Falmouth Womens Health (Dr. Richard Heywood, Dr. Elizabeth Speed, Dr. Joseph Conway, Valerie Walbek NP)

Dr. Heywood truly takes the time to listen to his patients. I left every appointment feeling heard, having all of my questions answered and not once did I feel rushed. Laura worked extra hard to make sure that my insurance had everything they needed to make sure my surgery would be approved. She was great about communicating where things were at. I highly highly recommend this office!

Dr. Heywood has been one of the absolute BEST obgyn’s that I have ever been taken care by. Let me first start off by saying his entire office staff are so incredibly caring, personable and truly become like extended members of your family. They remember your name and truly care about you personally! I had quite a scary health issue while I was pregnant and in his care and he handled my issue with such support, care and made me feel understood. He answered any questions I had immediately and communicated every single concern I had with such understanding. His bedside manner is bar none and he is extremely thorough in all that he does. Truly, cannot recommend him or his practice more!

I had an amazing experience and would highly recommend this office both Dr heywood and Dr. Speed were very professional and great doctors when it came to the needs of both myself and my baby. There fast at getting you In for an appointment when you need to be seen. All of the staff was friendly i never met someone i didnt like. There not short and take there time with there patients. Dr. Speed delivered my baby which makes a huge difference when in labor and delivery to have the doctor you have been seeing for your entire pregnancy there instead of a midwife delivering. It was very personable and i am very happy to have them as my doctor. I would give them 10 stars if i could.

The lady who answers the phone was incredibly rude & dismissive. Didn’t take anything I was saying seriously and invalidated all of my feelings. Don’t work in an industry that helps people if you don’t like people.

I typically do not write reviews, but I feel Dr. Heywood is the best! I met him in an emergency situation that ended up with me having surgery. I was so nervous and he me feel so comfortable from the start. He is a kind, funny, knowledgeable, caring doctor. The office staff is just as friendly. If you are looking for an excellent practice and a Doctor who truly cares about his patients, then I would highly recommend him!

I am so glad to have found Dr Heywood and his staff. I was tired of just being a number at another local office. Dr Heywood is personable, he really takes his time with his patients, it is obvious that he cares and has a great bedside manner. He never rushes you, and his entire staff have the same kindness and professionalism. I recommend him to all of my friends- he is one of the most thorough and caring physicians I have ever had.

These doctors delivered what we felt must be the minimum standard of care that’s required of them. We showed up to our first appointment expecting to receive our first ultrasound (we were told that we would be getting an ultrasound & that it was one of the purposes of the appointment) only to be told that their ultrasound machine was broken once we were already at the appointment & my wife was gowned up. As first time parents we were disappointed to be told after the fact that we wouldn’t be seeing our baby after all. Surely they knew their machine was broken before that day. Then Dr. Heywood proceeded to take my wife’s blood pressure only to find that her blood oxygen level was reading low on the finger monitor. Immediately he suggested that we go straight to the ER. So we go to the ER only to find out that it was my wife’s GEL NAIL POLISH that was causing the monitor to read wrong. WOW. $450 later might I add.When they finally got a new ultrasound machine, our appointment was not a good experience with Dr.Speed. During the first ultrasound (internal) Dr. Speed set no expectations for the appointment, what they would be looking for, what the process would look like, etc. She didn’t even warn my wife when she put the device INSIDE HER. She provided no commentary or small talk for the first five minutes while she was failing to find the baby. No effort was made to calm our nerves in the silence while she struggled to locate the baby. It was frightening and felt like a scene out of a movie. Turns out there was nothing wrong with the baby, Dr. Speed just didn’t know how to work the new machine. She ultimately ended up calling Dr. Heywood in and he was able to find the baby in 30 seconds.At a later appointment, they had my wife do a full toxicology panel on her urine which they said was “standard practice” (WHAT?) Not only was this not indicated as she has no prior drug use, but also offensive. When the nurse was explaining, she said that she thought it was ridiculous that they even had to ask for the patients consent. Yep. She felt that the practice should be able to run drug tests on mothers without their knowledge. Of course her panel came back completely negative…but after we transferred my wife’s OB care to Brigham and Women’s, they were confused when my wife handed them a copy of her urinalyses for drug use. They couldn’t believe that they ran a panel without indication of prior drug problems. They said that they do NOT do that.Anytime my wife reached out with questions, Dr. Heywood’s first response was to send us directly to the ER. It felt like he tried to send us there every chance he got. To the point where it became unclear as to what exactly their role was as our prenatal healthcare team. I suspect they are getting some sort of kick back because they belong to the Cape Cod Healthcare network. They don’t hesitate to send you to the ER so CCHC can generate more revenue. This is obviously an assumption, but it feels correct based on our experience. They don’t actually care about the patient and provide limited information during your pregnancy.I’m sure they will say that they follow the standard of care required of them but at the end of the day we didn’t feel taken care of. We were told to use google as a resource, we were met with condescension and disdain when we expressed concern about covid vaccination during pregnancy. God forbid you ask that question. We felt that in their care important issues could slip through the cracks. At our last appointment Dr. Speed didn’t even confirm basic information about my wife’s pregnancy. How far along she was, why they were measuring her stomach, what those measurements were, what they meant. They didnt call us back after making this complaint directly to the office.There is a DRASTIC difference between the level of care we received at FWH & the care weve been receiving at Brigham and Womens. We finally feel like we are equipped with the information we need to make informed decisions about our pregnancy.

I had an excellent experience consulting with Dr. Heywood about birth control options. This was the most unrushed, thorough, and validating medical appointment Ive ever had - I left feeling listened to and with all my questions answered. I was able to book an appointment within a reasonable timeframe, and the appointment began on time.Highly recommend! I will definitely be going back!

This review is coming a little late but its essential to get to the public how amazing Dr. Speed is. As a first time, pregnant mom during COVID, Dr. Speed could not have been more supportive of and responsive to my concerns. While CDC guidelines had her preforming telehealth visits- she rolled with the punches and conducted thorough assessments while continuing to make me feel like her only patient. Any non life threatening concerns I had were very promptly answered through the patient portal!During my labor and delivery Dr. Speed and Dr. Heywood (also 5+ stars!!) took the time to come in and check on me regularly and let me be an active participant in my care. They kept me updated and educated on my progress. In the end I had a very healthy almost 9 pound baby girl. My recovery was generally easy but, again, concerns I had were promptly cared for. Dr. Speed and Dr. Heywood are exactly the kind of physicians I hoped I would have for the birth of my first child.I would be remiss if I didnt comment on FWHs amazing office staff as well. I have a very confusing work schedule and they always made sure I was accommodated, even when COVID limited amount of available office time.They are professional and kind and represent the office extremely well. Their new office space is spectacular and spotless!Five stars all around!!!

Wow! Couldn’t ask for a better surgical experience!! On my initial meeting with him, Dr Heywood listened to me well, gave me his honest opinions about what is the best for my condition. His explanation of surgery was thorough, and all of my questions were answered clearly. Laura and secretaries from his office were awesome as well; all necessary paperwork was done on timely manner and always quick responses on email or phone call. Thank you, Dr Heywood and his office team!!

If I could give Dr. Speed a million more stars, I would!!! Dr. Speed is by far the best doctor I have ever had and I feel very lucky to be a patient of hers. She is very thorough with her care, genuinely cares about her patients and goes out of her way to make sure all of your questions are answered. She works with you when addressing your health concerns, rather than quickly just telling you what to do. She makes you feel very comfortable discussing anything and is extremely personable and easy to talk to. She is quick to respond if I have any questions and I always feel comfortable knowing she is there for me when I need her. I have referred many friends and family to her as she is someone I would want to take care of my loved ones as well. I feel confident in her care and I am looking forward to going to her for many years to come!

I can’t say enough about how wonderful Dr. Speed and Dr. Heywood are !!!! Dr. Heywood did my first c-section and Dr. Speed did the second one. They both made me feel very comfortable not only during the surgery but after. It’s hard to find an OB that will really cares about how you feel and mostly important To care about you and your mood after delivery the baby. But Dr. Speed did !! And I’m extremely thankful that I went there to get my second child delivered by her. This is an amazing practice with great doctors, fabulous nurse (Donna), and wonderful staff !!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Hands down the best womens health doc out there. Had an awesome experience with three completely different pregnancies and deliveries with Dr. Heywood, his staff actually care, are committed to your plan and will pick up the phone and call you. Great overall experience in the 10+ years I have been a patient.

When I was searching for an obgyn when I first moved to Cape Cod, Dr. Heywoods name came up in an internet search.After reviewing his website I had a feeling that he would be the right doctor for me, and boy was I right! I became pregnant with my first child in April 2016 and Dr. Heywood and his wonderful staff Laura and Kerri were amazing every step of the way.Dr Heywood treats you with respect, he listens to your wants and needs and actually creates a rapport with you. He sits at your level instead of standing above you and talking down to you which some doctors are guilty of.Dr. Heywood believed in me 100% when I indicated I wanted to deliver naturally with no epidural and he helped make my dream a reality. He was there for my delivery, and from my understanding he delivers over 90% of his patients. He legitimately cares about the outcome of your pregnancy. If he was a family doctor I would never go see anyone else.10/10 would get pregnant again.

Words cannot describe how amazing Dr. Speed is! I’ve been seeing her the past year, and she has helped me through several issues. Getting diagnosed with uterine cysts and fibroids seemed so scary for someone who will be trying to get pregnant shortly. Doctor Speeds knowledge and skills have completely quelled those fears. She explained everything in such an easy to understand manner, without ever speaking down to me. I’m most impressed with how she handled my weight gain issue. No woman wants to tell another woman to lose weight, but Dr. Speed did it with such kindness, understanding, and in nonjudgemental way. I truly felt cared about and respected, and praise her for handling such a difficult topic with poise and candor. She even helped discuss nutrition, physical activity, and changes. I’m down 10lbs from her recommendations!! She has such a gentle way about her, that automatically instilled confidence and trust. She truly cares about all her patients well being. She takes time each and every appointment, and I’ve never felt rushed or like a number. I can’t imagine finding a better, more knowledgeable, caring Doctor anywhere!!!

Terrible knowledge of PCOS and how to treat. I was told I didn’t have insulin resistance but yet I was asked how my diagnosing physical did my lab work. He based this solely on ONE single blood draw and anyone that knows anything about insulin resistance knows that’s not how a diagnosis is made. This diagnosis for me was made 10 years prior and by an extremely qualified MD at Boston IVF! I in fact have severe insulin resistance. I was taken off of all meds for my pcos and gaslit that these meds weren’t for PCOS when any google search will confirm that metformin is most definitely for insulin resistance. This was also confirmed by other physicians and an endocrinologist! Stay clear if you have PCOS!!

HORRIBLE experience from start to finish. You and your baby deserve so much better! I moved to the Cape during my second pregnancy at 28 weeks. I read the previous reviews on him and thought he sounded good enough. I couldn’t have been more wrong, I’m wondering if he paid the previous reviewers. Not only is his office staff bottom of the barrel and you will need to babysit them to get your lab results/ anything done properly - well that is if he even orders you any lab work. He performs ZERO practices of standard of OB care -if an issue were to pop up during your pregnancy you will not know unless you display symptoms and report them to him as he performs no routine things such a urine tests. The worst two parts of the entire experience: the fact that I called him at 10 pm at night to say my contractions were 5 minutes apart, his response was “that’s weird. You can go to the hospital if you want” and had an attitude like why are you calling meLady. I ended up delivering at 7:23 am the following morning and he “didn’t make it to the hospital in time because I had such a fast delivery” uh ok? Sure didn’t feel fast to me! But hey I guess my opinion as the patient is just relative. He was at the hospital the day after I delivered delivering someone else’s baby (we saw him in the hallway) and he didn’t even stop in to check how I was doing or to see the baby. I had my postpartum visit this morning and HE DIDNT DO ANY PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS. I had to ASK him to check my stitches I was astounded. Im sure he never even read the chart to read about how I tore horribly since I started pushing without any nurses or doctors in the room and the baby came out before the midwife could even get both gloves on. After my first child my OB checked my breast, did my annual pap, checked my bladder position ect. Apparently my standards are either to high or this guy is just completely useless. He truly did not do a single thing for me. You can do so much better.

Dr. Heywood far exceeded all expectations I had when finding the right gynecologist. He took the time to explain each process and finding when I had several scary tests performed and was so patient with my extensive questions. The staff is very kind and professional as well. I highly recommend this practice to everyone and anyone who is searching for a professional, kind and patient doctor.

Dr Speed is a skilled and caring doc. She took great care of me for a fairly major surgery. Everyone at Falmouth Women’s Health is great!

Best doctor around. I was hesitant to see a male, because I have always had female medical care, but he and his entire team have blown me away. Laura at the front desk is so friendly and helpful and Dr. Heywood is extremely personable, thourough and genuine in his care and treatment. 5+ stars all around.

These guys are wayyyy more responsive than cape cod healthcare!

Would absolutely recommend Dr. Speed and Heywood. All of the nurses are also wonderful at the practice.. Thank you for providing me with the absolute best care during my pregnancy.

I went to see Dr Speed for an annual. The visit went well and the doctor was caring. Answered my questions and addressed my concerns thoroughly.

Dr. Heywood and his group are extremely professional and are medical experts anyone looking for a group of people who know what they are doing go to Falmouth womans health!