Shady Grove Fertility in Richmond

Never can I or will I in good conscious recommend Shady Grove or any of their affiliates. We started our surrogacy journey there approximately 4 years ago, and after multiple failed rounds and pushing us for purchasing fresh egg lots (LGBT couple), we found lower rates of success than were anticipated from our doctor. Not to mention the terrible bedside manner, condescending attitude and communication - and cold callousness from the entire staff. We have since transferred to another clinic (outside SGF) with much better results, the other clinic has recommended what's best for our family, and not what's best for the pocket of the organization. Beyond this, we went from having about a 35% success rate with the fresh eggs (after multiple rounds) to about an 85% success rate with the new clinic (using the same sperm). A friend of mine (lesbian woman), the doctor came in for the first time she ever met him and his first words were "you're going to miscarry" (not Hi, Hello, or Small Talk). She carried her baby to full health and the little one is now 9 months old in perfect health. Beyond any of this, when we made the decision to leave Shady Grove (about 2 years ago) we signed disposition forms to destroy and remaining sperm and embryos. We recently found out we were being charged for storage because they forgot to process a form. Beyond that, when I call up both the billing company and Shady Grove (because neither has access to the other's platform), no one can tell me actively what's still in storage and what exists under our account. Meaning, we are charged upwards of $500 on deliquent billing, and no party involved can tell us what that storage is for. I have called no less than 10 times to SGF, Luminary (Billing Agency), local Richmond office, and HQ in the past 2 months and each time I've been told "we messaged the lab and we will get back to you in the next 24 hours." Never have a I received a call back. SGF took so much joy and hope out of what should be an amazing experience and made it stale, cold, and callous. My only solace is that we had so much better impact, stories, and results from our new clinic (we are expecting in November). I am never one to give negative reviews, but under no circumstances, conditions, or backing could I ever or would I ever recommend SGF in any light or manner of positivity. Shady Grove has used poor technology, poor testing, and terrible communication from all parties involved (Corporate, Billing, Local Office) and has made truly what should be a magical experience nothing short of what seems like a cash grab to get them the most money. Our other clinic has been remarkable - personally and professionally. I will heavily recommend going to other clinics, as we've visited the big 3 in Virginia (SGF, VCU Health, and Virginia Fertility) - and SGF was in last by a far mile. Do your research, and learn from the mistakes we made along the way. This is an emotional and sometimes difficult part of your life, and I did not and do not trust the staff to do right by me or my family and that's such a heavy thing to say.

Dr. Shah and his team are beyond amazing! They were sensitive to all my needs, questions and concerns. The communication was always clear and efficient. I started my IVF journey at a different location but decided to look for a new Dr after I felt like I wasn’t being made a priority. I was sold on Dr. Shah 5 minutes into our consultation. He is very knowledgeable and came up with a personalized plan just for me. He gave me support and encouragement through the whole journey. He was honest with me and i was never left with unanswered thoughts or questions. I highly recommend Dr. Shah and team! You won’t be disappointed!

The team at Shady Grove in Richmond are amazing! I was always welcomed with a smile, words of encouragement and support throughout the ups and downs of my journey. I now have two kids by IVF and am so grateful!

My partner and I had a great experience here. I especially want to shout out April, Hannah, Lindsey, and Ashley who really went above and beyond to be super friendly, welcoming and kind. They really made us feel cared for and supported during a tough time. My husband and I are SO very grateful for them turning our IVF experience into a positive one ♥️

All staff here are excellent. Dr. Shah & Dr. Johnston are excellent doctors who truly care about their patients. They truly take their time for each patient. June is such a sweetheart. She makes me feel so comfortable and at ease, especially when you have days your coming in anxious due to why your there. June is also great at what she does and I request for her to take my blood everytime. She always has a positive attitude and is super friendly with all her patients.