The Physician & Midwife Collaborative Practice, P.C.

I absolutely love Physicians and Midwives! I was referred by a friend about two years ago and this is the best practice I’ve been to in the most recent 5 years. Wait times are short, the staff is friendly, and the doctors work with your best interest in mind. Highly recommended!

Fantastic office! Wonderful staff. I feel so well cared for here. NP Tammi Blair is excellent. Highly recommend!

I went to the Arlington location on Fairfax Dr. I’m in my 20s and have never been pregnant– so I visited this office for the second time for my annual visit. First I would like to point out that I was seen by a different person than I made an appointment with– very annoying and unprofessional to not ask if it’s okay for someone you don’t know to dig in your vagina– I have had issues with ovarian cysts and PCOS my whole life– beginning in high school. I told the nurse practitioner about my family history and the fact that my mother had a hysterectomy due to get ovarian cysts. She looked me dead in the eye and said «no she didn’t»… Confused and a little embarrassed I said. Well. Yes, she did. She went on about «there must have been some other issues you don’t get a hysterectomy for cysts or PCOS.» Well. I can fully attest that YOU DO! My mother is also an RN, so I’m sure the information she’s given me was accurate. So after sitting there embarrassed she told me she thought I had PCOS– only after she questioned me about why I was talking to my primary about having PCOS, and why I didn’t come to their office. Well– maybe because this practice is horrible! I explained to her that I was having severe abdominal pain and my primary did all the tests, sent me for sonogram, etc. the nurse actually seemed jealous by the way she was talking to me! Like a primary doctor wouldn’t be able to run simple bloodwork– after that embarrassment and feeling like I was being interrogated she said I had PCOS. That was it. She did the quickest exam on the planet– literally less than one minute. And left. We did get a conversation about the Skyla birth control– but after reading reviews of the same practice I see that someone had it inserted incorrectly. NO THANK YOU!
If you wanted to be treated like a human and have someone listen to what is going on with YOUR body– choose a different practice.

I have been a patient for at least 8 years and have had appointments with several of the midwives and doctors.
Pros
— Zocdoc makes it incredibly easy to make an appointment with your preferred provider at your preferred location.
— In an emergency they try their best to squeeze you into the schedule.
— The providers are great. I try to see midwives exclusively and Gina and Patricia are my favorites. What I love about Gina is that she can offer you so many natural remedies and preventative techniques for your regular health care so you can better take care of yourself. She is also very warm and friendly. What I love about Patricia is that she is so empathetic and patient.
— Never had an issue with billing.
— They send you your results and any comments through the patient portal, and you can message them back! Communication is very easy.
Cons
— Sometimes things are off schedule in the office and you wait awhile to actually be seen. This had happened to me at the Lake Ridge office more than any of the other locations.
— There are some newer tests and new information in the medial field that I feel like they aren’t up to date on.

Dr. Cunningham was delightful; warm and personable, she took the time she needed with me. She explained everything she was doing and recommending. I would recommend her to anyone.

I love this practice, everyone is so friendly and caring. I have been using them for almost 9 years now and I am very happy with the service they provide and all of the physicians, nurses and staff I have seen over the years have always treated me as a valued client. I normally see Dr. Cutting for my GYN care as I have not had any children yet but this group will be my first choice when I do!

I had an appointment with a doctor, but after the nurse was finished taking vitals i was asked if i would be willing to see a midwife instead. I’m really glad i did. Beckie the midwife was really great.

Incompetent or Deceitful. Take your pick. Or better yet, go to a different practice.
This office asked my wife to come in for a follow-​up exam, but when I told them we could not be at their office while they were open (because apparently 10 – 3 is a full work day for these people) they told me to go to a 3^rd party office to get the test done.
I asked if this would cost extra to go to such a place and they said no. Claiming there would be no extra fee.
Well they flat out lied. We just received a bill for $ 400 for a test that should have cost $ 70 at most.
The best part about this is that it has been weeks and we still have not heard one word form them about our results.
The people who work here are either completely inept or frauds. Either way I would recommend no one visit this office unless you enjoy being robbed.

Went for annual GYN checkups at two of their locations and had positive experiences with everyone I encountered (Dr. Andre at Kingstowne and NP Gann at North Arlington). I had no problem scheduling appointments over the phone, but really like the online scheduling option through their web portal, as making personal appointments over the phone from my daytime cubicle land is not ideal. I was even able to use the web portal’s email option to transfer a prescription between online pharmacies when I changed medical insurance, and their office had it done within 30 minutes. Really appreciate and recommend their service at any location.

Absolutely unprofessional. I came in for an annual pap and breast exam, which is covered 100% in my plan. The breast exam exam was never even performed and I was charged for the pap smear! I called in and was told they filed under the incorrect billing code… Yet wouldn’t even reimburse me or refile the claim. To top it off, I told the gynecologist about my pelvic pain and was completely written off. I went to another gynecologist and was diagnosed with both PCOS and endometriosis!

My old OB/​GYN was at Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) at GW Hospital. I understand that they are a teaching hospital, but I really did feel like I was a number. At MFA getting an appointment was a nightmare and I knew I would be waiting at least an hour after my appointment time before I saw my doctor.
At Physicians and Midwives I have received almost every care they offer. I began seeing them when 6 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, that pregnancy ended in a missed miscarriage. P & M was there for support and took care of me.
I continued to see them for wellness care. My routine check-​ups were all booked online. I like that I didn’t have to call and make appointments. I also like how the patient portal allows me to see the notes taken by the practice during my visits. All my appointments have been on a timely basis. I would be in and out of the office in under an hour. No long waits like I encountered at MFA.
They referred me to Shady Grove Fertility and continued to be my OB/​GYN team as I went through fertility treatment. My doctor at SGF spoke highly of my doctor at P & M. My doctors at P & M spoke highly of my doctor at SGF. I really liked that they had a good working relationship with each other. I am now 25 weeks pregnant. P & M referred me to a high-​risk doctor at INOVA Alexandria. Both my high risk doctors and team at P & M share thier information with each other. I feel like I am getting the best, most well-​rounded care I could receive.
I have already recommended Physicians and Midwives to two friends. Both made appointments and were very happy with the care they received. I wouldn’t have known about the practice had friends not referred me in the first place. I love this practice.

I have only been to the Kenmore Ave & Sherwood Hall/​Mt Vernon locations of this practice. Both offices are clean and I have never waited more than 10 minutes for an appointment. (It’s because they have good magazines in the waiting room)
I went here on the recommendation of a friend when I had female issue, I felt my GP couldn’t handle. I can not speak for OB part of the practice.
I have seen Dr. Mary Cutting for both of my issues and I have been satisfied both times. Dr. Cutting listened to my concerns, answered my questions and recommend the needed tests. I find her very professional & no nonsense which is what I want in a Gynecologist.
In addition, I had a procedure done with Dr.Ahdoot. I was freaking out a little bit when he saw me and listen to my concerns and talked me through the procedure. I felt much better after the appointment. All of the nurses at the office have been great.
It’s easy to make an appointment with ZocDoc and I really like their Patient portal. It’s nice to have all your test results and appointments in one place.
The parking and elevators at the Kenmore Ave office suck. (I have another doctor in that building). i recommend the earlier the better for appointments there.

I have never been pregnant, so I can’t speak to the OB aspect of this place, but I am a woman and have had my fair share of girly issues. I’ve always been very shy/​modest when it comes to gyn appointments, but this practice has made me feel more comfortable. I started going here a year ago, despite living in MD, because it is so easy to schedule an appointment – via ZocDoc or P&M has their own patient portal where you can schedule one. Their online portal is great to view test results, communicate with doctors/​nurses, etc.
Also, I like that you can get an appointment same day if you’re having issues (even on Saturday!) – there’s always some doctor or a nurse practitioner available and they have several different offices to choose from. I’ve seen quite a few doctors/​NPs myself, though Dr. Andre is my favorite. She did my surgery last year, so I especially trust her, and I haven’t had any issues since then. Nurse practitioner Katie is great as well.
I’ve visited three of their offices probably a dozen times now, and I have nothing bad to say, other than the parking situation does suck at the Kenmore office, so plan accordingly and arrive early.

I’m not going to waste too much time on how I feel this is one of the worst practices in the DMV. As others have said, AVOID them like the plague.
During my last visit there I spent 20 – 30 minutes waiting to see Dr. Cutting and when I finally saw her my interaction last 5 – 6 minutes at the most. I felt as though she didn’t want me to ask questions or discuss my overall health or what I should expect being as though I had just had a baby. I would only suggest this place if you need a appointment within the next week or so. Otherwise find you a good gynecologist who will take their time to discuss you health.

My review for Physician & Midwifes is based on several wellness exams I received over the past 2 years the last one a few weeks ago.
Although, as the other Unilocalers have comment on the practice offers pre natal and post natal services for women; nobody has spoken about the other medical services they offer like annual exams. I thought. I chime in about this.
The multiple locations and doctors (including midwives and nurse practitioners) who can provide basic medical examinations, tests and write prescriptions makes it extremely easy to find a date for an appointment that works with your schedule. I was able to have an annual exam on Saturday. I thought. It was huge plus that I did not have to take time off from work. Yes. You have to go through several voice mail prompts to make an appointment but to be fair to the practice this is probably the easiest way to maintain order (because yes as the other Unilocalers have comment on, it is large medical practice).
I don’t mind the multiple staff and like anything that is collaborative you have some good and well not so good people who are part of it.
The practice does their best if you’re a patient who just needs some basic to keep you with the same doctor (just ask).
I haven’t had any really problems with the doctor I have seen at this practice Dr. Ahdoot. However I do understand why people might be a little put off. It is apparent that when I see the doctor he only has minutes to spend with me and he (and the practice) relies on their support staff like the nurse practitioners to get none life threating exams and procedures done.
I have actually «enjoyed» my medical appointments with the nurses more than the doctor I find they have a little more time to spend with you. Tip, if you want more of a conversation when you make an appointment for other than pregnancy stuff let them know you’re comfortable with having a nurse practitioners (who can write prescriptions along with the Doctors) and/​or a midwife (they don’t just help with the delivery of babies). Nurses and the midwives jobs in many ways is to make someone comfortable and ease anxiety whereas the doctors (the way I see it) are your skilled technicians.

This is the worst OBGYN I have ever been to. Dr. Samrawit Berhanu would not listen to anything I was saying. It was like she was just repeating something off a script. She also was trying to sell me on things that I really didn’t need. Like a salesman, she was such a fast talker that I ended up just saying ok to a few things. Once I left I had no idea why I agreed to it and once I got the 1,000+ dollar bill in the mail I was just livid. It was really such an unbelievable experience and not in a good way. Leaving in shock and a little bit of confusion is not the way you want to leave an OBGYN. So my recommendation is stay away from this place.

I saw Christina Fleming today and left feeling like I’ve finally found the doctor that I can brag about. She was incredibly attentive, non-​judgemental, answered my questions with as much detail as necessary, and made me feel very comfortable (which is hard to do at the gyno.)
Too often I go to doctors who are in a hurry and don’t stop to really hear what I am saying. Christina restored my faith in good bedside manner. Highly recommended.

Lets start with the Good:
The offices are clean and the front office staff are nice most of the time. I picked this office because they had in office sonography and I wanted to deliver at Alexandria Hospital.
My second visit at the office was with Courtney M and she was wonderful. She was very comforting, warm, friendly and informative. She explained what would be happening in my first trimester and if I had any questions to call the office. I will be seeing her again
Bad:
The advice Nurses do not return your call in a timely Manor, Some of the Doctors and Midwives are so insensitive to your needs or concerns.
Dr. Berhanu she is very friendly but there is a major disconnect. I am a very detailed patient so that you may diagnose me correctly and she acts as if she doesn’t want to hear what you have to say. She keeps the appointments very short. My first visit to this office I saw her. I was coming in for a preconception appointment. I was told that these appointments are very informative and lets you know what you need to do to prepare yourself to carry a child esp if you have issues such as me. I left with nothing but a pap smear. I explained that my husband and I had already been ttc for a year as instructed by my surgeon and THIS LADY tells me to try another year and sent me on my way. As we walked out the office I told me husband I did not like her and do not want to see her when we did get pregnant
For on of my prenatal visits I ended up with her and believe me I was HOT. She came is very friendly again but still very short. She made a comment about us ending up pregnant and not needing help. When I explained to her what test we had to get us where were she looked at me and said «oh thats nothing». I very was offended that she called my issue minor basically. after that comment she asked me how I was feeling, we listen to the heartbeat and sent me on my way. I was entering in to my 2^nd trimester and not once did she try to go over different things I would experience throughout this trimester. I left feeling incomplete and was very unhappy.
For my most recent visit I saw NURSE HALDEMAN. I will never go back to her. She had great intentions but was very pushy, bossy and slightly rude. She did give me more information than Dr. Berhanu but I just wasn’t comfortable. The last thing she said to me took me to the end with her. I mentioned to the front desk that I misplaced my pregnancy passport book. As Nurse Haldeman was walking out of my room she asked me did I still need a book, I looked over to my mother to make sure I didnt leave it at her house before I said YES to her and she cut me off in the middle and told me I needed to look harder for my book because they are not cheap. I can not remember but I hope I gave her the look of terror because that was really rude.
Now Im back to dealing her Dr. Berhanu with my FMLA paper. She is being lazy and is not reading the paper to fill them out. So I have been going back and fourth with a 3^rd party because the DR just want pick up the phone and call me with questions. UGH

At one time I would have given them 5 stars but sadly I have to give them a terrible rating after my most recent dealings. I was a long time patient of Dr Madjors, she was kind and gave you ample time at your visits. Then she went on maternity leave… and I then saw Dr Andre. Waited in the room for 1 hr, nurses aide was rude came in 3 times without knocking (I was just in my gown), asked me rude questions and clearly didn’t consult my chart beforehand. Dr Andre was brief and not so friendly.
The most upsetting part is I had some further testing at an outside facility and she sent my the results via patient portal. They were not good!!! Life changing! !!! Something a dr should discuss with you in person or at least over the phone.
In addition I have to go to a specialist and requested my medical records over a month ago and can’t seem to get them. And when I called the lady was so rude! I’m done with that place!

Recent experiences for me rate as a 1, while earlier experiences were closer to a 3, so settled on a 2.
I started using this practice when I first moved to the DC area in the fall of 2009.
Pros: The practice is large, which helps with convenience. You can choose from multiple offices and multiple docs, and appointments are easy to schedule online via ZocDoc. My visits were always fine, nothing really to speak of. I saw Dr. Melanie Modjoros, who only does gynecology, not OB. I wouldn’t describe her as warm, but she was friendly enough, and definitely made an effort to address any concerns I had. Wait times for me were never excruciating, perhaps in the ballpark of 15 – 25 minutes max. I had only one billing issue that was quickly remedied.
Cons: The size of the practice has some downfalls as well. There was always a sense of distance between me and the provider, which I did not realize was so great until I visited another practice this week. When you call with questions for a nurse, you do not get a person, just a message line. I never had a problem with them calling me back same day, but there were times that I missed the call since I’d be at work or doing whatever, and then I’d just have to call back again and leave another message. This could turn into an endless cycle.
That sense of distance increased when I continued with them for my pregnancy and delivery. Because you never know who will be on call when you deliver, they encourage you to see as many docs and midwives as possible during your pregnancy. I tried to do this, but it meant that every time I had an appointment, I had to recount my history, even though they had my charts. I never felt like my questions and concerns were addressed by someone who really knew my personal situation, and occasionally, docs and midwives would contradict one another from one appointment to another.
Bedside manner is definitely hit or miss, and at one point, I had some bad news delivered to me in an extremely blunt manner. I looked past it and continued with this practice, but looking back, I wish I’d cut my losses at this point.
Office aesthetics (@ Kenmore) are also blah. A minor point, but again, now that I’ve seen what it could be (at another practice) I’m inclined to say that appearances DO matter. I think it might affect attitudes some, too, which can definitely make or break an experience.
The final draw for me was the delivery experience. While I’d been trying to convince myself that I did not care who was on duty when I delivered, that by that point I’d know them all. Unfortunately, I delivered early at 24 weeks. I didn’t know either the doctor OR the midwife on. I’d called them first at 6pm that night, by 9pm they told me to come in, I arrived at 10pm, but NEITHER came to see my until two hours later, around midnight. I delivered about 40 minutes later (with the OB telling me sternly not to push). If either had come to check on me, the next several months of my life might have been a little different. The OB, I understand, may not have even known I was there, but I’d personally spoken to the midwife. Also, when the doctor finally arrived to see me, she was anything but soothing or calm.
After my delivery, the OB came to see me once in the hospital, only a few hours later, and then I never heard from them again. I had to wait nearly 2 months for test results related to my premature delivery that they told me would take only a couple weeks, and I only got those after calling on a regular basis. No one ever followed up to find out how I or the baby was doing. After spending 5 months in the NICU, I learned from other moms that their doctors called personally to check on their well-​being. This confirmed for me that I was merely a number at this practice, and I do not think they cared much whether I stuck around.
Also, because they only deliver at Alexandria, and I will now be considered high-​risk, I would prefer to deliver at a hospital with a Level IV NICU.
In short, in anticipation of my next pregnancy, I’ve already switched practices.