Howard McClamrock
Shady Grove Fertility
Available Lines of Communication
Doctor email
Nurse email
Nurse email
Direct line to nurse
Not available by personal cell phone
Medical SchoolU. of North Carolina
ResidencyU. of Maryland
FellowshipU. of Maryland
Baltimore
720 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
443.825.3340
Glen Burnie
203 Hospital Drive
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 328-2304
7 assessments
2
3
Age
39
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
4 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
—
2
3
There wasn’t much rationale [from Dr. Howard McClamrock]. I was just told what to do. I did 3 IUI cycles. One with clomid, one with femara, one with injectables. I requested using injectables...He is clearly well-read and knowledgeable. He is competent. He is not at all warm or personal/personable. There were several ultrasounds when he said absolutely nothing to me. I didn’t feel he was invested in my success. He made a few comments like “it’s no big deal” or “it doesn’t matter”. Those are hurtful because it matters tremendously to me. He didn’t offer any real insight into why we weren’t successful and he didn’t recommend altering our plan. If he spent 5 minutes explaining what he recommended changing and how it might improve our likelihood of success I would have continued treatments. While he may be knowledgeable, his lack of communication and interpersonal skills (and I don’t expect warm and fuzzy) was what made me leave that clinic.
The initial consult [at Shady Grove Fertility] was about $250. The labs associated with that consult were about $300. Each iui cycle was $1500...Nice facility. Convenient location. Efficient check in/check out. Had to pay $6 for parking at each visit - every lab draw or US! Weekend procedures were performed at a different office, which was annoying. And each iui was performed by a different physician...There wasn’t much rationale. I was just told what to do. I did 3 IUI cycles. One with clomid, one with femara, one with injectables. I requested using injectables.
Age
39
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
South Asian
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
Doctor
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
—
2
3
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
He is clearly well-read and knowledgeable. He is competent. He is not at all warm or personal/personable. There were several ultrasounds when he said absolutely nothing to me. I didn’t feel he was invested in my success. He made a few comments like “it’s no big deal” or “it doesn’t matter”. Those are hurtful because it matters tremendously to me. He didn’t offer any real insight into why we weren’t successful and he didn’t recommend altering our plan. If he spent 5 minutes explaining what he recommended changing and how it might improve our likelihood of success I would have continued treatments. While he may be knowledgeable, his lack of communication and interpersonal skills (and I don’t expect warm and fuzzy) was what made me leave that clinic.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Do your own research first. Don’t expect explanations or reassurance. I think his approach is fine for a couple doing timed intercourse. You don’t need him - just his US results and meds. But for more complex treatments you want someone to explain things to you properly.
Describe the protocols Howard McClamrock used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility and their degree of success.
There wasn’t much rationale. I was just told what to do. I did 3 IUI cycles. One with clomid, one with femara, one with injectables. I requested using injectables.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility.
The coordination here at first was absolutely lousy. I was totally misguided by a nurse, resulting in a month delay in treatment. I was made to feel like this was my fault. After that incident it was much better. But that initial bad communication made it a negative experience.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
Nice facility. Convenient location. Efficient check in/check out.
Had to pay $6 for parking at each visit - every lab draw or US!
Weekend procedures were performed at a different office, which was annoying. And each iui was performed by a different physician.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility.
The initial consult was about $250. The labs associated with that consult were about $300. Each iui cycle was $1500. We used my husband’s frozen sperm so that was $500 initially plus approximately $120 per cycle to thaw it.
What specific things went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Failed to call with results
- Provided conflicting information
- Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility.
They were disorganized. Prescriptions were called in late a few times. And I had to remind them to call. Different nurses would call with results and they were unfamiliar with what type of cycle I was on (iui vs TI) or whether or not I was using a trigger or progesterone. They would ask me for that info when I was never informed!
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6
6
Age
32
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
6
6
Dr. McClamrock is a man of few words unless you come to him with questions/concerns. My husband liked his personality since he was candid, and often referred to statistics - concrete information. I would have prefered more anecdotal information, as going through a fertility experience can be very isolating...I didn't feel as if he was reporting results to ME and MY case, but rather going through the motions of his evaluations.
Danielle [Nurse at Shady Grove Fertility] is very nice, and our communication is mainly when she provides test results...For my husband and I, the clinic location was a strong reason why we selected Shady Grove over Johns Hopkins. With the amount of visits that need to happen throughout a cycle it was very convenient for us. That being said, Shady Grove Harbor East is very easy to reach. Mersedie answers the phone, and is familiar with patients names and faces over time. This creates a less sterile experience.
Age
32
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Marketer or PR
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
6
6
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Dr. McClamrock is a man of few words unless you come to him with questions/concerns. My husband liked his personality since he was candid, and often referred to statistics - concrete information. I would have prefered more anecdotal information, as going through a fertility experience can be very isolating. I would visit his office for my Day 3 bloods and monitoring throughout the cycle. He would enter the room, perform the U/S and tell me things looked good, and the number of follicles. I would need to ask if my number was sufficient, should it be more/less, etc. I would respond better to a physician that would be willing to sit and paint the picture of the appointment and the meaning. During the journey there is a lot to learn!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Ask questions to get answers. He won't overwhelm you with information if you don't seek it out.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Dr. McClamrock is very candid and thorough when asked detailed questions. Without questions he will not dive into detail. I found if I didn't ask questions, he wouldn't offer explanation. I didn't feel as if he was reporting results to ME and MY case, but rather going through the motions of his evaluations.
Describe the protocols Howard McClamrock used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility and their degree of success.
My husband and I were both tested, and diagnosed with "unexplained fertility". The first line of treatment for us was IUI. This treatment with Clomid and trigger should ideally help the the sperm close to the egg, and result in pregnancy. We are hopeful it will work although we understand IUI cycles only have approximately a 20% chance of working.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Danielle)
Danielle is very nice, and our communication is mainly when she provides test results.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
For my husband and I, the clinic location was a strong reason why we selected Shady Grove over Johns Hopkins. With the amount of visits that need to happen throughout a cycle it was very convenient for us. That being said, Shady Grove Harbor East is very easy to reach. Mersedie answers the phone, and is familiar with patients names and faces over time. This creates a less sterile experience.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility.
My insurance is pretty good, so I pay a $20 co-pay per visit and all of our infertility testing has been covered 100%. If I ever had a billing issue Mersadie would resolve it right away.
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10
10
Age
34 - 37
Treated
2011 - 2014
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained, Other
10
10
Strengths: excellent clinician [Dr. Howard McClamrock], plenty of experience, great at getting back to me in a timely manner; in the end, we had 2 healthy babies!!! Weaknesses: not a super warm/fuzzy type; a little more humor could help lighten things up at times; there were times we had to dig a little to get answers or clarification (and he would happily clarify, but it wasn't always automatic)...Expect a matter-of-fact approach, don't expect a lot of joking or small talk, but do expect to be impressed by his knowledge, skill, and concern as a clinician. He will go as far down the fertility road as he can justify and his patients want--and he's very good at what he does.
Overall really pleased w/ the system they [Shady Grove] have in place. Over the years we were at Shady Grove for monitoring for a LOT of holidays--and in single one of them the staff was smiling, professional, and attentive...My nurses with Dr. McClamrock were amazing--one even cried with me! Dr. M got us our results! I very much trusted in his clinical knowledge and experience. I initially found him less warm than I would have liked, but he grew on us through the years that we were under his care. Whenever I initiated a phone call or email, he was quick to respond.
Age
34 - 37
Treated
2011 - 2014
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Eggs
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Poor Egg Quality, Unexplained, Other
10
10
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Strengths: excellent clinician, plenty of experience, great at getting back to me in a timely manner; in the end, we had 2 healthy babies!!!
Weaknesses: not a super warm/fuzzy type; a little more humor could help lighten things up at times; there were times we had to dig a little to get answers or clarification (and he would happily clarify, but it wasn't always automatic).
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Expect a matter-of-fact approach, don't expect a lot of joking or small talk, but do expect to be impressed by his knowledge, skill, and concern as a clinician. He will go as far down the fertility road as he can justify and his patients want--and he's very good at what he does.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
My nurses with Dr. McClamrock were amazing--one even cried with me! Dr. M got us our results! I very much trusted in his clinical knowledge and experience. I initially found him less warm than I would have liked, but he grew on us through the years that we were under his care. Whenever I initiated a phone call or email, he was quick to respond.
Describe the protocols Howard McClamrock used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility and their degree of success.
IUI w/ injections. Given my numbers initially, he suggested we at least try more conservatively. After our response to the stim meds w/ our 3rd IUI, he then suggested we do IVF.
1 hysteroscopy w/ polypectomy.
1 IVF W/ retrieval (9, 5 fertilized, 2 day-3 transferred)--negative.
1 other cycle that was cancelled after 2 weeks of stims due to poor ovarian response. We were advised to consider donor egg.
1st DE transfer (single embryo) negative. This surprised everyone and Dr. M brought us in for a consult.
Cyst found in uterus, surgical intervention discussed, but it did not show up on follow-up ultrasounds.
2nd DE transfer (single embryo)--first blood test positive, then numbers started to decline. Very early m/c.
D&C done to ensure good uterine lining and remove likelihood of cyclic cysts.
3rd DE transfer--my spouse, doctor, and I agreed that we should transfer 2 embryos. They both took! 2 healthy babies!!!
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Sonia Leasure)
Compassion, a hug when needed, available!
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
Overall really pleased w/ the system they have in place. Over the years we were at Shady Grove for monitoring for a LOT of holidays--and in single one of them the staff was smiling, professional, and attentive.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility.
Oh wow. We had limited IUI coverage and no IVF coverage. We were able to take advantage of Shady Grove's shared risk program once we were using DE. Overall, w/ meds, through multiple IUIs and IVFs, and out of pocket costs associated with gynecological surgeries, it was about $70k. They also offer financing and education on different options for those patients who have poor or no insurance coverage.
Describe Howard McClamrock's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility.
Dr. M follows accepted professional guidelines. He took our history w/ multiple previous embryo transfers that did not result in pregnancy into consideration when we decided to transfer 2 on our 3rd attempt w/ DE.
What specific things went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility?
- Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Shady Grove Fertility.
There was one incident where info from my RE was not sent over to my GYN prior to my visit. I showed up for a pre-op consult and there was no correspondence from my RE. This may have been a time issue. Adequate communication seemed to be in place after that was cleared up.
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7
8
Age
31
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
7
8
He [Dr. McClamrock] was very blunt and provided little explanation for things that went wrong. He would say, “it was a fluke”. .. he needs work in bedside manner...he was extremely blunt when it came to explanation of procedures and especially set backs. I did feel that he was extremely knowledgeable and would return to him again...He urged us to transfer only 1 embryo....I stimulated my ovaries on follistim and menopur. I used a shot to stop ovulation and a HCG trigger shot.
Shady Grove is a very large clinic. That comes with positives and negatives. They have lots of knowledge behind them. They also can make you feel like one in about 1000. Although this can be daunting, I feel the overall success of the clinic far outweighs the negativity of it being such a large facility....I loved my nurse. She was extremely compassionate. I felt she was a good offset to the bluntness of the doctor. I cried when I “graduated” the clinic.
Age
31
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
2nd of 3 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Unexplained
7
8
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
As I said before, he was extremely blunt when it came to explanation of procedures and especially set backs. I did feel that he was extremely knowledgeable and would return to him again. Shady Grove is a huge clinic, so I think that had something to do with the feelings I had with the clinic being so large.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
He’s blunt. Don’t take it personal. He knows his stuff, so trust him.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
He was very blunt and provided little explanation for things that went wrong. He would say, “it was a fluke”. I am forever grateful to him because he helped us make our son, but he needs work in bedside manner.
Describe the protocols Howard McClamrock used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility and their degree of success.
I stimulated my ovaries on follistim and menopur. I used a shot to stop ovulation and a HCG trigger shot.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Pricilla )
I loved my nurse. She was extremely compassionate. I felt she was a good offset to the bluntness of the doctor. I cried when I “graduated” the clinic.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
Shady Grove is a very large clinic. That comes with positives and negatives. They have lots of knowledge behind them. They also can make you feel like one in about 1000. Although this can be daunting, I feel the overall success of the clinic far outweighs the negativity of it being such a large facility.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility.
My ivf cycles were covered under insurance.
Describe Howard McClamrock's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility.
He urged us to transfer only 1 embryo.
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10
10
Age
31 - 36
Treated
2013 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF, Surrogacy
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
10
I have had very good experience with him [Dr. McClamrock]... He always covered everything and made sure I understood everything that was taking place during the time I was in the office. He also made my husband and I feel very comfortable even we were dealing with the miscarriages...He was very nice and explain everything to my husband and I to help us understand....Always there to help with any questions.
She [nurse at Shady Grove] was very nice. She treated me as if I was one if her own. She was very loving and kind. She also was there for my husband and I when we had the miscarriages. She was always rooting for us to complete the whole process. She was the best nurse I have ever had...Very welcome and friendly place. Always there to help with any questions. From the time we first started the process up until the day we took a break everyone is the office has giving up a great experience every time we showed up
Age
31 - 36
Treated
2013 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Black or African-American
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF, Surrogacy
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
10
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
I have had very good experience with him. He always covered everything and made sure I understood everything that was taking place during the time I was in the office. He also made my husband and I feel very comfortable even we were dealing with the miscarriages
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Stick with it until the end
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
He was very nice and explain everything to my husband and I to help us understand.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Priscilla)
She was very nice. She treated me as if I was one if her own. She was very loving and kind. She also was there for my husband and I when we had the miscarriages. She was always rooting for us to complete the whole process. She was the best nurse I have ever had
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
Very welcome and friendly place. Always there to help with any questions. From the time we first started the process up until the day we took a break everyone is the office has giving up a great experience every time we showed up
Describe the costs associated with your care under Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility.
10,000
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7
10
Age
38
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
7
10
Dr. McClamrock is very matter of fact and direct, which can be a bit unsettling. But he knows what he is doing. He took time to answer all of my questions, although he did seem a little put out with all of the questions that I had....He recommended single embryo transfer....Although he can seem uncaring, he knows what he is doing....Dr. McClamrock is very matter of fact and direct....Easy to schedule, and calm inviting atmosphere.
Easy to schedule, and calm inviting atmosphere. Good sense of privacy. However, you cannot receive all services at the Baltimore Harbor office. You will go to Towson for certain procedures and for weekend monitoring visits....She [RN] was very caring and took time to answer all questions...we did shared risk, which was about $20,000, plus the cost of all tests before shared risk and medications for egg retrieval. In total, about $28,000.
Age
38
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
—
7
10
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Dr. McClamrock is very matter of fact and direct, which can be a bit unsettling. But he knows what he is doing. He took time to answer all of my questions, although he did seem a little put out with all of the questions that I had.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Although he can seem uncaring, he knows what he is doing.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Dr. McClamrock is very matter of fact and direct.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility.
She was very caring and took time to answer all questions.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
Easy to schedule, and calm inviting atmosphere. Good sense of privacy. However, you cannot receive all services at the Baltimore Harbor office. You will go to Towson for certain procedures and for weekend monitoring visits.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility.
we did shared risk, which was about $20,000, plus the cost of all tests before shared risk and medications for egg retrieval. In total, about $28,000.
Describe Howard McClamrock's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Shady Grove Fertility.
He recommended single embryo transfer.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
10
10
Age
30 - 32
Treated
2013 - 2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
6 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, PCOS, Unexplained
10
10
Dr McClamrock is extremely caring - he checked in with me after my retrieval and always took the time to answer my questions...Dr McClamrock spent a lot of time with me answering my questions - I felt like my treatment was very personalized and I was very happy with the excellent care I received...Ask lots of questions - Dr McClamrock is happy to answer them!...
It is a large clinic [Shady Grove - Harbor], but Harbor is a small office. We went to Towson for major procedures...Priscilla was amazing - she was kind, funny and provided us with thorough instructions...
Age
30 - 32
Treated
2013 - 2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European
Income
$200K - $499K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
6 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, PCOS, Unexplained
10
10
How was your experience with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Dr McClamrock spent a lot of time with me answering my questions - I felt like my treatment was very personalized and I was very happy with the excellent care I received.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Ask lots of questions - Dr McClamrock is happy to answer them!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Howard McClamrock at Shady Grove Fertility?
Dr McClamrock is extremely caring - he checked in with me after my retrieval and always took the time to answer my questions.
Describe the protocols Howard McClamrock used in your cycles at Shady Grove Fertility and their degree of success.
I had a freeze all cycle due to ovarian hyperstimulation.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Shady Grove Fertility. (Assigned nurse: Priscilla)
Priscilla was amazing - she was kind, funny and provided us with thorough instructions.
Describe your experience with Shady Grove Fertility.
It is a large clinic, but Harbor is a small office. We went to Towson for major procedures.
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