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Dr. Stuart Hough, MD

Dr. Stuart Hough, MD

Pain Medicine*
30+ years of experience

Dr. Stuart Hough, MD is a pain medicine physician in Rockville, MD and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in 1993. He is affiliated with medical facilities Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

3.9 Star Rating
Based on 71 reviews 3.9 Star Rating (71 reviews)

Pain Management Specialists

15200 Shady Grove Rd Ste 302 Rockville, MD 20850
Telehealth available

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Dr. Hough's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Hough

3.9
71 ratings, 43 with a written review
5 star
68%
68%
4 star
3%
3%
3 star
1%
1%
2 star
4%
4%
1 star
24%
24%

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Horrible experience—dismissive, unprofessional, an
I called Dr. Hough’s emergency line in severe pain with suicidal thoughts after weeks of no response from his office. He interrupted me, spoke coldly, and showed no empathy when I said I couldn’t sleep and was emotionally overwhelmed. He dismissed my physical pain as “just depression,” ignored a neurosurgeon’s imaging order, and gave no meaningful support or guidance. It was one of the most invalidating and upsetting medical experiences I’ve ever had.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Mar 28, 2025
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He Listened
Dr. Hough reviewed my files and discussed options that were never offered to me before. He then made referrals and scheduled follow-up visits.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sandra Palmer – Nov 20, 2024
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Unkind and callous
Existing pt of Hough since 2012. He has always been an exceptional provider. I came in for a joint injection, a procedure that has been done a dozen times, confirmed as a PROCEDURE with Sandy. Dr Hough said they “never so that,” which has not been my exp, otherwise I’d do virtual, as I am bedbound. Getting to appts is extremely difficult and painful he flat out refused to do it, didn’t listen to me-just ordered an MR, and sent me away in tearsWhat is especially frustrating was that he was so cold and unkind about it. He knows my history and that I’ve been a pain patient for years to an inflammatory autoimmune disease. No other tx options were provided so— opioids, which is obviously terrible long term pain “management.”What shocked me was that I was visibly upset, crying, and he could not care less. It’s fine to disagree, but it’s never okay to dismiss a patient’s pain, to be so thoughtless, uncaring and unkind. No alternative provided. Typical Tx for disabled women-dismiss pain
What went well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 18, 2024
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A Top-notch Doctor!
I called Dr. Hough's office on a Monday, and, because I had a referral, they scheduled me for a video consultation on Wednesday. They then set me up for a nerve block the following week. The folks at the Monocacy Surgery Center were efficient, friendly, and helpful. The procedure went fine, as expected. I have no qualms about going back if I need to.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Henry – Sep 19, 2024
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Epidural
I have had many epidurals before and this experience has proven to have been very effective albeit the injections were on the painful side but to be expected. Dr. Hough helped me enormously and so grateful.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
May 03, 2024
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recent visit
Dr. Hough 'listens' - he knows I don't like pain medications and we discuss alternatives and he gives me his honest opinion and most importantly I trust him. Dr. Hough was recommended by Dr. Ashwal who has since retired and was our trusted primary care doctor for many years.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Nancy Notestine – Mar 15, 2024
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Top notch
Dr Hough is definitely on top of his game.I recommend him 100%
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 26, 2024
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The best!
Dr. Hough has been a lifesaver after my spinal fusion surgery! He has worked hard to come up with a plan to address the significant pain I was experiencing. I highly recommend him!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Linda McCabe – Jun 03, 2023
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Great experience with Dr Hough
Dr Hough is very professional and knowledgeable. He review my MRI and explained everything to me in a very clear manner. He was also kind and friendly. He suggested a treatment plan that most fitted my condition. I highly recommend him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 26, 2022
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Listens carefully. On time. Offers good advice.
Listens carefully. On time. Offers good advice.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 22, 2022
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He is a really a good Dotor
My visit went well he listened to me to hear my compliments and he give me hope and treatment plan can help me be better. He is a good Doctor and always listened and do wath best for the patient . Thank you Dr Hoff.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Yes – Aug 11, 2022
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Tough job
Dr Hough has a difficult job. Patients come to him in pain and distress. He must address the pain without getting too caught up in the circumstance. He must balance empathy with scientific awareness of the circumstance. In short, he must shut out the patient's vocal distress and do his job. Not everyone can do this. He does it well.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
S. Livingston – Jul 26, 2022
Thank you for the vote of confidence in our... Read More
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Totally unconcerned about patient satisfaction.
Only doctor in 77 years I have told to his face that I won't be coming back because of his thoughtless disregard for patients comfort and pain. Totally ego driven.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
AVOID! – Jun 15, 2022
I'm sorry for your experience but do not recall... Read More
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Listens to Concerns
I’ve had several visits with Dr. Hough and he always takes time to listen to my concerns and makes referrals when necessary. The medical journey I’m experiencing is unexpected and challenging, so it helps to have an empathetic and exceptionally competent physician
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Andrea G – May 09, 2022
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I have been Dr. Hough's patient for many years. He is sharp, to the point and gifted with excellent precision. He and his staff try to make an otherwise "painful" experience a painless one. I also appreciate the fact that I don't rot in the waiting room waiting for my appointment. They honor a patient's appointment time and seemingly value a patient's time as much as their own. A rarity these days. I would give 10 stars if I could.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Annette Wagner – Apr 22, 2022
Dr. Hough's Reply –
You're so great! Thanks so much for the feedback.
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Dr. Hough is outstanding!
Dr. Hough and his staff were professional and personable. They explained every step of my medical procedure and made me comfortable throughout the process. Outstanding!!!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Helen Fisher – Mar 13, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Helen!... Read More
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If you enjoy being ignored, dehumanized and robbed in addition to brutal sabotage by incompetent staff, then this is the perfect office for you!
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Patient – Feb 05, 2022
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I had a 10 min video consult (which he was 20 min late for) though it was early in the morning. Afterwards, I got a bill for almost $200 because they used the wrong coding for my insurance and refused to change it, leaving me on the hook for $200 for 10 min VIDEO consult. I have very good insurance that pays for a lot and should have been just the co pay.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Long wait times
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Jan 24, 2022
The billing code submitted to your health plan... Read More
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Excellent. Attentive, professional, listens to your concerns and does his best to help. Very nice office staff too.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 09, 2021
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Was referred by my rheumatologist, and he and the staff were very pleasant and he was very thorough of describing everything to me. I did get an injection and it was painless.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
Helpful
Debra Gomulinski – Dec 06, 2021
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About Me

care philosophy

Dr. Hough is conservative in his approach to medical care that emphasizes patient empowerment to care for themselves. Many pain doctors make money by over-treating their patients, whether with procedures, injections or opioid pain medications....read more

biography

Dr. Hough is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in both Anesthesiology and Pain Management, and has two decades experience in the field of interventional pain management. His practice includes the management of chronic spinal...read more
  • Pain Medicine

  • Anesthesiology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital

    Fellowship Hospital, 1998
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital

    Residency Hospital, 1997
  • Winthrop University Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 1994
  • University Of Rochester School Of Medicine & Dentistry

    Medical School, 1993
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Anesthesiology®
Anesthesiology
Pain Medicine
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

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Locations

Pain Management Specialists

Pain Management Specialists15200 Shady Grove Rd Ste 302 Rockville, MD 20850
1

Pain Management Specialists

Capital Digestive Care LLC56 Thomas Johnson Dr Ste 110 Frederick, MD 21702
2
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Wed: 8:15am - 12:00pm
  • Directions

Practice

Oasis Rockville LLC3202 Tower Oaks Blvd Ste 100 Rockville, MD 20852
3
Frederick Family and Cosmetic Dentistry198 Thomas Johnson Dr Ste 18 Frederick, MD 21702
4

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center

    9901 Medical Center Dr
    Rockville, MD 20850
    Recipient of 4
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    86%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    73%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    2% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Holy Cross Hospital

    1500 Forest Glen Rd
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    Recipient of 9
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    80%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% lower than the national average

    71%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    5% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
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