Initial Visit to Mayo Clinic - How Long Should I Expect to be There?

Posted by katieknight @katieknight, Apr 24, 2019

Hello,

I have my first initial visit/ consultation for the hematology/oncology department in Jacksonville in May. I figured it would be a couple hours for the whole appointment/ tests (if any) and that I would just drive home afterwards (I live 2.5 hours away). From what I am reading- it loos like that is not the case? Do most people that go to Mayo stay for a minimum of 3-4 days to have tests done? Or are one-day appointments just as likely? What can I expect? I am bringing a lot of recent biopsies, lab work, CT's, etc.from my referring doctor.

Thank you!

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Hi @katieknight,
I'd like to add my welcome. Like Rosemary, I suggest that you call Mayo Clinic and ask for as much information as they can give you so that you can get a better idea of what to expect. I'd also like to tag fellow Connect members who have been patients at the Cancer Center at Mayo Jacksonville. @travelgirl @burrkay @ocarlson and @samlerpe can share more about their experiences with first consults and subsequent appointments, travel, etc.

@katieknight, do you already have a diagnosis?

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Our experience with Jacksonville is subsequent to thoracic surgery in Rochester for NSCLC...
Our experience with our first appointment there was that we first sent overnight (first delivery) on a Thursday, a cover letter and records including biopsies and scans with a brief outline of my wife’s history.
Within 48 hours (the following Monday) we received a call asking us to get there ASAP., as they had diagnosed a cancer in the lung from the scans and biopsies we had forwarded.
We arrived on the following Monday AM for a meeting with the PA, tests for a few days...that Friday AM-VATS surgery, hospitalIzed with dismissal on Sunday after a bi-lobectemy.
So..
Question is do u have a diagnosis and your tests including all scans?
My guess would be plan on consult meeting with the PA, tests, and subsequent meeting towards the end of the week with the PA and surgeon or oncologist to lay out the strategy...return trip perhaps the following week.
Good luck!

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@katieknight When I first went to Mayo Clinic I was told by the GI department to plan on staying a few nights. If they feel you need any testing they will schedule pronto. The GI department was scheduling a colonoscopy .

Usually my Hematology appointments can be all done in one day. Blood, Ct's and meet with the Dr in the afternoon.

It just depends on what you are having done? They also had me fax all my medical records so they could go through in advance. That way thye knew what to schedule.

I wish you the best at Mayo. If you need anything or have more questions pop back online.
Jackie

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I went to Scottsdale last year and had a full neurological work up with multiple tests within 5 days. Returned from Florida expecting to have a vascular work up at the request of my primary care doc in CA. Appt lasted a full 15 minutes and that was it. $2500 in air and hotel for 15 minutes.
My primary care doc was shocked

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@socagirl

I went to Scottsdale last year and had a full neurological work up with multiple tests within 5 days. Returned from Florida expecting to have a vascular work up at the request of my primary care doc in CA. Appt lasted a full 15 minutes and that was it. $2500 in air and hotel for 15 minutes.
My primary care doc was shocked

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Hi @socagirl, I'm sorry to hear of your experience. I strongly recommend that you contact the Office of Patient Experience in Florida. Here is the contact information.
Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience
Jacksonville campus:
FLAOFFPATEXP@mayo.edu
904-953-2019

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Thank you. Mayo did respond to my concerns . Although they could do nothing more than assure me that they would address my specific complaints, at least I felt as if they took me seriously and would possibly use my feedback in a constructive manner.

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@socagirl hello! I’m a liver transplant recipient at Mayo Jacksonville. I had my initial visit one year ago. I was told ahead of time that I needed to be there for 3 weeks to complete my initial visit. It may be different for your medical issue. You may need to contact Mayo to find out how long your initial visit will be. Wishing you the best!

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