Move to CCRM Tysons from SG Fairfax?

[sjmama19]

Just looking for experiences from those who moved to CCRM from SG or who go to CCRM.

I've been with SG since about 2017--ended up having my daughter in 2019 with unmedicated IUI (1 prior loss with a diff partner 12 weeks genetically normal). I've now been trying for baby 2 since 2022 and have 9 more losses to show for it. I use a donor and all of these losses have been with the same donor I had my daughter with. All of the losses that could be tested (either pGT or POC) were genetically normal. Anyways, I only have 1 mosaic left and I want to make more embryos before using it. I'm torn on if I should stay with SG or move to CCRM. My doctor has been willing to change and tweak my protocol each time but it's been like pulling teeth. The CCRM doctor I met with is very concerned my immune system is the issue but doesn't believe in reproductive immunology (something I have decided to pursue and I meet with Jubiz soon). My current SG doctor blew off my immune system as the issue for a year--but my last chat with him he seemed to be coming around to it.

I know CCRM claims to have a superior lab but I can make normal embryos fine--- so I'm not sure moving to them and their lab will solve my issues....I was told I would have to leave my mosaic at SG ad they will only transfer mosaics made in their own lab... also I have heard their billing/finance department suck -- my file is so extensive (over 750 pages) that submitting prior auth is very complex and my file has to be split into many folders to get it to go through (although it looks it went through on their end even when it doesn't). it took SG several months and required their manager to help in order to figure it out and since they have I haven't had issues--so I also worry if I switch CCRM wont be able to figure it out and I'd be going back to SG anyways. I'm very lucky to still have benefits left for IVF.

I guess just looking for any and all experiences that will help me make this decision. I just dont' want make the wrong one.

[Anonymous]

IVF veteran here (sad), current CCRM Nova patient with an autoimmune disease. 10 egg retrievals, 3 transfers, currently trying for 2nd child.

I was with Dominion Fertility initially, had success after 3 egg retrievals, 2 euploid transfers. The first euploid transfer failed, then I suggested adding steroid for my 2nd transfer, not sure if that's what did the trick (we also changed to PIO injections). Then I went back trying for my 2nd and had 4 failed egg retrievals (no eggs/embryos/blasts).

Then I switched to CCRM Nova. I would definitely recommend CCRM Nova, can't compare them to Shady Grove as I've never been with them. My first egg retrieval with CCRM produced 1 euploid but ended up with a chemical. I think CCRM is more willing to tailor to different needs, and try different things. I am on an autoimmune transfer protocol here, but I didn't get the sense they see this as completely necessary but still willing to try it. Finance is a nightmare, I agree, the worse I've dealt with, adding a lot of unnecessary stress to this already stressful process. I love the doctors, my nurse and had no issues otherwise besides finance. I feel that Finance goes out of their way to make your life difficult, just my 2 cents.

If I can provide more insights just let me know.

[sjmama19]

Thanks for your reply!

Have you ever looking into reproductive immunology? it honestly sounds like you might need it. I have decided to work with Jubiz an RI--and the CCRM doctor was pretty against it but said he wouldn't hold it against me either. CCRM offered up the SAME immunoprotocol I've done like 3 times with my SG RE and I was like yea ---that hasn't worked its not gonna magically work with you. It took CCRM 5 days to send me the onboarding stuff--and I'm slightly annoyed b/c they requested I send a bunch of records for testing I've had done. Well I ALREADY SENT all of the records they are asking for prior to my initial consult. Like super annoying. I know the doctor looked at them b/c he had it pulled up. They also said unlikely to be able to do a retrieval this year which sucks b/c I'm almost at my OOP max.

My SG doctor shocked me during my consult and is 100% on board in working with Jubiz--I told him all the meds Jubiz typically uses and he was like ok whatever he thinks we can do it.... CCRM was against those meds... He is also willing to help me get whatever testing done I need so I'm leaning toward staying put... I feel like having a doctor who is on board with my RI route will be more beneficial than changing labs and just hoping a new embryology lab is enough to fix it... I don't think it is tho. IDK.

[Anonymous]

sjmama19 wrote:Thanks for your reply!

Have you ever looking into reproductive immunology? it honestly sounds like you might need it. I have decided to work with Jubiz an RI--and the CCRM doctor was pretty against it but said he wouldn't hold it against me either. CCRM offered up the SAME immunoprotocol I've done like 3 times with my SG RE and I was like yea ---that hasn't worked its not gonna magically work with you. It took CCRM 5 days to send me the onboarding stuff--and I'm slightly annoyed b/c they requested I send a bunch of records for testing I've had done. Well I ALREADY SENT all of the records they are asking for prior to my initial consult. Like super annoying. I know the doctor looked at them b/c he had it pulled up. They also said unlikely to be able to do a retrieval this year which sucks b/c I'm almost at my OOP max.

My SG doctor shocked me during my consult and is 100% on board in working with Jubiz--I told him all the meds Jubiz typically uses and he was like ok whatever he thinks we can do it.... CCRM was against those meds... He is also willing to help me get whatever testing done I need so I'm leaning toward staying put... I feel like having a doctor who is on board with my RI route will be more beneficial than changing labs and just hoping a new embryology lab is enough to fix it... I don't think it is tho. IDK.

Since I had a successful healthy IVF pregnancy before with just steroids, the doctor wasn't too concerned. We're getting ready for another euploid transfer with CCRM, if this one doesn't work then we'll look into getting other testing done. At this stage, since we already have 1 child, though we would love to have a 2nd, with my AMA we're willing to accept the possibility that a 2nd might not happen. It's just been an emotional rollercoaster over the past 5 years with IVF, I want to experience normal life without having to think about IVF =)
Good luck to you!!!!

[sjmama19]

I have also had a live birth from unmedicated IUI... no meds no immune stuff nothing. Clearly something has changed for me tho--- 9 losses with PGT normal embryos, something is just not right even tho we haven't figured out what it is yet. I hope your next transfer is successful!