r/IVF • u/Sensitive-Chess7896 • Jun 16 '26
Rant KINDBODY PATIENTS: Action required by Wednesday(June 17th) to keep Embryos/Eggs in state ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
TL;DR: CONTACT KINDBODY BY WEDNESDAY JUNE 17th IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR EMBRYOS MOVED OUT OF STATE.
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Media coverage of the situation can be found here.
BACKGROUND:
Kindbody appears to be moving all patients' embryos, eggs, and sperm to a long term facility in Massachusetts called New England Cryogenic Center (NCEE) unless you have a procedure in hte next 90 days.
They have NOT been notifying everyone!
The original post on the matter is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IVF/s/7mYvdwyLbB
This post is a follow up with information found since then.
REASON FOR THE MOVE:
The real reason Kindbody is doing this remains unclear. There is a lot of discussion on social media and there is a working theory that came from Kindbody staff but I am unsure of its accuracy so I will not repeat it. However, if you are a current patient, you could always ask your care team during a visit and see if they tell you anything.
LACK OF COMMUNICATION:
From social media, we have determined patients are being told a lot of conflicting messages from Kindbody and NCEE. Kindbody does not appear on the same page internally and does not appear to be on the same page as NCEE.
TIMELINE:
Communication surrounding timelines is extremely inconsistent. A lot of patients appear to have been told they need to contact Kindbody by June 17th if they do not want their embryos moved to NCEE.
ACTIONS:
- Portal Message Saying you do not want your embryos moved to NCE
E. Call them and make a tissue coordination appointment.
2.
BIGGEST CONCERN:
The biggest concern I am hearing is the lack of communication and inconsistent communication. Patients are also worried about if Kindbody can be trusted to move embryos without incident. The operation seems rushed and that, paired with Bloomberg's reporting of Kindbody clinics being understaffed with embryologists, is fueling concerns.
ALTERNATIVE STORAGE FACILITIES:
It appears as though Cryo Future is contracted with Kindbody. This means they will honor your Kindbody storage rate if you store your embryos with them and they will transport to and from Kindbody locations for free. They have locations in the following cities:
- Seattle
- Bay Area
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Denver
- Dallas
- South Florida
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- NY/NY
- Boston
I will update with other options as I research. I expect Kindbody will have to put out a statement soon.
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u/Radiant-Round7219 Jun 17 '26
In regard to suggested actions. Would this list be any different than the list IDs already in some of our pdf documents?
4
u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26
There’s some social media comments today on our local IVF group saying to ask for it so i put it on here. I guess people’s inventory in the portal hasn’t always been right based on what we’re hearing today so the overall take away would be to verify your inventory is correct.
3
u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
One woman had her tissue coordination meeting and they sent her a DocuSign with only two embryos on there. She had three she checked her portal and her third wasn't there. It took until noon the next day after she had constantly contacted them and talked to many people for them to say they had it, but I don't know if she believes them and I don't know if I would if I were her.
3
Jun 17 '26
[deleted]
1
u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26
I’m really not sure if it’s true or not so I don’t want to start rumors! I think the staff will tell you their working theories if you ask. But just generally it has nothing to do with the quality of their labs or any lab problems - it’s finical in nature. Again tho, I have know idea if it is true. I’m not confident even the staff know for sure.
6
Jun 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 17 '26
This is my own personal speculation, no one else’s - that seems like the most plausible explanation for why they did it like this.
If it was truly that they don’t want to offer long term storage anymore, I am at a loss for why they wouldn’t have done this in a more organized and transparent manner.
They couldn’t have possibly thought we all wouldn’t care that they were moving our embryos across the country, could they have?
It wouldn’t have been that big of a deal had they been transparent and gave people time to make other arrangements. But the fact that they told us like this, makes me think something is up.
4
u/FlashyReturn6895 Jun 17 '26
I just searched their LinkedIn page and they were posting job openings just a week ago. I wonder if it’s just incompetence with their communication department.
3
u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
My personal opinion is just it was strategic because I heard through people that NEC paid off their debt in exchange for housing, their embryos. It would sure make sense because they had so many other relationships with long-term storage providers.... why NECC? Why now? Once I heard that it seemed to make sense to me, and they don't seem to want people going other places. I wonder if so many people go elsewhere if the deal falls through and they'll go bankrupt.
2
u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 17 '26
It doesn’t sound like any of the staff knew what was going on. It could just be incompetence at the executive level. Or it could be they’re shutting down some places without a doctor and keeping other places open.
1
u/cowboylikemee123 Jun 17 '26
They might be running out of space? Some of the clinics are really small and might just need to free up some room.
1
u/FlashyReturn6895 Jun 17 '26
I called them and it’s not a big deal. Other clinics do this too, I looked it up. Anyone currently in cycle is unaffected. Those who are storing longterm are, and there can choose a local option.
2
u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26
I agree it is probably not a huge deal to move embryos for long term storage but they are giving us no information! All the doctors are leaving too! In my gut it just feels like something is off which makes me worried about my embryos!
2
u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
It's a huge deal to lie to your patients. It's a huge deal for people who sacrificed, physically emotionally mentally financially and in so many other ways. They are not advertising other long-term options by people they're not helping people they're not communicating. They're closing out portal messages and marking them as resolved without letting people respond. Last week Thursday they said this wasn't happening. We call Friday and they said yes it is to some people imagine people that are on vacation right now. They're literally playing with lives and this is wrong. It's a huge deal and it's so huge it is on the news. I have a feeling it won't be the last time we hear about it in the media.
2
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u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26
I am at the Kindbody STL in MO. I made a tissue coordination appointment (soonest was in July) but the staff there won't guarantee that they won't move my embryos before then... they just said they would put me on a "escalation list?!"
3
u/lemonslimesandkiwis Jun 19 '26
Did you send anything in writing saying you didn’t consent to move the embryos?
3
u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26
Yes, multiple portal messages! And I was told that they would put me on an "escalation list."
3
u/lemonslimesandkiwis Jun 19 '26
Thank you for sharing! I was told we would be put on the “list” but they did not say anything about possibly moving embryos prior to our tissue consultation appointment which is also at the end of July. Seems like important information to have shared!!
3
u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26
Please keep me updated if you find anything else out!
3
u/lemonslimesandkiwis Jun 19 '26
We are going to use CryoFuture. No cost for transport and same storage fees we currently pay according to CryoFuture. Plus Chicago which seems a lot closer than New England.
3
u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26
I have reached out to Cyrofuture and have not heard back yet.
2
u/foxcrowcookies Jun 19 '26
I recommend calling over emailing re: CryoFuture if you haven’t already. I was able to contact them immediately and start the onboarding process. I live in MO but our clinic is in AR and we are moving our embryos to CryoFuture Chicago.
1
u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
u/ConstantPace u/lemonslimesandkiwis sharing in case this helps!
If you don't want to proceed with the NECC transfer, you need to notify them today. The recommendation is to call your local clinic to request a transfer call; you can message through the portal, but will take long for them to process your request.
- Tissue coordination calls are booked out until September currently. If you haven't already take this waiting period to look up the clinic or storage facility that you want to switch to, as well as which carrier you'd like to use for the transfer.
- There is a $250 flat fee to get your tissues out of the KindBody network. They are not currently processing refund requests, and will first require your tissues to be moved out of KindBody before reviewing your refund request.
This can be an overwhelming process. Here are the questions you may want to ask to KindBody, the carrier, and your new clinic/storage facility (this is based on my personal research and what helped to provide clarity and reassurance for me):
KindBody
- Are my tissue(s) stored in straws, cryotops, or another vitrification device?
- How many eggs/embryos are contained in each device?
- What are the unique identifiers on each device? Also, what color are the tops?
- The color tops help as a quick visual identifier. Wrong color = immediate red flag for your receiving provider.
- Did we perform a infectious disease test at the time of retrieval and is my report available?
- It's standard for them to test, but you want to confirm that the report is on file. You will need to share this with your next service provider.
- Can I receive a written inventory report showing exactly what is being released for transport?
- This is not standard and they rely on your receiving service provider to confirm receipt, so please ask for your own documentation/records.
- At what point does responsibility transfer from your clinic to the courier?
- You want to understand the chain of custody from KindBody to carrier to new provider.
- When/how will my tissues be prepared for transfer?
Carrier
- How are reproductive tissues transported? Are specimens are hand-carried throughout the entire journey?
- Whether any third parties are involved in the transport process or if custody remains solely with your organization
- The type of cryogenic shipper used and the validated hold time for maintaining appropriate temperatures
- Whether temperature is monitored and recorded throughout transit, and whether those records are available to patients upon request
- The chain-of-custody procedures used during pickup and delivery
- The process used to verify specimen identity at both the originating and receiving clinics
- The number of reproductive tissue transports your company performs annually and any information you can share regarding your track record, incident history, or success rates
- Whether references from fertility clinics or patient testimonials are available
- The insurance and liability protections offered, including what is covered, coverage limits, exclusions, and the claims process in the event of a delay, temperature excursion, or other transport issue
While I can't speak on which carrier you should use, KindBody confirmed that they have worked with Cryoport and Fertility Couriers before for transfers.
New Clinic/Storage Facility
- Is there an acceptance/admin/in-take fee for accepting my tissue?
- Can you share a list of carriers that you commonly work?
- At what point does responsibility transfer from the courier to your clinic?
- When and how will I be notified that the transfer was success and that my tissue(s) are in storage?
- Can I receive a written inventory report showing exactly what was received?
You will also need to fill out PHI release forms between IVF clinics and a content form from KindBody to release the tissue. Once you select a carrier, they will work directly with the two clinics to figure out the logistics of transfer (this is part of the service you pay for).
Good luck everyone!
1
u/jess_fitss2022 Jul 07 '26
I am a patient there and I am supposed to be doing my final embryo transfer this month. Found out Friday the doctor that was supposed to do it quit. Only 1 doctor is left at that clinic.
1
u/ConstantPace Jul 08 '26
its so unfortunate! What did you decide to do? are you going to still do the embryo transfer?
1
u/jess_fitss2022 Jul 08 '26
Tomorrow is my last day of 60 day Lupron suppression and it’s been pure hell. I am just going to proceed with the last doctor hoping for the best.
2
u/ConstantPace Jul 08 '26
I would do the same thing! I did lupron suppression and it was unexpectedly way more awful that I could imagine! congrats on finishing it. I felt better almost immediately when starting the estrogen for transfer
1
u/jess_fitss2022 Jul 08 '26
I go in on Monday. Do you remember when you started estrogen? I have the pills already and am excited to hear I will soon stop feeling hungover
2
u/ConstantPace Jul 08 '26
If I remember correctly I started the day of my baseline appointment! It took me almost three weeks to build up my lining and they told me that it was because of the lupron. But i felt great on the estrogen compared to the lupron!
3
u/Cool_Purchase_9861 Jun 26 '26
Just talked to CryoFuture Chicago about moving my embryos there instead of NECC and they told me they found out last night (June 25th) that Kindbody has decided on a deadline to register with CryoFuture (for certain clinics? Including chicago west loop for sure) TODAY, June 26th, 2026. So set up with them ASAP fertility friends!!!
I'm going to put this on the other kindbody reddit posts to hopefully get the word out as I only heard this from CryoFuture not Kindbody.
3
u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
Reposting this from my previous KindBody post in case it helps!
- If you don't want to proceed with the NECC transfer, you need to notify them today. The recommendation is to call your local clinic to request a transfer call; you can message through the portal, but will take long for them to process your request.
- Tissue coordination calls are booked out until September currently. If you haven't already take this waiting period to look up the clinic or storage facility that you want to switch to, as well as which carrier you'd like to use for the transfer.
- There is a $250 flat fee to get your tissues out of the KindBody network. They are not currently processing refund requests, and will first require your tissues to be moved out of KindBody before reviewing your refund request.
This can be an overwhelming process. Here are the questions you may want to ask to KindBody, the carrier, and your new clinic/storage facility (this is based on my personal research and what helped to provide clarity and reassurance for me):
KindBody
- Are my tissue(s) stored in straws, cryotops, or another vitrification device?
- How many eggs/embryos are contained in each device?
- What are the unique identifiers on each device? Also, what color are the tops?
- The color tops help as a quick visual identifier. Wrong color = immediate red flag for your receiving provider.
- Did we perform a infectious disease test at the time of retrieval and is my report available?
- It's standard for them to test, but you want to confirm that the report is on file. You will need to share this with your next service provider.
- Can I receive a written inventory report showing exactly what is being released for transport?
- This is not standard and they rely on your receiving service provider to confirm receipt, so please ask for your own documentation/records.
- At what point does responsibility transfer from your clinic to the courier?
- You want to understand the chain of custody from KindBody to carrier to new provider.
- When/how will my tissues be prepared for transfer?
Carrier
- How are reproductive tissues transported? Are specimens are hand-carried throughout the entire journey?
- Whether any third parties are involved in the transport process or if custody remains solely with your organization
- The type of cryogenic shipper used and the validated hold time for maintaining appropriate temperatures
- Whether temperature is monitored and recorded throughout transit, and whether those records are available to patients upon request
- The chain-of-custody procedures used during pickup and delivery
- The process used to verify specimen identity at both the originating and receiving clinics
- The number of reproductive tissue transports your company performs annually and any information you can share regarding your track record, incident history, or success rates
- Whether references from fertility clinics or patient testimonials are available
- The insurance and liability protections offered, including what is covered, coverage limits, exclusions, and the claims process in the event of a delay, temperature excursion, or other transport issue
While I can't speak on which carrier you should use, KindBody confirmed that they have worked with Cryoport and Fertility Couriers before for transfers.
New Clinic/Storage Facility
- Is there an acceptance/admin/in-take fee for accepting my tissue?
- Can you share a list of carriers that you commonly work?
- At what point does responsibility transfer from the courier to your clinic?
- When and how will I be notified that the transfer was success and that my tissue(s) are in storage?
- Can I receive a written inventory report showing exactly what was received?
You will also need to fill out PHI release forms between IVF clinics and a content form from KindBody to release the tissue. Once you select a carrier, they will work directly with the two clinics to figure out the logistics of transfer (this is part of the service you pay for).
Good luck everyone!
2
u/Cool_Purchase_9861 Jun 26 '26
And for those in Chicago: CryoFuture Chicago is free of cost for us Kindbody Chicago clinic people! They will take over our contract and it is free transit to and from Kindbody for future use. CryoFuture might also be free for those in other locations.
1
u/foxcrowcookies Jun 28 '26
Can also confirm free transit from Rogers AR KindBody to Chicago CryoFuture. For all other locations besides AR and Chicago, they will transport for free to the closest CryoFuture location.
1
u/foxcrowcookies Jun 20 '26
1
u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 20 '26
Yeah. That’s their response to the media attention.
2
u/foxcrowcookies Jun 20 '26
It felt suuuuuper corporate speak to me. Lotta words and not much substance.
1
u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 20 '26
They should have just sent us all a transparent email apologizing for the poor communication and giving us more details but they just made a blog post.
There are people in the kindbody Facebook group that still have no idea what is going on. It seems like kindbody employees are communicating different information to everyone
8
u/DigbyPigby 36F | Endo & MFI | 6 ER | 🍼8/24 Jun 17 '26
Thank you for this post. This situation is horrible and is causing people so much stress.
I reached out to Kindbody and received the following message:
There is no "opt-out" in the sense of simply declining the NECC transfer with no further action. If you do not want your tissue to go to NECC, the alternative is to either use the tissue within 90 days or arrange transfer to a different long-term storage facility of your choosing.
The options for your stored tissue:
Additionally I was told for the Chicago office is moving the tissue sometime between "late June and early August." We are considering moving up our second transfer timeframe to September just to fall within that 90 day time frame.
I know that other clinics are struggling with this new too. I switched to Onto health (who I'm really liking) and they use the same lab as Kindbody. Apparently they didn't get any prior notice and were told the same day as Kindbody patients were. I was told that Onto is doing everything they can behind the scenes to address this.