I was at GW for two previous pregnancies (which ended in miscarriages that were pretty poorly handled by them). I thought the doctors were great, but admin was annoying even then. I switched to Georgetown this time around because I needed a new place mentally (and I’m high risk for me and baby to need NICU so preferred a hospital with a level III NICU). I’m only 28 weeks so can’t speak to delivery, but I’ve been impressed with the ease of getting appointments and getting in touch with my doctors. I’ve been rotating through the OBs, but sticking with the same MFM. Almost everyone I’ve seen has been great.

Anonymous wrote:If everything has been low risk so far, I would switch to a practice that delivers at Sibley. You almost certainly won't need the NICU and the hospital is much nicer and more peaceful.

There is usually a warning sign baby might need a NICU. Going from perfectly healthy to NICU is relatively rare.

Now somebody is going to post their horror story...

Don't worry about changing at 23 weeks. Most of the appointments are the last 2 months and you have plenty of time to get comfortable with a new OB. Also consider midwives and/or home birth if you are eligible.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to GW MFA for both my kids (primarily seeing midwives but also so OBs regularly) the admin has always been a bit of a mess. Appointments are hard to make and it’s hard to get anyone on the line. They also went through a lot of changes (new patient portal! New checkin procedure!). It was annoying but not worth leaving for me.

And please don’t tell me it’s Dr. Lesko leaving - she’s the best!

Yup. Dr. Lesko's last appointments are "probably in March"

Admin was an issue before, but now it's off the charts.

Ugh - what a huge loss. If you decide to stick with the practice, I had a good experience with Dr. angali Martinez. She did my breech version and was great during the procedure (can’t speak to her regular care).

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:As one tip for those reading I had two kids there and always made my appointments while there in person after an appointment and scheduled all of them at once. As many and as far out as they would allow.

NP yeah I used to do that too but the new EMR meant that they could never schedule me in person for some reason or another. I was with the midwives so I always got passed off to their admin for scheduling and she’s amazing but I don’t know if the OB patients have a similar option. OP, I’m so sorry you’re in this position. I just delivered my second with GWMFA and the care was still great but I can understand wanting shift given the mess their admin is at the moment especially given that your particular doc is leaving. Wishing you the best and a safe and healthy pregnancy/delivery.

As one tip for those reading I had two kids there and always made my appointments while there in person after an appointment and scheduled all of them at once. As many and as far out as they would allow.

If everything has been low risk so far, I would switch to a practice that delivers at Sibley. You almost certainly won't need the NICU and the hospital is much nicer and more peaceful.

I know the entire healthcare system is very taxed right now. GW switched to a new EMR and is making it very tough on the doctors and midwives. I see one of the docs in Bethesda. It is quiet up there and easier to get an ultrasound. When the system switched, my doctor’s assistant called me and I made a bunch of appointments that way. Of note, I am not high risk. I use the Babyscripts app and check my blood pressure at home.

Maybe try going there?
Hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote:I nearly died at GW due to medical negligence. Transferred to Inova Fairfax, where they saved my life. I know it's a haul but you really can't get better care. The OBs there are amazing.

What happened?! I’m delivering there in 10 days.

I also loved VHC. Scheduling prenatal appointments was easy, and L&D was wonderful. I had an unmedicated VBAC and felt supported every step of the way.

I’m at VHC now and I like it. You rotate through seeing multiple doctors and NPs so when you deliver, you have a higher likelihood of having already met your doctor. No problems getting an appointment. Their online portal is a breeze.

I nearly died at GW due to medical negligence. Transferred to Inova Fairfax, where they saved my life. I know it's a haul but you really can't get better care. The OBs there are amazing.

I was a little skeptical of Dr DeSouza at first (being a solo practitioner) and his office could be updated but whenever I call he’ll actually get on the phone and talk to me if I have a question. No doctor at even Foxhall (and I liked them) would do that.

GW is and has always been a hot mess. Their scheduling is awful and has been for many years (as a patient there for darn close to a decade). I waited on hold 5 years ago for
Hours trying to get appointments scheduled. Their admins have insane levels of attitude. I remember one of them
Making me cry. I switched to DeSouza and it was like night and day. If you can put up with his slightly odd affect he’s wel worth it because you can always get an appointment, his staff take care of you, and he calls you back if you have an issue.
And his backup Dr. Footer is fine and responsive as well, and delivering at Sibley is so much better than the hellhole
Of GW L and D. Nurses are better, staff is better, food is better, rooms are spacious. It’s safe, it’s quiet. There’s a piano in the lobby. I can’t say enough good things. Leave GW and never look back.

I loved Dr.DeSouza who is with GW but I never had issues like everyone else. I just had to switch providers and am now at WHC, they are pretty good so far and I like their NICU option as well as being close to Children’s.