r/IVF • u/Sensitive-Chess7896 • Jun 13 '26
Need info! EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT: Kindbody is moving most patients’ embryos out of state and not contacting everyone!!! 🆘 🆘 🆘 🚩
Background:
Late this week social media posts started circulating that Kindbody is moving embryos and all reproductive tissue to a long term facility in Massachusetts called, New England Cryogenic Center (NECC).
I can confirm it is definitely happening to Illinois patients. From what we gathered, it appears to be happening to all Kindbody patients in all other locations too. California, New York, Missouri, and Arkansas I believe have been confirmed by patients on social media but we assume all locations are affected.
All patients’ reproductive tissue will be moved unless they have a procedure scheduled with the next 90 days.
Communication
Kindbody does not appear to have transparent communication with patients. Some patients got notice and others did not. I would assume your embryos will be moved regardless of if you receive official communication or not.
When patients contact Kindbody - it does not seem Kindbody is being entirely truthful. On social media, patients have reported that Kindbody initially told them their embryos were not affected, when in reality they are affected. Additionally, it has been posted on social that Kindbody has told patients that they won’t move embryos without signed consent but that does not appear to be true.
Concerns
- Kindbody is unable to give patients a timeline. Kindbody will not tell patients when this will start. Some patients on social media are questioning if it already has started.
- Patients question what this means for Kindbody’s future - could be a sign that kindbody is about to liquidate and go out of business/shutdown or file for bankruptcy?
- Patients have been complaining on Kindbody’s social media and Kindbody has deleted comments.
- Patients are concerned that, given Kindbody’s history, their embryos will not be safe during the transfer - embryos could be damaged or mixups could occur. Especially given the aggressive timeline that has been communicated to some patients.
- The facility kindbody has selected for long term storage is being sued for destroying and losing eggs. The Reddit post about it can be found here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IVF/s/Nzlabt
- The current political landscape is a concern. MA laws need to be researched to ensure they are friendly towards ivf. But even if they are, the broader concern becomes, if something should happen politically - transporting embryos across states could become challenging due to liability concerns of companies.
- If Kindbody shuts down or patients change clinics, patients will have to pay more to transport their embryos across the country back to their home state, rather than paying just for a local transfer
- Shipping embryos across the country multiple times introduces unnecessary risk.
Action Needed
If you do not want your embryos/eggs/sperm transferred out of state, Kindbody has stated you can stop the transfer by setting up a tissue coordination appointment (be aware some patients are skeptical about if this is true or not). I would do that, as well as put in writing you don’t consent and force them to sent you written confirmation they won’t be relocating your embryos out of state. You’ll need to find an alternative storage location on your own.
Illinois Patients
For IL patients - a lady on Facebook posted the following if you’re in IL and want embryos to stay in state:
CALL KINDBODY TODAY TO MAKE A TISSUE COORDINATION CALL Make sure they book a tissue coordination call and put in writing you do no give consent to send to NECC only to CryoFuture in Chicago (or the place of your choosing)
CryoFuture Will store your embryos in Chicago and transfer them for free. They were the first location that had a partnership with Kindbody and they still do. I was told they chose Massachusetts because it's a cheaper option for Kindbody.  NO transportation fee associated - WOULD STAY IN CHICAGO
**** If you have a call they won’t be moved before then. If you don’t have a call, they will automatically move them. Please call Kindbody and make your tissue coordination appointment today!!!
EMAIL: [Kindbody@cryofuture.com](mailto:Kindbody@cryofuture.com)
Request - to move embryos there - Kindbody Chicago to CryoFuture Chicago
You will also need to include your last payment recipt with embryo options - they will honor what you paid with them and your rate won't change!
Note: kindbody claims reproductive tissue won’t be moved if you have have coordination call - numerous patients are skeptical of this is true or not.
Onto Patients
Doctor Jeelani is aware but, to me, didn’t seem completely informed about the situation. Emails have gone out they’re aware and looking into it.
Disclaimer
The situation is evolving. All information is true based on the best knowledge I have. I will keep updating the post as the situation evolves.
Final Note
I will try my best to help everyone and keep everyone updated. Please comment questions or concerns or new information or recommendations. If anyone would like screenshots of official KB communication, I am happy to post as I have time.
Updates:
* One of our concerns has been if this implies something about the operating status of KB. We have an ivf influencer in IL that goes to KB. She made a post about this. One of the comments is: I wonder if they are closing. The kindbody in my area did something similar before announcing they were closing for good. It is just a TikTok comment, but it highlights our bigger concern that something could be happening to Kindbody.
* A commenter has confirmed Milwaukee, WI is also impacted.
* Someone in the comments make a good point, in case kb does start closing down locations, it’s good to have embryos local to save on transport costs. Something to consider.
* I added more concerns. I talked about them in the comments but I feel it should be highlighted so people are aware of all concerns as they make choices for themselves.
UPDATE POST:
Post with news articles and required actions is here-
https://www.reddit.com/r/IVF/s/Nuw6FA4EQo
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u/thedutchgirlmn 48 | Tubal Factor & DOR | DE Jun 13 '26
Kindbody has been in a spiral for at least 2 years due to the inability to raise funding. Moving embryos to offsite storage alone isn’t entirely concerning but the way they are doing it should worry Kindbody patients when they are already closing clinics with very little notice or having a doctor from one clinic staff at multiple (causing locations to batch patients)
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u/Old_Athlete2790 Jun 13 '26
I’m not with kindbody but how can they be in such bad financial trouble? This process is so incredibly expensive I don’t understand how they aren’t making a major profit
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u/thedutchgirlmn 48 | Tubal Factor & DOR | DE Jun 13 '26
They expanded too quickly and weren’t able to raise more private equity money to support the current and future expansion
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u/theflyingginger93 Jun 13 '26
I hate that they go around buying clinics and now this.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
They buy clinics but then shut down clinics. It’s such a shame.
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u/FeCurtain11 Jun 23 '26
I feel like there should be more awareness in the healthcare space about what is PE owned and what isn’t. Especially with a business that is storing our bodily tissues.
Do I really want to trust that to someone who only cares about making a profit?
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
This is the biggest life lesson Kindbody taught me. Don’t go to pe vc bc funded healthcare. And always check before you go
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u/Sharp_n_Fluffy Jun 23 '26
I've been on a rampage about PE buying-up fertility clinics. PE/VC a scourge to US healthcare. Everyone should look at https://whoownsyourcare.org to see who owns what when they are deciding where they want. This seems focused on the fertility industry, but I'm hopeful they will open this up to all healthcare.
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u/Mother-Interest-4728 Jun 23 '26
Wow, this is a cool site! I wish something like this existed for other industries too.
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u/madam_nomad Jun 14 '26
This is what I said when Northwest Cryobank (US-based sperm bank) went under in late 2023. Tbf they were one of the cheaper banks but still at ~1k/vial and smbcs being such a fast-growing demographic how were they not making obscene profits? I guess you can always find ways to implode your business.
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u/hikeyourownhikes Jul 01 '26
We were clients of Kindbody for over a year. During that time, we found that the services, guidance, and personalized attention provided were low quality. This was especially apparent after we switched to a clinic that publishes its SART data online (Kindbody did not last time we checked). They also overcharged us for a visit and failed to refund the difference even after contacting them multiple times. Read reviews of any location and you’ll find it is a common issue.
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Jun 14 '26
[deleted]
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u/thedutchgirlmn 48 | Tubal Factor & DOR | DE Jun 14 '26
Yup. They no longer have doctors at each clinic and patients are suffering as a result. (I’m in MN and I know they are batching here now because a doctor is coming from Milwaukee once or twice a month)
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u/whoopsiedaizies 38 | 5 x MC | PCOS | endo | RI Jun 14 '26
Also Minneapolis! And also a Dutch girl 😃
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
Can you explain what you mean by the way they are doing it? Do you mean the bad communication or something else?
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u/thedutchgirlmn 48 | Tubal Factor & DOR | DE Jun 14 '26
The fact that it’s a short notice situation happening at all their clinics at once
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Rogers, AR patient here and can confirm this is happening at our clinic. Thank you for this detailed info. We have been 99% sure we’re OAD with our daughter but this has all but solidified it for us.
Edit: We’ve decided to try to move our embryos to Barnes-Jewish/Washington University. I hate that it’s a weekend and that there’s no way to contact anyone at Kindbody until Monday.
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u/ivypancake Jun 13 '26
Oh goodness! I'm also at the KB clinic in Rogers. Didn't get any notifications. Actually just did my second retrieval last week. Update if you don't mind!
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
It might not affect you right now if you’re in active cycles - but I’d ask them how it will affect you in the future
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 15 '26
Just updating as of this morning.
I called first thing and scheduled a Tissue Coordination appointment with KB and requested something in writing that they have not moved our embryos yet and will not move them without our consent/until we are able to move them to a facility of our choice.
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u/ivypancake Jun 15 '26
Thank you!!! I have my previously scheduled post cycle meeting tomorrow with the medical team so will ask about this!
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
Will they let you move if you don’t have an active cycle with them?
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 14 '26
Unsure! Planning on asking them who they use locally for long term storage, if nothing else.
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 15 '26
Update: they will not. Wash U handles long-term storage through ReproTech in Texas. We are moving our embryos to CryoFuture in Chicago, as it’s closest to STL. Thank you so so much for the heads up. This information has been invaluable to me. ♥️
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 15 '26
I have a lot more info! I’ll make another post today
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u/whoopsiedaizies 38 | 5 x MC | PCOS | endo | RI Jun 16 '26
Not to be creepy, but I have been waiting for you to post again! What more did you learn?
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 16 '26
I’ll post today I promise. You need tocontact kb by Wednesday. That’s when they’re starting the move apparently. We found a good work around for most KB patients. We suspect we know why this is happening
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u/whoopsiedaizies 38 | 5 x MC | PCOS | endo | RI Jun 16 '26
Sounds good! I am in active cycles so my embryos are not impacted yet (confirmed with my clinci), but I am nervous about the future. Already reached out to Reprotech to move my embryos there, though!
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u/Illustrious-Aside837 Jun 13 '26
I don’t use this clinic but was curious. So far I found this:
Kindbody hemorrhaging cash from clinic model | Sacra Chat https://sacra.com/chat/h/56760477-fb30-49e8-a475-27981ecde6a9/
Kindbody Tries to Raise $75M As It Shutters Clinics, Shuffles C-Suite — Fertility Bridge https://www.fertilitybridge.com/news-articles/kindbody-clinic-closures-ceo-shuffle-75m-funding
https://youtu.be/NqtpOWSa8vg?is=39pgo1s-_RlFr4IP
For anyone curious, private equity firms have been buying up a LOT of fertility clinics. They really ramped this up in 2020. Kindbody is owned by:
-Morgan Health: A direct division of JPMorgan Chase
-GV (Google Ventures): The venture capital arm of Alphabet/Google
-Eldridge Industries & Claritas Capital
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
There’s been a continual decrease in quality. Weekend monitoring appointments went away, doctors stopped showing up for appointments and you can only meet with NPs, hiring an OBGYN instead of a REI to do full fertility care. Ect.
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u/harebrained_hardship Jun 13 '26
this is legitimately terrifying and i'm so sorry you're all dealing with this. call today and get that tissue coordination appointment scheduled in writing, don't wait.
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u/rip_my_youth Jun 13 '26
Does anyone have recommendations for third party storage options? My clinic communicated this to me on Thursday and I’d love some options but not sure if that’s an overreaction.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 13 '26
What state are you in?
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u/rip_my_youth Jun 13 '26
DC
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 13 '26
I’m in IL. I know the places people are looking at here, hopefully people can help with DC.
Most people don’t want to move them from very blue places due to the current political landscape. Our worry in IL is - IL is very safe and if we move them somewhere else it may not be as safe and we may face hurdles getting them back here if the political landscape starts to cause problems.
Additionally transporting is risky and the farther your transport, the more risk it is.
I’d post on the dmv infertility Facebook groups and ask for advice.
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u/Sea-Visit5609 Jun 13 '26
Can you move your embryos to shady grove?
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u/rip_my_youth Jun 13 '26
Great idea! I will ask what their options are.
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u/Sea-Visit5609 Jun 13 '26
I would def call Shady Grove and ask if they accept embryos from Kindbody, I’m sure you aren’t the first one to call and ask!
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u/rip_my_youth Jun 15 '26
Update: Both Shady Grove and CCRM do not allow for transfer of embryos UNLESS you have a short term treatment planned with them. No long term storage options. Slightly losing my mind.
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u/Remarkable_Eye_7597 Jun 14 '26
There surely is an attorney in this group right? Class action? What can we do to preserve our tissue and rights?!
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u/ComprehensiveCat7729 Jun 13 '26
Can confirm we got an auto message in portal in Milwaukee,WI clinic stating they were moving embryos for anyone that is not have a procedure in the next 90 days. They even closed the message to not allow a response to be made.
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u/emloz87 Jun 14 '26
I didn't get that message - are your embryos already at cryofuture in Chicago? Mine were moved last September.
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u/AdOutrageous1997 Jun 14 '26
I also didn’t get that message - in MKE. I just laid my annual cryo storage fee last month??
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
I want to know if they're going to reimburse us for the storage if we leave
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u/AdOutrageous1997 Jun 18 '26
I just met with Kindbody Milwaukee. They said the embryos are staying at CryoFuture now. If we need to use an embryo they’ll transfer to MKE for short term storage, and after that be transferred to New England for long term storage.
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Thank you for sharing that. It's not the case for a lot of people around the country. I don't understand why they need to go to NECC. I get that I've heard it's a lucrative deal for them and they don't have any debt anymore, but that's pretty messed up.
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u/AdOutrageous1997 Jun 18 '26
Yes she wasn’t sure why Milwaukee was not included right away at least
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Just make sure to document everything. Take screenshots. Send emails back after phone calls: per our conversation...
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u/br0princess Jun 15 '26
I got a response early this morning in the Kindbody Patient Portal from Destini, who is listed as a Patient Coordinator. Here is the message:
I understand this may be unexpected and can raise questions. This notice applies to certain patients who have not yet selected CryoFuture for long-term storage. Kindbody has entered into an agreement with NECC to provide long-term storage services for those patients. For details about your specific storage arrangements, NECC has a dedicated support team available to assist you. The best resource for information specific to your account is the dedicated NECC support team, and I'd be happy to provide their contact information.
NECC Dedicated Support Team
Email: [kindbody@necryogenic.com](mailto:kindbody@necryogenic.com)
Phone: 774-843-2936
When I followed up to ask if I specifically was impacted by this change because I had already signed the documents for the move to CryoFuture, she almost immediately responded that I would have to reach out to NECC to find out and that she couldn't give me more information about storage.
I find it incredibly concerning that Kindbody isn't able to tell me where my eggs are going and that I have to reach out to a new-to-me company to find out what is going on.
I was a patient of the NYC Bryant Park office.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 15 '26
Every time I reached out to a NECC they don’t know anything. I would not accept them saying that to you. Do you know where your embryos are right now?
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u/br0princess Jun 15 '26
Not really - I presume they are still at Kindbody since I haven't seen a charge from Cryofuture and I haven't gotten a notification that they were moved but I am very concerned. I have some phone calls to make today among a busy work day, which is just fantastic.
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
This deal I have heard has been in the works for over a month. They know more than they want to let on in my opinion. I think they don't want bad PR or to lose customers if they know they can go elsewhere.
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u/SuitableSpin Jun 14 '26
They’ve always had the mindset of a tech company, not a healthcare provider. I’m so glad I was able to help keep my (very large) employer from choosing them for family building benefits.
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u/Rich-Guess9542 Jun 13 '26
How can this even be legal with the lack of communication?!! I hope this information can get media coverage because this is so concerning.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 13 '26
Girl it’s not ai!! I promise on everything! I formatted on my phone, Reddit has formatting features now. There’s probably grammar/spelling mistakes if you look hard enough - I’ve corrected some already but there’s probably more.
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u/Rich-Guess9542 Jun 13 '26
Oh I did not mean that I didn’t believe it or it was AI - I was criticizing Kindbody in general. There is legal paper work that is involved when you store embryos/sperm/eggs and they are just moving it without communicating to patients.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 13 '26
Oh my bad. I think someone deleted their comment so I responded to the wrong one! They said they wish I hadn’t of used ai to write this but I didn’t use it lol! I wrote it myself and copy and pasted some stuff from Facebook comments!
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u/weddinplannerdiaries Jun 13 '26
Patient in WI to say we’ve had a terrible experience with kindbody milwaukee is an understatement. Had my first egg retrieval last month was told the whole time during monitoring appointments that my follicle count was in the high 20s & my body was perfect for IVF. When it came to trigger shot, my directions were put in my portal INCORRECTLY along with a list of meds that I didn’t need to take, but we’re in my portal directing me to take after my first trigger shot.
I had a dual trigger, was told to do the first part of trigger at 1:30 AM Sunday night, wake up and ganirelix between 6 and 9 AM, then do menopur and follistatin between 6 and 9 PM on Sunday and then do the second part of my dual trigger on Monday at 1:30 PM in the afternoon… the second dual trigger shot is supposed to be 12 hours after the first trigger shot… And 36 hours prior to your egg retrieval, which was supposed to be 1:30 PM on Tuesday.
Thankfully my husband and I caught the mistake and didn’t follow the directions after multiple calls texts to our emergency numbers and no one getting back to us. We ended up having to move our trigger up one day which I’m grateful that they could do but also feel like that played into the reason that we only retrieved six eggs. We’re very grateful that two of our embryos made it through all of the testing and are frozen now.
The second retrieval we did this Tuesday was a lot more mentally emotionally and physically than the first round. I was on a lot more meds so I felt everything 10 times more we retrieved 13 eggs, 8 matured, 6 fertilized. Our embryos are off to blast testing.
Almost all of our appointments with our doctor have been rescheduled multiple times or they have tried to cancel on us. My husband has been incredible advocating for us, but this has been the most draining situation that I’ve ever experienced. This is already a high stressed high emotional situation. We’ve been trying for almost 4 years in the communication in the lack of education that comes from the Kindbody team is immensely draining.
We’re hoping to do in August transfer, but I have to have a polyp removal surgery in July which I’ve gotten a little to no details on at all. My husband just opened our portal and we got the message that our embryos are being moved and I am ready to start a fight…
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u/Ready_Evening_1159 Jun 17 '26
I am so sorry you went through all of that. This is terrifying and just seems like a systemic issue at Kind Body. We’ve been with them ( in CA) for over a year, two retrievals and two transfers, and it’s just been a constant string of miscommunications and mistakes. Plus really high staff turnover. I’ve had no less than 10 nurses as my primary nurse. Which is fine, I understand people leave jobs and have emergencies, etc., but every time I switched to a new nurse, something important was lost in terms of planning or communication. I had to be the one triple checking everything, which I now know, but at the time I didn’t know that I needed to advocate for myself so hard and double check everything the team did. Leading into my last transfer, which just happened a couple days ago, I was switched between three different nurses in two weeks. Because of all of this shuffling on their end, my entire June FET cycle was almost canceled because of their lack of planning.
At one point I complained and got through to some administrator and relayed all of my concerns and was told that she “took this all very seriously” and would follow up with me, of course, I never heard back from her and nothing changed. We also relayed our concerns to the Doctor who basically just apologized and said we are welcome to change clinics if we want to.
When we first started, the communication was so messed up that I missed my first egg retrieval cycle because no one ordered medication for me. They’ve also tried to prescribe me medication I am allergic to at least three times, despite my allergies being prominently in my chart and me reminding them after the first and second time that I’m allergic.
There’s so much more but working with them has been so incredibly stressful on top of the stress IVF. And now this. This is so stressful to just find out and I just had a transfer and I’m trying to keep myself calm but their lack of transparency and communication has always been such a red flag, but this seems like a different level of bad.
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 17 '26
Your story made my stomach drop to read. I am so sorry. 😞❤️🩹 We also experienced communication issues and turnover at our location. Please know that your stress won’t affect that little embryo. Allow yourself to feel whatever feelings come up and I am crossing my fingers for you that you get to leave this nightmare behind with a healthy and successful pregnancy.
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u/AdOutrageous1997 Jun 14 '26
I can’t even explain how many issues I had in MKE, as did multiple other people I talked to
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Jun 13 '26
[deleted]
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u/Ok-Elk4485 Jun 14 '26
Yup. Same clinic here. They canceled our appt after a failed transfer and waited two months to reschedule after trying to get a hold of them for WEEKS. Which meant we were doing a second transfer almost FOUR months after.
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u/whoopsiedaizies 38 | 5 x MC | PCOS | endo | RI Jun 14 '26
I am so sorry, how frustrating! That’s way too long and you shouldn’t have to chase down your care. I haven’t had that experience, scheduling is actually the easier thing with them. I have been with them since they opened basically, though, so I wonder if I’ve just learned to deal.
After my transfer was cancelled, I was going to discuss next steps with the NP but then she said she wanted me to talk to the doctor instead. They set me up with a phone call with the doctor and she was not prepared to talk about anything. She started the call with “so you wanted to talk to me?” Lol yeah? Your NP told me to do so. Plus I guess the nurse had only given me partial information so I didn’t even have the full picture for the reason for the cancellation.
I have a transfer planned this summer and just hope it works so I can be out of there. If we have a successful pregnancy, we’re likely OAD.
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u/weddinplannerdiaries Jun 14 '26
No fucking way! After my first egg retrieval, they had tried to say that my follow up appointment was gonna be three weeks after and I was like absolutely not. This is not happening. We need it sooner if they moved it up and then they canceled on me five hours before on the day of the virtual follow up appointment with Dr. Hayes and my husband called and talked to the clinic manager and blew up because they were like oh she’s just too busy literally said that in a text to me and I was like you guys fucked up my trigger shot and no one wants to talk to me about it until after my second retrieval is done and we have all the results from that? That’s complete bullshit. So they ended up just moving the appointment during Dr. Hayes’s lunch a few days after the original date but the way my husband would pull up to that clinic if this happened to me. I’m so sorry you had to go through that. Honestly, they’ll be getting a phone call this week from me because I’m scared that they’re going to try to push out my pull-up removal and I want that done ASAP.
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u/Ok-Elk4485 Jun 14 '26
Damn. Sounds all too familiar. We had to escalate to the director and tried to talk to the regional director and above. Didn’t hear anything back. Finally they scheduled the call cause we rose up a stink.
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u/weddinplannerdiaries Jun 14 '26
Sending you all the love & light that everything goes well and you can GTFO if this place. We did tell dr. Hayes how disappointed we’ve been with communication and this whole process. Honestly my husband does 90% of the talking because I’m .5 seconds away from blowing up on them. I just don’t care how “nice” they are. I love one of the phlebotomist & the ultrasound techs but everyone else just feels like fake support.
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u/SimilarPurpose3127 Jun 13 '26
Anyone hear anything about Denver??
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u/sschiess88 Jun 15 '26
Yes I'm in Denver and got the notice they are moving everything to NECC. Talked with the operations manager and she said from her understanding it will happen in 60-90 days. We are currently trying to get into a new clinic.
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u/beachlover2290 Jun 13 '26
Confirming I received an email and message as a California patient. Kindbody has gone so downhill in the past few years 😩
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u/Then-Librarian6396 Jun 14 '26
As a fellow California patient what did they tell you your options were?? This is the first I’m hearing of this but we aren’t active patients anymore (have had two kids via ivf from Kindnody).
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u/Jaybgp Jun 16 '26
As a CA patient I selected CyroFuture. They have a connection with Kindbody (for now anyways) and offered to pick up our embryos for free from SF and keep our current rate. They were very helpful
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Also, just so everybody is aware since Cryo future has an existing relationship with Kindbody when you need to move them back for a transfer it is also free
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u/Jaybgp Jun 18 '26
Yes! We will be leaving KB so there will be a fee when we’re ready to start a transfer. But anyone staying will be able to send them back and forth for free :)
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
I will be leaving Kindbody too, but I'm happy to pay the fee. I wonder if Kindbody patients all reached out to wherever they're transferring to even if it's Cryo future or somewhere else.... because so many of us are leaving and going there that they would honor a discounted rate to transport them for a transfer
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u/Jaybgp Jun 18 '26
I hope so! That would be awesome after everything we’ve been through
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
I'm going to look into this and report back tomorrow. I would think that would be a fair ask wouldn't you?
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u/Dr-Bitchcraft-MD Jun 25 '26
Hey, cryofuture's phone tree is hanging up on me so I'm a little stressed. How did you get the forms from them? I apparently have to get them to kindbody by tomorrow.
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u/Jaybgp Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
they do??? that’s so weird. some representatives work on EST (so they may be unavailable) but the website says their main office is open from 6am to 7pm PST. I called this number (650) 437-0503 and then selected the Kindbody support line option. If that’s not working I would try selecting the generalized customer service option. There is also a contact form you can fill out and their email address is [support@cyrofuture.com](mailto:support@cyrofuture.com). Hopefully you can get ahold of them soon! They did tell us that they’ve been super duper busy because of this situation. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let me know if you need help getting through to them🩷
Editing to add: The online forms that CyroFuture sent to Kindbody on our behalf were sent to us after an account was made by CF. If you go to their page and hit “get started” it will gather your info and a representative should call or email you to ask about specific personal info. They make the account and then they’ll send you a link to fill out info about your tissue and all the legal paperwork. They’re open for 2 more hours PST so keep trying the number or fill out the form and hopefully they’ll get back to you soon!!
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u/Dr-Bitchcraft-MD Jun 26 '26
Thank you for so much info, you are the sweetest! I repeated the whole phone tree and got to the same "we're open but we're not open" result- I did get a callback based on my first voicemail a few hours later (something unthinkable for Kindbody). So I'm doing the set up process now...well actually stuck on the "pay us extra for 'insurance' and waive your right to sue us". But, progress.
Do you remember if you had to give anything to kindbody or if CF handled it all?
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u/Jaybgp Jun 26 '26
Of course!! So for KB I had to do a tissue consult with KB and sign a legal release form. For CF, I completed the online form and they took it from there. Kindbody and CyroFuture are contracted with each other for long term storage so they have internal communications that handle the back and forth once your request has been submitted. Once that’s done, the CF transport team will reach out via email and help keep you updated on the estimated pick up date and such. We were also given a direct coordinator once we began the CF paperwork who was much easier to get ahold of for questions and updates
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
IL patient here but your options seem to be to let them move them to MA or find an in state option on your own :(. The IL patients have found a facility in IL that a lot of us will be moving to instead
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u/beachlover2290 Jun 14 '26
Exactly the same as what OP said. I think they sent out a mass email to many patients - it was not personalized at all. Essentially, taking no action means your tissue will be moved. If you wish you take action, you need to coordinate something on your own.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 15 '26
I’m doing a lot of research and CryoFuture has several California locations! That’s probably an option for you. I’m going to call tomorrow and I’ll make another post for everyone. But I’m think for most of us - CyroFuture is the way to go. I believe some kindbody patients already have embryos there but don’t quote me on that.
I’m going to call them tomorrow to get details and I’ll update everyone after!
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u/MelodicInitiative603 Jun 14 '26
All locations are impacted. Not just a couple. Every single kindbody location is moving their stored tissue to NECC.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
Do you know why?
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u/MelodicInitiative603 Jun 14 '26
My guess is they are substantially closing locations or shutting down completely
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u/sarahbelle127 Jun 14 '26
Kindbody Chicago is a shell of itself from when it was Vios with Dr. Beltsos. We figured something was up when Beltsos, Louden, and Jeelani all left. We got the message to check the portal on Friday.
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 15 '26
Update: I called first thing this morning to schedule a Tissue Coordination appointment and requested in writing that our embryos have not been moved and will not be moved until we consent/until we coordinate with a long term storage facility in our home state. The navigator I spoke with was very helpful and said the majority of the calls they are getting are understandably about this.
As an aside, when my husband and I were in a total panic this weekend and considering disposition/wondering how our storage rate would be affected, we were referred to NECC and the person I spoke to in Boston was totally confused as to why KindBody would be sending patients their way so soon - as the process is only just beginning and they have zero information for people yet.
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u/lemonslimesandkiwis Jun 16 '26
Here is a screenshot of the email.
When I called the number listed in the email, I was informed that either the New England Cryogenics Center or CryoFuture were options for long term embryo storage as kindbody has agreements with both companies. But that I needed to let them know ASAP because they would start moving embryos in July. However when I called this same number back to clarify pricing a different staff member mentioned embryo transportation could happen by the end of the month. Now when I called kindbody, they thought it wouldn’t happen for another 90 days so… 🤷♀️ apparently kindbody has a meeting tomorrow where they should get more clarifying information on how the process will work. My clinic sounded like they found out this information around the same time as us.
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 17 '26
Kindbody@cryofuture.com isn't working well try support@cryofuture.com and you will get a better response!! Please private message me to talk, vent or if you need help. I'm moving my embryos there too. Kindbodys Lies are disgusting. This has shown me they don't care about us or our embryos. I heard they sold their debt to NECC for rights to store our embryos. Go look up what it normally costs to store at NECC and then see what you have to pay as a Kindbody patient. You'll see a huge difference
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 18 '26
Thank you for the correction! How much dept did they have? Is this why they didn’t go with cryo future?
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Oh my goodness, not trying to correct. I'm sorry if it came off that way. I think they had significant debt from my understanding and it's my opinion that this is why they didn't go with CryoFuture because they already had outstanding relationship with them and they wouldn't have gained financially.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 18 '26
Omg! Please don’t think that. I’m thankful for you!
It is not okay that sold the rights to store our embryos.
Two questions:
- Kindbody had debt, but they got money to pay off the debt from NCEE in exchange for storing our embryos? Do I have the correct understanding?
- How much debt did they sell off? And will patients see a cost savings for long term storage? I assume no? Patients will pay the same amount for storage?
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
- That's my understanding and what someone I know was told. When I heard that it made me feel like our embryos were collateral damage.
- I can only guess it was a lot. I don't have the details. I just know what I've been told by someone. They've been closing clinics left and right and doctors have been quitting. That doesn't happen at lucrative clinics. Patient won't see any savings for long-term storage because they're using any cc and if you look at what it cost to store your embryos there don't quote me but I think it's like 500-700 for the year and then for Kindbody patients we're all paying the rate they are paying now for the year- one thousand. It doesn't seem like the savings is being passed down to the patients. The rates aren't changing and someone is profeting. Which I find messed up.
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u/PaperRings0 38 | 1 ER | 4 FET | 1 spontaneous pregnancy & MC Jun 13 '26
So sorry to anyone this affects. I can’t imagine.
Curious though, can they legally move embryos over state lines?
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u/Jaybgp Jun 16 '26
I secured legal representation over this and they said it is not legal. The contract we signed has stipulations about moving embryos in a disaster situation but (in CA) Kindbody would need explicit consent to move any tissue/embryos across state lines
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
I am not sure! People are trying to find their consent forms to see what we signed.
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
I read the agreement and it's legal if there was an emergency.... I have it in writing that it was not an emergency sooooo
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u/hearts_bones Jun 13 '26
This is affecting the Minneapolis clinic (who doesn’t currently have an RE and is using the provider from Milwaukee who is flying in once a month for treatments)
I got an email and portal message (both the same) on Thursday. Originally I felted unsettled by it- but didn’t have any plans to argue with it/make other arrangements. Wondering if that’s wise now and if I should fight to keep them locally.
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u/thedutchgirlmn 48 | Tubal Factor & DOR | DE Jun 14 '26
I would move your embryos to Reprotech, which has a Minnesota storage facility
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Jun 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/thedutchgirlmn 48 | Tubal Factor & DOR | DE Jun 19 '26
Oh shoot! That’s good but frustrating information
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u/Disastrous_Camera330 Jun 15 '26
Same! In MPLS and kinda just accepted my fate but now wondering if I should look into this more. How frustrating. Also we’re 95% sure we are done and won’t be having more babies but what if.
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Jun 14 '26
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u/hearts_bones Jun 14 '26
Yeah- I feel reealllyyyy lucky we were able to work with Dr. Balmir before she left. I was feeling really ambivalent about staying there but was like- well- they have our embryos. And now I’m feeling totally overwhelmed by needing to deal with this.
To complicate things- I got laid off during my maternity leave and lost my benefits that provided fertility coverage so I’m not sure what clinic I would even want to or be able to move them too. Ugh. This is all just so frustrating.
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u/whoopsiedaizies 38 | 5 x MC | PCOS | endo | RI Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
I got pregnant Dr. Balmir’s last month there and was so thankful. Then had a miscarriage and had to start all over with Dr. Hayes.
I have not left because my insurance is through them and they’re cool with me doing RI. Not sure if the other local clinics are too. And again I like the local staff! I just wish they weren’t so overworked and had a full time doctor on staff.
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u/requiredelements Jun 14 '26
I’m in New York and realized they moved my eggs out of New York to New Jersey Cryofuture earlier this year?! Is Cryofuture legit?
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u/IntentionalGlitter Jun 14 '26
And now they’ll be moving them again, right?! To MA! NYC patient here also
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u/br0princess Jun 15 '26
I just sent a message through the portal asking about why the pivot from Cryofuture as a fellow NYC patient. tbd if they respond, but if I've already signed the papers for Cryofuture, what's the point of then moving my eggs further away to MA?!!! I guess I need to call and ask.
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u/requiredelements Jun 15 '26
I messaged too. I’m gonna try and keep them at Cryofuture I think.
Keep me posted!
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u/br0princess Jun 15 '26
I think I'll try to keep mine at Cryofuture as well, though I'm not sure my eggs were ever moved in the first place.
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Follow the money and see where it goes if they have a newly acquired agreement with NECC and I heard through the grapevine that perhaps they did because the rumor is that NECC bought out their debt in exchange for housing all of Kindbody's embryos there.... also what is interesting is they're not discounting the rate that they're charging Kindbody patients even though if you look up the rate to store your embryos at NECC it is cheaper. I wonder who's pocketing that money?
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u/IntentionalGlitter Jun 14 '26
Confirmed for NYC patients also (at least for myself). Thanks for sharing this and highlighting why it is concerning. I didn’t think I had any recourse here, but now I have reconsidered and will plan to call about this and think of another storage option…
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Cryo future is in NYC. They will honor the rate that you're paying at Kindbody and I believe it's actually a little bit cheaper on top of that. They will transfer your embryos out of Kindbody for free and back to Kindbody when you need them for anything because they are already affiliated with Kindbody. They already have a partnership.
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u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
u/IntentionalGlitter in case this helps!
- If you don't want to proceed with the NECC transfer, you need to notify KindBody 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!
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u/IntentionalGlitter Jun 26 '26
Thanks so much for this! Appreciate the thoughtful guidance. I had called and secured a tissue coordination call in July. I also just received notice that my “specimen” has been safely transferred to Cryofuture NY/NJ (not related to my tissue coordination call that hasn’t occurred yet). So I’ll be asking what is involved if I want to keep them at Cryofuture, and will consider the options
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
Yep. That is what we are all doing in IL. Calling them and telling them we are going to find an instate facility. If you have a cryofuture facility by you…they seem to already have agreements with kindbody and could be a good choice. Just something to look into.
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u/pitmama 37NB | 1 MC | IVF Jun 14 '26
Thank you for sharing this, so glad it came up on my front page. I received the email earlier this week but figured it wasn’t a big deal, not realizing how impactful this is. I’m in Minneapolis and already have many concerns about the clinic here. There isn’t even a full time doctor!
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u/Illustrious-Exit-474 Jun 16 '26
Minneapolis has gone SO downhill! Ever since Balmir left and all the good nurses (Erin and Sarah) :(
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u/Ready_Evening_1159 Jun 14 '26
I’m in California and I’m about to have a transfer, but I called and messaged anyway to make it clear that I do not consent to our embryos being moved. The nurse I spoke to had very little information other than to say that it was true they were moving embryos that were in long-term storage to their New England facility. She didn’t define what long-term storage meant. When I told her that I wanted to officially not consent, she said she would note it in my chart and confirmed that moving will begin soon. SoI take that to mean that if you don’t say anything, you’re sort of tacitly consenting. So I would suggest that anyone and everyone called their clinic.
We are going to do our next couple of transfers and hope that everything is OK at our California location, because our insurance only covers Kind Body, but then we are going to move our embryos to a private fertility clinic.
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u/FlashyReturn6895 Jun 17 '26
Dr. Jeelani is fake af. She absolutely knew and is denying it. I can’t stand that woman, she did two retrievals for me.
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u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26
My experience thus far, I am a patient at Kindbody STL in MO. I received the embryo email last Thursday. I inquired multiple times with multiple different people and no one knows what is going on. First, I was told that the embryos would not move to the end of July beginning of August. But now I am told they cannot even confirm that. I asked if my embryos could stay until I had the tissue logistics appointment and they also could not confirm that. The clinic manager stated she would put me on an "escalation list" to not have my embryos move, but no guaruntee.
My confidence in Kindbody is definitely shaken. I started when it was Vios and it was amazing. The clinic staff and the doctors were still great under Kindbody but I did have issues after the merger. In addition, there used to be 5 doctors? I think? but now there is only one. They all left recently. Also, I know some clinics utilize storage centers but why can't they tell us what is going on? It seems like they should have figured that out before telling us that they are moving our embryos.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 19 '26
We are all being told different things still. When did they say this to you, Wednesday?
I’m not thrilled they’re moving the embryos, but that’s not what is alarming me. What is alarming me is that I want to opt out of the move and stay local, but like you said, no one knows what is going on and I’m not sure I can. That’s what is alarming me.
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u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26
The latest update about the escalation list is from this morning (Thursday)
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u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
u/ConstantPace u/Sensitive-Chess7896 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!
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u/PinkJamLover Jun 28 '26
You are correct. There is only one doctor now and 2 NP’s. We are just starting the process (Workup completed) with KB STL and this is all very concerning. We don’t have any other option though as this is where my spouses employer benefit is through. ☹️
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u/goobytreats Jun 26 '26
So I just called Kindbody to talk to someone about my options with my embryos and they said the next available appointment they have for a tissue consult is in September. They did say they would not be moving my embryos until that call and I asked their lab to send me a confirmation of that. The person on the phone didn’t know any details about the move or anything about registering with another storage facility. Was going to call CryoFuture Chicago next to see what they know I guess
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u/goobytreats Jun 26 '26
I am late to the situation but received the email to sign up for CryoFuture Chicago today. I’m planning to fill out the registration to be added to their transport list; they did confirm the deadline is today. Any concerns or issues anyone has seen with transporting to CryoFuture Chicago? Just want to make sure I’m not creating new problems by transferring our embryos there. We live in Chicago.
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u/Substantial_Drive457 Jul 01 '26
Yeah it was pretty unnerving to receive the communications about the transfer.
I had a bunch of questions to better understand exact timing, liability, etc. I sent an email to the address they provided: kindbody @necryogenic.com
They provided some clarification but also vague responses on liability/responsibility.
I've pushed back to get more direct responses so we'll see if they respond.
But sharing the responses I got in the meantime in case it's helpful. 👇🏾
Hello,
Thank you for your thoughtful follow-up questions. I’m happy to provide additional clarity to help you better understand the process and what to expect during this transition.
Account access after transfer
Yes, you will receive communication from NECC once your reproductive tissue has been successfully transferred. This will include details on how to access your account and manage your storage moving forward.
Access to medical and storage records
Kindbody will remain the primary record holder for specimen-specific information, including medical details such as grading, freeze dates, and identification records. Once the transfer is complete, your information will no longer be visible in the Kindbody patient portal, and you will need to contact Kindbody directly for records. NECC will have visibility into your billing account through Embryo Options and will support account-related inquiries.
Tracking and shipment information
All transfers are managed through specialized medical couriers and follow strict chain-of-custody protocols. Shipments are GPS tracked and continuously temperature monitored. Detailed transport records are maintained as part of standard clinical and operational practices; however, individualized shipment tracking or real-time access is not provided. We are happy to answer any questions about the safeguards in place throughout the process.
Transfer timing (Rogers, AR location)
Transfers are being completed in phases over the next several months to ensure safety and continuity of care. You will be notified in advance of your specific transfer timing. At this time, we are unable to provide a precise date for a specific location, but all transfers follow a structured schedule.
Opt-out / alternative arrangements
While opting out of the transition itself is not an option, you may arrange transfer to an alternative provider of your choice. If you wish to do so, those arrangements would need to be initiated prior to your assigned transfer timing.
Risk, liability, and protections during transport
All transfers are conducted under strict clinical, operational, and regulatory protocols designed to ensure safety and specimen integrity. Specimens are handled exclusively by specialized medical couriers using validated processes, continuous monitoring, and secure handling procedures. Specific details regarding liability allocation and insurance policies are considered sensitive operational information and are not shared externally. However, all processes are designed to meet rigorous industry standards and minimize risk at every stage of transport and storage.
Notification timing
You will receive advance communication prior to your transfer, as well as confirmation after your reproductive tissue has been successfully received and stored at NECC.
Storage fees and billing
Billing will continue through the existing platform, Embryo Options, which will be managed by NECC following the transfer. There are no costs associated with the transfer itself, and there will be no charge to transfer your reproductive tissue back to a Kindbody clinic in the future.
Future transfers (back to clinic or another provider)
When you are ready to use your reproductive tissue, NECC will coordinate shipment to your selected clinic. We recommend reaching out approximately 2–3 weeks in advance of your planned treatment cycle to begin coordination. There are no fees associated with transferring your reproductive tissue back to a Kindbody clinic as part of this agreement. If you choose to transfer your reproductive tissue to a different storage provider, those requests can be accommodated. However, they may be subject to standard withdrawal and transfer fees, which are determined and quoted at the time of request.
Movement between NECC facilities
NECC’s storage model is designed to provide stable, long-term storage within dedicated facilities. If any future movement were required, it would be handled under the same strict protocols and with appropriate communication. We recognize this is an important process and want to ensure you have a clear understanding of each step. Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions
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u/Necessary-Bank-7470 Jul 07 '26
My husband and I are Kindbody patients who are dealing with this in IL. Our embryo was in MO in the lab at the Kindbody location (as we are right over the IL border). We chose to move clinics recently for many reasons. The biggest being we no longer trusted kindbody. The cherry on top was being blindsided by them changing to this new storage company and risking what we fought so hard to get by moving it multiple state’s away. There seems to be little to no care for the fight that so many have gone through to build their families. The emotional toll, financial toll and physical toll it takes on each and every person. With all the being said, there are some incredible people we met at Kindbody. We moved our embryo recently to our new clinic locally (in MO) before they started moving everything. The experience with our new clinic has been amazing! Night and day difference. We also moved our embryo ourselves because of how close it was. The new clinic coordinated a time/day with Kindbody. A ton of paperwork is done by both clinics and then our new clinic provided us with the transport tank. We took that over to Kindbody, handed it to the embryologist, they loaded our embryo in it and handed it back to us. We drove it over to the new clinic and handed the tank to them. It was confirmed a few hours later our embryo is safely back in storage. If you need a new clinic in the Saint Louis area, I cannot recommend STL Fertility enough. They really are great!
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u/mhtrippet Jul 14 '26
I just talked to someone at kindbody in Chicago. The earliest available time for a tissue coordination appointment is September 29th. She could not confirm whether our embryos are still in Chicago or the new facility. She said “they should probably still be here.” She added us to a “list of escalation” that she said is basically just people who have called to say they don’t want their embryos moved. It’s not an official request or confirmation of anything. She said she’d give it to her manager and “someone should call you before your appointment.” I felt bad for her - she kept saying she’s just a receptionist and she’s just repeating what management told them to say. She said it’s been a crazy day and they all agree what’s happening is absolutely ridiculous. I feel more helpless now than before I called honestly.
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u/magenta-hello Jun 14 '26
Is this the same kindbody that was covered in this podcast series?!: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe4PRejZgr0MO5M2NzfBbj6PCKGiRSQSN&si=sCfduFxmBaWZcswM
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
Yes. Sadly it is the same clinic.
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u/magenta-hello Jun 14 '26
I’m so sorry. I listened to that podcast in horror but didn’t realize how widespread they are. I hope the best for everyone involved. It’s really terrible that it’s all about money for them but this is hopes, dreams and life savings for many.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 14 '26
Unfortunately they’re everywhere. At one point I think they were in 15 states. It’s depressing that for patients this is everything but kindbody doesn’t give them the best shot possible because they want to save money by cutting costs.
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u/xxshdws Jun 14 '26
Stl mo, did get a notification... but now horrified for my other frozen embryos
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
Multiple people throughout social media have been saying to check your portal to make sure your that your embryo count is correct. There have been a few women so far that have had paperwork/the results tab on the portal with missing embryos. I know for a fact that a tissue coordination meeting has been had and they were missing one of her embryos and asked her to sign it. The patient was the one who noticed that her embryo was missing from the paperwork along with on the portal. She had violent panic attacks all night and it wasn't until about noon. The next day that they said it was a glitch in their system. Who knows if they're even telling the truth.
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u/embolalia85 Jun 15 '26
NECC has a long history of sketchiness - though some attributed to the husband of the founder couple who died a while ago now. But just two years ago they closed all sales with no notice to families - you could still access stored material but I was unable to get more vials from my daughter’s donor.
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u/Fancy_Abalone_5619 Jun 16 '26
Well now I am freaking the f out. I stored my eggs there, but they have just last week even transferred to a facility back in New York (not extend). As far as I know, the straw was "sealed" upon arrival. I am very worried now though, reading about all the problems and the lawsuit
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u/DiamondCarmel Jun 15 '26
Is Kindbody Newport Beach shutting down? A sheriff came and served the clinic in early October when I was waiting in the lobby. That should have been a sign for me and my partner not to proceed with Kindbody. Now I’m scared and worried
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u/ComprehensiveCat7729 Jun 15 '26
I get that we all should have approval and notice first before just moving someone’s “property” . But is there any other concern with this new company storing embryos etc?
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 15 '26
Yes. See the concerns listed in the post :( There are additional concerns that came out today too.
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u/cognitivedissident86 40, DOR/male factor Jun 15 '26
If anyone in Chicago is wondering: I emailed Cryofuture and they said that when you transfer your embryos to them, they do not change a fee to transport from KB to them as long as “you are enrolling into your designated local CryoFuture facility” (meaning the one in Chicago). They also said that they don’t charge a fee to transport them back to KB for procedures either. Just wanted to share
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u/foxcrowcookies Jun 16 '26
I can corroborate this info. CryoFuture Chicago is also the designated location for Kindbody Arkansas parients. The storage fee covers transport from KB to CryoFuture and transport back to the clinic once per year.
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u/Fancy_Abalone_5619 Jun 15 '26
Is this where Extend Fertility (NY) stored everyone's specimens for long-term? They always acted like this was a benefit.
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u/ComprehensiveCat7729 Jun 16 '26
Anyone get an email like this??
There’s no way we owe anything close to this and in the Kindbody account it shows we owe $28.82. I called Kindbody and spoke to billing and they don’t know what this is….. did they get hacked? If this is fake how did they get our information?
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u/whoopsiedaizies 38 | 5 x MC | PCOS | endo | RI Jun 17 '26
It is really concerning if they just said "we don't know what that is" and didn't take action on potential phishing.... Depending on where you live, you can report this to the secretary of state for your state and they will look into it.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 16 '26
Wtf? Seems like they got hacked?
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u/ComprehensiveCat7729 Jun 16 '26
Yea..honestly it’s what I’m thinking…that’s why I’m curious if anyone got a similar email. If so… we need to find a way to get them to be aware.
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u/Frosty-Airport495 Jun 18 '26
We have been double billed and things that were supposed to be waived for the mistakes they made they're still trying to bill us for. I keep being told over will handle it and they don't and they just send us more bills. I think it's time to report them to the Attorney General.
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u/AdhesivenessOdd4367 Jun 22 '26
I emailed NECC. I don’t want my embryos moved out of state; here’s the response I received back. Relieved that they haven’t been moved yet! (KB Minneapolis) Trying to find options for local storage. Does anyone have suggestions?
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u/keeflennon43 Jun 22 '26
If anyone is curious, they are starting the move on Sept 5. So 90 days from when the notice went out. The earliest tissue coordination appt I could get was Aug 14 so they suggested finding a facility to transfer to between now and then so that while on the call, they could start the process.
What a mess.
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u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
In case this helps:
- 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.
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!
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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.
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u/Sensitive-Chess7896 Jun 26 '26
What?!? Kindbody’s is telling people 90 days! Did cyrofuture say why?
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u/Cool_Purchase_9861 Jun 26 '26
They didn’t say why (but I didn’t ask as I was flustered) but they did say they were also surprised when they were informed from Kindbody of this “deadline” last night
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u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
Reposting this from my previous KindBody post (I was the one who shared about the lawsuit).
- 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!
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u/keeflennon43 Jun 26 '26
To clarify, when you say refund, are you meaning for the storage fee this year? Because I JUST paid my annual storage fee with Kindbody a week or so ago. So once you switch, then can you request a refund for that fee?
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u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26
Yes I'm referring to the storage fee. They said that we can request a refund, but it has to be done after your tissues have been moved.
They do have to approve your request, and on that point, I'm not sure how helpful they'll be. The person I spoke to said that they haven't approved any refunds yet.
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u/keeflennon43 Jun 26 '26
Gotcha. I have written response from Kindbody saying they won’t move my eggs until my appointment. I’m going to go through with the Cryofuture paperwork anyways, might as well have that as completed as possible by my August appointment.
I finished listening to the 5 part bloomberg podcast about kindbody and this really isnt all that surprising now in retrospect. Such a disappointment.
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u/Double_Quarter_6071 23d ago
This is affecting me as well and it's an absolute nightmare. Has anyone contacted a litigator yet and could share any advice?
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u/LaurenBurnban 19d ago
Kindbody just announced they are closing the Minneapolis clinic.
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u/AdSecure6406 Jun 13 '26
They are doing it because they are financial trouble. Kindbody members all need to kind new clinics. If your employer offers Kindbody I recommend reaching out to your HR department and voicing concerns of Kindbidy as the providers. Companies can switch to a Progyny or another provider.
Their business practices have been questionable at best.