Vent: Hate Reiter Hill.

[Anonymous]

This is my second pregnancy so I knew what I was getting into with this practice. That said, I find dealing with them one of the worst parts of pregnancy (and I realize I am fortunate if I
saying that). They NEVER call back with test results promptly-- I am always calling to hound them. I just did the NT sono on Weds, and did the bloodwork last wk. The tech said the results would be in by the end of the day. By cob Friday, they tell me they haven't gotten a doctor to look at the results yet to do the analysis.

The people who answer the phones to make appts are clueless. Yes they are not doctors or med assistants, but please have some basic knowledge of the tests and procedures women call to schedule!

They introduce a new form every time I go, with the same damn requested info. Why? That doesn't keep them from screwing up my insurance.

The first time I went for a sonogram to date the pregnancy, the tech walked in and asked why I was there. When she didn't see anything at first, she rudely asked me if I had already taken a pregnancy test and was I sure I was pregnant?

DC office waiting room is awful!!!

I am tempted to switch but the locations are very convenient to me.

[Anonymous]

Just switch already!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just switch already!!

Plus 1

Why did you stay? I lack sympathy because you knew what you were getting into- sorry.

[Anonymous]

Their offices are very convenient to my home and office. All I the other major ob practices are pretty inconvenient. I would be willing to switch if I thought any of the other places were better. But I gather that impersonal care is par for the course for large ob practices.

I'm considering Foxhall (but not metro accessible) or GW (but Sibley is very close to home).

[Anonymous]

That sucks, OP. I can't believe the sono tech!!
I know you said they are conveniently located, but have you considered changing practices? I excuse a lot for convenience, but that sounds miserable. It might be worth a switch.

[Anonymous]

Also, I think the first time around I was more tolerant of the whole thing bc I was excited about having the "pregnancy experience". But this time, I have no patience.

[Anonymous]

So switch, dammit. There are plenty of options in this area. Convenience isn't everything, especially since what you're describing once you are there sucks up your time and makes you frustrated.

[Anonymous]

Impersonal care isn't standard. Go search out something that's a better fit for you. The more people who walk with their feet (and dollars) the more they might start to get the hint. If people stay, they have no incentive to change their ways.

[Anonymous]

I would not tolerate substandard care, given how many great options there are in our area. You are not only screwing yourself (and possibly your baby if they are inept) but also sending the message that women don't really care how they are treated as long as a provider is convenient. Convenience only goes so far. I switched providers during my first pregnancy and it was such a great decision.

[Anonymous]

Switch! There are other downtown practices.

[Anonymous]

Almost everything you list I also experienced there. The last straw was when I was told (based on nothing, NOTHING at all) that my pregnancy probably wasn't viable I was ready to switch. That "non viable" pregnancy is now 4 years old.

The fact that you had to constantly hassle them for test results drove me crazy. I am so glad that I never have to deal with their office staff again.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Unfortunately, RH's Friendship Heights and DC locations are perfect for me, so to switch would have to be to a practice that is well-loved. I read crap about every other practice on here. But for those of you who have left...where did you go?

[Anonymous]

I go to the community of hope birth center. I left my ob at Georgetown when i was 21 weeks. She was very fake, impersonal and.... To put it simply, a bitch.

The birth center has midwives who deliver at WHC and i had a great experience with my last labor and delivery.

[Anonymous]

I switched to the MCA midwives when I found out I was pregnant with my first. I loved the NP I saw at RHJN for my gyn, but wanted a midwifery model of care. Thrilled I switched (now with MCA for my second).

[Anonymous]

I know someone who delivered twins with them and the only reason she stuck it out was because they are convenient to her office in DC. She lives in VA. She had a ton of complaints about them, much like you OP. I don't understand why you women can't go else where, this type of care is not the best for you or your baby.