Ratings of 1 indicate that a clinic was poorly operated.
Ratings of 10 indicate that a clinic operated very well.
Scheduling
8.1
8.1
Scheduling
Ratings of 1 mean it was difficult to schedule appointments with this clinic.
Ratings of 10 mean it was easy to schedule appointments.
Billing Department
7.9
7.9
Billing Department
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory billing department.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent billing department.
Nursing Team
8.3
8.3
Nursing Team
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory nursing team.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent nursing team.
LGBTQ+ Care
5.5
5.5
LGBTQ+ Care
Ratings of 1 indicate an unsatisfactory LGBTQ+ care.
Ratings of 10 indicate an excellent LGBTQ+ care.
Attention to Detail
7.7
7.7
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is on a 1 - 10 scale, and is scored based on the rate, and severity, of errors committed by the clinic according to the patients.
For example, a severe error might be failing to inform a patient of critical information, while a small error might be failing to call a patient with results.
CDC Success Rates
This is the most recent data from the CDC. The CDC cautions that it should not be used to compare doctors and clinics. This data represents the outcomes of IVF cycles when using a person's own eggs.
For more information please see our FAQs.
Where you see a “?” on the chart, a clinic has done fewer than 20 cycles in this category and age range, so the CDC says showing percentages from this small data set would be misleading and unreliable.
I didn't have a lot of medical history for Dr. Damario to work from, so our couple meetings were brief and informative, especially if I asked questions, but they weren't as lengthy or detailed as I expected. I did appreciate how he made a recommendation at first, but then when he got my test results back, he was very clear about changing his opinion, and why. That promoted me to take a clear course and not second-guess whether it was the right one.
The nurses [at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] were nice, compassionate, and treated me well. My only complaint is that because I saw different nurses, they weren't always up-to-date on details of my situation. I had to mention each time that a certain tool made the IUI much easier to accomplish, and it was a little annoying that they weren't reading that in my chart each time, or always taking my word for it.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I didn't have a lot of medical history for Dr. Damario to work from, so our couple meetings were brief and informative, especially if I asked questions, but they weren't as lengthy or detailed as I expected. I did appreciate how he made a recommendation at first, but then when he got my test results back, he was very clear about changing his opinion, and why. That promoted me to take a clear course and not second-guess whether it was the right one.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Come in with questions and don't be afraid to ask him to elaborate. He's more than willing to explain things, but sometimes takes prompting, otherwise he'll wrap up a meeting quickly.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Demario was pretty dry and generally straight-forward in his communications, without a lot of personality or emotion, but his staff (who I ended up seeing a lot more) were very friendly and more caring.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The nurses were nice, compassionate, and treated me well. My only complaint is that because I saw different nurses, they weren't always up-to-date on details of my situation. I had to mention each time that a certain tool made the IUI much easier to accomplish, and it was a little annoying that they weren't reading that in my chart each time, or always taking my word for it. So, they didn't usually have that tool there; some went and got it, while others tried without and then had to get it. One was successful without.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Front desk staff was friendly and recognized me...or had a great system to do so. So, visiting was quick and easy and on schedule. And it felt like they knew me, and I wasn't just a number. Processing medical account info or any other details went smoothly.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Depends on insurance, of course, but a natural IUI cycle was about $700 (I did 4) and a fertility support cycle was about $2,000 (I did two). Fertility meds about $100 each round. Recommended ovulation tests $90 (for 2). Lab unfreezing and testing was $160 each time, worked into total round cost.
Dr. Damario tried the "usual" protocols with us for our 3 IUIs. We used a frozen sperm sample for one IUI and had a nurse tell me that the sperm count was fairly low, minutes before the IUI rather than actually calling on the day the sample was given.... After 2 failed IUIs, I requested additional testing, which he relented to. These tests gave us some clues regarding our challenges but Dr. Damario was not great at explaining the significance of our results
The billing office [Ctr for Repro Med of MN] wouldn't give us an outright refund for services we paid for OOP after we learned that some of the procedures were covered by our insurance....To change doctors at this clinic, you literally have to discuss the change with the CEO. The CEO told me that she was really surprised at my requested change and made me feel like I had done something wrong... nurses couldn't answer a simple question like "on average, what % of sperm don't make it through the freeze-thaw cycle."
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario started us with the "typical" IUI protocol given our diagnosis of unexplained infertility. After 2 failed IUIs, I requested additional testing, which he relented to. These tests gave us some clues regarding our challenges but Dr. Damario was not great at explaining the significance of our results. We wound up googling for information. We also then found out that there are a number of lifestyle issues that can impact sperm quality, which Dr. Damario never once mentioned. The lack of information was highly disappointing and left us feeling like we had spent thousands of dollars without learning very much. I would not recommend his practice for anyone who wants a proactive, communicative physician.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
You have to be your own advocate and invest in a lot of research on your own. He will not push you or advocate for aggressive treatment.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario tried the "usual" protocols with us for our 3 IUIs. We used a frozen sperm sample for one IUI and had a nurse tell me that the sperm count was fairly low, minutes before the IUI rather than actually calling on the day the sample was given. This is one example of several times when the clinic didn't seem to have any sense of urgency or be very proactive about helping my husband and I navigate infertility. It was highly disappointing.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
1st IUI: 50 mg Clomid on CD 5-9 with ovidrel trigger; 2nd IUI: 100 mg Letrozole CD 4-8 - ovulated early and cancelled cycle; 3rd IUI: 100 mg Letrozole with frozen sperm sample with very low count and ovidrel trigger; 4th IUI: 100 mg Letrozole with fresh sperm sample with normal count with ovidrel trigger; all cycles were BFN.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Sue was great; most of the other nurses at the St Paul location were not great at communicating. Many couldn't explain the rationale behind changes in protocol; also, nurses couldn't answer a simple question like "on average, what % of sperm don't make it through the freeze-thaw cycle."
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Clinic was located convenient to my home, which is why I initially chose them. Their appointments are generally on time. The billing office wouldn't give us an outright refund for services we paid for OOP after we learned that some of the procedures were covered by our insurance. Instead, they issued a credit and many months later, I still have never received an account balance. To change doctors at this clinic, you literally have to discuss the change with the CEO. The CEO told me that she was really surprised at my requested change and made me feel like I had done something wrong in requesting a change of doctor rather than truly trying to understand how the clinic might improve. It was disappointing.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I met with Dr. Damario for an initial consultation and then once more two weeks prior to Stimulation start for a baseline ultrasound and trial transfer. During the entire course of IVF treatment, egg retrieval, and transfer I did not see or hear from Dr. Damario at all.... He did not seem to be aware of what was happening with my care. He couldn’t recognize me and didn’t know my name. He always had his nurse contact me, except once
We pre-paid $1200 for cryopreservation of embryos. More than 6 wks after all of our embryos stopped developing and it was confirmed we did not have any left for cryopreservation, we had still not received a refund for this or heard from the clinic [Ctr for Repro Med of MN] about a refund.... Sue was great- explained everything in great detail, kept me informed about my lab work and my progress
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He did not seem to be aware of what was happening with my care. He couldn’t recognize me and didn’t know my name. He always had his nurse contact me, except once— Dr. Damario called me after my first BHCG to tell me I was pregnant and had “an honest to goodness good pregnancy level.” But two days later, when my BHCG dropped, Dr. Damario had one of the nurses contact me to tell me I was going to miscarry. Dr. Damario miscounted my follicles during my baseline ultrasound. During my ultrasound after miscarriage diagnosis, Dr. Damario looked around for about 3 minutes before confirming miscarriage will be happening and giving me my options to proceed with the miscarriage. He diagnosed me with a “blighted ovum” at 6.5wks, which I have read should never be diagnosed before wk 9. I also had a visible yolk sac, which I also understand does not meet the definition for blighted ovum. Here I am at 9.6wks and still have not miscarried (will likely still miscarry), but have chosen to follow up with further ultrasounds at a different clinic with a new provider.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Do your research about your own situation and possible IVF protocols before meeting with Dr. Damario so you are prepared to ask specific questions & get the answers you need.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I met with Dr. Damario for an initial consultation and then once more two weeks prior to Stimulation start for a baseline ultrasound and trial transfer. During the entire course of IVF treatment, egg retrieval, and transfer I did not see or hear from Dr. Damario at all. His nurses were always the ones in contact with me about my progress and with orders for stimulation dosage changes. Dr. Damario would not have been to recognize me in the waiting room or recall my name at any point, even once completed with treatment.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
- Birthcontrol for downregulation 6 weeks prior to treatment start
- Lupron 20IU for further downregulation for 10 days
- Lupron decreased to 5IU from day 3-5 of stimulation, then stopped
-Stimulation Start: Menopur 150IU morning & Follistim 150IU for 14 days (Follistim bumped up to 300IU after day 3 d/t slow ovarian response/possible over sensitivity to Lupron)
- Trigger Shot: 10,000IU Novarel (HCG) injection 36 hours before transfer
* my body was downregulated significantly prior to treatment start, which required doubling the dose of the follistim and added an extra 2-4 days of stimulation before trigger shot. I also had two lead follicles and was told of a potential risk for cycle cancelation
* I had 16 follicles, but only 14 eggs retrieved. 8 eggs were mature and all 8 fertilized with ICSI. No embryos made to blastocyst stage.
* we transferred a morula and 8-cell embryo on day 5. All other embryos stopped developing by day 6 and we did not have any leftover to freeze.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Sue was great- explained everything in great detail, kept me informed about my lab work and my progress, described ultrasounds while doing them, remembered my name and things about me.
Julie- great, very kind and personable; remembered my name and things about me.
There were other nurses that didn’t even introduce themselves or attempt to build any rapport during the appt at all, were very blunt and jumped to worst case scenario. I don’t know their names because they never said their name.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Strengths:
- front desk staff friendly and personable
- a few nurses were friendly and personable
- most of lab staff was nice and efficient (aside from one lab person)
Weaknesses:
- a few bad nurses that make you feel like a number
- care team didn’t seem to take time to understand our situation
- we were not given any possible explanation for the underdevelopment of all of our embryos
- our miscarriage was diagnosed immediately, and with 100% certainty before taking additional bloodwork or ultrasound to confirm— this seemed very insensitive, considering our entire process.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Dr. Colleen Casey did the embryo transfer. She recommended transferring only 1 embryo because the next most developed one was only 8 cells. She told us transferring two could be harmful to the morula which was further developed. We told her we wanted to transfer two anyway and asked for more information on how it could be harmful and she then said that it probably wouldn’t be harmful, but it just wouldn’t be likely to implant. We transferred two and all remaining embryos arrested the next day.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Lost paperwork
Provided conflicting information
Failed to consider drug intolerance
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We pre-paid $1200 for cryopreservation of embryos. More than 6 wks after all of our embryos stopped developing and it was confirmed we did not have any left for cryopreservation, we had still not received a refund for this or heard from the clinic about a refund. We finally had to reach out to them to initiate the refund process. 2 wks after we reached out, and we have yet to receive our refund (8 weeks after it was confirmed there would be no cryopreservation).
He [Dr. Damario] never seemed to study up on the current cycle's prior visits and it felt like we were telling him what happened...always seemed wishy washy and not assertive enough with his opinion and assessment of the cycle status. I would have preferred someone who was more confident. He also never followed up with me after the 2 miscarriages...The nurses showed more compassion following our miscarriages than the dr. did.
Strength [at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] - allowing you to do monitoring in St Paul or Minneapolis. Weaknesses - (1) not always giving more than 24 hours notice for the amount you have to prepay per visit, if you don't have insurance. (2) No communication from management to clinic finance person that their contract with health insurance provider was updated and patient wasn't supposed to prepay anything
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr Demario always seemed wishy washy and not assertive enough with his opinion and assessment of the cycle status. I would have preferred someone who was more confident. He also never followed up with me after the 2 miscarriages.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Ask lots of questions if you don't understand something.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He never seemed to study up on the current cycle's prior visits and it felt like we were telling him what happened.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
2016 we had 3 iui's with follistim, femara, and ovidrel to trigger.
2017 we had 2 ivf cycles (stims, retrieval, icsi, embryo transfer. First round was birth control for initial suppression, then follistim, menopur, endometrin, minivelle patches, hcg injection for trigger. Second round was the same except for increased follistim, coQ10 supplement, and I think we added in microdose Lupron. In 2018 we had 1 FET with the 2 remaining embryos from 2017 round 2, with birth control for initial suppression, estradiol tablets, and PIO injections.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The nurses showed more compassion following our miscarriages than the dr. did. They were also always willing to answer questions.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Strength - allowing you to do monitoring in St Paul or Minneapolis.
Weaknesses - (1) not always giving more than 24 hours notice for the amount you have to prepay per visit, if you don't have insurance. (2) No communication from management to clinic finance person that their contract with health insurance provider was updated and patient wasn't supposed to prepay anything
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I believe our reimbursement for the ART side of the first cycle was $9870. That does not include any bloodwork, monitoring appointments, or medication. The reimbursement we got the 2nd time was slightly higher due to needing embryo cryopreservation.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We only ever got grade 3 embryos. When we arrived at our FET in January 2018 he encouraged us to consider transferring 2 which would increase the chance of 1 sticking.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Failed to call with results
Failed to order appropriate test
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We were thankful to have insurance coverage and the way our first cycle went is we prepaid everything to the clinic and then submitted to insurance for reimbursement later. That in itself is a whole different story. We did the same prepay/request reimbursement the 2nd time and we found out after the fact that a contract was agreed to and nobody informed my clinic and the insurance company thought i was going to send all of the money back to them that they had reimbursed me for. They wanted to do it that way and re-process all of the claims through insurance first. It was a major nightmare.
We didn't feel like we had any understanding of our treatment or what they could do for us to help us start a family. He [Dr. Mark Damario] basically read back our questionnaire when we met with him and kept reading and showing us statistics. The statistics were not encouraging at all. We were mostly confused and didn't have any idea what the plan was. He didn't explain chromosomal/genetic testing with us very well, even though I'm over 35 years old. He was big into selling us on buying multiple IVF sessions, but didn't really give us a reason why we would need to do IVF multiple times.
This clinic [Center for Reproductive Med of MN] had a long waiting period to see a doctor (months). When I had a fail IUI the nurse asked me what I wanted to do next, my answer I don't know, what are my options (cause I honestly didn't know) I said IVF? The nurse goes you need to make an appt with the doctor to discuss that and he is book for weeks. Found that very frustrating to not be able to see a patient in a timely matter especially when everything with this is timely.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
We didn't feel like we had any understanding of our treatment or what they could do for us to help us start a family. He basically read back our questionnaire when we met with him and kept reading and showing us statistics. The statistics were not encouraging at all. We were mostly confused and didn't have any idea what the plan was. He didn't explain chromosomal/genetic testing with us very well, even though I'm over 35 years old. He was big into selling us on buying multiple IVF sessions, but didn't really give us a reason why we would need to do IVF multiple times.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
For us, it was a blessing that our insurance had us switch clinics. This clinic was not the place for us. We do have friends that liked this clinic and Dr Darmario and had success here.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I felt like we had no direction in where to go with our treatments. We filled out a questionnaire and basically when we met with Dr. Damario he just read it back to us. My husband and I walked out of the clinic wondering if we should even continue. This clinic is where our insurance sent us first. Thankfully before we go fully into our treatment we were able to switch clinic and doctor. This was a night and day difference for us.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
We did IUI because I had unexplained infertility and felt like it would work for us. Really with my age, we should of went straight to IVF and skipped IUI. Now it's clear to me why I was a great candidate for IVF, and not IUI. But this wasn't explained to me at this clinic.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The nursing staff was nice. When I was at this clinic they didn't have an online portal where you could easily ask questions. I found that very frustrating and a little old school to not be able to email a nurse with a simple question.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
This clinic had a long waiting period to see a doctor (months). When I had a fail IUI the nurse asked me what I wanted to do next, my answer I don't know, what are my options (cause I honestly didn't know) I said IVF? The nurse goes you need to make an appt with the doctor to discuss that and he is book for weeks. Found that very frustrating to not be able to see a patient in a timely matter especially when everything with this is timely.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We did not do IVF with this clinic.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I had a hard time in the beginning getting my medication ordered. My insurance was telling me one pharmacy to use and the clinic was telling me another. Once I took control of double checking on my medication orders, this became much better.
Dr. Damario personally meets with you to explain your treatment options...From my first time meeting Dr. Damario, I knew he was a caring doctor. Compared to my first doctor, he is much more hands on with my care. I have seen him more in my one IUI cycle than I saw my other doctor in my 4 IUI's. Dr. Damario takes the time to explain things to you to make sure you understand the course of action. I highly recommend him...For my one IUI cycle with Dr. Damario, we used Gonal-F (150 IU) and then Ovidril. We decided to go with this route because this is what worked in my last IUI which resulted in my son with a different doctor. This worked again as I got pregnant right away and we found out it was twins. Unfortunately, we lost the twins at 8 weeks gestation.
Strengths [at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] are that they will see you on the weekend so no time is wasted with waiting extra days. However, if you are at the St. Paul clinic, you will need to go to Minneapolis for your weekend appointments...You just have to stay on top of them to ensure they are sending in proper insurance paperwork in a timely manner. Weakness is that they only see you for certain procedures during the weekend. So if your baseline ultrasound ends up happening on a weekend, they will prefer you do it during a week day.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
From my first time meeting Dr. Damario, I knew he was a caring doctor. Compared to my first doctor, he is much more hands on with my care. I have seen him more in my one IUI cycle than I saw my other doctor in my 4 IUI's.
Dr. Damario takes the time to explain things to you to make sure you understand the course of action.
I highly recommend him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Make sure you ask lots of questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario personally meets with you to explain your treatment options. Then when you do your first pregnancy ultrasound, he is the one who does it (NOT a nurse).
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
For my one IUI cycle with Dr. Damario, we used Gonal-F (150 IU) and then Ovidril. We decided to go with this route because this is what worked in my last IUI which resulted in my son with a different doctor. This worked again as I got pregnant right away and we found out it was twins. Unfortunately, we lost the twins at 8 weeks gestation.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I have had mostly wonderful experiences with the nursing staff. They are kind and understanding. The only big hurdle I've run into was getting approval from my new insurance this year and having the nurses send in the proper paperwork for approval in a timely manner. Other than that, all previous interactions have been very good.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Strengths are that they will see you on the weekend so no time is wasted with waiting extra days. However, if you are at the St. Paul clinic, you will need to go to Minneapolis for your weekend appointments. Dr. Damario is great and the nursing staff are also mostly great. You just have to stay on top of them to ensure they are sending in proper insurance paperwork in a timely manner.
Weakness is that they only see you for certain procedures during the weekend. So if your baseline ultrasound ends up happening on a weekend, they will prefer you do it during a week day.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I'm covered by insurance so I have a $30 co-pay almost every time I go in. I am unsure what the other costs are.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Lost paperwork
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I was having insurance approval issues and had asked a nurse to send in some paperwork to my insurance. She must have forgotten to do it and I had to start my cycle without insurance approval. The good thing is that they were willing to give me samples of my meds until the insurance issue was resolved.
Dr. Damario decided to change my dosages on my meds and add in Ganirelix in hopes that I would produced more mature eggs and prevent any premature ovulation. ... He was very nice and personable and explained everything to my husband and I in great detail. Even though he was quiet I felt like he was to the point and made sure we understood everything. ....
My monitoring appointments were always in the morning as then it gave time for the doctor to review everything and then make any necessary medicine dosage changes or anything like that. It was very much a well-run clinic [CRMM] and never did it feel like you were the next in line. ... The staff is really there to help you and they want the best outcome for their patients. Never once did they make me feel like I was being a burden and they always answered any questions I had.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He was a very good doctor. I was scheduled with him after I had to reschedule my appointment from another doctor at the clinic. He was very nice and personable and explained everything to my husband and I in great detail. Even though he was quiet I felt like he was to the point and made sure we understood everything. He took the time to answer all of our questions and address our concerns.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. He is quiet but very personable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario was quiet but explained everything very well. He always answered my questions and never did I feel like I was being a burden to him. He was to the point and never gave any sense of false hope.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
My first protocol I was on Lupron, Menopur, and Follistim. After the first retrieval I produced 17 eggs, 10 were mature and 8 fertilized. Unfortunately we were left with no embryos after our genetic testing was done. For my next egg retrieval Dr. Damario decided to change my dosages on my meds and add in Ganirelix in hopes that I would produced more mature eggs and prevent any premature ovulation. At my retrieval we got 15 eggs, 13 were mature and 10 fertilized. After both retrievals and genetic testing we were left with 2 genetically normal embryos.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The nurses and staff were the ones who I/we dealt with the most. We had the most communication between us and they could not have been more great. They always made sure our questions were answered and our concerns were addressed. Because I live about 2 hours away from them they were always so good about communication and accommodating when needed.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The staff is really there to help you and they want the best outcome for their patients. Never once did they make me feel like I was being a burden and they always answered any questions I had. They were so helpful in so many ways and they really made you feel comfortable and that you mattered. When you're dealing with infertility the last thing you want to feel is as if you're just another number. The staff really treated me well.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
My monitoring appointments were always in the morning as then it gave time for the doctor to review everything and then make any necessary medicine dosage changes or anything like that. It was very much a well-run clinic and never did it feel like you were the next in line.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The costs were broken down into monitoring, procedures, and they gave estimates on what medications and genetic testing would cost. They also had the embryo storage cost information.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We did discuss the risks about transferring 2 vs 1 and ultimately the decision was left up to myself and my husband.
Dr. Damario did a great job of explaining my cycle, process and possible outcomes with both my husband and myself. He is thoughtful in his answers and takes his time with patients... is very soft spoken...Sometimes the science behind the procedures gets in the way of his human connection. He is the person that made decisions as to how to proceed in my treatment plan because of his knowledge and previous experience and then handed my treatment off to the incredible nursing staff at CRM. He explained risks and procedures well and was able to answer our questions.
I always felt welcome at CRM St. Paul. The entire staff is fantastic! They are very organized, well versed in insurance, compassionate, honest, friendly, kind and gentle. They get to know you, your family and your availability. They care!...The nurses at CRM are incredible! They are compassionate, kind, super intelligent, honest and available. I cannot say enough remarkable things about the nurses at CRM...The cost of procedures was very clearly outlined early on in our treatment and we were very aware of what to expect as far as insurance coverage and personal billing.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario is very soft spoken. He is thoughtful and very intelligent. Sometimes the science behind the procedures gets in the way of his human connection. He is the person that made decisions as to how to proceed in my treatment plan because of his knowledge and previous experience and then handed my treatment off to the incredible nursing staff at CRM. He explained risks and procedures well and was able to answer our questions.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I would suggest a future patient to be prepared with questions during the meeting with Dr. Damario. After our first two meetings, we did not see him but saw the fabulous nursing staff at CRM. (Seriously, the nurses are AMAZING!)
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario did a great job of explaining my cycle, process and possible outcomes with both my husband and myself. He is thoughtful in his answers and takes his time with patients.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The nurses at CRM are incredible! They are compassionate, kind, super intelligent, honest and available. I cannot say enough remarkable things about the nurses at CRM.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I always felt welcome at CRM St. Paul. The entire staff is fantastic! They are very organized, well versed in insurance, compassionate, honest, friendly, kind and gentle. They get to know you, your family and your availability. They care!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The cost of injections and other medications were expensive. I learned quickly to call around to various pharmacies when that option was available. The cost of procedures was very clearly outlined early on in our treatment and we were very aware of what to expect as far as insurance coverage and personal billing.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Dr. Damario talked very openly and honestly about multiple vs. single transfers. He offered insight into possible challenges and listened carefully to our wishes.
I have PCOS so Dr.Malo used a protocol that involved long days of medication. I took follistim, meapour as well as citratide during my cycle. He very closely monitored my levels so I would not get OHSS. He was very careful with every dose and every medicine I took. Even though I always saw a nurse he would call me every day after my appointment to check in. He told us that the flair protocols is sometimes used for patients who have PCOS, but that often times ends in OHSS (which I got from a previous clinic). He said that he would rather do "slow and steady wins the race" instead of fast and furious.
I honestly can't say enough good things about this staff [at Center for Reproductive Medicine] . They became our family. The nurses there went above and beyond. They would make emergency appointments for me when I was bleeding, they would move things around to help accommodate our lifestyles. The most important thing is they were overjoyed with us when we got pregnant. They genuinely cared- you can't ask for more.
How was your experience with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
We had a very high risk pregnancy and retrieval. Lots of moving parts including PGS testing. He was perfect. Explained everything to a T and was able to also comfort us. He explained every option and its outcomes. He was extremely realistic.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He is honest, but knows his stuff.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
The nurses at the Saint Paul clinic treated us like family. They laughed, cried and prayed with us, then genuinely cared about us.
Describe the protocols John Malo used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
I have PCOS so Dr.Malo used a protocol that involved long days of medication. I took follistim, meapour as well as citratide during my cycle. He very closely monitored my levels so I would not get OHSS. He was very careful with every dose and every medicine I took. Even though I always saw a nurse he would call me every day after my appointment to check in.
He told us that the flair protocols is sometimes used for patients who have PCOS, but that often times ends in OHSS (which I got from a previous clinic). He said that he would rather do "slow and steady wins the race" instead of fast and furious.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota. (Assigned nurse: Center for Reproductive Medicine)
I honestly can't say enough good things about this staff. They became our family. The nurses there went above and beyond. They would make emergency appointments for me when I was bleeding, they would move things around to help accommodate our lifestyles. The most important thing is they were overjoyed with us when we got pregnant. They genuinely cared- you can't ask for more.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
They are great at scheduling. They are fabulous at making connections with their patients. One area they could work on is avaliblity.
Describe the costs associated with your care under John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Describe John Malo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Dr. Malo suggested that we do 1 embryo due to my age as well as the PGS testing we had done. I asked the risks for 2 embryos and he agreed that I would have a better chance of pregnancy with 2 embryos, but still have a fabulous chance of pregnancy with 1, especially with doing an FET.
his [Dr. John Malo's] demeanor and explanations of the procedures we were doing was helpful and always felt like he was taking his time with me and my husband...many failed IUI cycles that led to trying IVF. I had a great response and ended up with 5 emboyos on day 5. We used icsi after identifying a male factor late in the game right before IVT procedure one. We transferred the best quality egg (did not do testing) singleton and got pregnant. we froze the other 4 embryos. 3 1/2 years later I returned to the same clinic to transfer another singleton after one failed cycle where my lining didn't thicken enough we transfered another singleton which resulted in a positive pregnancy and now I have two children. We made the decision to donate the remaining 3 embryos as our family is complete.
The St. Paul Center for Reproductive Medicine nursing staff is top notch. They know your name, your story, and spend the time needed to answer any and all questions. I was welcomed back 4 years later for my second IVF with open arms and the entire nursing staff still knowing me and being their for me...There will be a only a handful of meetings with the doctor, it is the nursing staff at the St. Paul office that will be seeing you day in and day out and they are the ones that you need to connect with. I loved their entire staff.
How was your experience with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
John has since retired, so i really think this a mut point, but his demeanor and explanations of the procedures we were doing was helpful and always felt like he was taking his time with me and my husband.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
There will be a only a handful of meetings with the doctor, it is the nursing staff at the St. Paul office that will be seeing you day in and day out and they are the ones that you need to connect with. I loved their entire staff.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
The St. Paul Center for Reproductive Medicine nursing staff is top notch. They know your name, your story, and spend the time needed to answer any and all questions. I was welcomed back 4 years later for my second IVF with open arms and the entire nursing staff still knowing me and being their for me.
Describe the protocols John Malo used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
many failed IUI cycles that led to trying IVF. I had a great response and ended up with 5 emboyos on day 5. We used icsi after identifying a male factor late in the game right before IVT procedure one. We transferred the best quality egg (did not do testing) singleton and got pregnant. we froze the other 4 embryos. 3 1/2 years later I returned to the same clinic to transfer another singleton after one failed cycle where my lining didn't thicken enough we transfered another singleton which resulted in a positive pregnancy and now I have two children. We made the decision to donate the remaining 3 embryos as our family is complete.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
AMAZING! They made the process so much less painful. Always had compassion and respect for our journey and I couldn't have gotten through both times with out them.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Overall the clinic itself is great with scheduling and being accommodating to your schedules. I do wish they were a bit better with the financial side of things as it gets very confusing and thought they could have done a better job of talking through the details of payments.
Describe the costs associated with your care under John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Lots and lots of money. :-) some paid by insurance, but a large majority was out of pocket
Describe John Malo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Dr. Malo advised against multiple embryo transfer after taking measurements of my uterus. He didn't think I could carry multiples to term. Both my children were 5 1/2 lbs and came early, so he was spot on with his assessment.
He is very thoughtful and methodical. He lays out all the options and explains things well and always answers our questions. He doesn't mince words. He allowed us to choose treatment steps that were best for us. ... I am just starting an IVF cycle and I will start on birth control pills, do follistim + generelix then trigger with hcg or lupron depending on my risk of OHSS at that time. We will have special sperm testing and if it looks ok we will not do ICSI. We plan on doing fresh transfer if possible.
There are two convenient locations and they [Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] have a rule about patients not bringing children which is really nice. We sometimes felt a little unsure about the plan or things worked more slowly than we wanted. ... They [nursing staff] have been friendly so far and good communicators. They answered our questions. Sometimes response time is slower than I would like.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He is very thoughtful and methodical. He lays out all the options and explains things well and always answers our questions. He doesn't mince words. He allowed us to choose treatment steps that were best for us.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Have your questions ready ahead of time.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He kept track of my history and he gave me options based on my priorities.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
I am just starting an IVF cycle and I will start on birth control pills, do follistim + generelix then trigger with hcg or lupron depending on my risk of OHSS at that time. We will have special sperm testing and if it looks ok we will not do ICSI. We plan on doing fresh transfer if possible.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
They have been friendly so far and good communicators. They answered our questions. Sometimes response time is slower than I would like.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
There are two convenient locations and they have a rule about patients not bringing children which is really nice. We sometimes felt a little unsure about the plan or things worked more slowly than we wanted.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Each IVF cycle is 15,000. FET is about 5,000. There is an insurance program that patients can apply to participate in.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
He recommended single embryo transfer unless the quality of embryos is poor in which case we could transfer two embryos. He states he prefers single embryo transfer due to the risks associated with multiples.
Very communicative and compassionate. I don’t trust people easily and he [Dr. Campbell] made me feel more at ease. I felt more disappointed with the results than expected. But that comes with the territory. He seemed incredibly knowledgeable and kept me informed every step along the way.... From the moment I called to make my first appointment, to checking out from my last appointment, people always took the time to listen and answer all of my questions.
The [Center for Repro Med of MN] were very good at preparing me for the first visit. And were also very clear about costs up front. They answered any and all of my questions quickly. They were also very responsive and great about getting me in quickly for the first appointment.... The nursing staff was so knowledgeable and cared to go into great details on the risks of every procedure. They made sure that I was aware of my options at every step of the process. I didn't have any negative feelings about the nursing staff.
How was your experience with Bruce Campbell at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Very communicative and compassionate. I don’t trust people easily and he made me feel more at ease. I felt more disappointed with the results than expected. But that comes with the territory. He seemed incredibly knowledgeable and kept me informed every step along the way.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Bruce Campbell at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Take a little more time with your patient. Or try not to make it so obvious that you have a busy schedule. Be fully present with the patient and ask more than once if they have questions before ending the appt.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Bruce Campbell at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
From the moment I called to make my first appointment, to checking out from my last appointment, people always took the time to listen and answer all of my questions. They seemed to care about how I was feeling while I was there and called to check up on me afterwards.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The nursing staff was so knowledgeable and cared to go into great details on the risks of every procedure. They made sure that I was aware of my options at every step of the process. I didn't have any negative feelings about the nursing staff.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The were very good at preparing me for the first visit. And were also very clear about costs up front. They answered any and all of my questions quickly. They were also very responsive and great about getting me in quickly for the first appointment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Bruce Campbell at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The doctor [Dr. Mark Damario] did not tell me about my PCOS diagnosis, I only learnt of it after my records were transferred to the next physician...I only actually met Dr. Damario one time. He never once called me to provide an update on the cycle. He left everything to the nurses who treated me as any other patient and did not consider my own past experiences when building my protocol...spent the majority of the time speaking to my spouse and talking about how impressed he was with his sperm. He spent the entire meeting writing down the things that we were saying and it did not feel as though he was actually listening to what we wanted. He diagnosed me with PCOS but never actually told me that he had given me that diagnosis, I only found out after my records were transferred to my sub
I did three cycles of IUI using Clomid and injectibles [at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota]...The doctor [Dr. Mark Damario] did not tell me about my PCOS diagnosis, I only learnt of it after my records were transferred to the next physician...Treat their patients as a number, there is no such thing as an individualized treatment plan at CRM. The nursing staff was kind but they were not very open with communication and only told me things when I would ask...Ask specifically about what diagnosis and treatment plan he is giving you...He diagnosed me with PCOS but never actually told me that he had given me that diagnosis, I only found out after my records were transferred to my subsequent doctor. I would never recommend him to anyone seeking out treatment. As a woman, I felt that he was incredibly incompassionate.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
During my one meeting with Dr. Damario he treated me as though I was not even in the room and spent the majority of the time speaking to my spouse and talking about how impressed he was with his sperm. He spent the entire meeting writing down the things that we were saying and it did not feel as though he was actually listening to what we wanted. He diagnosed me with PCOS but never actually told me that he had given me that diagnosis, I only found out after my records were transferred to my subsequent doctor. I would never recommend him to anyone seeking out treatment. As a woman, I felt that he was incredibly incompassionate.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Ask specifically about what diagnosis and treatment plan he is giving you.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Throughout my time being treated at Center for Reproductive medicine I only actually met Dr. Damario one time. He never once called me to provide an update on the cycle. He left everything to the nurses who treated me as any other patient and did not consider my own past experiences when building my protocol.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
I did three cycles of IUI using Clomid and injectibles.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Treat their patients as a number, there is no such thing as an individualized treatment plan at CRM. The nursing staff was kind but they were not very open with communication and only told me things when I would ask.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Failed to call with results
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The doctor did not tell me about my PCOS diagnosis, I only learnt of it after my records were transferred to the next physician.
Dr. Damario cares about his patients based on communication. He is however conservative and doesn’t give the option of trying things that seem new and experimental. For a patient with DOR, this is important...He’s got single embryo transfer...Expect someone who has experience doing what he does. Expect a traditional way of practicing medicine. Also ask him lots of questions, otherwise he will be brief.
Only thing is that the St.Paul clinics is closed over the weekend, and you have to go to Minneapolis. That’s where retrieval’s happen as well...[the nurses] relay messages to doctor Damario, and are not road blocks...$15,000 for the retrieval without medication...Strength - experienced doctor with hood success rates. Dr. Damario is conservative in his approach, and I wish he was more flexible. As a new patient, please do your homework and be prepared to ask questions. He will answer them and is willing to be challenged.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Damario cares about his patients based on communication. He is however conservative and doesn’t give the option of trying things that seem new and experimental. For a patient with DOR, this is important.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Expect someone who has experience doing what he does. Expect a traditional way of practicing medicine. Also ask him lots of questions, otherwise he will be brief.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
The nurses always call back within 24 hours. The doctor takes the time to explain things as well.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
Microdoze Lupron - cycle 1 and 2 (both 150 menopur and 300 Gonal F) - 4 blasts total.
Cycle 3 - Antagonist with same dose of Menopur and Gonal F (this was cancelled for slow response)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Matter of fact. They relay messages to doctor Damario, and are not road blocks.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Strength - experienced doctor with hood success rates.
Dr. Damario is conservative in his approach, and I wish he was more flexible. As a new patient, please do your homework and be prepared to ask questions. He will answer them and is willing to be challenged.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
They’re great. Only thing is that the St.Paul clinics is closed over the weekend, and you have to go to Minneapolis. That’s where retrieval’s happen as well.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
$15,000 for the retrieval without medication.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We met our doctor [Dr. Mark Damario] for our initial consultation and then after our ectopic pregnancy for a follow up and to see what our next game plan would be. He explained what our next steps will be cleary.... Letrazole 2.5 mg, ovidrel, and IUI-negative pregnancy results. Letrazole 5 mg, ovidrel, iui- positive pregnancy test that ended up ectopic. Will do the same protocol after a 3 month wait and hsg testing.
It [Center for Reproductive Med of MN- St. Paul] is a small clinic so if more specialized care is needed you will need to go to their Mpls office which is there main location. Clinic in st.paul is smaller, easy to get to, and parking is easy. Mpls office is larger in a shared building with a ramp.... You may have to go to their Mpls office for weekend visits or if you need trained techs to do your ultrasounds like I did. It wasn't a big deal for me to do so.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
St.paul is a small office, but I don't mind that. We met our doctor for our initial consultation and then after our ectopic pregnancy for a follow up and to see what our next game plan would be. He explained what our next steps will be cleary.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
You may have to go to their Mpls office for weekend visits or if you need trained techs to do your ultrasounds like I did. It wasn't a big deal for me to do so.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
In the middle. We work with mostly nurses after the consultation.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
Letrazole 2.5 mg, ovidrel, and IUI-negative pregnancy results.
Letrazole 5 mg, ovidrel, iui- positive pregnancy test that ended up ectopic. Will do the same protocol after a 3 month wait and hsg testing.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
There are many nurses so I feel like i'm always seeing/ meeting a new one but all have been helpful.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
It is a small clinic so if more specialized care is needed you will need to go to their Mpls office which is there main location. Clinic in st.paul is smaller, easy to get to, and parking is easy. Mpls office is larger in a shared building with a ramp.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Around $1500 with medications, ultrasounds and IUI.
Caring, compassionate, not in a hurry to get the appointment done. Answers all questions fairly and straightforward. He [Dr. Mark Damario] gets to know your past and takes all details into determining a plan. The only thing I would change is having him more involved in the actual procedures. I feel like the nurses take over more in that sense... I had 2 natural iui with donor sperm. After 2 failed cycles we are to meet with him to decide which route of medicated cycle I would undergo next
[Center for Reproductive Med of MN-St Paul is] Easy to get to. Has open weekend hours. Detailed handouts on what to do at each point in your cycle. They walk you through who to talk to, numbers to call, what happens at what point in your cycle. It’s helpful because I wouldn’t have even thought about certain things they include in the information I need to know.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Caring, compassionate, not in a hurry to get the appointment done. Answers all questions fairly and straightforward. He gets to know your past and takes all details into determining a plan. The only thing I would change is having him more involved in the actual procedures. I feel like the nurses take over more in that sense.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Ask questions and get to know your current plan and back up plan
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He is caring and has a good bedside manner. He speaks facts which I appreciate, but in a easy to understand manner
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
I had 2 natural iui with donor sperm. After 2 failed cycles we are to meet with him to decide which route of medicated cycle I would undergo next
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Quick to get back to you and helpful at answering all questions.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Easy to get to. Has open weekend hours. Detailed handouts on what to do at each point in your cycle. They walk you through who to talk to, numbers to call, what happens at what point in your cycle. It’s helpful because I wouldn’t have even thought about certain things they include in the information I need to know.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Cost of diagnostics, iui procedures, and ultrasounds
Dr. DeMario himself was very kind and gentle but doesn't sugar coat anything. He was up front about success rates and costs.... At CRM you only meet the doctor once, then you see nurses for the testing and treatment. Our appointment with Dr. DeMario went well. He was knowledge and obviously has a lot of experience. I didn't feel a strong personal connection with him, but I do feel good about his expertise.... I took clomid to stimulate egg growth
They are high end and very professional. There are many clients so care is not super personal, but you know that they know what they're doing. I am not sure if we may get a second opinion but for now I am comfortable working with the Center for Reproductive Medicine.... The nurses at the clinic vary in their attitudes - it really depends on who is working when you go in for your appointment.... $2,000 for one cycle of IUI
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
At CRM you only meet the doctor once, then you see nurses for the testing and treatment. Our appointment with Dr. DeMario went well. He was knowledge and obviously has a lot of experience. I didn't feel a strong personal connection with him, but I do feel good about his expertise.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Take things one step at a time.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. DeMario himself was very kind and gentle but doesn't sugar coat anything. He was up front about success rates and costs. The nurses at the clinic vary in their attitudes - it really depends on who is working when you go in for your appointment.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
I took clomid to stimulate egg growth followed by two days on vaginal estrogen to help thicken the uteran lining. I then took a "trigger shot" to stimulate ovulation. Two days later, we did the IUI followed by two weeks of vaginal progesterone.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
It really depends on the nurse.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
They are high end and very professional. There are many clients so care is not super personal, but you know that they know what they're doing. I am not sure if we may get a second opinion but for now I am comfortable working with the Center for Reproductive Medicine.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
$2,000 for one cycle of IUI
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
DeMario did 2 FET's for us. Used the same protocol that Dr. Malo established for us 2 years earlier. Didn't change anything regardless of test results...He never remembered any details about my case. It seems like he didn't even review my file before any meeting. Consistently asked the same questions over and over...He is not compassionate, he doesn't see you as a person. Doesn't remember anything from prior meetings. Generally seems confused. Very frustrating for someone who is in a vulnerable position. I had no choice but to use him as my prior RE at the clinic retired. Total difference of night and day between DeMario and Malo. Dr Malo always knew where I was at and what my history was. Made me feel like a patient and not a payment, which is how I feel when I see DeMario.
Jan [nurse at CRM] has been there forever and is excellent; caring, compassionate, hard working, remembers you as a person...Feel like cattle. So many women processed through on any given morning. Care is not personalized...Quite expensive compared to national averages. Higher success rates though. FET $5k (plus meds)...DeMario did 2 FET's for us. Used the same protocol that Dr. Malo established for us 2 years earlier. Didn't change anything regardless of test results.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He is not compassionate, he doesn't see you as a person. Doesn't remember anything from prior meetings. Generally seems confused. Very frustrating for someone who is in a vulnerable position. I had no choice but to use him as my prior RE at the clinic retired. Total difference of night and day between DeMario and Malo. Dr Malo always knew where I was at and what my history was. Made me feel like a patient and not a payment, which is how I feel when I see DeMario.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Go to the Minneapolis clinic and see a different RE in the CRM clinic.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He never remembered any details about my case. It seems like he didn't even review my file before any meeting. Consistently asked the same questions over and over.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
DeMario did 2 FET's for us. Used the same protocol that Dr. Malo established for us 2 years earlier. Didn't change anything regardless of test results.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Jan has been there forever and is excellent; caring, compassionate, hard working, remembers you as a person.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Feel like cattle. So many women processed through on any given morning. Care is not personalized.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Quite expensive compared to national averages. Higher success rates though. FET $5k (plus meds).
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He [Dr. Malo] was OK. Factual and pleasant enough but cut my husband off a few times on questions and would consider bedside manner so-so...Trust his knowledge and skillset, but manner is a bit cold and clinical. Wasn't as aggressive as we were hoping. Painted us a fairly bleak picture. This was our first of 3 REs and to be blunt, wish we had moved on after our first (ehhh) meeting as we liked the docs and clinics at 2 and 3 better.
Main beef was that I IDID have insurance with infertility coverage, this office [Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] just didn't want to accept it so it was all out of pocket...Facilities quite nice...Didn't really amp things up round 2 after lackluster results round one, which was odd (and we did question it at the time with him [Dr. Malo])...Don't recall much [about the nurses]. Nice enough but seemed to forget our info unless papers right there.
How was your experience with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Trust his knowledge and skillset, but manner is a bit cold and clinical. Wasn't as aggressive as we were hoping. Painted us a fairly bleak picture. This was our first of 3 REs and to be blunt, wish we had moved on after our first (ehhh) meeting as we liked the docs and clinics at 2 and 3 better.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He's knowledgeable and skillful but not the warmest dude you'll ever meet.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He was OK. Factual and pleasant enough but cut my husband off a few times on questions and would consider bedside manner so-so
Describe the protocols John Malo used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
Bravelle for sure and can't recall the rest. Didn't really amp things up round 2 after lackluster results round one, which was odd (and we did question it at the time with him)
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Don't recall much. Nice enough but seemed to forget our info unless papers right there.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Facilities quite nice. Didn't accept our insurance (which DID have IVF coverage...they just didn't accept it!). Just so-so. If you are not feeling it after your first meeting here, move on quickly. This was 2015 and now there are even more clinics to choose from.
Describe the costs associated with your care under John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Don't recall IUI costs exactly; want to say around $5K? Main beef was that I IDID have insurance with infertility coverage, this office just didn't want to accept it so it was all out of pocket. Boooooo
Describe John Malo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Felt he [Dr. Damario] had a good ideas on what to do, but felt like I did have PCOS and no one was addressing that. As a doctor we liked him, he was very straightforward, doesn’t sugar coat anything, but the Minneapolis office left us not trusting the CRM name.... Ask for a detailed plan of your protocol. We never got that. Just named meds that we would use, but not the dose or why.... Only met one of the nurses and she talked a bit about the meds and a schedule and what would happen the day of retrieval.
CRM doesn’t have a clear protocol that they show their patients. I always asked what IVF would look like for us and never was given a clean answer. I think they need to have more protocols written down to show patients during the initial visit....Smaller office than the Minneapolis location; felt he [Dr. Damario] knew our story a little better than our previous doctor....Only met one of the nurses and she talked a bit about the meds and a schedule and what would happen the day of retrieval.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Felt he had a good ideas on what to do, but felt like I did have PCOS and no one was addressing that. As a doctor we liked him, he was very straightforward, doesn’t sugar coat anything, but the Minneapolis office left us not trusting the CRM name.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Ask for a detailed plan of your protocol. We never got that. Just named meds that we would use, but not the dose or why.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Smaller office than the Minneapolis location; felt he knew our story a little better than our previous doctor.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
Never given a protocol.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Only met one of the nurses and she talked a bit about the meds and a schedule and what would happen the day of retrieval.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
CRM doesn’t have a clear protocol that they show their patients. I always asked what IVF would look like for us and never was given a clean answer. I think they need to have more protocols written down to show patients during the initial visit.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Did not have any billing issues.
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
He [Dr. Damario] came to appointments not even knowing our names or any previous treatments or procedures that had occurred with us, even though he was the one completing them...He forgot to send orders multiple times causing our retrieval process to be postponed multiple months. Almost six months working with them without a single completed stimulation med cycle, let alone egg retrieval. After multiple egregious errors and repeated demonstration of disorganizationed business practice, we asked for our money back...
[Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] One of the most disorganized businesses I've ever worked with...Almost six months working with them without a single completed stimulation med cycle, let alone egg retrieval...complete lack of communication and also miscommunication, both with us and within their own company...nurse Jenn was a real positive during our negative experience at CRM. Both her and the main phlebotomist at the St. Paul location were genuine, caring, and kind...
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
of the most disorganized businesses I've ever worked with, which for a medical facility is inexcusable. The entire experience at CRM, St. Paul with Dr. Demario was discouraging and infuriating. Dr. Demario clearly takes on more patients than he can handle and didn't have a clue who we were at appointments. He came to appointments not even knowing our names or any previous treatments or procedures that had occurred with us, even though he was the one completing them. It was concerning to say the least. The biggest shock and disappointment was the complete lack of communication and also miscommunication, both with us and within their own company. He forgot to send orders multiple times causing our retrieval process to be postponed multiple months. Almost six months working with them without a single completed stimulation med cycle, let alone egg retrieval. After multiple egregious errors and repeated demonstration of disorganizationed business practice, we asked for our money back and have proceeded to work with RMIA. Even though we wasted our time, emotional well- being, and about $4,000 at CRM (coming away with literally nothing) we are so, so happy with RMIA. If you are looking for an involved, supportive, organized fertility experience then CRM and Dr. Demario in particular are not recommended. As unhappy and brokenhearted we were about our experience at CRM, we have been equally overjoyed at how thoroughly and quickly RMIA has supported us.
On a positive note, however, nurse Jenn was a real positive during our negative experience at CRM. Both her and the main phlebotomist at the St. Paul location were genuine, caring, and kind
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Look elsewhere. If you are seeking an involved, dedicated, and committed fertility doctor who shows genuine concern, effort, and communication skills regarding treatment, then DO NOT settle for Mark Demario.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
One of the most disorganized businesses I've ever worked with, which for a medical facility is inexcusable. The entire experience at CRM, St. Paul with Dr. Demario was discouraging and infuriating. Dr. Demario clearly takes on more patients than he can handle and didn't have a clue who we were at appointments. He came to appointments not even knowing our names or any previous treatments or procedures that had occurred with us, even though he was the one completing them. It was concerning to say the least. The biggest shock and disappointment was the complete lack of communication and also miscommunication, both with us and within their own company. He forgot to send orders multiple times causing our retrieval process to be postponed multiple months. Almost six months working with them without a single completed stimulation med cycle, let alone egg retrieval. After multiple egregious errors and repeated demonstration of disorganizationed business practice, we asked for our money back and have proceeded to work with RMIA. Even though we wasted our time, emotional well- being, and about $4,000 at CRM (coming away with literally nothing) we are so, so happy with RMIA. If you are looking for an involved, supportive, organized fertility experience then CRM and Dr. Demario in particular are not recommended.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
At the St. Paul location ,nurse Jenn was a real positive during our negative experience at CRM. Both her and the main phlebotomist at the St. Paul location were genuine, caring, and kind.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
of the most disorganized businesses I've ever worked with, which for a medical facility is inexcusable. The entire experience at CRM, St. Paul with Dr. Demario was discouraging and infuriating. Dr. Demario clearly takes on more patients than he can handle and didn't have a clue who we were at appointments. He came to appointments not even knowing our names or any previous treatments or procedures that had occurred with us, even though he was the one completing them. It was concerning to say the least. The biggest shock and disappointment was the complete lack of communication and also miscommunication, both with us and within their own company. He forgot to send orders multiple times causing our retrieval process to be postponed multiple months. Almost six months working with them without a single completed stimulation med cycle, let alone egg retrieval. After multiple egregious errors and repeated demonstration of disorganizationed business practice, we asked for our money back and have proceeded to work with RMIA. Even though we wasted our time, emotional well- being, and about $4,000 at CRM (coming away with literally nothing) we are so, so happy with RMIA. If you are looking for an involved, supportive, organized fertility experience then CRM and Dr. Demario in particular are not recommended. As unhappy and brokenhearted we were about our experience at CRM, we have been equally overjoyed at how thoroughly and quickly RMIA has supported us.
On a positive note, however, nurse Jenn was a real positive during our negative experience at CRM. Both her and the main phlebotomist at the St. Paul location were genuine, caring, and kind.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
Lost paperwork
Lost appointments
Failed to call with results
Failed to order appropriate test
Failed to send your chart to another clinic
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Lost results
Provided conflicting information
Failed to convey critical information
Canceled a cycle due to clinic error
Scheduled the wrong procedure
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
of the most disorganized businesses I've ever worked with, which for a medical facility is inexcusable. The entire experience at CRM, St. Paul with Dr. Demario was discouraging and infuriating. Dr. Demario clearly takes on more patients than he can handle and didn't have a clue who we were at appointments. He came to appointments not even knowing our names or any previous treatments or procedures that had occurred with us, even though he was the one completing them. It was concerning to say the least. The biggest shock and disappointment was the complete lack of communication and also miscommunication, both with us and within their own company. He forgot to send orders multiple times causing our retrieval process to be postponed multiple months. Almost six months working with them without a single completed stimulation med cycle, let alone egg retrieval. After multiple egregious errors and repeated demonstration of disorganizationed business practice, we asked for our money back and have proceeded to work with RMIA. Even though we wasted our time, emotional well- being, and about $4,000 at CRM (coming away with literally nothing) we are so, so happy with RMIA. If you are looking for an involved, supportive, organized fertility experience then CRM and Dr. Demario in particular are not recommended. As unhappy and brokenhearted we were about our experience at CRM, we have been equally overjoyed at how thoroughly and quickly RMIA has supported us.
On a positive note, however, nurse Jenn was a real positive during our negative experience at CRM. Both her and the main phlebotomist at the St. Paul location were genuine, caring, and kind
[Dr. Damario] has always carefully and patiently listened to my questions and provided clear explanations and information with every step and stage of my fertility treatment. He takes time, even beyond my scheduled appointments, to make sure my and my husband's inquiries are addressed...communicates quickly with his team of nurses and staff to provide us with the support we need during this emotional process
[Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] is fantastic! Don't hesitate to make your first appointment! The entire staff treats me and my experience with the highest care and concern. All of my appointments were easy to make. The procedures I've had completed so far have been efficient and performed very well.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Demario has always carefully and patiently listened to my questions and provided clear explanations and information with every step and stage of my fertility treatment. He takes time, even beyond my scheduled appointments, to make sure my and my husband's inquiries are addressed. Additionally, Dr. Demario communicates quickly with his team of nurses and staff to provide us with the support we need during this emotional process and important time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Don't be afraid to ask Dr. Demario any question you have. He will take the time to answer them with kind and caring regard.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Dr. Demario has always carefully and patiently listened to my questions and provided clear explanations and information with every step and stage of my fertility treatment. He takes time, even beyond my scheduled appointments, to make sure my and my husband's inquiries are addressed. Additionally, Dr. Demario communicates quickly with his team of nurses and staff to provide us with the support we need during this emotional process and important time.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
CRM is fantastic! Don't hesitate to make your first appointment! The entire staff treats me and my experience with the highest care and concern. All of my appointments were easy to make. The procedures I've had completed so far have been efficient and performed very well.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
My healthcare plan covers fertility diagnosis and treatment, but does not include IVF costs.
I felt [Dr. John Malo] was straightforward and took time to answer our questions. Although we didn’t meet with him much in person, he communicated well via email and occasionally via phone. He seemed very knowledgeable, and we trusted his recommendations overall...We liked his approach [on Eset]. He was open to transferring 2 but educated us on reasons why it may also be better to transfer 1...Come prepared with questions.
Overall, this clinic [Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] was great. The St. Paul and Minneapolis locations had a different feel with St. Paul being much smaller. We preferred the smaller location as it felt more personable. The clinic was kept up nicely and seemed well organized...the nursing staff took time to fully answer my questions and genuinely cared. The nursing staff was especially warm and considerate...It felt like they truly cared about us.
How was your experience with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I felt Dr. Malo was straightforward and took time to answer our questions. Although we didn’t meet with him much in person, he communicated well via email and occasionally via phone. He seemed very knowledgeable, and we trusted his recommendations overall.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
Come prepared with questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
I felt that Dr. Malo and the nursing staff took time to fully answer my questions and genuinely cared. The nursing staff was especially warm and considerate.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
The two nurses we saw the most were extremely kind and compassionate. It felt like they truly cared about us.
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Overall, this clinic was great. The St. Paul and Minneapolis locations had a different feel with St. Paul being much smaller. We preferred the smaller location as it felt more personable. The clinic was kept up nicely and seemed well organized.
Describe the costs associated with your care under John Malo at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
I think the IUIs were all around $2500 including meds, and IVF was around $15,000 including meds.
Describe John Malo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We liked his approach. He was open to transferring 2 but educated us on reasons why it may also be better to transfer 1.
As English is our second language he [Dr. Mark Damario] has tried to understand what exactly we need so that he won’t miss anything. He treats us with full respect. Because of him now we know all options we have. Now we are in the middle of the process. We will update this page once we done the treatment plan and get results.
They [Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota] are scheduled and know what they are doing. As I have said earlier since we are on early stage of the treatment...We only met few times with the nurse just for few hours...As English is our second language he has tried to understand what exactly we need so that he won’t miss anything. He treats us with full respect. Because of him now we know all options we have. Now we are in the middle of the process. We will update this page once we done the treatment plan and get results.
How was your experience with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
As English is our second language he has tried to understand what exactly we need so that he won’t miss anything. He treats us with full respect. Because of him now we know all options we have. Now we are in the middle of the process. We will update this page once we done the treatment plan and get results.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
You are in a good hands.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota?
He helped us to see what options we could have and treating us with respect.
Describe the protocols Mark Damario used in your cycles at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota and their degree of success.
We are going to have donated eggs and will get fertilized then the embryo will transfer to my wife. Still working on that.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
We only met few times with the nurse just for few hours. Hard to comment at this stage
Describe your experience with Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
They are scheduled and know what they are doing. As I have said earlier since we are on early stage of the treatment it’s too early to comment. I will update this page if I have access when we proceed.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Mark Damario at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
About $20000
Describe Mark Damario's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Reproductive Medicine of Minnesota.
Our doctor advised us to do singles to avoid complications and we accepted that. We truly trust him
