Washington, D.C. – Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) has been a national leader in infertility care and IVF for nearly 3 decades. During this pandemic, while SGF will continue to monitor the evolving situation and adhere to state and local prevention and safety guidelines, the practice intends to remain open for select treatments and appointments, including virtual physician consults and diagnostic testing.
“We know that the world we live in right now is uncertain, and changing rapidly, but we’re here to offer patients a chance to regain some control over the situation by using this time to stay connected virtually with a specialist. Patients have many questions about what this crisis means, how might COVID-19 affect a pregnancy, how can they interpret the changes happening in the world around them through a lens of wanting to start a family, and so on … and we’re here to help patients navigate these unchartered waters and be in a better position to move forward when the time is right,” said Eric A. Widra, M.D., SGF Chief Medical Officer.
SGF patients can seamlessly connect virtually ‘face to face’ with SGF physicians through their phone, smart phone, tablet, or computer, making it easier to make progress, save time, avoid travel, and keep distance and protect themselves and their community.
“We all know how time-sensitive fertility treatment is, when every month can seem like an eternity. We know how innate the desire is to have a baby, and many have been waiting months or years already. By using the simple tools we have at our disposal, we can put time back on our side by completing the first few steps of the process now. When patients feel like they’re at a standstill, frustration and despair can easily creep in, and patients lose hope. We’re here to help them restore their hope,” added Widra.
During a virtual consult with new patients, SGF physicians review medical histories, answer questions, order diagnostic testing, and help chart a course—based on the results of testing—for obtaining a pregnancy, as safely and quickly as possible.
While some SGF locations are temporarily closed, many remain open for select treatments and fertility testing, which includes three simple tests for the female and one for the male. SGF advises testing of both partners up front before any treatment can begin, as infertility affects both partners equally.
“Many patients are not letting COVID-19 stop them from making progress, and we’re encouraged by that. In surveying patients after their virtual consults, 96% would recommend the experience to a friend or family member,” added Widra.
SGF will be ready to resume full service operation as soon as limitations are lifted and it’s deemed safe to do so. Patients who complete the initial stages of the process—consultation and evaluation—will be on a fast-track to starting or growing their family with the help of SGF.
“One thing we know for certain, the SGF community is one of resilience and determination,” said Widra. “We will get through this together.”
For SGF’s most up-to-date policies and guidelines on COVID-19, visit ShadyGroveFertility.com or follow SGF on Facebook or Instagram.
To schedule a new patient virtual physician consult, call 888-761-1967 or fill out this brief form.
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 38 locations throughout FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, we offer patients virtual physician consults, 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.
