General

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The New York Times recently addressed infertility among black women in “Infertility, Endured Through a Prism of Race.” Is infertility more common among black women? Are black women aware of medical and financial options available to help them build their families?

The New York Times: Race & Infertility Treatment

According to Shady Grove Fertility, Frank E. Chang, M.D., even in states – like Maryland – where infertility treatment may be covered by insurance, black women seek out treatment less often.

Dr. Camille Hammond, of the Cade Foundation, suggested that is a knowledge gap for black women about their options, “It’s not just family building – it’s knowing how to go about paying for it, where to get support.”

Prevalence of women ages 24-44 who have sough medical help to conceive. (National Center of Health Statistics)

Data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services from the National Center of Health Statistics, says that 15 percent of white women ages 25-44 in the U.S. have sought medical help to get pregnant. For Hispanic and black women, the rate nearly drops in half, 7.6 and 8 percent respectively.

To make the gap worse, married black women had almost twice the odds of experiencing infertility, according to the National Survey of Family Growth conducted from 2006 to 201 by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Read the complete article from The New York Times, and here from women who have experience infertility, and those that are trying to raise awareness about infertility in minority communities.

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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TIME Magazine names Kristen Gillibrand Top 100 Leaders.  According to TIME  she is the U.S. Senate’s rising Democratic star. For Shady Grove Fertility, she is a hero fighting to improve patient access to fertility treatment.
Her tenacious spirit is one to admire and respect, previously fighting hard on issues like sexual assault in the military. An advocate for families and women, Gillibrand is currently supporting the Family Act as a part of her “American Opportunity Agenda.”  

The Family Act is an evolution of the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act that will enable workers and families to afford care for their loved ones when family and medical needs arise, as well as provide monetary support for couples or individuals needing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or Fertility Preservation prior to cancer treatments.
Read the TIME article.

The Family Act: Improving Access to Fertility Treatment

The Family Act was introduced to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives with a Tax Credit Bill for Infertility Treatments for the out-of-pocket costs associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertility preservation. This bill will help thousands of people access medical treatment for infertility that otherwise would be unavailable to them due to lack of insurance coverage. Currently, 40% of all cycles at Shady Grove Fertility are IVF for infertility treatments.

The key provisions of the Family Act House and Senate Bill provided by RESOLVE:

  • The Family Act covers the out-of-pocket costs associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) including medical procedures, prescription medications, professional charges, the transfer of an embryo and other necessary costs.
  • The Family Act covers the out-of-pocket costs of fertility preservation procedures if the man or woman is diagnosed with cancer and the cancer treatment or disease itself may result in infertility.
  • The Family Act provides an approximately $12,000 tax credit to eligible tax payers. The tax credit is available in part or in whole on an annual basis until the taxpayers reaches the aggregated limit of $12,000. Eligible taxpayers may carry the credit forward for five years.
  • Eligible taxpayers may claim the credit for up to one-half of their expenses: a person who spends $10,000 out-of-pocket on IVF will be eligible for a $5,000 tax credit.
  • The tax credit carries over into the next tax year if you do not reach the limit in the first year.
  • The credit is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of approximately less than $189,000 and phases out for those whose income reaches $229,000.

For this bill to become a law, The Family Act must pass the House and Senate by December 2014.  ‘Don’t ever underestimate her. She can go as far as she likes. If Kirsten Gillibrand wants to be a rock star, she’ll be a rock star.’ We are glad to have her on our team, fighting to support women and couples struggling with infertility.

Other Issues Being Addressed by Proposed Changes 

The current Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, provides unpaid job-protected leave for serious health events. Gillibrand is working to amend the current bill because:

  • Approximately half of the workforce qualifies for unpaid leave
  • Many who qualify cannot afford to take it because it is unpaid
  • Almost 50% of working mothers are unable to take time off to care for a sick child

As workers with care responsibilities withdraw from the workplace or limit their time at work, they bring home less income in the short run, are less likely to earn promotions, have more restricted access to workplace requirement benefits, earn less Social Security retirement benefits, and accumulate lower lifetime earnings.

Making Leave Available for Every Individual

The Family Act would create an independent trust fund within the Social Security Administration to collect fees and provide benefits. This fund would be funded by employee and employer contributions of 0.2% of wages, with a maximum weekly payroll deduction of $4.36. While on paid leave, workers would receive up to two-thirds of their regular pay. A maximum weekly benefit also would apply. The proposal makes leave available for every individual regardless of the size of their current employer. It is also available for self-employed or currently unemployed, as long as the person has sufficient earnings and work history. This act would benefit and apply to young, part-time, and low-wage workers. Read more about the Family Act.

Help the Family Act Become a Law

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment call 877-971-7755.

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by Michelle Mallon, Practice Liaison with Shady Grove Fertility

Where I work is always a topic of conversation, because let’s face it that our American culture steers us to immediately inquire about our job status versus asking questions geared toward the human condition. Not sure why, but that’s how it is. So I’ll casually respond with, ‘I help make babies’ and that usually peaks enough curiosity for people to double click and discover more. For those of us that live, breathe and work in such a sensitive field, I can delicately break the ice with a little humor, then begin to advocate for those who silently struggle on a daily basis.

Recognizing that infertility is not a laughing matter and affects one in eight couples is a serious concern and high on my radar. Knowing that some of us have a stronger voice impart because of my fortunate role working at Shady Grove Fertility, I felt compelled to gather voices from different view points willing to share what they think are important messages during National Infertility Awareness Week.

When asked, what is an important message that you can share with people during National Infertility Awareness Week, this is what they said:

“Building a family is one of life’s milestones that most people take for granted. Discovering that you face the challenges of infertility is incredibly frightening without a reference point or knowledge base. No one is born as a fertility expert and you have to become an advocate for yourself. In my personal infertility journey, I found the search for information to be comforting, empowering and life-changing. Three lovely children later, I now work as a fertility nurse, giving back to and educating women much like myself, hungry for knowledge and hopeful for their families.” – Kim Blackwell, RNC, BSN, Fertility Nurse Coordinator, Shady Grove Fertility, Columbia, MD Office

“Be sure to take care of yourself and acknowledge that this is a stressful and emotional process. Continue to make plans to do the things that you enjoy on a regular basis – you will need distractions. Do not hesitate to seek professional help in coping with the stress involved. Do not spend all of your free time on the internet, and instead go for a walk, do yoga, meet friends or whatever else brings you happiness and relaxation.” – Amy Banulis, OB/GYN, Kaiser Permanente

“We are living with infertility: we are your friends, neighbors, cousins, and/or co-workers. We are everywhere: except we are not all living out in the open. This journey we are on is full of shame, guilt, sadness, anxiety, and fear. We experience these feelings daily on our own or through interactions with others.

“When you get informed, you are learning about how this devastating disease affects 1 in 8 couples. You understand that sometimes there is nothing to say besides, “I’m here for you.” You see when others go through illnesses, we most often say, “You can beat this,” or “Get well soon.” Yet with infertility, there is often no hope to “beat” this. Couples go through so many ups and downs that it is hard to even imagine unless you too have experienced it. Being infertile is considered by some to be a blessing: you do not need to ‘worry’ about kids and have more freedom to ‘live your life.’ But heartache and sorrow command far more attention and support for someone going through infertility. You can make their day a little bit brighter by just being present and letting them get thoughts off their chest which is a huge service for them in general: letting them understand that it is okay and you will help them get through this.

“We are living with infertility and are not defined by it. We are loving women, smart businessmen, doting pet mommies and daddies, and amazing people in general. The more you get to know “us,” the more empathy you gain and lessen the chance of passing judgment on others. The societal norm of men and women following a traditional path of love, marriage, baby, and baby carriage is not for everyone: either by choice or not by choice.

“Help us and others beat the financial barriers in having a child: contact your politicians to support acts for getting insurance coverage for infertility. Your friend, neighbor, cousin, or co-worker is afraid to bring out what they are going through, for it is a taboo subject and once out of the ‘fertility closet,’ often are subjected to possible insensitive comments and/or questions. Rather than risk humiliation or judgment, for some it is just easier to stay behind the closet doors. I won’t do that. I won’t stand back and let others jump to conclusions.” – Julie, Shady Grove Fertility patient, Frederick

If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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today show

“We couldn’t believe it was happening after so long,” Sandi told TODAY. “It was just amazing.”

After years and several failed IVF cycles, Sandi and Phil were told they would need a gestational carrier to conceive a child. Their friends, Andrea and Marc, who they met on the SGF Facebook page, were pregnant with twins at the time but jumped at the opportunity to be the couple’s gestational carrier.

Watch Part 1 of TODAY Show: Shady Grove Fertility Patients Overcoming Infertility

After one failed attempt, Andrea was able to conceive – with twins! Andrea delivered the twins this February, making Sandi and Phil a very proud mama and papa. Baby boy Grayson weighed in at 6 pounds, and EmmaLee at 7 pounds.

The TODAY Show brought all four parents and both sets of twins to the set to share their story.

Watch Part 2 of TODAY Show: Shady Grove Fertility Patients Overcoming Infertility

The Shady Grove Fertility Family is so excited for Sandi & Phil, as well as Andrea & Marc, and all their little bundles of joy!

 If you have questions about fertility or are ready to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

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By Jessica, former patient and current SGF employee.

“The majority of 25 year olds are worrying about what to wear to the bar on the weekend, or what kind of date night they should have, or even who they would want to hang out with. My story, on the other hand, was a little different – I was a newlywed with severe baby fever.

My friends just thought I was obsessed with getting pregnant and if I relaxed, had a glass of wine, I would get pregnant. What they didn’t understand was that I was struggling with infertility at 25. My husband knew much more about my menstrual cycle than any man should know.”  Read her story “Infertility at 25.”

Now, as a Patient Service Representative, I see new patients day in and day out. I answer numerous questions from anxious and nervous couples on what they should expect as they start their journey with Shady Grove Fertility. I have compiled the top five patient questions that I have been asked and answered them here for you.

Top 5 New Patient Questions

1) How do I make an appointment and what kind of information do I need to have before calling Shady Grove Fertility?

When you call the New Patient Center, a New Patient Liaison will ask you how long you’ve been trying to conceive. They will also inquire if you have insurance coverage and collect that information to be verified. If you have talked to your insurance beforehand and were given an authorization number or a referral for the New Patient Visit, please provide that information to the New Patient Liaison.

They will also gather the following information:

  • your name
  • date of birth
  • address
  • phone number
  • an email address to send a confirmation email and attached documents for the initial visit
  • and your partner’s information, if you have one.

The New Patient Center will set you up for a new patient appointment at the location and with the physician of your choice, if they’re available. They will also ask and see how you were referred or how you heard about Shady Grove Fertility.

2) What is the role of my clinical team?

In addition to your physician, your clinical team is made up of three team members: your fertility nurse coordinator, your clinical administrative assistant, and your financial counselor.

Fertility Nurse Coordinator: As you move forward with testing and treatment, your nurse will often be your main point of contact. You should notify her on day 1 of your period as well as any clinical questions such as your protocol, medicine, or if you have a medical concern.

Clinical Administrative Assistant: If you have a question about your prior authorizations or approvals for prescriptions, scheduling emergency appointments, and collecting outside medical records, contact your Clinical Administrative Assistant.

Financial Counselor: A financial counselor can be very helpful to be in contact with during your journey with Shady Grove Fertility. If you have questions about pricing, insurance authorizations for procedures and visits, referrals, or insurance coverage, you would need to speak with your Financial Counselor in your home office.

3) What do I talk to my insurance company about?

If you have insurance, it is best if you contact your insurance company prior to coming in and determine what your infertility benefits may be. Specifically ask if you have any diagnostic, IUI, and IVF coverage. And then ask if you need any referrals or authorizations in order to be seen for the first time or any other follow-up visits. Check and see if you have deductibles or co-insurance and see what your limits are before you are covered.

4) What can I do to make the New Patient Visit go smoothly?

We always ask our patients to arrive 15 minutes early so that we have ample time to complete the registration process.

When you check in, you will be asked to provide the following:

  • Government Issued Identification Card
  • Insurance Card (if applicable)
  • Completed Registration Form
  • Completed Genetic Questionnaire
  • Completed Male/Female Questionnaire

We will then ask you to fill out three consent forms:

  • Financial Policy
  • Pharmacy Verification Form (if applicable)
  • HIPAA

We will then take a photo image of you for identification purposes and have you take a seat in the waiting room to be called.

3) There are so many different types of appointments; what should I expect at each one? 

New Patient Visit and Follow-ups: The first visit with a physician and the follow-up visit to discuss testing and treatment options are scheduled Monday through Friday. Offices hours vary.

Monitoring (ultrasound and bloodwork): These are scheduled seven days a week.  Monday through Friday, we schedule these between 7:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. The busiest time during the day is between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. If you have to come in on the weekend or holidays, we strictly schedule these in time order, starting from 7:00 a.m. and going up until 12:00 p.m., only if all earlier slots are booked. The busiest time is between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Mock Embryo Transfer and Saline Sonogram: These are scheduled during monitoring hours. However, if it is a Monday or Friday, we strictly schedule these appointments between 10:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

HSG: The schedule for the HSG varies greatly. We offer Monday through Friday as early as 7:10 a.m. and depending on the day, as late as 4:10 p.m. We also offer HSGs on some Saturdays, however these are strictly scheduled in time order starting earliest to latest.

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Shady Grove Fertility is honored to have 11 of our reproductive endocrinologists named as Washingtonian’s Top Docs for Infertility.

A special congrats to Dr. Nichole Pardo of Foxhall OB/GYN for making the cover of Washingtonian’s Top Docs for 2014!

For over two decades, Shady Grove Fertility physicians have been named Washingtonian’s Top Docs – a recognition voted on by their peers. With special interests ranging from polycystic ovary syndrome, donor egg, donor sperm and gestational carriers, SGF’s team of physicians are at the cutting edge in fertility technology.

This years, the 11 physician’s selected as Washingtonian’s Top Docs are…

MARYLAND
Frank E. Chang, M.D. – Rockville, MD
Michael J. Levy, M.D. – Rockville, MD
Gilbert L. Mottla, M.D. – Annapolis, MD
Arthur W. Sagoskin, M.D. – Rockville, MD
Robert J. Stillman, M.D. – Rockville, MD

WASHINGTON, DC
Barbara H. Osborn, M.D. – Sibley Hospital Campus; K Street NW
Eric A. Widra, M.D. – Sibley Hospital Campus; K Street NW

VIRGINIA
Paulette E. Browne, M.D. – Fair Oaks, VA
Stephen J. Greenhouse, M.D. – Fair Oaks, VA
Naveed Khan, M.D. – Leesburg, VA
David S. Saffan, M.D. – Annandale, VA

Congrats to ALL the physicians named Washingtonian’s Top Docs!

Michael J. Levy, M.D., the founding partner and Director of IVF says, “Every day we are grateful to help so many families realize their dreams of becoming parents. We thank the editors of Washingtonian for this recognition and their continued support of Shady Grove Fertility.”

To have your fertility misconceptions solved or to schedule an appointment at Shady Grove Fertility, please speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons at 877-971-7755.

2026 Shady Grove Fertility