Bloom vs CWC

[Anonymous]

This is some fancy NWDC shit I think because I just called WHC and made an appointment, no one ever told me I had to be approved. I don’t think I would be comfortably going there even if I were “selected.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also tried to become an OB patient at Bloom and was “rejected” - but I don’t think it’s so much an evaluation of the patient as they are looking at the other patients they already have with due dates around the same time to ensure they are able to provide good support to everyone. That was my impression anyway, and I thought it made sense. I was looking to switch in my second trimester and I think they already had a full schedule of patients with similar due dates.

Bloom patient here, yes, that was my impression as well. The doctors convene to talk about potential patients and look at the roster, then decide. I don't think it's them all sitting around choosing based on other factors.

Most OB’s have generally have that. I specifically asked if that was what they were looking at and was told it’s a “comprehensive look at me as patient.” Like what is that supposed to mean? They also told me on our phone call in the first 30 seconds that there’s a fee and that “may deter me”. Again, excuse me? Do I sound poor on the phone? Really really bad etiquette and a horrible experience for someone new to the area just trying to find a doctor who could deliver my baby. OB care shouldn’t be treated as a private country club in this country.

Especially not a good look for a practice where all the doctors are white.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is some fancy NWDC shit I think because I just called WHC and made an appointment, no one ever told me I had to be approved. I don’t think I would be comfortably going there even if I were “selected.”

+100 -- this is absurd and makes me so uncomfortable. They can do this because it's a private business, but it's really not a good look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also tried to become an OB patient at Bloom and was “rejected” - but I don’t think it’s so much an evaluation of the patient as they are looking at the other patients they already have with due dates around the same time to ensure they are able to provide good support to everyone. That was my impression anyway, and I thought it made sense. I was looking to switch in my second trimester and I think they already had a full schedule of patients with similar due dates.

Bloom patient here, yes, that was my impression as well. The doctors convene to talk about potential patients and look at the roster, then decide. I don't think it's them all sitting around choosing based on other factors.

Most OB’s have generally have that. I specifically asked if that was what they were looking at and was told it’s a “comprehensive look at me as patient.” Like what is that supposed to mean? They also told me on our phone call in the first 30 seconds that there’s a fee and that “may deter me”. Again, excuse me? Do I sound poor on the phone? Really really bad etiquette and a horrible experience for someone new to the area just trying to find a doctor who could deliver my baby. OB care shouldn’t be treated as a private country club in this country.

That is so freaking rude, PP. I am outraged for you.

I inquired about becoming a patient a few years ago right after Bloom opened and they noted a $100 "administration" fee annually. It's not covered by insurance. So they basically want to be a concierge medical office. I passed as I pay a lot for health insurance and was not willing to swallow another pointless $100 fee for which they had no explanation.
Foxhall is excellent- check them out!

[Anonymous]

I’ve been with CWC K street for many years and two pregnancies. I’ve been very happy there. It’s large, but I’ve always received excellent care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also tried to become an OB patient at Bloom and was “rejected” - but I don’t think it’s so much an evaluation of the patient as they are looking at the other patients they already have with due dates around the same time to ensure they are able to provide good support to everyone. That was my impression anyway, and I thought it made sense. I was looking to switch in my second trimester and I think they already had a full schedule of patients with similar due dates.

Bloom patient here, yes, that was my impression as well. The doctors convene to talk about potential patients and look at the roster, then decide. I don't think it's them all sitting around choosing based on other factors.

Most OB’s have generally have that. I specifically asked if that was what they were looking at and was told it’s a “comprehensive look at me as patient.” Like what is that supposed to mean? They also told me on our phone call in the first 30 seconds that there’s a fee and that “may deter me”. Again, excuse me? Do I sound poor on the phone? Really really bad etiquette and a horrible experience for someone new to the area just trying to find a doctor who could deliver my baby. OB care shouldn’t be treated as a private country club in this country.

That is so freaking rude, PP. I am outraged for you.

I inquired about becoming a patient a few years ago right after Bloom opened and they noted a $100 "administration" fee annually. It's not covered by insurance. So they basically want to be a concierge medical office. I passed as I pay a lot for health insurance and was not willing to swallow another pointless $100 fee for which they had no explanation.
Foxhall is excellent- check them out!

That doesn't have to be explained that way - I pay a fee for One Medical to be my primary care doc, and I've always felt welcomed there. It's nice, but it doesn't have a bad vibe like that. The fee in my mind just gives me access to appointments same/next day and really responsive admin staff.

[Anonymous]

I called Bloom when I got a positive test at literally 12 DPO, and they said they didn’t have room for my estimated delivery window. Seemed weird to me when I was calling before most women even know they’re pregnant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Most OB’s have generally have that. I specifically asked if that was what they were looking at and was told it’s a “comprehensive look at me as patient.” Like what is that supposed to mean? They also told me on our phone call in the first 30 seconds that there’s a fee and that “may deter me”. Again, excuse me? Do I sound poor on the phone? Really really bad etiquette and a horrible experience for someone new to the area just trying to find a doctor who could deliver my baby. OB care shouldn’t be treated as a private country club in this country.

The receptionist needs better talking points. Any practice that has the ability to tune/target a favorable payor mix (i.e., mostly private/employer based insurance, and ideally weighted toward PPOs) - they all wish they could; the even fancier ones can get away with being non-participating - will do so. Here, the determining factor is not just scheduling, but the fact that many plans have moved to "global maternity care" reimbursement. This means that the practice gets paid the same for anywhere from the normal number of appointments to, say, normal+6. You'd typically get an adjustment for a planned C-section, planned VBAC, advanced maternal age, or specified high-risk factors (that nevertheless don't get referred to MFM). So if someone *doesn't* seem like they'll get a global fee adjustment, but based on their own evaluation, the patient may need a lot of extra care, it may make sense to take a pass.

[Anonymous]

I’ll reviving this thread because I’m currently deciding between the two. FTM. I was “accepted” into Bloom (did not know that was an issue until I read this thread). But I haven’t gone yet so I’d love to hear updated opinions.

One issue is as a larger practice I’m wondering if CWC has better hours for full time workers. Bloom so far only had midday appointments available, nothing at the beginning or end of the day.

[Anonymous]

I’m currently at Bloom (second pregnancy) and have had no trouble getting morning appointments. You may have to be flexible on who you see, like a NP instead of MD, but I really like the NP and prefer to see the doctors when later on in pregnancy or if health issues arise. Last pregnancy they did a really good job of being sure I got to see each doctor during at least one prenatal visit so I could get to know each of them before giving birth.

[Anonymous]

I’m currently with Dr. Bloom - came at 10 weeks from shady grove. So far great experience. I’ve also been at Reiter Hill and find Bloom practice to be warmer and more responsive. No trouble getting appointments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ll reviving this thread because I’m currently deciding between the two. FTM. I was “accepted” into Bloom (did not know that was an issue until I read this thread). But I haven’t gone yet so I’d love to hear updated opinions.

One issue is as a larger practice I’m wondering if CWC has better hours for full time workers. Bloom so far only had midday appointments available, nothing at the beginning or end of the day.

My first appointment was mid-day but I’ve been able to schedule my other appointments as early as 8am.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ll reviving this thread because I’m currently deciding between the two. FTM. I was “accepted” into Bloom (did not know that was an issue until I read this thread). But I haven’t gone yet so I’d love to hear updated opinions.

One issue is as a larger practice I’m wondering if CWC has better hours for full time workers. Bloom so far only had midday appointments available, nothing at the beginning or end of the day.

I left bloom for CWC. I made it to 24 weeks and had only had one appt with an OB. There rest of the appts had been with the NP. Also - and this is why I ultimately left - they did not have a doctor review my anatomy scan. The NP reviewed the scan. No OB, no MFM, no radiologist. Just the NP. They have had staffing problems in the past couple of years and cut corners. An NP is fine for something routine like a pap smear or a couple of prenatal visits, but an NP should not be the primary medical professional you see for pregnancy. Especially in the DC area and at a bougie practice like Bloom.

At CWC, I saw only OBs and felt that the level of care was significantly better.

[Anonymous]

That’s interesting. Now Bloom schedules two appointments when there is an ultrasound. One with tech and second with OB (fifteen minutes later). At least based on current experience.

[Anonymous]

What do we think of these new doctors at bloom?