Getting a second opinion on treatment from Mayo

@jdjabara, I can answer a few of your questions.
This blog post offers reasons why getting a second opinion can be a good idea:
– Advice on Second Opinions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/champions/advice-on-second-opinions/

For a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, you can either self-refer or ask your doctor to submit a referral. Frequently Asked Questions are answered here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments/faq

To self refer, you can get started here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Here is the URL for physician referrals: https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/provider-relations/refer-patient

Sometimes getting your doctor to submit the referral can make the transition of documentation smoother.
Video and phone visits also can be great options for appointments before, after or in place of face-to-face care. Appointment coordinators will recommend a virtual visit if it best fits your individual needs.

I'm also tagging @annebauer19 @caryns @cindysavant @colorafo19 @maryvallis512 so they can share their experiences with tips about getting a second opinion and seeking care at Mayo Clinic.

Let me know if you have additional questions.

@jdjabara, you might also be interested in these related discussions:
- How do I get a Second Opinion (cancer)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/second-opinion-8/
- What questions should I ask at a 2nd opinion appointment? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/2nd-opinion/

Mayo makes it easy to self refer because they have a process which you can start on line or by calling. Other places don't necessarily have that and the best way to get a 2nd opinion is through doctors referral. They can generally get you in quicker. It's helpful to know which centers have the expertise in the area you need. A great source of info is the pancreatic cancer network (Google them). They will do a personalized search for you by calling their patient services line. Best of luck to you.

Yesterday I filled out an appointment request and asked for a virtual 2nd opinion/diagnosis for my conditions since there is no consensus on my diagnosis between many doctors.
I received a call today and was told that Mayo Clinic does not offer a virtual/on-line 2nd opinions. I am in Colorado and unable to travel so I was hoping to get additional input online.
Can Mayo Clinic help me with virtual visits & 2nd opinions?

Hmm. I would think if they did your biopsy you would be considered an established patient and able to do virtual. I would suggest logging in to the Mayo portal and messaging the team you saw for biopsy. Perhaps they can get you in touch with someone able to look at the results and discuss options virtually.

Sometimes, video and phone visits at Mayo Clinic can be great options for appointments before, after or in place of face-to-face care. They are most commonly used after the initial in-person evaluation.

Furthermore, virtual care at Mayo or anywhere is only available for out-of-state patients IF the provider you are seeing is licensed in the state where you live.

@bill446, are you and your doctors investigating a possible diagnosis of pancreatic cancer?

Coleen, is there a possibility for virtual second opinion if the patient is out os state, without an initial in state appointment? myson in law is too ill to travel.
thank you
Burksgrl

Coleen, by this : Furthermore, virtual care at Mayo or anywhere is only available for out-of-state patients IF the provider you are seeing is licensed in the state where you live.
do you mean the virtualprovider at Mayo has to be licensed in the patients home state? If so is there a list of mayo providers by state they are licensed in. thank you
burksgrl

@burksgrl, my apologies for the delayed response. Your message slipped by me.

That's correct. To see a patient who lives out of state, the provider must be licensed to practice in the state where the patient lives. Please contact Mayo Clinic appointments to find out a) if a virtual appointment is an option for your mom and b) if there is a provider available who is licensed in your state.

There are Mayo Clinic located in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and in the mid-west within the Mayo Clinic Health System. See phone numbers for each location listed on this page to talk with an appointment coordinator http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

to @colleenyoung ,
Thank you so much, Coleen . I willcheck this link. Appreciate your help!

@burksgrl