CIA Clinic, San Francisco

I couldn't seem to find a specific thread for this topic, so...

I’m a regular patient of theirs—specifically Dr. Šparac.👍

I’d really appreciate hearing about your own experiences and anything else you might be willing to share.

👋

Ashley Bishop72 said:I couldn't seem to find a specific thread for this, so I thought I would just start one here...

I tend to visit them quite regularly—Dr. Šparac👍

I suppose I am curious to hear about everyone else's experiences and such.

👋

I have seen Poljak a few times, though mostly because my company covers my private insurance; otherwise, I probably wouldn't be willing to pay those kinds of fees just for a routine checkup.🙄

I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews about Dr. Šparac, so I actually decided to book an appointment with him once... and honestly, I really regretted it. It just goes to show that having a high reputation doesn't necessarily mean you're seeing the best doctor out there...👎 Even though I walked in and clearly explained all my symptoms—all the signs of an infection—and made sure he knew I was planning to get pregnant soon, he didn't even suggest getting routine screenings done beforehand. After months of dealing with constant pain and discomfort, I finally went ahead and requested those swabs myself, staying with the CIA clinic... When he saw how bad the results actually were, he just sat there in silence and then prescribed me a treatment that didn't even address the problem. A few months down the road, I ended up seeking help from an infectious disease specialist, and they were actually able to get me healthy again.
I’ve never quite understood why he was so dismissive, especially since I’m paying for these private consultations and tests out of my own pocket rather than through insurance... Most people seem to think he's the absolute greatest, but I guess I just wasn't one of the lucky ones...🙄

Hey, can anyone point me toward a decent gynecologist in San Francisco? My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over a year now, and honestly, I’m starting to get pretty anxious about it. I figured it was probably time to start running some tests this September... I was originally thinking about heading over to Cito, but after reading through some of your experiences here... man, now I’m just totally lost on where to go! 😕

Ashley Bishop72 said:I couldn't find a specific thread for this, so...

I see them quite regularly—Dr. Šparac👍

I'm curious to hear about everyone else's experiences.

👋

Šparac performed my surgery back in Washington, D.C... he’s an exceptional physician—frankly, I was devastated when he moved to San Francisco. I'm even considering driving all the way from D.C. just to handle my annual checkups privately at the CIA.

In any case, my experience has been nothing short of excellent.👍

coppersailor16 said:Can anyone recommend a good gynecologist in San Francisco? My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over a year now and I’m honestly starting to get anxious—so I'm planning to start running tests in September... I was thinking about going to the CIA, but after reading all your experiences... now I have no clue where to go! 😕

Are you thinking of going private or sticking with public health insurance?
I can give you a recommendation for my current OB/GYN (Dr. Divić). I'm actually pregnant right now and am really happy with her—plus a few family friends have gone to her too and they were just as satisfied... she also suggested someone else for an ultrasound while she was on vacation, just to keep our minds at ease since there was a long gap between appointments, but normally she does an ultrasound during every visit and explains everything you want to know... her nurse is great too, no issues at all if you need a referral or a prescription.

As for the CIA, I don't know much about the full roster of gynecologists there... I saw Sparac for a 3D ultrasound, though it wasn't a full exam, because he was covering for my regular doctor who was on vacation. I don't have anything bad to say about him—he covered everything needed via the ultrasound, was pretty thorough, and answered all our questions... I left feeling pretty satisfied.

Michelle Thomas38 said:Are you thinking about going private, or is the public clinic an option too?
I could totally give you a recommendation for my OBGYN (Dr. Divić)—she’s actually handling my pregnancy right now and I’m honestly really happy with her. A few people in my family have seen her too, and they’ve all had great experiences... she even suggested someone else we could go to for an ultrasound while she was on vacation, just so we wouldn't be stressed since there was a bit of a gap between appointments. Usually, she does an ultrasound during every visit anyway and explains everything you want to know... plus, her nurse is awesome, so if you ever need a referral or a prescription, it’s no big deal at all.

As for the CIA, I don't really know which doctors are working over there... I did see Sparac once for a 3D ultrasound—it wasn't a full exam, just because my regular doctor was away on vacation—but I can't say anything bad about him. He checked everything he needed to through the ultrasound, went pretty deep into the details, and answered all our questions... I walked out feeling pretty good about it.

Does Dr. Divić take new patients, and where exactly is her office in San Francisco? It’s kind of a big deal to me that I won't be stuck waiting forever for an appointment... oh, and one more thing, does she happen to work on Saturdays?

coppersailor16 said:Does Dr. Divić take new patients? And where exactly is her office in San Francisco? I really don't want to be stuck on some massive waiting list... Also, does she happen to work on Saturdays?

I think she’s still accepting new patients—there was a sign on the door about it... Her office is right across from the local community clinic, I believe it's at 4 Liberty Square, upstairs (it's right next to the pediatric center)
As for wait times, I honestly have no clue. Your best bet is to just call or swing by in person to set something up. Just stay away on Mondays if you can, because it always gets pretty crowded then... and I'm pretty sure she doesn't work Saturdays

Does anyone know a good gynecologistICU in San Francisco? Looking for a private practice.

Regarding Dr. Divić, I have nothing but negative things to say. Based on certain actions, it appears she lacks basic competence in her field.
A friend was recently given emergency contraception by her, and she was instructed to take 12 pills within a 12-hour window!!! After my friend noticed her period was late, she went to the Cito clinic (specifically seeing Dr. Sparac) for an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy was developing. However, due to the hormonal imbalance caused by those pills, the fetus failed to develop and there was no heartbeat. She ultimately had to undergo a D&C.
If a woman had done this to me, she wouldn't be fit for employment, let alone capable of supporting herself.
I managed my first pregnancy with Dr. Poljak. He is fast and efficient—in my opinion, one of the best gynecologists in the city.
I will be seeing Dr. Mimice for my current pregnancy. My appointment is in two weeks, and I will provide an update then.

I honestly can't say enough good things about Šparac—he’s a truly fantastic gynecologist, and if I remember correctly, he’s actually specialized in fertility treatments. I think I heard that mentioned somewhere.
He performs quite a few surgical procedures, and from what I understand, he still travels over to Washington, D.C. quite often—though I couldn't tell you if that's once, twice, or three times a month. 🤷

So, has anyone been in for an appointment with Dr. Šparac lately? I’m just wondering about the whole "what do I wear" situation. Like, what kind of gear do they give you for the exam? Do they hand over a disposable gown, maybe a little skirt or something? If not, where do you actually change compared to where the exam table is? Do you just stay in your regular clothes?

Also, quick question about the setup—is there just one monitor facing the doctor, or is there a second screen behind us too?

And one more thing... since I'm pregnant, can my husband come into the exam room with me?

Dana Wilson said:Has anyone been to see Dr. Šparac recently? I'm curious about what kind of "exam gear" they provide. Like, do you get a disposable gown, a skirt, or anything like that? If not, where do you change compared to the exam table? What do people usually wear during the appointment?

Also, is there just one monitor, or is there also one facing us from behind?

And can my husband come into the exam room with me? (I'm pregnant)

1. You get a disposable skirt for the exam.
2. There's a private area in the office for changing.
3. There's just one screen, but it's angled toward you so you can see everything.
4. Yes, he can.

Sara, thanks a million! 😉

I suppose I should weigh in here and confirm that I'm seeing the exact same thing. 🙂

Sweet..
so, what’s the deal with pregnancy checkup prices?
Like, how much does a standard one run versus a 3D scan.. and do you think they'd be cool about just flipping on the 3D for a few minutes during a regular visit without charging an extra fee?
Also, I know those swabs at private clinics can get pretty pricey.. anyone have a clue what the rates are looking like? Maybe just for the strep test?

thanx 😉

I'm not entirely certain, but I think it was a prenatal ultrasound $100, I am
the last one to go through the combined screening and checkup, which took place in $200.
As for your other questions, I honestly don't have the answers....

thanx 😉