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DiscussionAccepted for Cardiology, denied internal medicine, need collab team!
Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Aug 11 1:11pm | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I have an appointment in women’s cardiology next week. (Well, 4- echo, ECG, bloodwork, consult.) Internal..."
I became a patient of Mayo Clinic Rochester in Dec 2021.
I have developed multiple health issues which are related so I need my specialists to closely collaborate in deciding on diagnosis and treatment because there are hard decisions to make. This also requires consistency in testing by doing in same place all the time. I asked about a primary care doctor (Internal Medicine) and was told that those are reserved for people who live in close geographical area - otherwise such people would not be able have one.
So, I manage my own multiple conditions. I have now been seen and treated in 5 different Mayo departments, mostly referring myself. I entered Mayo for multifocal lung cancer which requires ongoing monitoring and treatments. I asked for referral to Mayo cardiology to determine if I needed stent or could stay on medication for a blockage, important because next surgery is coming. Mayo put in stent and said they do not follow stent patients. Following year I had complications with SBRT and got referral to Cardiology because the heart could be involved. And it was.
My tests also indicated other issues. I self-referred to Mayo Endocrinology to decide on osteoporosis medication since some are protective against cancer. I got in faster than I could do locally! I needed uterine biopsy because of something on PET and I thought I should stay with the same lab for consistency, also it might be related to my lung cancer, and Mayo Gyn did it.
I was due for colonoscopy and have breathing issues, needed pulmonologist input regarding anesthesia and for safety I went to Mayo GI St. Mary's.
I made the case that my issues are related. I also see different Specialists in same dept. because Specialists have subspecialties.
Hi @doesitcomeinglitter (love the username). You can be assured that you will receive care from a multidisciplinary team. It is the Mayo Clinic way.
@fuzzlepuff had a similar experience of being accepted into Cardiology and not General internal medicine. This is what I wrote to here in this related discussion:
- What to expect and chances of getting in? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect-and-chances-of-getting-in/?pg=2
Given that you're primary concern is heart-related, you've landed where you need to be based on the review of your medical records by Mayo Clinic experts.
Once you have your initial appointment, testing and assessment, additional appointments in other departments (including internal medicine and/or additional specialists as required and based on expert evaluation) will be arranged. Your cardiologist will be your main provider and will quarterback any additional needs.
Here are a few discussions that may help as you prepare for your appointment:
- Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
- First Visit to Mayo Clinic: How do appointments work? What to expect?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-internal-med-patient/
- Mayo Clinic Patient Portal: How do I find it? Do you use it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-portal/
Have you downloaded the Mayo Clinic patient portal?