UVA Health University Physicians for Women Northridge

"When I found out that I was pregnant with my son (Feb 2022), I was having a lot of cramps - almost constant for a couple of weeks. I thought I likely wanted an out of hospital birth, but wanted to see my OBGYN to make sure that everything was okay with the cramping. I called to make an appointment and was told that I needed to pay thousands of dollars up front for all of my prenatal care. When I explained that I was unsure if I wanted to have my baby there or not, I made the mistake of saying, "I have hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction, so I want to see what what provider my Physical Therapist reccomends before deciding where I will have my baby. For right now, I just want to see if these cramps are okay or not." I was then told I could not be seen by my OBGYN and that I would need to go to the high risk clinic. Having pelvic floor dysfunction does not make you high risk... I called my primary care who would not see me stating that I needed to see my obgyn. I called Sentara explaining the situation and they said that if UVA says that you have to go to the high risk clinic, Sentara won't see you. I called my internal medicine doctor who said I needed to see my OB. After days of calling and trying to get in absolutely anywhere, I called UVA back sobbing. They agreed to ask my OBGYN if she was willing to see me. She was. I was able to come in the next day. Then my OBGYN who I love and would normally give rave reviews about, spent half of my appointment chastising me. The front office had told her that I called demanding an appointment with someone who had experience with pelvic floor dysfunction. They implied that I was the person insisting on high-risk care when I did not at all want high risk care. I don't know if the girls at the front sorely misunderstood or if they lied because they made a mistake, but half of my appointment was me being reprimanded for things that I did not do and that were not true. Thankfully the cramps were okay, and I never went back. I have not had an annual appointment in years, but apart from the above circumstance, I was extremely happy with the care I received from my OBGYN. I probably will go back at some point for my routine care. Hopefully whoever was taking care of me in the office was just new. Hopefully they misunderstood and weren't lying. I just wanted to share my story in case you're a first time mama and you're having trouble with the office. You are allowed to see your OBGYN. No you don't have to pay thousands of dollars up front. Hold your ground and tell them that you just need a checkup. Ask to speak with your OB of you have to."

"After months of Dr's failing to help me with Chronic severe pelvic pain I came to this office to see Dr. Sopata her staff and nurses were amazing and Dr. Sopata was awesome in understanding my problem. She is helping me to do what needed to happen to get me better. She did not dismiss my pain or concerns. She explained everything and I was glad she will be helping me with my problem. Highly recommend this Dr & office."

"They answered all of my questions and helped me book several appointments. The front desk people are incredible and kind!"

"The absolute worst experience I have ever had with doctors. Horrible bedside manner and doctor didn’t even come deliver my child after 10 months of seeing me. I am shocked things like this still happen within uva. I would never wish their treatment on my worst enemy"