Not the experience I expected…read more
I originally contacted Revivals because they had been highly recommended to me by someone I met in passing. I called specifically because I was interested in HRT and wanted to schedule a consultation to determine whether I might be a candidate. The receptionist simply scheduled me for an appointment without asking any questions about my medical history, symptoms, or whether I was potentially a candidate for treatment.
When I arrived, there was no one at the reception area. There were three women at another reception desk on the opposite side of the office, so I asked if I was in the right place. They quickly came over, told me I didn't need to sign in, and asked me to fill out paperwork. I sat for less than five minutes before being taken back for my vitals, height, and weight. I was then placed in a room and continued completing paperwork while waiting for the Nurse Practitioner.
Janis, the NP, came in fairly quickly--while I was still completing the paperwork--and explained how BioTe hormone pellets work, including the insertion process and placement. I had already done extensive research on hormone pellets and pellet therapy, so most of that information was not new to me.
One thing that concerned me was the way the FDA approval was explained. I was told that the pellets were FDA approved, but the distinction that testosterone therapy for women is not FDA-approved for this specific use was not explained. That's an important distinction, particularly when discussing hormone therapy with a patient. I also understand that insurance coverage varies, and I have friends whose insurance covers the pellets but not the insertion procedure. Revivals does not accept insurance.
Then we got to the pricing. Janis said she doesn't like hidden fees. As she was going through the pricing sheet, I noticed a $100 consultation fee. I questioned the fee because it had never been mentioned when I called to make the appointment.
Janis told me that in five years, no one had ever questioned the $100 consultation fee. She also said that "nothing is free" and that time is money. I understand and respect that a professional's time has value. However, the way this conversation unfolded left me with the impression that my time and the value of my time weren't being given the same consideration as hers.
I explained that I understand someone's time has value, but many medical practices and other professional services offer complimentary consultations as a way to introduce prospective clients to their services. Her response was that the person who referred me should have told me about the fee. She then said, "Well, you should've done your research."
That comment was particularly disappointing. I had, in fact, done a considerable amount of research on HRT, hormone pellets, pellet therapy, pricing, and the process before coming in. What I hadn't been told was that I would be charged $100 simply for the consultation. Website does not list a consult fee.
She ultimately offered to discount the consultation by $50 as a "one-time courtesy." I appreciated the gesture, but by that point I had additional questions and honestly no longer felt comfortable continuing the conversation.
After the consultation ended, I was left sitting in the room for a while. Eventually, I opened the door and waited. The receptionist had her back to me and didn't see me, and no one came to retrieve me from the room. At that point, I suppose I could have simply walked out without paying--but my morals hold me to a higher standard, so I waited until someone finally noticed me.
I paid the $50 consultation fee in $60 cash, waited for my change and was not provided a receipt.
I was also given a book titled "Testosterone Matters... More! The Secret to Healthy Aging in Women," written by the founder and chairman of BioTe, who is a man. I found that an interesting choice to give a woman seeking hormone therapy, particularly during a consultation where I was looking for individualized information about women's HRT.
The pricing information provided was essentially the same information I had already found online from other hormone-pellet providers, so I didn't leave feeling that I had gained much beyond what I could have researched myself.
To be fair, this may be a perfectly good option for someone else, and I'm sure there are patients who are very happy with their experience. But for me, the lack of screening when I initially called, the undisclosed consultation fee, the way the FDA approval information was presented, the lack of a receipt for my cash payment, and especially the "you should've done your research" response left me feeling that this wasn't the right practice for me.
Unfortunately, I walked away feeling like I had spent my time and $50 simply to receive information I had already researched.
Definitely not the right fit for me, but perhaps it will be for others.
