Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.
Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.
Scheduling
9.5
9.5
Scheduling
Ratings of 1 mean it was difficult to schedule appointments with this clinic.
Ratings of 10 mean it was easy to schedule appointments.
Billing Department
8.8
8.8
Billing Department
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.
Nursing Team
10
10
Nursing Team
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.
Attention to Detail
10
10
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is on a 1 - 10 scale, and is scored based on the rate, and severity, of errors committed by the clinic according to the patients.
For example, a severe error might be failing to inform a patient of critical information, while a small error might be failing to call a patient with results.
CDC Success Rates
This is the most recent data from the CDC. The CDC cautions that it should not be used to compare doctors and clinics. This data represents the outcomes of IVF cycles when using a person's own eggs.
For more information please see our FAQs.
Where you see a “?” on the chart, a clinic has done fewer than 20 cycles in this category and age range, so the CDC says showing percentages from this small data set would be misleading and unreliable.
Dr. Murray was clear and compassionate. She explored avenues other doctors had dismissed... She was frank about treatments she did not think would have value and explained her reasoning clearly, but she also showed a great deal of compassion and empathy for the losses we had been through...If you need someone to be more of a sugar-coater or a cheerleader and tell you things will be okay when they may not be, then you may want a different provider...
it was easy to get through to someone [at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado] and make appointments, and the on-call care was also superb. I did wait a bit at some appointments (Friday early morning is busy), but I also benefitted multiple times from doctors and staff spending extra time with me during my appointments so I don't really begrudge that. Every staff member I interacted with acted like they knew who I was and treated me like a human and not a number...
How was your experience with Shona Murray at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Dr. Murray was clear and compassionate. She explored avenues other doctors had dismissed (sperm fragmentation and testing products of conception after miscarriage to determine if I was miscarrying genetically normal embryos, in which case IVF would not be a solution), as well as revisiting some that hadn't been tested in awhile (RPL). She was frank about treatments she did not think would have value and explained her reasoning clearly, but she also showed a great deal of compassion and empathy for the losses we had been through. We developed a plan that felt a little scary, but she made sure I had what I needed and was considerate of my feelings throughout. She did not suggest jumping back into more expensive treatment (IVF, donor eggs) until she felt we had a better understanding of what might be going on. I really appreciated her willingness to try to better understand the situation before advising further treatment.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Shona Murray at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
I loved Dr. Murray's manner--she answered our questions and made clear what her reasoning was. Bring your questions, she will answer them. She is a direct communicator, which I prefer, but she is not at all gruff and speaks with care and compassion. If you need someone to be more of a sugar-coater or a cheerleader and tell you things will be okay when they may not be, then you may want a different provider.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Shona Murray at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Every time I called the office or interacted with a nurse, radiologist, or doctor, the person knew who I was and my history of miscarriage. I accidentally forgot to refill my progesterone prescription and the on-call doctor sat on the phone with me for an hour discussing options and trying to get through to a 24-hour pharmacy, and the clinic gave me sample meds to get me through until my order came in. At each of my ultrasound appointments for my pregnancy, I saw the doctor after (I've never had a doctor meet with me after an ultrasound for any of my past four pregnancies, 2 at fertility clinics). It was a very different experience than at the larger clinic I was at previously.
Describe the protocols Shona Murray used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado and their degree of success.
We first decided to repeat my RPL panel, test my TSH (I'm on levothyroxine for hypothyroidism), and do a sperm fragmentation test on my husband to rule out possible causes of miscarriage.
We then decided we would try to conceive on our own and test the products of conception when I miscarried. I was given a miscarriage kit for this purpose and explained how to use it and what we might expect (results are not guaranteed). Prior to this cycle, I had miscarried our one genetically tested embryo after egg retrieval and FET at another clinic. Because we had been able to conceive on our own and because of this miscarriage, we decided on this test to know if I was miscarrying genetically normal embryos before proceeding to further treatment, as IVF/donor eggs would not be successful if so.
However, I actually have stayed pregnant and graduated from the fertility clinic last week, and I have my first appointment with my OB today at 9 weeks 4 days. My previous miscarriages occurred at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 9 weeks, so I am cautiously optimistic that this baby will stay.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado. (Assigned nurse: Moira)
Moira was my radiologist at both my scans and was the most compassionate and thorough I've had of all of my six pregnancies at four clinics. Scans are really difficult for me emotionally because of my previous losses, and before she started each scan, she explained everything she would do during the scan. She also showed me the heartbeat first each time because she knew how anxious I was, and even gave me extra printouts of the stats for baby. I wish every fertility patient had a Moira.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
I appreciated that it was easy to get through to someone and make appointments, and the on-call care was also superb. I did wait a bit at some appointments (Friday early morning is busy), but I also benefitted multiple times from doctors and staff spending extra time with me during my appointments so I don't really begrudge that. Every staff member I interacted with acted like they knew who I was and treated me like a human and not a number.
Dr. Polotsky was funny and optimistic and was always very confident that the outcome would be successful, even though I was pretty pessimistic...He was very open about the process and what to expect next. He went over results with us, called with updates, and he answered all of our questions. Plus, he was so laidback during the procedures that it made them a lot less anxiety ridden...We did an egg retrieval, we did the PGT-A testing, and then did an FET of 1 embryo about 2-3 weeks after the testing. Everything went exactly as planned and we were successful on the first attempt...
It was great having the same care coordinator [at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado] and she was really good about providing tailored calendars, giving very detailed instructions, and making prescriptions very convenient...the consultations and procedures took place in Denver, but blood draws, ultrasounds, and even an emergency ultrasound was conveniently in Colorado Springs. The Denver office was bigger and fancier, but the Springs staff was incredible. Both offices had outstanding and friendly staff, with pretty short wait times at appointments...
How was your experience with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
The experience was great. Everything went exactly as Dr. Polotsky had described and predicted. He was very open about the process and what to expect next. He went over results with us, called with updates, and he answered all of our questions. Plus, he was so laidback during the procedures that it made them a lot less anxiety ridden.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Definitely do it and listen to his advice.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Dr. Polotsky was funny and optimistic and was always very confident that the outcome would be successful, even though I was pretty pessimistic.
Describe the protocols Alex Polotsky used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado and their degree of success.
After the initial testing, he went over the results with us. My husband had low sperm count and motility. Dr. Polotsky recommended doing IVF vs. IUI. We did an egg retrieval, we did the PGT-A testing, and then did an FET of 1 embryo about 2-3 weeks after the testing. Everything went exactly as planned and we were successful on the first attempt.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado. (Assigned nurse: Lauren)
It was great having the same care coordinator and she was really good about providing tailored calendars, giving very detailed instructions, and making prescriptions very convenient.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
My situation was a little odd, since I split my time between 2 clinics. I live in Colorado Springs but my primary location was in Denver. So the consultations and procedures took place in Denver, but blood draws, ultrasounds, and even an emergency ultrasound was conveniently in Colorado Springs. The Denver office was bigger and fancier, but the Springs staff was incredible. Both offices had outstanding and friendly staff, with pretty short wait times at appointments. I felt that the staff (like the people doing the blood draws, the ultrasound techs, and the receptionists) at Springs was a little friendlier, but that’s not to say the staff at Denver was unprofessional or unfriendly by any means.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
Out of pocket, we paid $30,000 for the shared risk program (up to 6 cycles), plus the cost of medication (approx. $5,000), and the cost of the PGT-A testing (I think $1,250). Very little was covered by our insurance, outside of the initial consultation and some medications.
Describe Alex Polotsky's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
I don’t recall getting an option to transfer more than 1 embryo. We only wanted 1 baby (having twins would NOT have been ideal for us) and he only transferred 1 embryo.
Dr. Polotsky is warm and friendly, and called me several times personally to check in....admits when his suggestions are based more on clinical experience than on science (as with having me stay on meds 2 extra weeks because I had a subchorionic hemorrhage). I enjoyed his jocular bedside manner, but it might not be to everyone's taste. Of course, the important thing is that we got results!...He prefers estrogen in patch form and a PIO-only regimen. Dr. Polotsky and SGF do not routinely use antibiotics or steroids for transfers
[at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado] really appreciated how easy it was to get an answer to portal messages! If your nurse was not in that day, a different nurse would respond, usually within an hour or two, and their answers would make sense and be helpful....A live person usually answers the phone (except for billing), appointments were pretty easy to make, and they were always nice about it when traffic made me late....
How was your experience with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Dr. Polotsky has a very specific personality- he's warm and funny and admits when his suggestions are based more on clinical experience than on science (as with having me stay on meds 2 extra weeks because I had a subchorionic hemorrhage). I enjoyed his jocular bedside manner, but it might not be to everyone's taste. Of course, the important thing is that we got results!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Be prepared for his slightly oddball manner!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Dr. Polotsky is warm and friendly, and called me several times personally to check in.
Describe the protocols Alex Polotsky used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado and their degree of success.
We did only donor embryo transfer cycles with Dr. Polotsky (no retrievals), as well as a hysteroscopy to remove a polyp that turned up. We used fully programmed cycles although he was open to trying a natural one. He prefers estrogen in patch form and a PIO-only regimen. Dr. Polotsky and SGF do not routinely use antibiotics or steroids for transfers, which I appreciate.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado. (Assigned nurse: Teale)
I really, really appreciated how easy it was to get an answer to portal messages! If your nurse was not in that day, a different nurse would respond, usually within an hour or two, and their answers would make sense and be helpful.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
I was really happy there! A live person usually answers the phone (except for billing), appointments were pretty easy to make, and they were always nice about it when traffic made me late. There was a phlebotomist with mask trouble but otherwise the staff was great. There was no "bad ultrasound tech" like at my previous clinic. I felt like I was getting great care but without feeling like a number the way you do at CCRM.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
SGF has fairly reasonable costs for embryo donation, but my insurance covered it. I think there was a $1500 non-billable charge. Another wrinkle is that the Colorado system can't talk to the East Coast and I sometimes had to pay up front.
Describe Alex Polotsky's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
For the donor embryo program, I believe 1 is always the standard.
He [Dr. Alex Polotsky] was intimately involved in our care. He called us on weekends and after-hours to check in on us, deliver test results, reassure us, and to answer our questions. We've never had a doctor go above and beyond like that for us before...He has this demeanor which is calming yet authoritative in a way that makes you feel held and supported. He's also so calm and matter of fact it helps you to relax and trust him in a way we didn't our previous doctor. He is also always willing to take time to hear your concerns and answer your questions no matter how silly you may think they are.
[Shady Grove Fertility Colorado] Clinic is quite large and busy so I can see why you could feel like it is a factory. However, SGF Denver does feel smaller and more boutique than our previous fertility clinic. Front desk staff is awesome and when coming for monitoring appointments generally don't have to wait too long. All the staff is very compassionate...I honestly felt like we interacted more with Dr. Polotsky than the nursing staff. But they were also very responsive and great to work with.
How was your experience with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Although Dr. Polotsky was out of town during our FET, he checked in before and after and was always accessible to us. He has this demeanor which is calming yet authoritative in a way that makes you feel held and supported. He's also so calm and matter of fact it helps you to relax and trust him in a way we didn't our previous doctor. He is also always willing to take time to hear your concerns and answer your questions no matter how silly you may think they are.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
He's got you. He'll take care of you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
He was intimately involved in our care. He called us on weekends and after-hours to check in on us, deliver test results, reassure us, and to answer our questions. We've never had a doctor go above and beyond like that for us before.
Describe the protocols Alex Polotsky used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado and their degree of success.
Modified natural FET cycle
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
I honestly felt like we interacted more with Dr. Polotsky than the nursing staff. But they were also very responsive and great to work with.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
Clinic is quite large and busy so I can see why you could feel like it is a factory. However, SGF Denver does feel smaller and more boutique than our previous fertility clinic. Front desk staff is awesome and when coming for monitoring appointments generally don't have to wait too long. All the staff is very compassionate.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
He [Dr. Alex Polotsky] was great at listening to our concerns. We felt like all our doctors looked at us individually and they consulted other specialists when considering the best course of action for us. He was good at keeping us as relaxed as we could be during all this...This clinic strongly prefers single embryo transfer as they know the risks of a multiple pregnancy on a mother.
It’s [Shady Grove Fertility Colorado] a new clinic so they are still growing but we felt confident in the medical care as the doctors have all been practicing for a long time, just not under the Shady Grove umbrella. We had the resources of a large clinic but it felt personable and friendly. We were very happy with everyone.
How was your experience with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
He was great at listening to our concerns. We felt like all our doctors looked at us individually and they consulted other specialists when considering the best course of action for us. He was good at keeping us as relaxed as we could be during all this.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Write everything down
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado?
Dr. Polotsky and all the staff got to know me, used my name, and spent time listening to all my concerns.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado. (Assigned nurse: Jessica)
Jessica went out of her way to make sure I had all my questions answered. She called me when I would message about more confusing things, and always answered my questions completely.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
It’s a new clinic so they are still growing but we felt confident in the medical care as the doctors have all been practicing for a long time, just not under the Shady Grove umbrella. We had the resources of a large clinic but it felt personable and friendly. We were very happy with everyone.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
Very calm atmosphere
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alex Polotsky at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
We did the shared risk program offered so the expenses were higher than if we had done everything a la carte. However, the peace of mind of knowing we got our money back if it didn’t work was worth it.
Describe Alex Polotsky's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility Colorado.
This clinic strongly prefers single embryo transfer as they know the risks of a multiple pregnancy on a mother.