anyone switch REs/get second opinion

[Anonymous]

My husband and I are in the process of getting all the initial testing for infertility (TTC for 13 months) and initially went to Dominion fertility b/c we think we would like to do natural cycle IVF if we are candidates (so far we know we have male factor infertility, still need all the tests back to see if there are issues with me as well). When I went for my annual obgyn appointment, I talked to my MD who is at GW and she highly recommended the REs at GW and suggested I get a second opinion from Dr. Frankfurter. Has anyone else gotten a second opinion? I assume we should finish getting all the diagnostic tests through Domion (just just need to schedule the HSG test) and then take our file to GW for the second opinion. For those who have gotten a second opinion, did the RE that you saw trust the tests from the other RE, or did she/he want to re-run some of the tests (which would be a pain and very expensive)? Did the RE seem open to giving a second opinion? Natural cycle IVF sounds appealing to me in theory, but if we're not candidates for it, I might want to switch to Frankfurter since my obgyn said that he is super up to date on all the medical literature, which appeals to me since I have to read a lot of medical lit for my job, and I'll probably want his opinion on the latest studies and how they relate to our situation.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I sought a 2nd opinion. It was more because we were making the move to IVF and our insurance would not pay for IVF through my first doctor. However, I got the same recommendation (prognosis) from both doctors and the 2nd doctor accepted the test results from the first doctor. In my case Dominion Fertility was the first clinic and Shady Grove was the second clinic.

[Anonymous]

I sought 2nd opinions- the re's will not make you redo tests, only if it's been a while. in my case, GIVF and then shady grove (successful there )

[Anonymous]

PP here- I'm sorry- forgot to add that each re had a different approach though all agreed on IVF though let it up to me.. but the explanation of the approach with Shady grove's re made more sense than givf's pretty scattered drs we had experienced .. so we did move.. good luck..

[Anonymous]

I have not switched RE's, but I did go from a consult with Dr Bathgate (high risk Dr at GW) to the REs at GW. I like Frankfurter, he is great at explaining whatever the issue is. He tends to be visual-likes to draw pictures (as does Dr Dayal). Dr Gindoff is very smart-just takes some time to warm up. (I did several natural cycles, progressed to IUIs with meds, and now onto IVF). They have been great about going at the pace we are comfortable with. Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the advice!! PP, did GW do natural cycle IVF? If that is the case, I'll probably switch now (before having the rest of the tests) because GW is in network for me, unlike Dominion, and my obgyn spoke so highly of them. Plus, since I live/work in DC, Dominion is a real pain to get to.

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to chime in to say just because Dominion is out of network doesn't mean you will necessarily spend a lot out of pocket. Dominion is out of network for me and they have charged me very little. As a matter of fact I pretty much just pay my regular co-pay when I go in and that is it. I was prepared to pay up to my 2k deductible but that hasn't happened (don't ask me how it worked but I'll take it!) Dominion is also the only Natural IVF clinic in the area. I just got a BFP on my first IVF cycle with them.

[Anonymous]

PP, congrats!!!!! That is so exciting to here. Did you use natural cycle IVF? Also, Dominion has made me pay 50% of the cost of each appointment up front before I can see the doctor since I am out of network. Did that happen to you too? Something about having to pay first makes it all seem very cold and business-like. But I guess, like with too much of health care in the U.S., in the end it is all about the benjamins... -OP

[Anonymous]

Um, I meant that's so exciting to hear. ugh...

[Anonymous]

OP - Did you end up seeing Dr. Frankfurter? I'm thinking of scheduling an appointment with him because I saw on one forum that he is good for high fsh (low ovarian reserve), which is likely my issue.

I'd also be curious at how the GW IVF office is run. I use to have all my docs there, but left them all because of the horrid administrative staffs (losing my records, not getting calls returned, etc.) I think this would be terribly frustrating going through an IUI or IVF cycle.

[Anonymous]

I have not gone to see Frankfurter yet. I am waiting until I get my day 3 and HSG (trying to avoid having another consult only to be told by Dr F. that he won't know anything until all the tests are back). I have no idea how the office is run, but my obgyn (who is at GW) said that it is totally separate from the rest of the obgyn operations, which is good bc I agree that the normal obgyn office is a nightmare to deal with.

[Anonymous]

Here is my experience with the running of Dr F's office. I have found the office to run well. During my first cycle, I had one nurse, she was great and provided all the information and details I needed. She has since taken a different role within the group, and focuses on the donor program. For my second cycel, I now have a single nurse to interface with, but updates normally come from a host of nurses/Drs.If you are okay with interfacing with multiple folks, you will be fine. The wait time for appointments is minimal. The staff is friendly and efficient. The same few people are responsible for most touchpoints (drawing blood, U/S, and reception)-minimal turnover. Billing has been a bit of a nightmare, but the SPOC has been available to explaine the billing errors to me. I have also experienced the need for weekend work and they were willing to make the arragements to come in. (I am the 19:15 poster above-and would recommend the practice).

[Anonymous]

So should I wait until all of my testing to schedule a second opinion? I have my Day 3 numbers and DS' testing from 3 years ago, so we have something preliminary to go on.