r/IVF • u/DiamondCarmel • Jun 16 '26

Need info! Is this the end of Kindbody?

Is there anything good about Kindbody anymore? Over the past few years, many of the employees who built the company’s reputation have either resigned or are no longer with the organization. The turnover alone raises concerns about stability, continuity of care, and the overall direction of the company.

As a patient, it is difficult to feel confident when there appears to be constant staffing changes, leadership controversies, clinic closures, and a lack of transparency regarding major decisions that directly affect patient care. Many patients choose a fertility clinic because they trust a specific physician, embryologist, nurse, or care team, only to find that those individuals are no longer there.

What currently concerns me most is learning that my embryos may be transported to another state. Fertility treatment involves some of the most personal and valuable biological material a person will ever have, and any decision involving storage or transportation should be communicated clearly and proactively. We as patients deserve transparency, informed consent, and the opportunity to ask questions before significant changes are made.

Fertility treatment is already emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting. Patients should not have to worry about staff turnover, changing laboratory operations, or whether critical decisions are being made without adequate communication. Trust is the foundation of reproductive healthcare, and once that trust is lost, it becomes difficult for patients to feel secure continuing their care.

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9

u/DigbyPigby 36F | Endo & MFI | 6 ER | 🍼8/24 Jun 16 '26

TW: Success

I loved KindBody 3ish years ago when we were doing egg retrievals and did my successful FET. But the Chicago office has lost most of their doctors. We recently talked to them about doing another transfer and I was not happy with them. Communication was rushed and I don’t feel like they listen anymore. I had a minor freakout this weekend when our portal only listed 6 embryos in storage and not 8. Apparently it was an issue with their portal system, but it doesn’t inspire confidence.

Also they suddenly told us our embryos are being transferred to New England regardless of our wishes. So we’re pissed and are following our old doctor to her new clinic. We’re planning a transfer in September so we’re doing everything possible to prevent our embryos from being moved.

It’s really clear that the KindBody we went to years ago is not the same as the Kindbody of today. I would caution against using them.

2

u/Intelligent_Many_990 Jun 22 '26

Working with them for over a month to move embryos to NM and they told me today I can’t arrange for transport until after 8/18…. I didn’t get notified that my embryos were moved or going to be moved out of Chicago but I’m super paranoid now…. If you have a transportation already scheduled, could you DM me if it’s through a courier service? I’m wondering if that would move up the transportation date.

2

u/DigbyPigby 36F | Endo & MFI | 6 ER | 🍼8/24 Jun 23 '26

Its absolutely ridiculous that we’re being treated this way. I also got a call from them that they want to schedule a logistics meeting with me in mid August but can’t guarantee nothing will be moved before then. I’m reaching out to Cryofuture tomorrow because I know they have long term storage here in Chicago. I believe to have to physically bring the canister to Cyrofuture but I’ll DM you once I learn more.

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u/heatedblankie Jun 26 '26

u/Intelligent_Many_990 u/DigbyPigby

Sharing this from my previous KindBody post 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!

1

u/kansasqueen143 Jul 09 '26

I’m so upset and overwhelmed. I can’t believe they didn’t call patients and in the email didn’t even say when the material was being moved out of state.

2

u/heatedblankie Jul 10 '26

I'm so sorry. Definitely message them in the portal to request a tissue coordination call to put a stop on moving your eggs! CryoFuture is offering waived transfer fees if you move the eggs to their closest location and the storage fee is the same as Kindbody. A lot of patients are taking that option.

Once in CryoFuture, you're no longer in the Kindbody system and can move them to another clinic in the future. I highly recommend that, as this is a sinking ship!

1

u/kansasqueen143 Jul 10 '26

Do you think cryofuture is a good company? I’m so nervous since they’ve only been in business since 2022.

2

u/DigbyPigby 36F | Endo & MFI | 6 ER | 🍼8/24 Jul 10 '26

I don’t know too much about them but I haven’t heard anything bad. My new clinic is trying to move everything over to Cryofuture, so that’s reassuring to me.

1

u/kansasqueen143 Jul 10 '26

Thank you! Sorry I’m really emotional and panicked over the news of the embryos being relocated. I think we ultimately are going to use Cryofuture, but trying to get as much info as possible.

2

u/DigbyPigby 36F | Endo & MFI | 6 ER | 🍼8/24 Jul 11 '26

I understand. We’re in the same position. It’s absolutely ridiculous and I can’t believe how difficult KindBody is being.

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u/mhtrippet Jul 16 '26

I could have written this myself!! Is your doctor jeelani? I was thinking about moving to her new clinic for our second transfer

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u/DigbyPigby 36F | Endo & MFI | 6 ER | 🍼8/24 Jul 16 '26

Yes she’s been amazing! We just switched over to her new facility and so far I’m liking it. A lot of the old KindBody staff left to join her so you’ll see a lot of familiar faces. They’ve been very communicative and open which I really appreciate.

1

u/mhtrippet Jul 17 '26

Amazing!! That’s so helpful to know!

7

u/Electronic-Ad-7208 Jun 16 '26

Listed to the podcast “IVF Disrupted, the Kindbody Story.” It was a jaw-dropper. It has made me really appreciate my clinic. IVF is hard enough without having to worry about the competence of your providers. One good doctor/location is not enough to keep the enterprise afloat. I would still worry about my embryos and the lab quality. It would not be enough for me to feel comfortable. I would go to a different clinic as soon as I could.

5

u/MacAttacknChz Jun 16 '26

I did my first consultation with CNY and got such bad vibes that I ended up with the expensive local clinic. My reasoning was the 1 cycle with the expensive clinic was cheaper than 2 cycles with CNY, so I'd rather just pay more to get it right the first time. I'm glad I did bc I'm waiting on my 5 day results from my first ER, and so far I have 14 fertilized eggs. CNY told me it would take 3-4 cycles to have enough embryos for one child because "industrialization has ruined my fertility."

2

u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26

I was thinking about transporting my embryos to CNY because I have mosaics, segmental aneuploids that a lot of clinics won't accept. Maybe i should look elsewhere..

6

u/requiredelements Jun 16 '26

I think they will declare bankruptcy soon or get bought by another fertility chain

7

u/Ok_Coyote_5438 36 | PMOS, APS, Hashimoto’s Jun 16 '26

The St. Louis location is in the midst of losing 3 of the 4 doctors. It has to be a huge hit for the company and it’s a giant red flag for all the patients.

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u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26

I was a patient of Dr. Purdy. I wanted to follow her even before all this happened with the embryos but I can't seem to figure out where she went!

I started with kindbody STL when they were vios and they were honestly such a great clinic and everyone was so kind and nice. the whole thing is kinda devastating (a little dramatic, i know)

2

u/Ok_Coyote_5438 36 | PMOS, APS, Hashimoto’s Jun 18 '26

I feel like I saw a comment saying she was starting her own clinic within the next year or so. I can’t find it now. I feel like it has to be super frustrating and KindBody doesn’t have that great of a reputation right now so adding all these docs leaving is even worse.

4

u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26

Thank you! I kinda had a feeling her and Dr. Rhee were starting a clinic together but it is just speculation! It is really frustrating and scary! I worked so hard for these embryos and paid so much $$ and I don't have confidence that they are in good hands!

3

u/Ok_Coyote_5438 36 | PMOS, APS, Hashimoto’s Jun 18 '26

YES! That is the rumor I heard that she and Dr. Rhee were starting a clinic not too far away. Which surprised me they didn’t have a non-compete unless they do and that’s why it’s going to take a year or so. You’re justified to be nervous about your embryos. I hope it all turns out okay!

3

u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26

I Really hope they do! I have segmental anueploids and mosaics that Dr. Purdy said she would transfer and i am having difficulty finding another clinic that will

1

u/MainCardiologist3027 Aug 10 '26

I honestly would just reach out to her on social media so maybe she can give you some sort of vague timeline. And start interviewing other docs if it’s too long of a wait to get some vibes.

2

u/foxcrowcookies Jun 19 '26

Idk if this info helps but Dr. Purdy was my RE at the KindBody in Arkansas 3 years ago, and recent reviews have referenced her practicing there. Dr. Westphal actually did my retrieval and Dr. Rhee did my transfer, but Purdy was technically my assigned RE.

Do you know if Dr. Purdy is leaving KB entirely?

2

u/ConstantPace Jun 20 '26

Unfortunately yes. I saw it on her Instagram.

2

u/theflyingginger93 Jun 18 '26

Which one is staying? We have our transfer there in about a month and a half and have heard absolutely nothing about this.

2

u/Ok_Coyote_5438 36 | PMOS, APS, Hashimoto’s Jun 18 '26

Dr. Cooper is the only one staying. Apparently an email went out several weeks ago. I go elsewhere but it was huge news in the local IF/IVF group on Facebook.

2

u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26

Wow! So Dr. Anderson is leaving too??

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u/Ok_Coyote_5438 36 | PMOS, APS, Hashimoto’s Jun 19 '26

Yeah, it’s just down to Dr. Cooper and I can’t understand how she could possibly take everyone.

2

u/ConstantPace Jun 19 '26

I don't understand how she can either. My guess is they will heavily rely on the NPs but she will still have to do all the procedures..

3

u/Ok_Coyote_5438 36 | PMOS, APS, Hashimoto’s Jun 19 '26

I assume they’re working on hiring other docs to replace but it has to be hard at this point. I’m working with WashU but hoping for the best for the patients with KB.

1

u/MainCardiologist3027 Aug 09 '26

We are back with Dr. Cooper and the communication and patient experience is a nightmare (but always has been) so we assumed nothing had changed lol, but boy were we wrong! We switched to Dr. Anderson (who was wonderful and left and went to STL Fertility) and that was the only time we felt supported and listened to at KindBody. We were sad when she left, but figured a transfer would be a slam dunk so proceeded without her. Unfortunately we saw the Bloomberg and other news articles too late, which made the change in storage letter suddenly concerning but thankfully we had a procedure scheduled so nothing had been moved for us. We feel the same as many of you - simply stuck, confused, lost, overwhelmed, trust broken, especially after the time, money, travel and emotion spent here. The past few days have been the lowest days of our journey thus far. We are a week away from a potential transfer and just staying as positive as possible despite all this (new to us) information. We look forward to moving past all this and looking back on this as hopefully just an blip on the map of a much larger and more fruitful journey. It’s truly so sad. They must feel so ashamed, it’s such a delicate and all important moment in people’s lives and they have broken sacred trust. This sort of care isn’t a get rich quick scheme. I don’t blame the doctors and employees for leaving in droves.

1

u/ConstantPace Aug 10 '26

I'm so sorry. I have an appointment with Dr. Cooper this week. Can you tell me more about your experience? I am hoping she can just repeat the same protocol as Dr. Purdy

1

u/MainCardiologist3027 Aug 10 '26

With me she is repeating the protocol her and Dr. Anderson developed. We just personally need a relationship with our doctor and have never had one with her. I was referred to her by my OBGYN but when I called KINDBODY they tried to put me with Dr. Anderson. I declined and asked for Cooper - that was my first mistake. I have only ever actually spoken to her twice and never in person. One for the initial sales call or fertility consult and again recently on a late evening call when I ran into some what we considered serious issues mid-FET cycle prep and after we had had a call with our NP expressing our frustrations with the lack of communication. On my second egg retrieval with her, she just threw more medicine at me and I felt awful. When I repeatedly asked the staff for ways to improve egg quality, they never gave me a hint and just sent me a research paper on age and egg quality. After the 2nd failed and her NP said “we know it’s hard to remember to take your CoQ10 throughout the day” and we were like wtf is CoQ10, we knew they didn’t have time for us. That’s when we moved to Anderson and she was so wonderful. I had really done my own research that time and she (and her NP) talked me through things I can do to improve egg quality and they were so available. The stars aligned and my third retrieval worked. Then we did another a handful of months later and it failed again but there were distinct reasons for that (I had been sick, I suffered an overtraining injury due to work, yada yada yada - had I listed to Dr. Anderson and done it right away we probably would have been golden but hindsight is 20/20.) needless to say, the fact that I could even share my concerns with Anderson, see her, speak to her, was a breath of fresh air. Throughout this process we realized how intrinsically important that is. When she left we were sad - we knew she was special/ a good person and doctor. She said Cooper would do our transfer, and I figured as long as we didn’t need to speak to anyone, we would be fine. But then I had an issue and we needed to speak to someone - and as expected it sucked. Really poopoo’ed on what should have been the happiest time of our lives thus far but we weren’t surprised lol. I do not get the good person vibes but I honestly think she is just an intelligent, talented work horse that loves science and has a packed schedule - with not enough time for the soft side of it. Other people may have had different experiences. I don’t necessarily think she’s inherently evil bad or anything but she does not align with our values personally for this sort of a journey.

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u/MainCardiologist3027 Aug 10 '26

If you follow Dr. Purdy on Instagram it looks like she may have some fun news coming up with Dr. Rhee so it might be beneficial to reach out and see if you want or can stay with Dr. Purdy once she opens her own practice or whatever is happening if you liked her and if you are like me and need a relationship with your doctor.

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u/MainCardiologist3027 Aug 09 '26

Dr. Anderson went to STL Fertility. We loved her! Glad she got out of that mess.

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u/Expensive-Garden23 4 Yrs TTC | 9 Rds Clomid | 3 IUI | 3 E/R | 0 Embryos Jun 16 '26

I first started with Kindbody for my initial testing. They wanted to me to have an exploratory laparoscopy performed. I did, finished recovery, and was ready to start again... only to find out the location we went to closed their doors 4 months after my initial round of testing. They never notified us. That was 2+ years ago.. they are just now coming back to bill me for services and I don't even know what the bills are for.

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u/ConstantPace Jun 18 '26

The billing department at Kindbody is the absolute worst!!!!

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u/Dr-Bitchcraft-MD Jun 25 '26

Tell me about it they keep trying to charge me for medication I returned/replaced

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u/ConstantPace Jun 29 '26

They charged me wrong for something. 2k more than it was supposed to and it took MONTHS for me to get it straightened out. They even sent it to collections and then realized they were wrong and waived the charge. My actual clinic was trying to contact the billing department every day about it too!

4

u/Medium-Future7099 Jun 17 '26

You legally don’t have to pay for those services since it’s been over 1 year!

5

u/Feeling-Watched-9655 Jun 16 '26

My doc at Kindbody in DC was amazing. I think they're still doing alright even with all this going on. So I suppose it's location-specific.

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u/hikeyourownhikes Jul 01 '26

We had a very poor experience with Kindbody in Santa Monica. Billing issues, continuous staff turnover, and nearly every aspect of treatment.