business, and your jobs.

While SG may offer better pricing plans, it's still not chump change, they owe us competence, and they absolutely could add some consideration and compassion without it costing them a cent.[/quote]

I'm not staff. I am a woman who after trying to conceive a child for four years, finally got pregnant with the help of my doctor at Shady Grove. I have three kids now and I owe it to SGFC.

I had a very positive experience there. I was treated with respect and compassion over the course of the seven IVF cycles total I did with SGFC - and most of the people I dealt with were very competent (certainly some exceptions but they were truly the exceptions).

I think it's easy to direct your heartbreak and frustration at the provider when things are not successful. The sucky thing about IVF and infertility treatments in general is that there are no guarantees that you will have a baby. You can spend a ton of money, you can do all the "right things," and still have an unsuccessful cycle (or in my case, cycles). But that's obvious in the published stats that SGFC provides and is not necessarily the "fault" of the providers.

Moreover, the fact that they are affordable relative to other clinics IS meaningful. As it was, we sacrificed a considerable amount to afford IVF and build our family. Going out of state wasn't an option for us.

The e-mail was crappy and I'm sorry for those who received it. I'm a graduate but didn't receive, go figure. I can imagine that it would have been extraordinarily painful to open that e-mail. But it was a mistake. SGFC apologized for it. Some of the vitriol and nastiness on this thread is really overboard.

[Anonymous]

I'm a graduate who still can't stand shitty grove.

I left my OBGYN who was doing my IUIs (one BFP that resulted in an MC). I did 5 IUIs with him - the whole office knew me. He didn't give me a baby but I still went back to him for OB care when I was pregnant. I don't blame him for not helping me get pregnant - every time I saw him for an IUI; blood test he was fantastic. And he was about 10% of the cost of SGF. He cares about me and has for the last 20 years.

I went to SGF because I wasn't getting pregnant and to up the drugs I needed more monitoring which he didn't do.

His staff are beyond amazing. When I walked in pregnant the receptionist came out to hug me.

It's not about being a successful fertility patient - it's about the care you receive when you are in their patient.

BTW one of the biggest contributors to infertility is stress. But SGF doesn't try to remove the stress do they?

How hard would it be to write a simple (not xeroxed 2,000 times) document about process and procedures vs. a legal document outlining what they aren't liable for? Step 1 is this; Step 2 is this; Step 3 will be a 3a or a 3b depending on results of Step 2. Its a frickin' flow chart and literally not rocket science. A document that says while you are assigned to X; 2 other doctors will review your chart prior to meds being prescribed to you, etc. If you are using donor sperm the cost is X to have us store it.

Seriously - this is something an MPH intern from GW could do in the span of a week. And that wouldn't cost SGF anything but a few hours and reprinting of documents. But instead they keep their money.

As so many have illustrated - they are screwing up billing so much that they have to inflate the costs for out of pocket patients.

It would be nice if the problems with SG people were talking about were the lack of parking in Rockville; is it okay or not okay to bring a child if you are going for #2?; so and so is a little bit more rough with the vaginal ultrasound but someone else is a little nicer - the dream for those types of problems.

I won't be going back to SG for #2 - my insurance knows and based on the problems I have had will let me go to another clinic.

But I have friends who have no choice so I want it better for them. However, I have been able to convince 2 other SG patients to switch to another clinic as they are going out of pocket.

SG doesn't care because they just spend more on advertising to make up for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a graduate who still can't stand shitty grove.

I left my OBGYN who was doing my IUIs (one BFP that resulted in an MC). I did 5 IUIs with him - the whole office knew me. He didn't give me a baby but I still went back to him for OB care when I was pregnant. I don't blame him for not helping me get pregnant - every time I saw him for an IUI; blood test he was fantastic. And he was about 10% of the cost of SGF. He cares about me and has for the last 20 years.

I went to SGF because I wasn't getting pregnant and to up the drugs I needed more monitoring which he didn't do.

His staff are beyond amazing. When I walked in pregnant the receptionist came out to hug me.

It's not about being a successful fertility patient - it's about the care you receive when you are in their patient.

BTW one of the biggest contributors to infertility is stress. But SGF doesn't try to remove the stress do they?

How hard would it be to write a simple (not xeroxed 2,000 times) document about process and procedures vs. a legal document outlining what they aren't liable for? Step 1 is this; Step 2 is this; Step 3 will be a 3a or a 3b depending on results of Step 2. Its a frickin' flow chart and literally not rocket science. A document that says while you are assigned to X; 2 other doctors will review your chart prior to meds being prescribed to you, etc. If you are using donor sperm the cost is X to have us store it.

Seriously - this is something an MPH intern from GW could do in the span of a week. And that wouldn't cost SGF anything but a few hours and reprinting of documents. But instead they keep their money.

As so many have illustrated - they are screwing up billing so much that they have to inflate the costs for out of pocket patients.

It would be nice if the problems with SG people were talking about were the lack of parking in Rockville; is it okay or not okay to bring a child if you are going for #2?; so and so is a little bit more rough with the vaginal ultrasound but someone else is a little nicer - the dream for those types of problems.

I won't be going back to SG for #2 - my insurance knows and based on the problems I have had will let me go to another clinic.

But I have friends who have no choice so I want it better for them. However, I have been able to convince 2 other SG patients to switch to another clinic as they are going out of pocket.
SG doesn't care because they just spend more on advertising to make up for it.

Shady Grove had the best out of pocket pricing as compared to some of the other clinics we went to. Their Shared Risk program is an extraordinary offer if you can qualify (which, fortunately, we did). I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but I'm not convinced that any of the big clinics really give a f*uck when it comes down to it. I visited two others in the area and they didn't have the success rates of SGFC but still had the fertility factory feel. Before I turned to IVF my OB warned me that the world of fertility was the "wild west". I certainly think that's true.

I got pregnant thanks to Shady Grove - twice. Everyone I came into contact with was supportive and helpful with the exception of one doctor (out of the six or so who I came into contact with over the course of four cycles). Of course, that was MY experience and I'm bummed that other people didn't get the same treatment. Still, I think the outrage over the e-mail isn't warranted and borderline hysteria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yep... this email arrived overnight from Shutterfly:

Please accept our most sincere apologies. We mistakenly sent an email that was intended only for new parents who recently made baby-related purchases at Shutterfly. We’re truly sorry if you received this email in error. We realize this is a very sensitive issue and we did not mean to upset you in any way.
We care about our customers above all else and have taken measures to ensure this will not happen again. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at [e-mail] and we’ll get back to you.
Sincerely,
John Boris
Chief Marketing Officer
Shutterfly, Inc.

I got this as well. ?.

Always nice to receive an insincere email after an insensitive one

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm a graduate who still can't stand shitty grove.

I left my OBGYN who was doing my IUIs (one BFP that resulted in an MC). I did 5 IUIs with him - the whole office knew me. He didn't give me a baby but I still went back to him for OB care when I was pregnant. I don't blame him for not helping me get pregnant - every time I saw him for an IUI; blood test he was fantastic. And he was about 10% of the cost of SGF. He cares about me and has for the last 20 years.

I went to SGF because I wasn't getting pregnant and to up the drugs I needed more monitoring which he didn't do.

His staff are beyond amazing. When I walked in pregnant the receptionist came out to hug me.

It's not about being a successful fertility patient - it's about the care you receive when you are in their patient.

BTW one of the biggest contributors to infertility is stress. But SGF doesn't try to remove the stress do they?

How hard would it be to write a simple (not xeroxed 2,000 times) document about process and procedures vs. a legal document outlining what they aren't liable for? Step 1 is this; Step 2 is this; Step 3 will be a 3a or a 3b depending on results of Step 2. Its a frickin' flow chart and literally not rocket science. A document that says while you are assigned to X; 2 other doctors will review your chart prior to meds being prescribed to you, etc. If you are using donor sperm the cost is X to have us store it.

Seriously - this is something an MPH intern from GW could do in the span of a week. And that wouldn't cost SGF anything but a few hours and reprinting of documents. But instead they keep their money.

As so many have illustrated - they are screwing up billing so much that they have to inflate the costs for out of pocket patients.

It would be nice if the problems with SG people were talking about were the lack of parking in Rockville; is it okay or not okay to bring a child if you are going for #2?; so and so is a little bit more rough with the vaginal ultrasound but someone else is a little nicer - the dream for those types of problems.

I won't be going back to SG for #2 - my insurance knows and based on the problems I have had will let me go to another clinic.

But I have friends who have no choice so I want it better for them. However, I have been able to convince 2 other SG patients to switch to another clinic as they are going out of pocket.
SG doesn't care because they just spend more on advertising to make up for it.

Shady Grove had the best out of pocket pricing as compared to some of the other clinics we went to. Their Shared Risk program is an extraordinary offer if you can qualify (which, fortunately, we did). I'm sorry you had a bad experience, but I'm not convinced that any of the big clinics really give a f*uck when it comes down to it. I visited two others in the area and they didn't have the success rates of SGFC but still had the fertility factory feel. Before I turned to IVF my OB warned me that the world of fertility was the "wild west". I certainly think that's true.

I got pregnant thanks to Shady Grove - twice. Everyone I came into contact with was supportive and helpful with the exception of one doctor (out of the six or so who I came into contact with over the course of four cycles). Of course, that was MY experience and I'm bummed that other people didn't get the same treatment. Still, I think the outrage over the e-mail isn't warranted and borderline hysteria.

I agree with this poster. I'm on my 2nd cycle with SG and every single person I talk to is helpful, smiling and encouraging. I also find the factory feel comforting. Going to SG after years of being mistreated at my OBGYN practice at GW (wrong diagnoses, lost test results, 2-hour waiting times) I appreciate that their focus on the bottom line prompts them to be efficient and effective. They also have a huge pool of data to draw on so can always adjust their practice and their scheduling means that you can work and do IVF and no one at the office is the wiser.

[Anonymous]

Still, I think the outrage over the e-mail isn't warranted and borderline hysteria.

Completely agree!

[Anonymous]

I'm pregnant with my second from Shady Grove. I have what I consider to be a love/hate relationship with them. That being said this thread is ridiculous. Yes, someone fucked up. It was a pretty bad mistake. However, we all make mistakes including bad judgment calls. I've been reading this thread for days trying to understand where some of the vitriol is coming from but it's way over the top. If the anger you have for shady grove is that palpable I suggest looking into some therapy and coping mechanisms because this isn't healthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm pregnant with my second from Shady Grove. I have what I consider to be a love/hate relationship with them. That being said this thread is ridiculous. Yes, someone fucked up. It was a pretty bad mistake. However, we all make mistakes including bad judgment calls. I've been reading this thread for days trying to understand where some of the vitriol is coming from but it's way over the top. If the anger you have for shady grove is that palpable I suggest looking into some therapy and coping mechanisms because this isn't healthy.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm pregnant with my second from Shady Grove. I have what I consider to be a love/hate relationship with them. That being said this thread is ridiculous. Yes, someone fucked up. It was a pretty bad mistake. However, we all make mistakes including bad judgment calls. I've been reading this thread for days trying to understand where some of the vitriol is coming from but it's way over the top. If the anger you have for shady grove is that palpable I suggest looking into some therapy and coping mechanisms because this isn't healthy.

+1

Why love/hate? I am beginning to wonder if they stimulated me too much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm pregnant with my second from Shady Grove. I have what I consider to be a love/hate relationship with them. That being said this thread is ridiculous. Yes, someone fucked up. It was a pretty bad mistake. However, we all make mistakes including bad judgment calls. I've been reading this thread for days trying to understand where some of the vitriol is coming from but it's way over the top. If the anger you have for shady grove is that palpable I suggest looking into some therapy and coping mechanisms because this isn't healthy.

+1

I'm not the PP who posted but I also have a love/hate. Love because they did get me pregnant - twice - and because my experience with my doctor and my nurse were fantastic (I was a patient of Dr. Widra). I did feel cared for and supported by both.

Hate because SGFC is a machine and there were many days going into monitoring and sitting in a waiting room filled with other women that I felt like just a number. Like I could walk out the door and never come back and no one would ever notice.

I have two kids, though, and I was a tough case. So I am grateful to SGFC but never want to step foot in the offices again.



Why love/hate? I am beginning to wonder if they stimulated me too much.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you have a love/hate relationship with IVF. Join the club. But I certainly don't blame SG. It would suck anywhere.

[Anonymous]

19:14 here

I have issues with how SG refuses to personalize treatment plans. They typically stick to their cookie cutter statistical plan and don't account for differences. They jacked up my first IVF cycle protocol and started a second cycle with estrogen priming when I was pretty much anti ovulatory at that point and moved forward though we should have cancelled in hindsight. The reason it mattered was because of the time allowed for the estrogen priming. Got kicked out of shared risk and moved to DE which thankfully was successful. I'm fine with valid complaints about SG, but this thread is just over the top vitriolic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you have a love/hate relationship with IVF. Join the club. But I certainly don't blame SG. It would suck anywhere.

Agreed. I'm a graduate of two different clinics, one being SGFC (I moved from another state). Very few differences. IVF is a stressful, lonely process. Everywhere.

[Anonymous]

Curious why people who are so so happy with their infertility treatments would even bother looking at an infertility and support discussion especially if they are way past dealing with the clinics.