Associated Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology

I really like my doctor, Dr. Kelly Martin. If this review was just on her, I’d give her 5 stars. I’m giving three because the reception team (really, it’s just the lead receptionist) and a medical assistant have more off days than not. Because of their inconsistent performance, self-​advocacy is important at this clinic. Yesterday I had to take my 1-​hour glucose test, where a timed blood draw is really important. The medical assistant that helped me that day didn’t tell the lab about it, nor did she tell me I had a small window where I needed my blood drawn. It’s a good thing I did research in advance, and I kept an eye on the clock, b/​c I was the one who made sure I got my blood drawn in time. When the medical assistant realized she made a mistake she said to me, «Good thing you’re on top of things.» Really? She’s the one who should be on top of things. I made the blood draw within minutes of the window.
There have been at least two scheduling mishaps, but fortunately I was «on top of things» that I caught the mistake of the receptionists. (I think it was the lead receptionist that made both mistakes.) The lead receptionist has also spoken disrespectfully about and to her colleagues in front of me. I found that to be unprofessional.
The inconsistency and unprofessionalism aside, I really do like Dr. Martin. She’s smart, kind, and very patient with my questions. One of their phlebotomists is absolutely the best I’ve ever met. Unfortunately, I don’t remember her name, but she is great.
I would recommend this OB practice, but caution patients to be «on top of things,» because self-​advocacy is absolutely necessary.

I love the doctor and nurses but the ultrasound tech made me want to punch somebody. The first ultrasound we were so excited. She barked at my husband for turning his camera on. We both cringed and apologized but explained that we were trying to share the experience with our out of state family. She was rude, did not like questions and was short and almost condescending. Being pregnant I don’t trust my emotions, but my eyes welled up with tears after we were treated with firm and almost hostile commands and like she was too bored or annoyed to deal with us. I DO trust my husband’s emotions though. He is an easy going guy that also works in healthcare. He was appalled at her lack of bedside manner. She seemed annoyed that people actually got excited about this. I asked her if she liked her job, she said yes, but her face was devoid of any happy emotion.
After that bad experience we seriously considered switching offices. We had our 12 week ultrasound at a different high risk facility to check for abnormalities. The tech was friendly, engaging, kind and personable. I grateful at how nice he was, and how he answered our eager questions and made us feel like we mattered. Not the other lady!
I decided to not be hasty and leave this office, since I liked my doctor, and I just prayed the first (grumpy) us tech wouldn’t be the tech on our 20 week appt. Unfortunately, she was, and she was just as cheerful (not).
She greeted us cooly but personably enough and I had hope it had just been an off day before. When I again explained we were very excited about this, she said she was a good tour guide, but once we got started, she was annoyed by any questions, even refusing to answer simple ones, or bark, «The doctor will have to answer that.» She pointed out the bare minimum about the baby, repeating her monotone speech about what was what, and acting irritated if we date interrupt her monologue. When she zoomed in on the brain I asked her what specifically they looked for, and I got that snide reply, «You’d need a 4 year degree to understand the answer to that.» Puh-​leez.
We are both intelligent people who have healthcare background, a simple answer would suffice. I am angry this woman continues to ruin special moments for couples like us when she would be far better suited doing ultrasounds at a clinic that did not specialize in babies!
On the flip side, Dr. Kovacs seems kind, caring and articulate, (If short on time, which might just modern medicine) but I always remember what I was going to ask her after she breezes out the door, even when I write it down! Appointment usually lasts 10 minutes. Even so she seems bright, intelligent and friendly. We gave it another try for her, but I wish they would hire staff that enjoy their job. I am not cattle, this is my first baby, take a moment, tell me something about my little one with a smidgen of warmth and SMILE for gosh sakes. Thank you to the nurses that have been kind, I know you’re busy, but taking a minute to answer questions means a LOT to a first time mom! Thank you to the triage nurse for always calling back within an hour or two. Dealing with seemingly endless nausea for almost 5 months that was barely controlled by meds put me on a first name basis with her.

I saw Dr. Hamer here 1 time, due to a very painful women’s medical issue that I was unexpectedly facing. I saw my general doc originally, who then said I had to see a specialist.
While the initial visit was «okay,» I can’t get over how cold the nursing staff was. Every question I asked, they’d hand me a cheesy pamphlet. If I wanted to read pamphlets, I’d do research online. How about treat me like a human being who is sitting in front of you, in terrible pain, and answer my questions?! After all, isn’t that what my insurance and I are paying for?!
Dr. Hamer did take quite a bit of time with me during the initial visit and seemed compassionate. If it were for different nursing staff and response after the initial visit, maybe they would have earned my trust as a repeat patient. Alas, it’s not the case.
I was told to call back if my pain was not better in 2 weeks. Well, it’s now 3 weeks and my pain is not better and my pain medication has run out. I called today to try to get a refill and give them a status update, as THEY requested that I do.
I was belittled by the nurse on the phone, who seemed like she was trying to convince me I wasn’t in pain. She made light of my condition and didn’t seem to take me seriously at all. I told her that I would like a refill, and she refused to give me one. Instead of asking me to come back in for a follow up appointment, she told me to go to the E.R. Seriously, what kind of answer is that?!
Time to find a new doctor’s office with medical professionals that actually care about their patients. Never again.

I loved coming here for for my prenaral. Very friendly service at front desk and wonderful doctors. But the best is Dr. Kovacs, she was my doctor at every visit and during delivery. I thank her for giving me opportunity to feel like an important patient. She’s very kind, and I recommend her to everybody.

Love Dr Martin! She is the best. She is someone you can talk to about anything. She is friendly and the most sweetest doctor you’ll ever meet! I’ve been her patient since 08 thru all my pregnancy! And would not change to any other.

I have been a patient here since we relocated from the East Coast to Renton, Wa. I have seen Dr. Kovacs primarily for my yearly visit and for all my prenatal. She is amazing! She has a wonderful personality, truly listens to all of your concerns, no matter how ‘silly’ you feel they are when you ask. She will always take the time to sit and talk.
My son had a marginal cord and was a flipper so I needed a c-​section, and it was performed by Dr. Kovacs and Dr. Smith. They made it a very relaxed and wonderful experience. I was out of the hospital in 2 days!
I have always been greeted with a smile by everyone there! The front desk staff are extremely polite. The nursing staff are as well.
I highly recommend this practice to everyone I have talked to. I can’t talk enough about this wonderful practice.

This clinic is great! I see Dr. Kovacs and she is awesome, she’s really does a great job answering my questions about my first pregnancy and easing the overwhelming feeling I have. The front desk staff is always so warm and inviting whenever I’m there. Such a great team of ladies!

Okay – we all know that this isn’t always an enjoyable appointment, we as women like to have. But Dr. Channell makes you feel very comfortable. She is great and knows what she is doing. Only downfall is NOT her, but the scheduling. They do not «open» their books 1 year out to make scheduling convenient for patients. Also, I pick certain times of the day to go, so that I don’t have to wait too long (1^st am or 1^st after lunch). Even with these comments and having moved far from the office, I will always come back to see Dr. Channell in particular.

I had the worst ultrasound experience imaginable here, I couldn’t have felt more uncomfortable and disgusted with the lack of professionalism and genuine appreciation of the nature of caring for a newly pregnant woman. From the moment I set foot in this office, no one smiled once not even a slight smile and had no rapport with the patients coming in for prenatal care. Long story short, the baby was still small and could not see a heartbeat during the appointment which worried me already, the tech doing the ultrasound no joke says «well it looks like something is in there but I don’t know what it is!» I then ask her to confirm that I am indeed pregnant and everything is in the right place otherwise, she replies, «I don’t know you might be.» Quickly ended the appointment with no other describing of what she was seeing on the ultrasound or comforting words or counsel. Are you kidding me? Who says that to someone pregnant and excited about their second child coming into the world. I will be choosing a different office for my prenatal care after their extreme lack of knowledge and care for getting their patients an empathetic response and accurate and well articulated information.

I love this clinic, and the doctors here. I’ve been coming here since around 2008, and I’ve never been unhappy.
Dr. Oxford is my doctor, and I feel so at ease with her. She delivered my first baby, and hopefully she can deliver my son within the next couple weeks. She even gave us a onesie special for our little girl. She’s gone above and beyone the call of duty for me and I really mean that. This woman deserves flowers everyday!
Anytime I need this office, I’m seen– whether it be by her or another of the docs there. I love them all.
And April– the phlebotomist, is class A. I’ve never felt the needle. She’s awesome. I love the front office staff, the MA’s are kind and friendly. Overall, they deserve praise and thanks from all of their patients. If I have to wait a little while to be taken back to a room, it’s worth it as I trust them and know I’m in good hands. That’s worth it to me and I’ll never go to another OBGYN.

I absolutely adore Dr. Kovacs. She is a gem and was truly the light at the end of the fertility tunnel for me. After several years of trying to get pregnant, I finally did so with the help of Seattle Reproductive Medicine. Once confirmed that yes, I was in fact pregnant, I was left with the task of finding an OB. Man am I glad I came across her. She is kind, informative, and always showed me respect. She trusted (and listened) to by instincts and valued me as not only a patient, but as an active participant in my care. I owe the life of my beautiful daughter to her. What a wonderful, caring woman. I am so thankful to call her my doctor.

I see Dr. Channell, and first I should state that I think she is extremely competent and nice. She’s a great doctor. As far as I can tell, the other doctors with the practice are also excellent.
However, there is more to an OB/​GYN office than the quality of its doctors. The office asks you to check in 15 minutes before your appointment. However, typically you will wait about 30 minutes AFTER your appointment to actually see the doctor, for a total wait time of 45 minutes. I find it absurd that they ask you to come 15 minutes early and then wait for nearly an hour. Wait times can be shorter on occasion, but can also be much longer. On one visit, I waited nearly two hours. I nearly walked out and was practically in tears from frustration by the time I saw the doctor. (I was early in pregnancy and feeling ill, among other things.)
It is one thing to wait for a doctor’s appointment; it’s another to wait to push out your baby. With my first baby, I had an epidural, and the nurse was telling me to push out the baby. She called the doctor on-​call, who turned out to be busy with another patient. I ended up having to wait an HOUR to push my baby out. I sincerely hope that this is not common, but if it happened to me, it’s happened to other women as well.
These doctors practice at Valley Medical. I have had overall a good experience at this hospital, but I think it is generally overcrowded. In addition to have to wait for the doctor herself as mentioned above, I did not get a room until I was 8 cm. My husband and I felt they were also in a hurry to have us leave 36 hours later due to needing the room for other patients. I have read that they recently lost a percentage of their OB/​GYN business to Auburn, so hopefully the crowding problem has been alleviated somewhat.
I’m not sure if long waits and crowding are the norm for all OB/​GYN practices or not. I certainly have not had this experience with my dentist, pediatrician, or GP, but I know there are more uncertainties in the OB/​GYN business. Nevertheless, consider trying another practice this kind of thing pisses you off.
I will finish off with one more positive, though; the woman who does the blood draws is very skilled.

I have been going here for years, my first Dr retired and then was assigned the new person– which was fine; just needed the basics but then she left for maternity leave and decided not to come back. So strange. Then I got assigned the next new Dr, Dr. Hott and she is just lovely and amazing and I am so grateful for her. I wouldn’t be pregnant if it weren’t for her. I really believe that.
Some of the reviews discuss the turn over and I agree, it’s not cool.
This is a large office, like 6 Drs, they handle alot of people in one day, Just sit and wait for your appt and you’ll see that there is alot of traffic. Everyone who I have dealt with (in the past year) has been friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Even dealing with billing, very helpful and attentive.
I like this place and am happy to get my pre-​natal care here. From the day I got a positive on my HPT they always returned voicemails same day and always provided very attentive care, even when I just had a question or concern.
The girl who will draw your blood is a true professional, you won’t even feel the needle and that alone is worth the visit. Nothing worse then a newbie who keeps poking you…

I started using Associated Valley OBGyn on the recommendation of a coworker in 2003. At that time — the care was great. (Dr. Duncan) However, that doctor left the practice in 2009-​ish.
I received care from another doctor in the practice (Dr. Hanlon — okay, but not a comfortable fit) and she retired in 2012-​ish.
I had one visit for family planning in spring 2013 with Dr. Oxford and was unimpressed and disappointed after all of the positive reviews for her that I found online. She did not introduce herself before coming in to do the pap smear, which I found extremely unprofessional. She had her nurse do most of the talking and was in and out within minutes on a first time visit. Most of our communication involved her confirming my demographic and medical history that she received from my two previous doctors. I ended up doing more of the family planning talk with the nurse than the doctor. I was fine continuing care with them at that point because it was convenient, but admittedly mediocre care.
That changed in September 2013 when I had a miscarriage. My overall experience with their office was terrible. On the positive side: their answering service in the middle of the night was great and they were able to get me in within hours of opening for an ultrasound. From there — the care fell apart.
When I needed to return for follow up HCG test to confirm that I did indeed have a miscarriage they took 2 days to get me the results they told me I would have within 4 hours. Agonizing. When I called after 24 hours I got a very short response that ‘I needed to be patient’. Excuse me? I was told I would get results in 4 hours — an entire day later and I’m getting attitude when I just want to know if I still have a baby or not?! The next day a very nice (and very apologetic!) nurse called me to confirm that I had indeed had a miscarriage and she wasn’t sure why the results had been so delayed in coming to me.
From there I had to have another test to confirm that all of the HCG was out of my system — not a big deal. When I went to check in for the appointment I started to explain that it was just a blood draw and not an actual doctor’s appointment when the receptionist cut me off and said ‘I know. I heard all about it.’ Umm. Great. I’m glad that this source of extreme pain for me was yesterday’s office gossip. Don’t HIPPA laws apply here or maybe general politeness?
From there I was taken back by a very friendly nurse that I asked a simple question: When I received the ultra sound showing my baby that I was losing: was the age given in actual weeks or the plus 2 weeks because the tech spoke of both? The nurse told me she would have to pull my chart and check. I found that to be an acceptable answer.
As we were walking down the hallway so was Dr. Oxford. She made eye contact with me then literally turned her back & faced the wall then made a show of looking at a chart in her hand when she had been walking down the hall before. Really? She had to approve all the tests I was having. She knew exactly who I was and why I was there. Would it have been so hard to tell me that she was sorry that things weren’t going well and that if I had any questions I should make an appointment to talk about what happens during /​after a miscarriage?
When I came out of the phlebotomist’s room ((Their biggest asset is the lady they have doing blood work — she is quick, friendly and pain free.)) I was expecting to see the friendly nurse that I had asked my question. Instead, I had to go to their nurse’s station where all of the nurses were huddled together talking. When I explained I was looking for Nurse Friendly to answer a quick question the head nurse pulled me into what looked like a storage room and proceeded to tell me how they measure age of fetuses. When I tried to explain that I understood, but that the ultra sound tech had mentioned both actual age and plus 2 week age, but did not confirm. Head nurse started in again on how ‘I didn’t understand the way they do things.’. I was so frustrated and upset (and hormonal!) that I just burst out crying. What should have been a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ became a very awkward, drawn out, semi-​confrontational situation. I ended up walking out of the office crying — to the surprise & confusion of my husband.
At that point I knew I would not be continuing care with their office. The total lack of empathy AND the fact that they just did not listen. The worst was yet to come: I received three follow up reminders for my «pregnancy» to make my appointments and scheduled ultrasounds in the months after. It was agony every time to get that call and be asked how my «pregnancy» was going. After the miscarriage I was assured all follow up appointments for the pregnancy were cancelled — I guess they were too busy.
I would not /​could not recommend them. In my opinion the level of their care has significantly decreased in the last 10 years.

This place is great! The staff of women are very professional and friendly. I have always felt comfortable there. I have been a patient there for about 7 years. Thankful to have this place fairly close to where I live.

I was referred to Dr. Oxford by my cousin for my prenatal care and I am so thankful for her referral. Dr. Oxford herself is an amazingly caring, patient and thorough doctor. She is personable, very knowledgeable and easy to trust. I have recommended her to many of my pregnant friends. Overall, I truly feel the office deserves five stars because they are efficient, warm and friendly and even funny at times. I was always greeted with a smile and they knew my name when I walked in the door. (I know another review says otherwise and I strongly disagree). The financial office has also been incredibly helpful as I had some mix ups with my insurance upon delivery of my son. I HIGHLY recommend them for OBGYN care!

I read the reviews… trusted them. thought I’d be very happy with my first and even second visit. But, honestly, if it wasn’t for my actual doctor, Dr. Webb, I would give this place 1 star. My comparison point is Northwest Women’s Health Care where I received my prenatal care.
— Walk in, get a «hi, what’s your name?» But, where’s the smile? NO SMILE? Geezus christ, I’m here to get prenatal care and maybe other women are there for other things a lot more serious– we should get a smile.
— After you get all signed in, registered, what not, you begin your «care” — which means you go pee in a cup and wait outside to be called in.
— The first time, a nurse came to get me, didn’t SMILE, didn’t give me a god damn HI, and gave my 16 month old (pretty darn cute and well behaved son who with my husband) a dirty look like «oh, another child».
Well, fine, maybe you ALL had a bad day in this office. I’ll let it slide.
Second visit:
— Walk in, a cold Hi, what’s your name? — then you get all signed in and wait.
— A nurses aid/​tech whatever comes out with the same shitty attitude and tells you to get on the scale and tells you to to room x.
— No hint of niceness, no gleam of «maybe, I sorta would like to care for you»
I get it, we’re all busy, we’re all cranky, but this office is full of the crabbiest women I’ve seen in my life. The morale of the office feels is horrendous! Obviously, you all hate each other or you all have synched menstrual flows.
This place gets 1 star because the lady drawing my blood was pretty friendly– divorced and such but was conversational and made me feel like I wasn’t the cause of her perpetual PMS. The other star was because my OBGYN actually seemed like a warm, loving kind of woman.
I’m angry, I’m not impressed at the least bit.
Look, if it hurts your soul so much to work in a place that provides health services for women issues– sorry if my pregnancy and any other women’s pregnancy is a thorn in your life– GO WORK SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!
We work for our insurance, we are paying you, we are not getting your services for FREE at the least bit. We are not THOSE customers heckling you, walking in with an attitude, throwing a fussy, ill behaved child in your faces, ruining your office, etc.
Being professional doesn’t mean being cold hearted. Being professional doesn’t mean being crabby, either.
At the least, I was a genuine… ok maybe that’s asking for too much. PRETEND SMILE, and you know what, all you all in the office– crack a smile, PRETEND like you WANT to be there, PLEASE. It’s disheartening and makes me want to vomit when I have upcoming appointments there. I feel I need to walk in like a major b**** just so I can fit in with the atmosphere.
There are many people who would want your job and actually enjoy it, so save your souls and quit so you can save my soul and my unborn child’s soul from such negativity.
BLAH.

Again, Unilocal didn’t fail me! I was so clueless in trying to find a good oby/​gyn doctor and despite that there was only a few reviews on here, it was spot on & I could not be happier in picking them!
From the moment I enter, I was greeted by warm genuine smiles from the staff & seemingly genuine care from start to finish.
The clinic has all women doctors and is located at the 4^th floor of the Talbot Professional Center (Building right beside the Hospital) It didn’t look very fancy when you walk in the waiting room, just some chairs and benches. Didn’t see any coffee, tea or water on the waiting area. just simplicity which is fine with me.
I was nervous at first but Dr. Aspen Copeland is a gem and made me at ease! She is wonderful & was very patient (i didn’t feel rushed at all), answered all my questions and listened to my concerns. I haven’t felt genuine care like that from a doctor in a long time. I’ve already recommended 2 people to go see her! But honestly, I don’t think you can make a mistake with any doctor in this clinic, from my interactions from most of the staff from receptionist to even April the nurse who drew my blood who was so personable and caring to make sure I didn’t bruise.
* I don’t know if I even want to write up a review for this place, in fear that it’ll get too hard to get an appt if everyone found out! lol! But, Unilocal needs more reviews on the MEDICAL side of things so I’m willing to help everyone else find the best possible care that fits them!
I hope this place doesn’t change… now if only I can find enough reviews to find a good Family practice doctor close to home… lol…yelpers start writing!

I was nervous about finding a new vaginacologist. I’m kinda picky when it comes to that department. But I walked into this place and was greeted by the friendliest staff. So I made an appointment.
Then my husband and I made a human, so I changed my appointment to a new pregnancy one. I ended up with Dr. Hanlon. She was the first available. So I went with her. She was super. She has a great bedside manner, answered all of my questions, and even laughed with me. When testing was suggested, she never forced it. She went into great detail as to the pros and cons. I trust her totally.
The nurses get back to you promptly if you leave a message. They are thorough and listen. The phlebotomist is great at her job. I haven’t bruised yet, and as a pregnant lady, you get blood drawn a lot.
I’m proud to call them my Vaginacologist.

I have been going to this office for 12 years now and would never change. The office staff is wonderful and
The doctors are amazing! I have had two children since coming here and both times the prenatal care is by far the best.