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Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?
Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Aug 12, 2024 | Replies (193)Comment receiving replies
I had a specialist who has been working on my aliment with other doctors send a referral to Mayo in MN. I received a rejection email today that they will not take my case. No one can figure out what is causing my problems just what isn't. I've been living like this for over a year with many tests, different treatment plans, differing opinions on what is the cause. Is there anything I can do to? This was my last hope. It was for the neurology department.
Replies to "I had a specialist who has been working on my aliment with other doctors send a..."
I’m very sorry to hear this, but unfortunately it happens often and has happened to me as well. I had an unexpected opportunity to be seen in a different department but also needed and obtained a referral to Neurology at Mayo and they even declined an internal referral.
It’s my understanding that Neurology at Mayo is one of the most high-demand specialties at Mayo.
I know it’s hard now, but I hope you don’t give up. Mayo isn’t always the end-all, be-all, as much as the marketing and rankings would push that narrative.
Is the physician working with you now within an academic medical center? If not, is there one in your area where you can go? At other academic medical centers, the wait may be long, but you can often self-schedule an appointment.
For example, I looked into Cleveland Clinic. My PCP submitted a referral for me to be seen in Rheumatology and they called within a week to offer me an appointment. They also have a program called the “National Consultation Program,” which might be of interest to you, and their website highlights opportunities for virtual care: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/community-care/depts/national-consultation-service
But if you haven’t ruled out options closer to home yet with academic medical centers, it may be worth looking into while you’re also trying to be seen at larger organizations. Wishing you the best.
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@smoriah11, you may find the tips in this related discussion helpful:
- Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/
It's tough to be denied an appointment, especially when you've invested your hopes that Mayo Clinic's team approach could be the answer. It sounds like you have taken the right steps to getting an appointment. Mayo receives more requests than appointment slots available, particularly in areas like neurology.
As others have suggested before, you might try at a different Mayo Clinic location (AZ or FL). Additionally, the appointment schedulers may have recommendations of Mayo-trained neurologists who practice elsewhere to suggest to you.