She demonstrated expertise in her field and was a clear communicator. She was thorough when explaining treatment plans and was fully present at each appointment and procedure. After several failed IUIs, IVFs, and one embryo transfer resulting in a miscarriage, Dr. Clapp managed our treatment for FET using donated embryos. She worked closely with both the agency and myself when coordinating the logistics
[the Aspire Houston Fertility nurse] clearly documented instructions for my protocol and was available to answer any questions. She was also punctual when calling in prescriptions and was an expert at demonstrating how to administer the intramuscular injections...The administrative staff shows little compassion in regards to billing transparency and responsiveness to returning phone calls, voicemail and/or emails.
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
From my initial consult through my FET treatment, I felt welcomed by Dr. Clapp. She demonstrated expertise in her field and was a clear communicator. She was thorough when explaining treatment plans and was fully present at each appointment and procedure.
After several failed IUIs, IVFs, and one embryo transfer resulting in a miscarriage, Dr. Clapp managed our treatment for FET using donated embryos. She worked closely with both the agency and myself when coordinating the logistics. When we were matched with embryos through our agency, she thoroughly reviewed all relevant information to make sure they met the criterion set by the clinic to ensure our best odds for success and then consulted with us.
Unfortunately, on the day of our transfer, we lost all of our embryos in the thaw. Both she and her nurse were extremely compassionate that morning and handled the situation with exemplar bed side manner. I felt like I was her only patient that morning as a tried to understand what had happened. She never once made me feel rushed as I asked her many questions and she was 100% present and engaged.
We will likely continue treatment with Dr. Clapp using donated embryos.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Don't hesitate to ask questions regarding your treatment and protocol. She will welcome these questions and do her best to answer them thoroughly.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
While I feel that Dr. Clapp treated and respected me as a patient and human, the administrative staff absolutely does not. The administrative staff shows little compassion in regards to billing transparency and responsiveness to returning phone calls, voicemail and/or emails.
Describe the protocols Alexa Clapp used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
My treatment strategy included a common protocol for FET (frozen embryo transfer) including:
- Estrace pills
- Minivelle patches
- baby Aspirin
- Progesterone in oil
- Prednisone
- motrin
I had several ultrasound and bloodwork monitoring appointments prior to the transfer date. These appointments confirmed that my body was responding ideally to the medications and my uterine lining progressed exactly as expected.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic). (Assigned nurse: Amber Bross)
Amber was great at returning phone calls and messages through the patient portal. She clearly documented instructions for my protocol and was available to answer any questions. She was also punctual when calling in prescriptions and was an expert at demonstrating how to administer the intramuscular injections.
Amber took the initiate to reach out to me once she learned that we had lost our embryos in the thaw and were unable to do a transfer. She showed compassion.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Unfortunately, we have not had a positive experience relating to the clinic's administrative staff or processes.
At the beginning of our interactions, it was extremely difficult to get a hold of anyone at the clinic to make initial appointments, check up on the status of our embryos (medical record review, shipping status, etc.) Once I actually started treamtents, this improved when I was assigned a dedicated nurse and was able to communicate through the portal.
Additionally, we have had a terrible experience with the financial and billing departments. It has been nearly impossible to obtain a transparent quote for out treatment. I have received at least 3 different bills for the exact same services all indicating different amounts are due. Even after making payment, I still receive additional bills indicating I owe more for the same services. There biiling is currently outsourced with a third-party. I have spent hours on the phone try to understand my bills and requesting accurate invoices. It doesn't appear that much communication happens between the clinic and the billing company as they both point me to each other regarding the manner. I was also charged prior to my FET. When it was cancelled, it took over a month to receive a refund for the procedure.
I have expressed this dissatisfaction to a financial manager at the clinic but have yet to see any improvement.
It's unfortunate because Dr. Clapp and her nurses are extremely professional; however, most of my interactions with the clinic have been administrative in nature. This has left me with a bad impression. Infertility is stressful enough on its own without the additional challenges of dealing with administrative issues.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
As mentioned above, I have yet to receive transparent information/billing regarding my treatment.
I was required to pay several somewhat arbitrary "deposits" at each monitoring appointment.
Describe Alexa Clapp's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr. Clapp expressed preference to transfer only one embryo during the first transfer. She commented if the first transfer was not successful, we might consider transferring two the next time.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
About a week before my scheduled transfer, I came down with a terrible cold. I reached out to the nurse about what medications would be safe to take and she gave me a sheet listing safe medications. When I followed up with a call, I was told not to take one of the medications that was actually listed as "safe" on the sheet provided.
Additionally, it would have been helpful to have been given that sheet at the beginning of the protocol rather than having to request it, as it listed other medications that were safe and unsafe not necessarily related to my cold. It would have been a good resource to have from the beginning.
Dr. Clapp has a way of speaking to patients like a friend, presenting all the facts while also being delicate. She has a positive and confident demeanor that puts anyone at ease...she presented all of our options and steps to us clearly and in detail as well as ways to pivot if we got an undesirable result...extremely personable and confident and makes us feel that we will get the outcome we all desire, a family of our own
The nursing staff [at Houston Fertility Institute] is very welcoming...really get to know one another. They are friendly, attentive, and always available if you call to ask questions...costs for an oral medication cycle was roughly $900. The cost for an injectable cycle is around $2000...nice area with a free parking garage
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
When we first consulted with Dr. Clapp she welcomed us like old friends. After going over all of our labs, she presented all of our options and steps to us clearly and in detail as well as ways to pivot if we got an undesirable result. We had to cancel our cycle due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but Dr.Clapp made a point to contact us personally outlining what we would do next as soon as we could get back in the clinic and calmed all of our anxieties and fears. She’s extremely personable and confident and makes us feel that we will get the outcome we all desire, a family of our own.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Come prepared when seeing Dr. Clapp. If you have any questions write them down and make sure to ask them. If you have any labs, vaccination records, or test results, bring them with you. There’s no such thing as too much information.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Clapp has a way of speaking to patients like a friend, presenting all the facts while also being delicate. She has a positive and confident demeanor that puts anyone at ease.
Describe the protocols Alexa Clapp used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
My husband and I wanted to try to get pregnant as naturally as possible, however I was diagnosed with PCOS. We started our cycle out with taking Letrozol, once we found that my ovaries were resistant, we switched to a cycle of Clomid, upping the dosage each time. My follicles continued not to mature, so with a new cycle we are doing doing a combination of things, including taking Metformin and injectables.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The nursing staff is very welcoming. Because we have to sometimes come in multiple times a week to monitor the growth of follicles, we have the opportunity to really get to know one another. They are friendly, attentive, and always available if you call to ask questions.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
HFI is one of the largest and most successful fertility clinics in the Greater Houston Area. There are multiple locations so be sure to find one close to your home. Our clinic is located in a nice area with a free parking garage. The clinic itself has a bunch of useful literature if you need it.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The costs for an oral medication cycle was roughly $900. The cost for an injectable cycle is around $2000.
Describe Alexa Clapp's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I don’t have any comments on this because we haven’t gotten to that point in our fertility journey yet, and haven’t discussed.
Dr Clapp is a wonderful specialist. She is extremely knowledgeable and always happy to explain any procedure to what ever detail made us comfortable. She personally called the lab when we had questions about laboratory equipment and procedures. If I had questions the nurses couldn’t answer she would personally call back. Sometimes she can be matter of fact, but she does care about her patients greatly.
Great clinic [Houston Fertility Institute]. Wonderful staff of doctors, nurses and financial advisors. Their associated lab is fantastic. High caliber embryologists that really know what they are doing. We had a couple specific requests for the lab and they were happy to accommodate. ... They had a wide variety of financial options. They range from single egg retrieval to multiple retrievals and transfers.
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr Clapp is a wonderful specialist. She is extremely knowledgeable and always happy to explain any procedure to what ever detail made us comfortable. She personally called the lab when we had questions about laboratory equipment and procedures. If I had questions the nurses couldn’t answer she would personally call back. Sometimes she can be matter of fact, but she does care about her patients greatly.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
she Works at multiple facilities, so don’t be concerned if you can’t see her every visit. She reviews all the results and works with the other doctors in her practice and ultimately makes the recommendations for your treatment
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
The nurses were spectacular. Called every day to check on me, provide updates and answer any questions I had
Describe the protocols Alexa Clapp used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
We started with androgen Hormone priming (estrogen & testosterone) to promote better quality eggs since I am older than 35 & previous 2 retrievals resulted in Poor quality embryos. We planned on a 10 day ovarian stimulation with max doses of menopur and gonal F. She adjusted to 12 days of stimulation to allow the eggs to further mature. We had planned on fresh day 3 transfer. Dr clapp recommended against this as my progesterone rose to a level where fresh transfers are unsuccessful. She explained everything and we moved to a freeze all. By day 5 we only had 1 blast embryo, but 5 still growing. We let them mature to day 6 and got one more blast. We then did a frozen transfer of both embryos (one excellent quality the other fair). We had a live singleton birth as the result. No complications during pregnancy. Easy birth.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Called frequently with test results and to check on me. Very friendly and compassionate. Efficient at care & provided excellent follow up
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Great clinic. Wonderful staff of doctors, nurses and financial advisors. Their associated lab is fantastic. High caliber embryologists that really know what they are doing. We had a couple specific requests for the lab and they were happy to accommodate.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
They had a wide variety of financial options. They range from single egg retrieval to multiple retrievals and transfers.
Describe Alexa Clapp's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr Clapp makes her recommendations on a case by case basis. I really felt like she was tailoring our treatment to us vs blindly following a protocol.
She [Dr. Alexa Clapp] monitored my cycle very closely, anytime there was a change in any hormone, she would immediately change the dose to make it work for me. She would explain why we were making the change and explained exactly what it was affecting...was very thorough when explaining different things to me. A lot of times one feels lost with all of the medical terms, but Dr Clapp was great at explaining things in a way I could understand.
Communication is great, I never had any trouble getting in contact with any nurses. I was also able to get an appointment super quick...I was going to the Beaumont, satellite office, so I would have to travel to Houston for any surgeries. Traveling for 1.5hrs after being in surgery was not my favorite...The Dr and nurses were always so kind and always took their time with me. Allowed me to explain anything and everything I felt.
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Clapp was very thorough when explaining different things to me. A lot of times one feels lost with all of the medical terms, but Dr Clapp was great at explaining things in a way I could understand. She was also great at listening and answering any questions.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Ask lots of questions! She is so good at answering everything you may be thinking of.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
I did not feel like just a number, I really felt like I was taken care of! The Dr and nurses were always so kind and always took their time with me. Allowed me to explain anything and everything I felt.
Describe the protocols Alexa Clapp used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
She monitored my cycle very closely, anytime there was a change in any hormone, she would immediately change the dose to make it work for me. She would explain why we were making the change and explained exactly what it was affecting.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
The nursing staff was super sweet! Always made you feel welcomed and always always showed compassion.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Communication is great, I never had any trouble getting in contact with any nurses. I was also able to get an appointment super quick, I believe I called on a Tuesday and had my first appointment that very next Friday.
I was going to the Beaumont, satellite office, so I would have to travel to Houston for any surgeries. Traveling for 1.5hrs after being in surgery was not my favorite! Hopefully, they can team up with a hospital or something out here.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Office visits $60
Labs $100
IVF @ $20,000
Describe Alexa Clapp's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Because of my unexplained infertility, Dr Clapp chose to only do a single embryo transfer because of the high risk of having multiples.
She [Dr. Alexa Clapp] mentioned on two occasions once over the phone during our conversation re our cycle failing and in office how she reached out to other doctors in the office to assist our case. Although it was hard to hear that our retrieval failed she understood our need to take time before trying again and had a plan for when we were ready. She also performed my sis in office and walked me through every part of the procedure to but me at ease.
Over all communication [at Houston Fertility Institute] was good until it wasn't. After my cycle failed I received two phone calls because in a months time my insurance became in network and the finance office called to update the information. The second call was from the surgery center calling to schedule my procedure, a month after I had already had a retrieval. This was the only time I felt communication could have been better.
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She mentioned on two occasions once over the phone during our conversation re our cycle failing and in office how she reached out to other doctors in the office to assist our case. Although it was hard to hear that our retrieval failed she understood our need to take time before trying again and had a plan for when we were ready. She also performed my sis in office and walked me through every part of the procedure to but me at ease.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Even if you don't have many questions during consult she was always easily reachable via email to answer questions I had later.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
We had several conversation before starting treatment where she answered our questions throughly. Even when our cycle failed we had answers and a new plan. When she didn't have the answers she openly talked about consulting her colleagues and sent me studies to answer the questions I did have.
Describe the protocols Alexa Clapp used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
After all of test results appeared to be normal and on the right track we used birth control to bring my levels down. Once my endocrinologist ok'd my A1c level to start it was gonal and menopur with ovidril starting half way through our tx. Growth via ultrasound was consist although there was concern my estrogen wasn't rising as expected. Before retrieval there were an estimated 4 eggs. Day of retrieval a different Dr performed my procedure, she found 2 eggs but was only able to reach one due to location.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
There are two main nurses on the office and although you have one that is assigned to your doctor each nurse is familiar with your case and can sub in for each other as needed.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Over all communication was good until it wasn't. After my cycle failed I received two phone calls because in a months time my insurance became in network and the finance office called to update the information. The second call was from the surgery center calling to schedule my procedure, a month after I had already had a retrieval. This was the only time I felt communication could have been better.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
I could schedule before work as needed sometimes I could be seen before the official open hours.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
We paid out of pocket the first round about 17000 medication was cheaper with the clinic discount verses my insurance.
Describe Alexa Clapp's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Due to being high risk due to age and being diabetic single embryo transfer was our best option for the safety and health for me and future baby.
Dr. Clapp was lovely when she was available, but spent a lot of time our check-ins with a rotating set of nurses and [her] male colleague...[she] was clearly compassionate and very smart...could have done a little better managing expectations - I learned far more about what to expect around # of eggs retrieved and ultimately frozen from the internet than her...
Overall the clinic [Houston Fertility Institute] itself was the worst part of this group...we weren't really kept very informed of our progress. Often talking to various nurses who were unsure on how to answer our questions and didn't know us or our case at all...The original financial estimate was way off...Dr. Clapp was lovely when she was available...
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Dr. Clapp was lovely when she was available, but spent a lot of time our check-ins with a rotating set of nurses and Dr. Clapp's male colleague.
Dr. Clapp was clearly compassionate and very smart. I think she could have done a little better managing expectations - I learned far more about what to expect around # of eggs retrieved and ultimately frozen from the internet than her.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Advocate for yourself. Dr. Clapp is great at answering questions and giving details IF you ask. Otherwise you might not get much detail.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
It felt like other than the very start and end we weren't really kept very informed of our progress. Often talking to various nurses who were unsure on how to answer our questions and didn't know us or our case at all.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Mostly just hard to get ahold of and unable to answer most questions.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
- Their phone/hold system is terrible. It often took multiple tries to get ahold of someone.
- The original financial estimate was way off.
Overall the clinic itself was the worst part of this group.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Around $28,000
Describe Alexa Clapp's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
Dr. Clapp definitely is more about doing a single embryo transfer.
What specific things went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
Failed to inform you of changes in protocol
Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
We had a couple of issues, but they would make this not anonymous. We wouldn't trust this specific clinic in the future.
I saw Dr. Clapp and she wemt iver every detail and step i needed to go through to find the best treatment option. She will call you after hours to answer any questions. She explains everything and does not mind questions you can ask anything about treatment and risks.... She will call you and take as long as she needs to make you feel comfotable. She is so sweet and an amazing doctor.... We started off with the basics finding out the issue. Then we progressed to which treatment would be best.
They [Houston Fertility Institute] are fantastic. They get you in as soon as possible. They will help you in anyway they can from finances to basic regerrals from your doctor so your insurance pays for the visits. The only weaknesz is Dr. Clapp is only in the beaumont office on Fridays. However the other doctor thers is always great and is very understanding with your case.... They [nurses] were amazing and always got back to me immediately.
How was your experience with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
HFI was amazinf from the very first consultation. I saw Dr. Clapp and she wemt iver every detail and step i needed to go through to find the best treatment option. She will call you after hours to answer any questions. She explains everything and does not mind questions you can ask anything about treatment and risks.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
To choose Dr. Clapp if you want a doctor who is trustworthy and will help you with anything
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic)?
She will call you and take as long as she needs to make you feel comfotable. She is so sweet and an amazing doctor. At HFI you are a human not a number.
Describe the protocols Alexa Clapp used in your cycles at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic) and their degree of success.
We started off with the basics finding out the issue. Then we progressed to which treatment would be best.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
They were amazing and always got back to me immediately.
Describe your experience with Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).
They are fantastic. They get you in as soon as possible. They will help you in anyway they can from finances to basic regerrals from your doctor so your insurance pays for the visits. The only weaknesz is Dr. Clapp is only in the beaumont office on Fridays. However the other doctor thers is always great and is very understanding with your case.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Alexa Clapp at Aspire Fertility - Houston Fertility Institute (Prelude Network clinic).