While we ultimately had success with this clinic, that outcome came despite the care we received,…read morenot because of it. Over the course of multiple IVF cycles, we experienced persistent miscommunication, poor coordination, unprofessional conduct, surprise billing, and a lack of basic systems that caused unnecessary stress during an already physically and emotionally taxing process.
1. Serious consent and communication failures
One of the most alarming issues involved ICSI. Due to a history of poor outcomes, we were explicit, both verbally and in signed paperwork, that we did not consent to full ICSI. After significant pressure from the clinic, we agreed to limited use on a very small percentage of eggs. Even up until the time we were in the OR, staff appeared unclear on what had been decided. We later received a call stating that 100% of our eggs had undergone ICSI, directly contradicting our consent. After we raised concerns, we were told this was a "mistake" in the chart and that the nurse had misspoken. Given the gravity of the situation, this explanation did little to restore trust. Informed consent is not optional in fertility treatment, and this incident was deeply unsettling.
2. Unprofessional physician conduct
Our primary physician, Dr. Angie Beltsos, repeatedly communicated with us while distracted or unavailable. On one occasion, she FaceTimed me from her car using her personal phone. Her video background briefly glitched, revealing a teenager seated in the passenger seat while my medical care was being discussed. This raised serious concerns regarding professionalism, patient privacy, and safety. When we expressed confusion or frustration, after many rounds of IVF and repeated errors, responses were often defensive rather than collaborative. At one point, when my husband asked whether she had time to speak with us because she seemed rushed, she responded curtly that she was "shopping for her family right now." These interactions felt dismissive and inappropriate given the stakes of fertility treatment.
3. Questionable protocol guidance
Dr. Beltsos stated that she had extensive experience with my specific egg quality issue and strongly advocated for a protocol that ultimately failed in exactly the ways we had feared. Concerns about excessive stimulation and duration were dismissed. Ultimately, success came only after I personally drove protocol decisions, which underscored how disengaged and unsupported we felt as patients.
4. Chronic scheduling and coordination failures
We repeatedly arrived for appointments only to find incorrect labs ordered, surprise tests added, or appointments misclassified altogether. On several occasions, staff could not explain why a test or procedure had been scheduled. Communication between nurses was clearly inconsistent, leading to wasted time, unnecessary visits, and confusion. Hysteroscopy scheduling was particularly chaotic, involving contradictory information about equipment availability and days-long delays to confirm appointments.
5. Medication mismanagement
The handling of Lupron Depot was especially disorganized. After receiving approval from Dr. Beltsos, we were later told, by different staff members, that additional testing was required, that the medication might not be allowed due to possible ovulation, and then that it might be fine after all. We received conflicting guidance from multiple nurses and the physician herself, with potential delays to retrieval that were not feasible for us. To make matters worse, we were scheduled for the wrong appointment date. When I arrived as instructed, the error caused me to miss work and scramble to arrange last-minute class coverage.
6. Billing and financial issues
The clinic failed to pre-approve anesthesia through Aetna, resulting in a billing dispute that lasted more than six months. We were charged for procedures, including assisted hatching, that were never agreed upon in advance. Billing staff later contacted us about issues that had already been resolved, clearly without reviewing our account history.
7. Privacy concerns
Staff openly discussed my case in the waiting room, including confusion about procedures and scheduling. One staff member had to be shushed. Hearing my medical situation discussed publicly was humiliating and unacceptable.Administrative negligence
Despite a five-month gap between cycles, the clinic failed to notify me that an updated physical exam (including a breast exam) was required. I discovered this at baseline, on the very day I was supposed to start stimulation, while I was out of state, which the clinic knew. This could have delayed treatment entirely.