Dominion vs. Columbia

[Anonymous]

My husband and I have been at Shady Grove for about 2 years (3 failed IUI, 2 failed IVF's, and one cancelled IVF). I'm 36, with unexplained infertility. Definitely feel like I'm "just a number" at Shady Grove lately, so we're ready to try a new place. Any thoughts on whether we should try Dominion or Columbia?

[Anonymous]

OP May I ask who your current doctor is at Shady Grove?

[Anonymous]

Do you have insurance? Would you be in-network at either place? The out-of-network policies at Dominion are pretty sketchy.

[Anonymous]

I can't speak for Dominion, but I don't think Columbia will make you feel less like just another number. It's a big, busy practice and the nurses are awful. I went for three (miserable) months and switched to a small practice (one doctor) where I now feel like I'm getting individualized care. Check out the other threads on Columbia.

[Anonymous]

I am also switching from SG, Dr. Osborn, who I love.........We just need a change of scenery. I think we'll go with Columbia because they have a very attractive natural FET protocol that we're going to try. You're kind of a number anywhere you go. I'm going to have a hard time giving up my nurse at SG, she's a saint and I've really gotten to know her.

[Anonymous]

My doctor at Shady Grove is Dr. Garde. She's great...but I don't hear from her much. We just started our 3rd IVF cycle--and even though she went through the changes with us 6 months ago, when we started up again this cycle, we never heard from her. I'm sick of my nurse more than anything...I feel like whenever I hear from her, she's got her purse over her shoulder and one foot out the door. She's competent enough, but just seems like she's been doing this too long. I just feel like we've lacked the attention we deserve.

I have BCBS insurance, but we've had 5 unsuccessful procedures--so we have one more "insurance covered" shot at this. (all my meds are still out of pocket.)

I emailed Dr. Sacks personally, and he got back to me in 3 hours--that kind of says something! But I also have a friend who's good friends with a nurse at Dominion. Maybe I'll make consultation appts. with both??

[Anonymous]

I would talk to both groups, see who you like. I am a Columbia patient -didn't care too much for the old IUI head nurse, but thought the IVF staff was fantastic and responsive (BTW, the IUI nurse is now a different person). I have friends who loved Dominion, too.

[Anonymous]

agree with PP on Columbia -- IVF staff/nurses are much better than IUI team. IVF team appears to be more caring, knowledgebale and more focused on YOU. The docs are the same -- Saks, Rifka, butler, etc.. Also -- i've found billing to be very good, LeShaun is very helpful and accessible -- comes off as a little gruff but i don't think she is.

[Anonymous]

I see Dr. Browne at SG. She and her nurse, Farrah, have been very supportive, attentive, and informative. We haven't yet had success, but I definitely don't feel like a "number" -- I always feel that they have my best interests at heart and are open and honest with me.

I came to SG after a year working with Dr. Durso at Metro Fertility in Springfield. She's a single-doctor, "small shop". While I got plenty of attention and liked her and her staff, I definitely felt like my IF issues (recurrent miscarriage) were not ones she had enough experience or know-how to handle. I think a benefit of SG is that the doctors can share their cases and hopefully you get some good clinical expertise.

Having said all that, I have a friend who went to Dominion and had really, really wonderful experiences. Loves her doctor -- Dr. DiMattina, I think. She had her first child with IVF there and is now having a second through a natural FET cycle with them. She has been very happy.

Hope that helps!