Washington, D.C. — Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), a fertility center founded on the principle of “always put the patient first” reached a new and significant milestone, celebrating 85,000 babies born—largely attributed to increased geographic and financial access—but also because of their philosophy to always do what’s in the best interest of their patients.
“We never set out to reach this particular milestone,” recalls Michael J. Levy, M.D., Co-Founder of SGF and Director of IVF. “Instead, we said, very simply, from day one, we will always put the patients first and do what is ultimately in their best interest. This means, if there is a simpler, less invasive, or less expensive option that’s equally advantageous available, that’s what we will do,” adds Levy.
SGF Co-Founder, Art Sagoskin, M.D., echoed Levy’s sentiment, “SGF is like a big family. Everyone takes care of one another and that’s what our patients feel. Patients know they are in good hands when they’re under our care.” SGF patient satisfaction survey data supports this in that 96 percent of SGF patients say they would recommend SGF based on their experience.
When the center first opened its doors in Rockville, MD in 1991, with two physicians, Dr. Sagoskinand Dr. Levy, one SGF baby was born every 20 days approximately. Today, 12 SGF babies are born each and every day. “I think one of the reasons we’ve been successful is because we never settle for status quo. We continuously strive for better results, higher success rates, easier access for patients, and more efficient and faster ways to help couples conceive. We could have downshifted our efforts years ago but that wouldn’t be in the best interest of our patients so it wasn’t even an option,” added Levy.
Jason Bromer, M.D., who serves on SGF’s Board of Directors and sees patients in Frederick and Hagerstown, MD, shared, “We created a culture of doing what’s right. Everyone on the team plays a role in helping our patients be successful. Whether it’s when we’re opening a new location or designing a new financial program, it’s truly a team effort to ensure our patients feel well taken care of. We realize there’s nothing convenient about infertility, so we make every effort to improve the patient experience.”
Today, SGF is home to more than 1,000 team members, comprised of board certified reproductive endocrinologists and reproductive urologists, Ph.D. scientists, geneticists, and highly specialized staff who care for patients in 36 locations throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Georgia, and Florida, with its newest location opening in Manhattan, New York in September 2019 and more on the horizon.
Improving access to care, whether it’s geographically or financially, is part of SGF’s mission statement. “While the clinical quality of our program remains solid having performed nearly 15,000 assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles in 2017 alone, we wouldn’t be able to help as many people if the care wasn’t convenient or affordable. You could have the greatest tool in the world, but if you can’t access it or if it isn’t affordable, it’s irrelevant,” shared long-time SGF physician, Eric D. Levens, M.D., who sees patients in SGF’s Fairfax, VA location, which—in order to better meet the needs of Virginia patients who, prior to the opening, had to travel to Rockville, MD for IVF procedures—expanded to a full-service procedure center and embryology lab last June.
Financially speaking, SGF is home to multiple exclusive financial programs as well as a vast insurance network. SGF’s hallmark 100% refund guarantee program, called Shared Risk, asserts patients will pay a fixed amount with the option to receive up to six fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles (plus any subsequent cycles with a frozen embryo[s]) and either take home a baby or receive a full refund.
“With 82 percent of Shared Risk Program patients taking home a baby, it’s our hope that our patients feel reassured and confident in choosing SGF for their care. We are as transparent as possible to help patients make the best decisions. The quality and commitment of our financial programs, coupled with 85,000 babies born, speaks loudly to our commitment to delivering optimal patient care,” shared Erika Johnston-MacAnanny, M.D., who sees patients in Richmond, VA.
“We offer a place of hope. We’re here to help patients find answers. I tell my patients, I will walk alongside you, and we’ll together put one foot in front of the other until we find a solution. I’m in this with you,” shared Levens.
“We offer a place of hope. I tell my patients, I will walk alongside you… I’m in this with you.” Eric D. Levens, M.D.
“Treatment for infertility has come a long way over the past 3 decades. With continuous advances in technology coupled with SGF’s commitment to improving access care, we’ve been able to continuously increase our effectiveness and efficiency. However, we never rest on our laurels, and if there’s a better, faster, safer, or easier way for our patients to become parents we will strive to achieve it,” adds Eric A. Widra, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of SGF who sees patients in SGF’s Washington, D.C. K Street and Sibley locations.
“The quality and commitment of our financial programs, coupled with 85,000 babies born, speaks loudly to our commitment to delivering optimal patient care.” Erika Johnston-MacAnanny, M.D.
About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)
SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 85,000 babies born and counting. With 36 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com.
