Northwest Women’s Clinic

Super amazing staff, especially Amber and Dr. Burkett. They soothed all of my anxiety about going into the visit and their kindness went a long way. The office is nice and clean and easy to find. I highly recommend if you are having issues, pregnant or just need an annual.

I contacted other OB clinics in my network and had a few meet & greet appointments and was not impressed by the care they offered. After much research, I decided to make an appointment at this clinic without a meet and greet appointment because I was running out of time for my first trimester appointment and I liked the fact that they did everything in house; ultrasound, blood test, doc visit, so I didn’t have to take extra time off work for ultrasound, etc.
My husband was coming to the appointment from work, so I got there early, checked in and waited for him. 2 minutes to my appointment, the ultrasound tech Donna Parker called my name, took me back to the ultrasound room and prepped me for the ultrasound. I told her my husband was still on his way. I called my husband a few times, but he didn’t answer his phone. So we started the ultrasound and as soon as I saw the baby (our first) I started crying and asked Donna to stop because I didn’t want my husband to miss our first ultrasound. She was very sweet and understanding. She stopped the ultrasound and gave me time to collect myself and my husband (who’d been stuck in Hwy 26 traffic) arrived within minutes. She resumed the ultrasound once we both were ready :)
Then I saw Dr. Roberto deCastro. He spent plenty of time with us getting to know us and explaining everything. We really enjoyed our appointment and looking forward to our future appointments with him.
I’m giving Donna Parker and Dr. deCastro 5 stars as things could have not gone any better. If I were to write a separate review about the front desk staff, I would give them 1 star. The lady who checked me in was efficient, but robotic. She not once offered a smile nor was welcoming. I had the same experience making the appointment over the phone, I found the front desk staff cold and unfriendly. I can look passed the front desk’s unfriendliness for the great care Dr. deCastro and Donna provided today.

Best office! Mandy, work works with Lydia, is a live saver! I’ve had the worst morning sickness and these ladies have done everything they can to help me out. Very friendly, not pushy by any means, cute office. So refreshing to have a doctors office where you know if you call they will help you out!

Came back today because, Surprise! My iud was expelling! Not a very fun visit but Lydia and Mandy were a great team for helping me out. I arrived half an hour early and was seen right away. The procedure was a tough one today but Lydia was very patient (it’s hard not to feel rushed when someone’s wrist-​deep in all that business!) and a great communicator. Afterward I was nauseous and dizzy– she was so kind in making sure I took my time and was doing alright before she left me to myself. I even got a free juice box out of the deal, heyo.

This is a LONG one, but worth the read if you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars!
I am 7 months pregnant and we started going to NWWC from the beginning. After 3 appointments, we started questioning whether all the appointments were necessary. Although our midwife was nice (Rhona Chick), she has very high energy level. Each appointment averaged 20 minutes.
At our 4^th appointment, Rhonda was at a delivery so instead we got Dr. Kyle. This appointment happened to be the one where they send you home with that sugar drink for the gestational diabetes test.
That’s when things got interesting. As Rhonda’s MA was leaving the room, we mentioned that we were not interested in doing the GD test. She literally stopped in her tracks, cocked her head, and after 2 seconds of silence, slowly said, «you kind of have to.» We again reiterated that we’re not interested. As she walked out of the room, she stated we could speak with the Dr about it.
When Dr Kyle came in, the first thing we noticed was that she did not smile. May not seem like a big deal to some, but really gives a bad first impression. Especially when it’s followed up by a lecture on why we need to take the GD test.
We began to ask her questions about the test.
How is GD caused, we asked.
Dr Kyle’s response? Your risk factor is that you have a uterus and you’re over 25.
But is it caused by diet, we asked.
Dr Kyle’s response. «No, it’s because you have a uterus. There are proteins in your uterus that release into your body. They don’t know exactly what causes it.»
We then informed her of our diet and asked, «What would be different in treatment if my GD test came back positive?»
Her answer. «More appointments, possibly more ultrasounds, and monitoring your diet.»
Our follow up to that was, «but our diet is already a diet that is BETTER than the recommended diet for someone with GD, so it is pointless to take the test if that’s the only ‘treatment’.»
Her response, «one of my healthiest patients had GD.»
She then proceeded to discuss all the horrible things that could go wrong if I had GD. My daughter’s collar bone could break and cause paralysis in her arm. I could deliver an overly large baby with all kinds of health problems, etc.
We told her we didn’t want to drink that sugar drink that’s required for the test. The preservatives in it create a carcinogen and we are just uncomfortable with it. She then stated an alternative… MCDONALD’S PANCAKE BREAKFAST. I kid you not. She actually suggested it. We don’t even eat McDonald’s…not ever! The logic is so far beyond comprehension.
1.)We have a very healthy diet. Which currently is the only method of «treating» GD.
2.)We don’t drink sugary or preservative filled drinks because they are unhealthy, yet they want me to drink it to see if I have a condition that is treatable only via a healthy diet.
3.)Their alternative to drinking the syrup is to eat a McDonald’s breakfast. Again, another unhealthy option to diagnose a condition based on unhealthy eating.
I cannot believe they were not hearing themselves! It was ridiculous.
We did further research when we got home because of the fear-​mongering from the Dr got to us. Not only is the test highly inaccurate, using pancakes or any other form of taking the test is even more inaccurate. The best way I have seen GD described is «a diagnosis looking for a disease.»
NOW ONTO THE BILLING!
As part of their prenatal service, they have a «global» cost that they charge you at the time of birth. In my case, I would not have to pay my 2014 deductible because I will be giving birth in 2015. Basically, this allows me to pay only one deductible because the hospital charge would also be in 2015.
What they DON’T tell you is that if you want to switch providers, they then charge you immediately!
We begrudgingly asked how much we would be charged up to that point if we switched providers.
Are you ready for this?
They would charge our insurance a 4 – 6 appointment code for $ 1050!!!
O.O
I could not believe it!
I asked why it was so high. They did not have an answer.
Our deductible is $ 1500 so that would mean we would have to pay the entire thing ourselves.
I asked for the cash price instead of going through insurance. They responded by saying that is not an option for us.
I contacted my insurance and asked if NWWC HAD to go through insurance and they said NO!
I contacted NWWC again and asked AGAIN what the cash price was. They STILL refuse to give me an answer.
Finally I told NWWC that we would think about it and let them know whether we were going to switch providers. I specifically said, we hadn’t decided yet. this is all in writing btw.
TWO WEEKS LATER THEY BILLED INSURANCE! We only found out because I tried to make my next appointment and they said I was no longer their patient!!! AND NOW THEY’RE IGNORING US!!! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PLACE! HORRIBLE!

My wife and I just moved to Portland area. She needed to go in for a check up. Nothing was wrong but it was just time for a yearly check up. She look on our insurance website for a doctors office and Northwest Women’s Clinic was close to the house.
My wife made her appointment and saw a Midwife Rhonda J. Chick. My wife said she was really nice and answer any questions my wife had. HOWEVER, Rhonda offered to «run some test» and stated to my wife it was part of her office visit. So my wife was under the impression that this was a normal office visit and let Rhonda do the test.
Then come to find out that «run some test» is not part of their normal procedure for a check up and we were sent a bill for $ 200… Umm, what?!? My wife trusted her but someone who is doing their job with excellence should’ve investigated more. She should’ve found out if her insurance covered it or at least had a better discussion about whether or not the test was necessary. Because, when it all came down to it, my wife didn’t need the test.
We tried to speak to someone about this but were basically told «too bad, so sad». The ONE star is for Rhonda being nice but it stops there. My wife was very upset and felt taken advantage of by this clinic. We shouldn’t have to pay because my wife trusted a medical expert.
This clinic’s morals and integrity are in question. Go with them, if you wish, but we will find a new doctor.

For almost a year I’ve been going to the Northwest Women’s Clinic for my recent pregnancy and birth of my first child. I’ve been seeing Lydia Hammond and love her!!! She’s warm, friendly, and knowledgeable. I know that when I get pregnant again I will be going out of my way to have Lydia catch my babies. Most of my appointments have been at the Barnes Rd location and it’s always really clean. The staff is always very friendly. I’ve been very comfortable going to this clinic and would recommend it to all of my friends and family!

I’m 7 months pregnant and my OB is Dr. Barrett. Great doctor, very knowledgeable, but also very busy. I cheat every once in a while and ask her to sneak in a quick ultrasound for me and if she’s not busy or if the room is free, she’ll let me see my little baby boy for a bit.
The ladies here are very welcoming and professional. Throughout my pregnancy I’ve had concerns and questions every two weeks or so and I have the option of either emailing them and having them get back to me in a day or less. If it’s more urgent, I leave a voicemail and they get back to me in an hour or so. Overall a very helpful and resourceful place.

I have been going to this clinic regularly since November of 2012. Currently, I am 37 weeks pregnant and so far I have been pleased with this clinic. My doctor is Dr. Burkett and she has been absolutely wonderful throughout my pregnancy and I would definitely like to keep her as my doctor even after I give birth.
I have had an issue with the billing department charging twice for an ultra sound when it should have been charged once. It took a little over a week for the issue to be solved which in my opinion was a bit too long. Apparently they had problems getting a hold of the ultra sound technician.
Another incident I have had was during the middle of the night I had called the clinic due to a pregnancy scare. The on-​call doctor I had talked to was not helpful at all. She just asked how I was doing and told me to schedule an appointment with my doctor the next morning. Her voice was also very soft on the phone as if she was half asleep while I was talking to her so I couldn’t really hear her. I am enrolled in the Future Moms program which is not affiliated with the clinic but I have it through my insurance and I had called them before calling the clinic. They were honestly more helpful and asked a bunch of questions while making me feel comfortable and less scared. So calling NWWC felt like a waste of time and just should have waited until the morning to schedule an appointment.
Other than that, the staff at the front desk are always friendly. I’ve never had any issues scheduling appointments and when I am in the waiting room, I’ve never had to wait longer than 15 minutes. Usually I get called upon within 5 minutes of arriving which is great because I hate having to wait.

I am 8 months pregnant with my first baby and I’ve been coming to Northwest Women’s Clinic since the beginning. My nurse & midwife is Holly Spence. She is awesome.
A month ago I was diagnosed with mild preeclampsia and my pregnancy is considered high risk. I now have weekly appointments for tests and ultrasounds. Holly has been there for me every step of the way. She is knowledgeable, helpful, and always extremely friendly.
I love everything about this place. I’ve visited the clinic over a dozen times now and the whole staff is amazing. I’m happy with my midwife, the front desk girls, the ultrasound techs, and even the phlebotomist lady from Quest. Everyone has been wonderful.
I’m so glad that I chose this clinic for my prenatal care. :)

Hate, hate, hate the customer service that comes from this office! I would leave but I’m pregnant with my second child and I like my dr. the ladies in the billing department are rude and won’t answer your questions. I tried 3 different times and finally got to talk to the billing manager Annette after threatening to switch. Now I’m being sent to another office for some labs but they won’t give me the info I need to prep for the test. Unfortunately they want me to talk to my Dr.‘s MA (Med asst) and don’t have anything in writing they can pass out/​mail on how to prep for this test. Which would be fine if her accent wasn’t so heavy that I only understand about every 3^rd word out of her mouth.
Its frustrating to pay so much money for health insurance and co-​pays to dr. offices and then not be properly informed on what your paying for or not being prepared for blood tests etc. they are requesting. I WOULD NOT recommend this office to anyone I like or consider a friend.