I am not someone who likes to write negative reviews generally, but I feel compelled to share my experience with Dr. Abbasis team at Columbia fertility. The challenging experience started with booking the first appointment, I called the appointment booking line several times and left voicemail with zero response. Finally got someone to help after I tried the front desk line. After filling out a 16 page questionnaire that you had to print out and email back, I was able to have a 5 minute zoom call for the initial consultation during which I was told to come in for some bloodwork at beginning of my next period. After arriving and waiting for a long time at the address listed on the signature of the email, I was told they didnt have my name on the schedule by a very cold receptionist, luckily another staff member told her that I am supposed to be in their downstairs office, which no one informed me of at any point. When I made it to the right suite, I was given an in person visit with Dr. Abassi for a sonogram, which lasted 3 minutes and was told everything looks normal. Due to the fact I have hypo thyroid, I had requested to have comprehensive thyroid bloodwork done both on the initial zoom call and during my sonogram with Dr. Abassi, but when I went to the bloodwork station, the nurse told me only one thyroid marker was requested. So I went to the front desk and they told me I was going to do a much more comprehensive bloodwork upstairs which would include the additional thyroid markers. After drawing 12 tubes of blood and waiting for 2 weeks to get my results back, during which time I get an email asking me to register with an IVF company which I clearly told Dr. Abassi I didnt want to go that route. I had a follow up zoom call with Dr. Abassi, who told me everything looked normal, except my egg quality was low being reflective to my age, but when I asked her what can assist with this issue she said there is nothing to be done other than egg donation. No advice on supplements, diet or any lifestyle changes etc(found great advice on fertility facebook group). And to my shock when I asked her about my thyroid numbers she said no thyroid test was done. I asked her to send me a labcorp request for the thyroid tests which I had to email and call several times to finally receive. However no one addressed the second part of my emails which was asking how to access the lab results I had done. After 3 emails and 2 calls I finally get a live person to help and was told I needed to fill out and send back a medical release form if I wanted to see my lab results. she was as rude as can be after misspelling my email address several times I told her my email should be on file to which she replied in such a rude tone she can not access where she can see my email so I had to waste another 5 minutes on the phone waiting for her to finally get the email address right. What a joke of a practice, clearly no one cares about the patients both from an experiential and medical level. So if you expect respect and care from your physicians office this is likely not the place to be.
Dr. Abbasi was clear, concise and treated me with respect. She was welcoming and made sure I understood every detail she shared with me about fertility & the artificial insemination process. Although I began this journey elsewhere, I am very happy with my choice to move from Shady Grove Fertility to CFA & to work with Dr. Abbasi. I feel so hopeful and believe that this will be a great experience.
Dr Rafat Abbasi is a true miracle to me . She is the BEST doctor ever . After trying for a couple of years to have a baby I had no hopes until I came to see Dr Rafat Abbasi . I am now the happiest after she made my dream come true of having a baby . I now have a 8 month old baby healthy and The most adorable little man ever , all thanks to this Amazing Doctor . She also found out different health problems that other doctors couldn’t find and Made sure I was taking care of those health problems first before doing my treatment . I recommend her to EVERYONE because she will make your dream come true and the best feeling ever .
I have just gone in for an initial consultation, but it was 1000 times better than the one I had at Shady Grove Fertility. I felt Dr. Abbasi was listening to my concerns and was not dismissive or annoyed when I asked questions. She also listened and considered the symptoms I told her I had during my period. Since I did the initial tests at SGF, I told Dr. Abbasi I had been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, and she told me that based on my symptoms it would be good to check for endometriosis before jumping into any IUI or IVF, which is what SGF had suggested, because if I have it any fertility treatment would not be as effective. She also gave me transparent information about the cost of Counsyl (for genetic testing), while at SGF the price came as a third party and where they were charging me twice the amount. I can tell this practice is truly advocating for the client. I am very happy I switched.
Very welcoming environment. I was treated like a person and not just a file number. Dr. took the time to explain the process, procedures and made me better understand the process. Im looking forward to embarking on this new chapter knowing Im in good hands with kind and competent professionals.
One of the most caring specialists I ever had. Her knowledge, compassion and ability to custom treatment plans according to personal challenges is remarkableThank you from bottom of my heart.