I came to RMA with my husband (both 24 years old) simply to make sure we could have healthy children in the future. I had a prior injury and had been on birth control for some time, so after many painful and intensive examinations, I was told I am perfectly healthy with zero issues. The only possible concern mentioned was that my husband might have a low sperm count, but even that was not confirmed and required retesting.
From the very beginning, I was extremely clear with every single person I spoke to — including Dr. Thorne and the finance department — that we are young, healthy, and cannot afford any out-of-pocket expenses. We pay a lot for health insurance, and I explicitly stated that I could only proceed with tests and procedures that were fully covered by my insurance.
I worked with this facility for a little over a month, and the communication was extremely poor. RMA claims to have a team of around 9 people, yet it is nearly impossible to get in touch with Dr. Thorne, the finance department, or really anyone when you actually need them. Phone calls go unanswered, and you cannot reach anyone directly. The only realistic way to communicate is through the portal, and even then responses take days.
It was especially difficult to get in touch with Courtney Blair from the finance department. After about a month of working with the facility, I was told that the only way for me to have children would be IVF — despite being told repeatedly that I am completely healthy and that the only potential issue might be my husband’s sperm count.
What made this even more concerning is that I had no idea what IVF even was at the time. I specifically asked them to explain everything to me — the process, risks, alternatives, and downsides — yet nothing negative or cautionary was ever explained. Instead, IVF was pushed very aggressively, which I find extremely unprofessional, especially when speaking to someone young and otherwise healthy. I had to do all of my own research, which clearly shows that education and patient care were not the priority.
When IVF was brought up, I was finally able to get someone from the finance department on the phone. I asked them to call my insurance company with me on the line to confirm costs and coverage. That is when I was told that most procedures were not covered, that I might receive bills for an unknown amount, and that IVF itself was not covered at all and would cost $20,000. When I asked why I had previously been told there would be no out-of-pocket expenses, I was told it was a “mistake” and received nothing more than an apology.
I immediately stopped working with RMA. A couple of months later, I began receiving multiple bills totaling almost $2,000 in out-of-pocket charges. Some of these bills were lost in the mail and ended up being sent to collections, adding even more unnecessary stress.
To add insult to injury, my husband and I got pregnant naturally just one month later, with absolutely no IVF involvement.
No one ever explained IVF in a balanced or transparent way, and once it was suggested, I began receiving daily phone calls, which felt pushy and sales-driven rather than supportive or medical.
For a facility that charges such high prices, I would strongly advise RMA to significantly improve their communication, transparency, and patient education. This experience made it very clear that the focus was on money, not care. If you are young and healthy, I do not recommend wasting your time or money here. My biggest advice is to stay on the phone with both the clinic and your insurance company while coverage is verified in real time, because I was left with nothing but a “sorry” and a stack of bills I cannot afford.
JA
Julissa Almonte
Jun 27, 2025
I don’t even know where to begin to express my gratitude to the entire team at RMA. They have completely changed my life — not just once, but twice.
Dr. Freedman made my dream of becoming a mom come true with my first baby. His expertise, compassion, and dedication gave me hope when I thought it was impossible.
For my second journey, Dr. Thorne and my incredible nurse Michelle have been nothing short of amazing. They held my hand through every step, every fear, every question. They gave me strength, reassurance, and the care I needed to believe this miracle could happen again.
Thanks to them, I am now carrying baby #2, something I once thought might never be possible.
To anyone considering fertility treatment, know that you are in the best hands here. These doctors and nurses don’t just do their jobs — they change lives and create families.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the family I always dreamed of.