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FAQs
Browse through these common questions about Mayo Clinic and the Champions program for answers. If we missed a question you often get asked—let us know at champions@mayo.edu.
Mayo Clinic FAQ
Q: Will I need to bring my medical records with me, or does Mayo Clinic start from scratch?
A: Mayo Clinic encourages patients to bring all recent, pertinent medical records, including:
- A complete record of immunizations to date
- Copies of medical record information from health care providers outside of Mayo Clinic
- All radiologic films, CDs, DVDs, videos and written radiologic reports related to the clinical question
- All pathology slides and written pathology reports from relevant biopsies
Q: Will my insurance cover care at Mayo Clinic?
A: Mayo Clinic routinely submits claims to insurance carriers. Contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card. Learn more about information about billing and insurance.
Q: How soon are appointments available?
A: Appointments at Mayo Clinic are prioritized on the basis of medical need. Availability depends on the nature and urgency of the problem and Mayo Clinic's ability to help, as determined by a Mayo Clinic doctor. Appointment requirements will vary depending on the specialty. Timely appointments are available for urgent problems.
Q: Do you need a doctor's referral for an appointment?
A: Anyone may request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, and, in most cases, a physician's referral is not required. When you call or submit an online appointment request, Mayo appointment staff will advise you if a referral is needed. Be sure to check with your insurance company to see if a referral is needed prior to seeking care.
Q: Does Mayo Clinic have help for International patients?
A: Yes. Mayo Clinic has dedicated staff to help answer questions through the International Center Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Staff can help you with travel arrangement, financial questions, appointment scheduling and more. Contact the International Center at https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/international/patient-centers/minnesota.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: You don’t need to know everything. There are several quick ways to direct people to more information if they are seeking care at Mayo Clinic. Let them know about the Mayo Clinic website and the Mayo Clinic app. Both are a comprehensive resource for symptoms, diseases and conditions, treatment options, and more information on Mayo Clinic. The App is available for iOS and Android devices. You can also encourage them to talk to their doctor. You’re not a medical expert.
Champion FAQ
Q: Why join Mayo Clinic Champions?
A:
- Help others like you find the care they need
- Give feedback to improve care and shape new offerings
- Access insider Mayo Clinic content and events
Q: Who is the ideal candidate for a Mayo Clinic Champion?
A: Someone who …
- Feels passionately about Mayo Clinic and its mission
- Is willing to promote Mayo Clinic news, research and patient stories
- Is compassionate, honest and trustworthy
- Wants to help refer others to Mayo Clinic
- Is interested in participating in monthly missions
- Joins the community (Connect)
- Is active on social media and/or in their community
- Has a desire to help others
Q: What can a Mayo Clinic Champion do?
A: Mayo Clinic Champion can choose to do any number of activities to help others, such as…
- Write and share their patient story.
- Share Mayo Clinic news, research and patient stories on social media.
- Become a benefactor.
- Contribute to conversations on Mayo Clinic’s patient community, Connect.
- Recommend that others seek care at Mayo Clinic.
- Learn more about Mayo Clinic.
- Complete monthly missions.
- Provide feedback.
- Attend patient events.
- Invite caregivers or friends to be supporters of Mayo Clinic.
If this sounds good to you, register to become a Mayo Clinic Champion.
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