Nicole Banks
ART Institute of Washington
Available Lines of Communication
Doctor email
Nurse email
Nurse email
Direct line to nurse
Not available by personal cell phone
Medical SchoolUniversity of Virginia
ResidencyGeorgetown University Hospital
FellowshipNational Institutes of Health
Bethesda
8901 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20889
301-400-2151
Annandale
4316 Evergreen Lane
Annandale, VA 22003
703-658-3100
5 assessments
10
7
Age
49 - 50
Treated
2019 - 2020
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Other
10
7
Dr Banks is very knowledgeable and explained her steps in depth. She sat with us and answered every question completely. She also was concerned with another medical condition that I have unrelated to fertility. I had the most comprehensive work-up with her than any other Doctor. ... She ordered blood work that showed low ovarian reserve. She prescribed medication to start a cycle and to see if I could sustain a pregnancy which was successful. She also did laser surgery to remove scar tissue. Everything was a success and after the quarantine I will be ready for transfer.
The majority of the clinic staff [VCU Medical Center] are friendly and very professional. ...I would prefer to have one assigned nurse because I have to explain more than once and that can be frustrating. Most of the team; however, are extremely nice and helpful. ... It would be nice to get a welcome packet explaining services and listing fee schedules. I had to call and email several times and I am still not clear on their fees or fee schedules.
Age
49 - 50
Treated
2019 - 2020
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Black or African-American
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Other
10
7
How was your experience with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr Banks is very knowledgeable and explained her steps in depth. She sat with us and answered every question completely. She also was concerned with another medical condition that I have unrelated to fertility. I had the most comprehensive work-up with her than any other Doctor.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Remain open-minded to the process and be patient because she will order a load of tests to give you the outcome possible. No question is too small; so, ask them all and she will definitely give you an answer.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr Banks is very caring and compassionate. She took time to talk with my husband and I about us as a couple and not just about treatments.
Describe the protocols Nicole Banks used in your cycles at VCU Medical Center and their degree of success.
She ordered blood work that showed low ovarian reserve. She prescribed medication to start a cycle and to see if I could sustain a pregnancy which was successful. She also did laser surgery to remove scar tissue. Everything was a success and after the quarantine I will be ready for transfer.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
I would prefer to have one assigned nurse because I have to explain more than once and that can be frustrating. Most of the team; however, are extremely nice and helpful.
Describe your experience with VCU Medical Center.
The majority of the clinic staff are friendly and very professional. I would say that they are not very organized and I have had staff not tell the truth to cover their oversight in disseminating information. It would be nice to get a welcome packet explaining services and listing fee schedules. I had to call and email several times and I am still not clear on their fees or fee schedules.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center.
I was not given this information. My insurance paid for testing.
Describe Nicole Banks's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at VCU Medical Center.
I would love to do multiple transfer, but Dr Banks only does single transfer to decrease chances of a problem.
What specific things went wrong at VCU Medical Center?
- Failed to order appropriate test
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at VCU Medical Center.
Getting my procedure scheduled was very frustrating and took forever. When I finally arrived to the surgical center all of my information had not been sent over and I had to wait all day before having my procedure.
- Read less
8
8
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2019 - 2020
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
Male Factor
8
8
Dr. Banks is very kind and compassionate and we have been happy with our treatment so far. The clinic [VCU] is consistently busy so we don't feel like we always have access to her, but if we schedule in advance she has been willing to speak with us. ... Did fresh transfer of one "early blast" and one morula 3 day 6 4CB embryos frozen Progesterone in oil injections post retrieval Negative pregnancy test after transfer ...Hoping we will have success with our next cycle/future treatments. ...
The clinic is busy so we had to wait (over an hour for certain appointments), but the nursing staff and doctors are great. They are juggling a lot of patients and different treatments but were responsive and attentive during our procedures and appointments. ... I cannot say enough about the nursing staff at VCU. They have been so kind and compassionate and have gone above and beyond with communication and making us feel comfortable during this process. They are THE BEST! ... We did fresh transfer of two most developed embryos and were not successful ...
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2019 - 2020
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Consultant
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
Male Factor
8
8
How was your experience with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr. Banks is very kind and compassionate and we have been happy with our treatment so far. The clinic is consistently busy so we don't feel like we always have access to her, but if we schedule in advance she has been willing to speak with us. Hoping we will have success with our next cycle/future treatments.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Be sure to have your questions ready prior to your visits as they are typically very quick. You can schedule time to speak with Dr. Banks if you plan in advance to get on her schedule during openings.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Clinic is very busy, sometimes had to wait to be seen and did not necessarily feel like a priority
Describe the protocols Nicole Banks used in your cycles at VCU Medical Center and their degree of success.
Birth control started 23 days prior to injections
13 days of Injections included Gonal-F Pen, menopur (10 days) added ganirelix (3 days)
Pregnyl trigger shot on day 13
43 eggs retrieved, 37 mature, 30 fertilized, 19 on day 3, 5 on day 5
Unfortunately most of the embryos stop developing past day 3
Did fresh transfer of one "early blast" and one morula
3 day 6 4CB embryos frozen
Progesterone in oil injections post retrieval
Negative pregnancy test after transfer
Describe your experience with your nurse at VCU Medical Center. (Assigned nurse: Courtney )
I cannot say enough about the nursing staff at VCU. They have been so kind and compassionate and have gone above and beyond with communication and making us feel comfortable during this process. They are THE BEST!
Describe your experience with VCU Medical Center.
The clinic is busy so we had to wait (over an hour for certain appointments), but the nursing staff and doctors are great. They are juggling a lot of patients and different treatments but were responsive and attentive during our procedures and appointments.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center.
Still awaiting bills from insurance for recent cycle and procedures
Describe Nicole Banks's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at VCU Medical Center.
We did fresh transfer of two most developed embryos and were not successful
- Read less
10
10
Age
40 - 41
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Uterine Fibroids
10
10
Dr. Banks was always warm and friendly, she always remembered facts about my health and my personal life. She spoke with me frequently about my job and my family. I felt like she really cared about me as a person more than a patient...made the diagnostic and iui process less daunting and stressful. She was excellent at giving me the facts while also being compassionate and comforting. I felt comfortable and prepared after every visit. Even when we lost the pregnancy Dr. Banks was patient and supportive of our next steps. She even was supportive of me going to a different clinic to try a different path.
The clinic [VCU Medical Center] is very clean and quiet. It helped reduce stress in a stressful situation. It was often difficult to reach a nurse on the phone, I often left messages. The nurses always got back to me rather quickly. Scheduling was very easy and convenient. They always did their best to work around my schedule, even seeing me on a Saturday...The nurses were above and beyond fantastic! Kristine spike with me throughout the beta testing and when we lost the baby through a chemical pregnancy. She was extremely kind and caring, patient with me and so sweet. She even waited until she knew I was off work so she could speak directly with me instead of just leaving a voicemail.
Age
40 - 41
Treated
2018 - 2019
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage, Uterine Fibroids
10
10
How was your experience with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr. Banks made the diagnostic and iui process less daunting and stressful. She was excellent at giving me the facts while also being compassionate and comforting. I felt comfortable and prepared after every visit. Even when we lost the pregnancy Dr. Banks was patient and supportive of our next steps. She even was supportive of me going to a different clinic to try a different path.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Do not let the phone system deter you from visit this office, the doctors and nurses are wonderful, it is just hard sometimes to get through to them.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr. Banks was always warm and friendly, she always remembered facts about my health and my personal life. She spoke with me frequently about my job and my family. I felt like she really cared about me as a person more than a patient.
Describe the protocols Nicole Banks used in your cycles at VCU Medical Center and their degree of success.
Dr. Banks performed all the necessary diagnostic tests to create a plan of action for my husband and myself. After determining I had a blocked tube she suggesting going to IVF. Cost however was a major issue for us so we elected to try iui first. She supported us and advised us to give it a try at least once but no more than 3 times. I was put on Clomid and montitored before the iui. I responded very well to the clomid and proceeded with the iui. It was successful on the first try and we were so excited. Unfortunately, the pregnancy ended in a checmical pregnancy. With Dr. Banks support we are currently participating in an IVF medication trial at another clinic.
Describe your experience with your nurse at VCU Medical Center. (Assigned nurse: Wendy and Kristine )
The nurses were above and beyond fantastic! Kristine spike with me throughout the beta testing and when we lost the baby through a chemical pregnancy. She was extremely kind and caring, patient with me and so sweet. She even waited until she knew I was off work so she could speak directly with me instead of just leaving a voicemail.
Describe your experience with VCU Medical Center.
The clinic is very clean and quiet. It helped reduce stress in a stressful situation.
It was often difficult to reach a nurse on the phone, I often left messages. The nurses always got back to me rather quickly.
Scheduling was very easy and convenient. They always did their best to work around my schedule, even seeing me on a Saturday.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center.
The costs for iui and ivf are much lower at VCU than other fertility clinics in Virginia.
Describe Nicole Banks's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at VCU Medical Center.
Dr. Banks was excellent at listening to our wishes and advising us of the chances for success while being compassionate and realistic.
- Read less
10
8
Age
31
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
6 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
10
8
Dr. Banks is warm and knowledgeable. She took the time to answer our questions and was extremely supportive of our decision to move on to IVF. We are not doing IVF through her clinic (we're going out of state) but she still offered to monitor for us.... Dr. Banks is brand new to the clinic but she obviously knows her stuff. I immediately felt like we were in good hands. She was thorough and I never felt rushed. She listened, answered all our questions, and gave us plenty of information
The clinic [VCU] is in the new building at Stoney Point. It's a really nice office. They seem to only do monitoring/IUI appointments before noon Mon-Sat. The nurses and doctors are great (Dr. Lucidi is the other doctor at the clinic).... The nursing staff at VCU is great. We've had Wendy, Christine, and Kim. All are great.... I paid a sperm bank for donor sperm and shipping...the clinic would mail back the cryotank for me after delivery (no extra cost).
Age
31
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
6 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
10
8
How was your experience with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr. Banks is brand new to the clinic but she obviously knows her stuff. I immediately felt like we were in good hands. She was thorough and I never felt rushed. She listened, answered all our questions, and gave us plenty of information (such as follicle count, lining thickness..things other doctors may not think to actually tell you).
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
She is new to the clinic so you may not be able to find a lot of reviews. But her credentials are impressive and she is warm and knowledgable. I highly recommend her.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center?
Dr. Banks is warm and knowledgeable. She took the time to answer our questions and was extremely supportive of our decision to move on to IVF. We are not doing IVF through her clinic (we're going out of state) but she still offered to monitor for us.
Describe the protocols Nicole Banks used in your cycles at VCU Medical Center and their degree of success.
We did IUI with donor sperm (same-sex couple). We did 100 mg Clomid for 5 days, then trigger shot (HCG) 36 hours before the procedure. We also came in for a baseline monitoring appointment and a second monitoring appointment on CD 13 to check whether the follicles were ready to trigger.
Describe your experience with your nurse at VCU Medical Center. (Assigned nurse: Chrstine, Wendy)
The nursing staff at VCU is great. We've had Wendy, Christine, and Kim. All are great.
Describe your experience with VCU Medical Center.
The clinic is in the new building at Stoney Point. It's a really nice office. They seem to only do monitoring/IUI appointments before noon Mon-Sat. The nurses and doctors are great (Dr. Lucidi is the other doctor at the clinic).
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Banks at VCU Medical Center.
IUI out-of-pocket cost is $250. Ultrasound monitoring was billed to my insurance (I don't have any fertility coverage but it was covered). Insurance did not cover Clomid, but it was pretty cheap at Walmart. I paid a sperm bank for donor sperm and shipping...the clinic would mail back the cryotank for me after delivery (no extra cost).
Describe Nicole Banks's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at VCU Medical Center.
n/a (did not do IVF)
- Read less
10
8
Age
37 - 38
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
5 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
10
8
Dr. Banks is warm, intelligent, and thoughtful. She made me feel like we were partners in the process. One little difference that I love is that she always angles the ultrasound monitor screen so that I can also see it, and describes to me what she's seeing. I felt so much more knowledgeable and better able to participate in decision making. I appreciated that she respected my personal preferences, risk assessments, and decisions,
This [Wash Fert Ctr] is not a fancy place. They're smart, they're caring, and they've done this for awhile, but they're a lean operation. I had straightforward needs - no infertility diagnosis and natural cycle IUIs...If you need a ton of hand-holding or want the front office to run like clockwork they may not be right for you, but if you're looking for a less-expensive, capable option for fertility treatment, they're a great alternative to the bigger operations in the area.
Age
37 - 38
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Business Executive
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
5 IUI, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
10
8
How was your experience with Nicole Banks at Washington Fertility Center?
Dr. Banks is warm, intelligent, and thoughtful. She made me feel like we were partners in the process. One little difference that I love is that she always angles the ultrasound monitor screen so that I can also see it, and describes to me what she's seeing. I felt so much more knowledgeable and better able to participate in decision making. I appreciated that she respected my personal preferences, risk assessments, and decisions, while always providing counsel to help me make an informed decision (e.g., when I decided to cancel an IUI cycle because I didn't like the follicle maturation pattern, or when we decided to try one cycle with Clomid).
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Nicole Banks at Washington Fertility Center?
Dr. Banks always remembered details of my case, greeted me warmly, and asked about my daughter. Our appointments felt like a continuing conversation rather than rapid processing. She always takes time to answer questions, explain procedures, and set expectations.
Describe the protocols Nicole Banks used in your cycles at Washington Fertility Center and their degree of success.
We primarily did natural cycle IUIs. I have no diagnosed fertility issues - doing IUI because I'm a single mother by choice using donor sperm. I appreciated that Dr. Banks did not make me do extensive fertility testing before starting treatment, as all of the testing would have been out of pocket. She was very thoughtful about what was truly required versus nice to have, and let me make the cost/benefit trade off. When I had a few cycles that were "off" - the follicle wasn't maturing at my normal pace and ovulation was delayed - we tried one cycle with a small dose of Clomid. We did not do an IUI that month since I produced 10+ eggs and she said that even if I was willing to go through with insemination, she wasn't (very fair!). We went back to natural cycles after that, though she said that if we ever needed to move to IVF, we know my body responds well to Clomid. My pregnancy is the result of a natural cycle IUI.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
It's a lean operation. They don't so much have nurses as supporting staff. I like them all and they treated me well, but the primary relationship is with the doctor.
Describe your experience with Washington Fertility Center.
This is not a fancy place. They're smart, they're caring, and they've done this for awhile, but they're a lean operation. I had straightforward needs - no infertility diagnosis and natural cycle IUIs - and they have been great at treating me for both of my pregnancies (one live birth, one 10 weeks along). If you need a ton of hand-holding or want the front office to run like clockwork they may not be right for you, but if you're looking for a less-expensive, capable option for fertility treatment, they're a great alternative to the bigger operations in the area.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Nicole Banks at Washington Fertility Center.
Their care is so much less expensive than any of the other area options! My natural cycle IUI cash rate should have been a $795 flat fee (includes all ultrasounds and blood work), but they actually grandfathered me into the rates from my first pregnancy with them, so I paid even less than that.
Describe Nicole Banks's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Washington Fertility Center.
We didn't discuss embryo transfer, but did discuss the number of mature follicles that she was willing to proceed with for an IUI. She said that two would be a conversation, but not a major concern. Three mature follicles would be a very serious conversation and potentially counsel to not proceed. Four or above she would not be willing to proceed with the IUI.
- Read less