Shady Grove Fertility in Towson, MD

I was referred to Shady Grove by my OBGYN to get a HSG completed. I want to note that Shady Grove was a last resort at the time I made my appointment- I simply did not realize I had more options. So I made the appointment for the exam on a Monday, 3/17 for the following Tuesday, 3/25. An employee named Eileen from the clinic called me today (Monday, 3/24) at 12:25pm- the day BEFORE my 12:30pm appointment- to tell me they are refusing to complete the HSG because SGF has a BMI cut off for HSGs. Mind you, the week before, I gave my height and weight to another lady in scheduling who could not have cared less about me or my information. My street address was not even spelled correctly after I spelled it for her. Also, the scheduler curtly responded, “No” when I asked if there’s any information that I needed to know about the procedure. So professional, so empathetic- a great first impression. I should have hung up the phone during the interaction with the scheduler. What gutted me the most was that I was not given the courtesy or shown any empathy when all of this transpired today. While Eileen articulated some sort of apology, it did not seem genuine AT ALL. In fact, it seemed borderline sarcastic. I feel as though there is discrimination at SGF against larger patients. I called to a number of other clinics and they did not have a BMI cut off for the HSG exam. For such a personal, highly sensitive and emotional situation, I feel I could have been treated a million times better than the way I was treated today and last Monday. Another thing- I was told by Eileen today that SGF look at patients’ files the day BEFORE their appointment to go over everything. When I asked her who was above her so I could voice my irritation about this last minute decision, she told me it was the CEO of SGF. Not sure if she was trying to be smart, but really, that does not make her look good as a supervisor. Over BMI limitations at your clinic or not, I am a person who deserves respect and empathy, which I got none of today. Then, she tried putting it on my OBGYN, saying they were going to call to her to let her know about the cut off. I requested they not put it on my OB, it was SGF’s fault for not telling me sooner. John’s Hopkins? No BMI cut off for HSG. Mercy? No BMI cut off for HSG. Chesapeake Imaging? No BMI cut off for HSG. Called all of those places and verified. Never mind that I went through the trouble of arranging for a day off of work and making substitute plans the previous week in preparation for this procedure. Clearly, SGF does NOT care about a patient's time. It is BEYOND disrespectful to tell a potential patient the day before her appointment that your clinic will not perform the procedure. No reason could ever, EVER justify this level of unprofessionalism. My time was not respected and more importantly, I was not respected. Thankfully, after I calmed down, I was encouraged to seek out other clinics that have left me in a much better place emotionally than when I made the appointment at SGF last Monday, and DEFINITELY after my interaction with SGF today. I do believe that everything happens for a reason and am grateful that I never set foot in SGF Towson. I could only imagine that I would have felt kicked when I was already down from struggling with infertility in person. This event verified that I should trust my intuition. I should have looked into all of my options before putting myself through more emotional stress by calling this place. Do your research, look into your options, and know that if your dream is to become a parent and you are a larger person, SGF will single you out by not helping that dream come true. EDIT TO ADD- No one picked up at the Patient Experience Advocate, no one called me back from the Patient Experience Advocate, nor did anyone respond to my email. That should show prospective patients everything they need to know about how much SGF cares about people.

I would like to share my experience scheduling my HSG test at the Towson office, as it left me feeling quite frustrated. When I called, the woman who answered seemed rushed and didn’t greet me warmly, immediately asking for my phone number. It felt more like I was calling a customer service line than a medical office. When I asked her to repeat herself, she appeared irritated, which only added to my discomfort. I completely understand that everyone has their off days, but it was disheartening not to receive a bit of kindness during a time when I needed clear information about my procedure. I was particularly concerned about whether it was okay for me to eat before the HSG test, given my worries about sedation and potential delays in my care. It wasn’t that she couldn’t answer my questions—I appreciate that they want to avoid giving misinformation. It was more about how the communication felt; when I asked, the response was abruptly cut off with, “You’ll have to ask your nurse.” Living in Owings Mills and having to choose between Towson and Rockville for sedation has made me feel quite anxious.I truly hope that there can be enhancements in the customer service experience so that future patients don’t encounter the same feelings I had during my call. It’s essential for everyone to feel heard and valued, especially concerning their health. I dedicated a significant part of my life to serving my country in the Army, even postponing my plans for starting a family. Because of this commitment, I believe it’s reasonable to expect to be treated with the respect and dignity that every individual deserves, especially, those who serve.

Shady grove was amazing. I loved Dr. Barnard and my nurse Beth. They were empathetic, responsive, caring, and so much more. Emily at the Harbor office also embodied all of those qualities. I could not have gotten through the process without them.

Shanice at the front desk was incredibly helpful and Dr. Beal was so patient with my questions. We were able to get an appointment within a week and start scheduling tests and procedures right away

Robin was amazing today. I came in not feeling great today and she was so kind and gave me a hug and words of encouragement. She got me water and made sure I talked to the nurse on site about symptoms I was having. Thank you Robin!!