Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?

Posted by radiocity @radiocity, Jul 2, 2021

Over a year trying to get an appointment, Scottsdale/Phoenix. I have two issues that may or may not be related. 5 'regular' doctors and 2 years later reveals what are likely lumbar spinal issues, but none of them can account for an issue in my left abdominal area. Last Doc I saw sent referral to Mayo, April 2020. Mayo says 2-3 years to establish primary care. I asked for an appt (internal medicine, interns, anyone at this point) for a comprehensive physical, to basically start over, but I keep getting rejected. I don't understand.

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@anonymousq

If I was denied appointment in pulmonary department with my doctors referral, can my doctor request a different department appointment for me?

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@anonymousq, if I am reading your post correctly, you have applied to both internal medicine and pulmonary and not been able to get an appointment at either. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic receives more requests than available appointments. I know this is frustrating when you have invested hope in Mayo Clinic.

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@sacole

What to do when Mayo denies referral

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@sacole, getting that denial letter is tough. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic has more requests for appointments than available openings. In addition to the helpful tip from @jc76, you can find tips shared by mmbers in this discussion:
– Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

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@sacole

What to do when Mayo denies referral

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@sacole, This has to be hard to hear after having so much hope. I'm not sure what type of condition you are facing but be assured that there are many very good healthcare institutions across the US. Mayo Clinic is known to be best overall, but don't despair as there are many other institutions that excel in specific areas. I usually recommend looking for a large health care center that is known as a teaching hospital. These types of centers are often involved in research, giving them access to the latest innovations. They will also have a team approach to care, so you're getting input from many experts and clinicians. Best of luck to you on your search for the care that you need.

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@sacole

What to do when Mayo denies referral

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Try Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland Main Campus . They are awesome. People travel from all over world to go there . My Mom had major surgeries there .

Also Johns Hopkins in MD . So many top notch Teaching hospitals . Google
I waited 7 months to go to Mayo Jacksonville, for 3 tests . Cost over $3500 w/ my insurance! They couldn’t even help me . Gastro Dept .

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I was denied my first time saying they had not appointments available. A few months later I requested an appointment online. I immediately got in. As a matter of fact they could have seen me sooner than I could get there. My appointment went great and dr said instead of me going back we could do a phone conference.

Don't give up!!

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Simple. Be prepared. If you can get your local Doc to write a referral, get that first. Next get your medical records fully in order and prepared to send to proper department. Be clear and brief with dialog and comments.... more "noise" is not better....like a lot of the posts and comments I see on this forum. Be polite, patient and persistent.... again preparation and focus help.....as they say, your patience will be rewarded....

I side note. Mayo is VERY BUSY! Just spent 3ndays at Jax and (we are 30 year users of th clinic) and I can tell you I have never seen so much activity. Another point is skill, highly train and qualified staffing is hard to find these days. It's very obvious the teams in place are running as hard as they can. Again, be patient and prepared....

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@flrvingbob

Simple. Be prepared. If you can get your local Doc to write a referral, get that first. Next get your medical records fully in order and prepared to send to proper department. Be clear and brief with dialog and comments.... more "noise" is not better....like a lot of the posts and comments I see on this forum. Be polite, patient and persistent.... again preparation and focus help.....as they say, your patience will be rewarded....

I side note. Mayo is VERY BUSY! Just spent 3ndays at Jax and (we are 30 year users of th clinic) and I can tell you I have never seen so much activity. Another point is skill, highly train and qualified staffing is hard to find these days. It's very obvious the teams in place are running as hard as they can. Again, be patient and prepared....

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I am sure they are very busy and I did have referrals sent. Hope for the best. Thx

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@flrvingbob

Simple. Be prepared. If you can get your local Doc to write a referral, get that first. Next get your medical records fully in order and prepared to send to proper department. Be clear and brief with dialog and comments.... more "noise" is not better....like a lot of the posts and comments I see on this forum. Be polite, patient and persistent.... again preparation and focus help.....as they say, your patience will be rewarded....

I side note. Mayo is VERY BUSY! Just spent 3ndays at Jax and (we are 30 year users of th clinic) and I can tell you I have never seen so much activity. Another point is skill, highly train and qualified staffing is hard to find these days. It's very obvious the teams in place are running as hard as they can. Again, be patient and prepared....

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I did not have to have a referral and they had access to all of my test results

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@colleenyoung

@sacole, getting that denial letter is tough. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic has more requests for appointments than available openings. In addition to the helpful tip from @jc76, you can find tips shared by mmbers in this discussion:
– Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

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Finally get in but not till July.

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@rozy288

Try Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland Main Campus . They are awesome. People travel from all over world to go there . My Mom had major surgeries there .

Also Johns Hopkins in MD . So many top notch Teaching hospitals . Google
I waited 7 months to go to Mayo Jacksonville, for 3 tests . Cost over $3500 w/ my insurance! They couldn’t even help me . Gastro Dept .

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Something to think about.
Thx

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