RE Office Expectations?

Babyhope1 · 08-31-2009, 05:12 PM

DH and I have been seeing an RE in Chicago for 3 months. Our RE came highly recommended from our primary physician and after our initial consultation, we had a lot of confidence in her. However, my concerns with the office is that the nursing staff does not always seem to know what is going on with my situation. When I go in, I often have to correct the staff for the reason I am there (ex. they tell me to get blood drawn for day 3 check when in reality I am there for an ultrasound monitor to time IUI.) I have also gotten different responses to my questions from different nurses which makes me question what being said is correct. It seems rushed and unorganized at times.
Again, we have full confidence in RE but just feel the support/nursing staff in between RE consults is almost like a cattle call.
Are most RE offices like this? What should the expectation be from nursing staff in addition to the physician?
DH and I would consider switching offices but don't want to leave our RE if this is a typical scenario.
BTW, we live downtown Chicago so any RE recommendations would be appreciated.
Thank you for any responses.

barren-bipolar · 09-05-2009, 08:50 AM

Sorry, I don't live in Chicago. Just wanted to comment that it might be pretty typical. I've realized (and I've heard others say it, too) that we have to stay on top of everything and be the "managers" of our own case. Seems like you're already doing that. Good job! It's crucial to communicate, double check, question... which is hard for me because I'm the shy type but I guess all of this is toughening us up to be better people or preparing us for something.
On the other hand, my husband is telling me I should just visit some other RE offices unannounced and just sit in the waiting room for a bit and see how the office seems to be running. Couldn't hurt, right?

Alioop · 09-05-2009, 10:44 AM

Hi Babyhope!

I am in Chicago, and going to U of C.
The last time I was there, there was some confusion about b/w (I was in for 3 day FSH and they did not have my paperwork). But that was the first time I ever saw them not know exactly what was going on (and there were new people in the office). Overall, I talk to 1 nurse/1 coordinator and the techs have the required paperwork when I get there. But, Barren in right....You should make sure you stay on top of everything so as to ensure there are no mistakes. Where are you going?

Babyhope1 · 09-05-2009, 01:38 PM

Thank you so much for your replies. I am new to this site and have already benefited so much from it.
You are so right that we need to be our own advocates and "manage" our own case which is hard for me sometimes. I tend to be on the shy side as well and really need to push myself to communicate all my concerns. I know this is a work in progress for me and I am learning a lot about myself in the process.
BTW, I am currently going to Rush Hospital in Chicago. DH and I just made an appointment at Northwestern for a second opinion consult.
Barren, I like your idea about sitting in another office to see. I plan to do that when we go to Northwestern for our second opinion.

08-31-2009, 05:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Babyhope1 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 4	RE Office Expectations? DH and I have been seeing an RE in Chicago for 3 months. Our RE came highly recommended from our primary physician and after our initial consultation, we had a lot of confidence in her. However, my concerns with the office is that the nursing staff does not always seem to know what is going on with my situation. When I go in, I often have to correct the staff for the reason I am there (ex. they tell me to get blood drawn for day 3 check when in reality I am there for an ultrasound monitor to time IUI.) I have also gotten different responses to my questions from different nurses which makes me question what being said is correct. It seems rushed and unorganized at times. Again, we have full confidence in RE but just feel the support/nursing staff in between RE consults is almost like a cattle call. Are most RE offices like this? What should the expectation be from nursing staff in addition to the physician? DH and I would consider switching offices but don't want to leave our RE if this is a typical scenario. BTW, we live downtown Chicago so any RE recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you for any responses.

09-05-2009, 08:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
barren-bipolar 300-399 post 5 of hearts Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 351	Sorry, I don't live in Chicago. Just wanted to comment that it might be pretty typical. I've realized (and I've heard others say it, too) that we have to stay on top of everything and be the "managers" of our own case. Seems like you're already doing that. Good job! It's crucial to communicate, double check, question... which is hard for me because I'm the shy type but I guess all of this is toughening us up to be better people or preparing us for something. On the other hand, my husband is telling me I should just visit some other RE offices unannounced and just sit in the waiting room for a bit and see how the office seems to be running. Couldn't hurt, right? __________________ me (34) DH (51), TTC #1 low ovarian reserve, hypothyroid, egg quality issues beginning IVF #3- looking for a golden egg http://bravebarrenbipolar.wordpress.com

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09-05-2009, 10:44 AM	#3 (permalink)
Alioop 200-299 post 4 of hearts Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 293	Hi Babyhope! I am in Chicago, and going to U of C. The last time I was there, there was some confusion about b/w (I was in for 3 day FSH and they did not have my paperwork). But that was the first time I ever saw them not know exactly what was going on (and there were new people in the office). Overall, I talk to 1 nurse/1 coordinator and the techs have the required paperwork when I get there. But, Barren in right....You should make sure you stay on top of everything so as to ensure there are no mistakes. Where are you going?

09-05-2009, 01:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Babyhope1 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 4	Thank you so much for your replies. I am new to this site and have already benefited so much from it. You are so right that we need to be our own advocates and "manage" our own case which is hard for me sometimes. I tend to be on the shy side as well and really need to push myself to communicate all my concerns. I know this is a work in progress for me and I am learning a lot about myself in the process. BTW, I am currently going to Rush Hospital in Chicago. DH and I just made an appointment at Northwestern for a second opinion consult. Barren, I like your idea about sitting in another office to see. I plan to do that when we go to Northwestern for our second opinion.