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Seniors with Medicare, is Mayo worth the hassle?
If your answer is "yes", please share: How do you do it ?!?
We have been with Mayo for almost 4 years. It has been wonderful service.
I've also had a great BCBS PPO that was practically seamless. I never saw a bill, just an occasional $20 copay.
And then, I turned 65, went on Medicare, and the billing nightmares began. Without a chronic illness, it has taken 18 months for me to realize how difficult this is going to be from now on. In April my wife turns 65, so the billing/paperwork dysfunction will double.
Example: Last October my Mayo primary care prescribed a colon cancer screening colonoscopy. It had been 10 years since my last (paid for 100% by BCBS). While there, they found 2 polyps worthy of biopsy. (They were negative.) Mayo filed with Medicare first, as my primary insurance. It turns out that the two procedure codes conflict: one a screening test, the other a diagnostic procedure (the polyp biopsy). Because of the code conflict, Medicare will only pay for one of the two parts. I now have to appeal to Medicare by re-submitting all of Mayo's medical notes myself. Whatever Medicare declines to pay, the secondary (my BCBS) automatically declines to pay as well.
Now, two weeks ago I had a $48,000 TKR. I am sure that the surgery was first rate, world class at Mayo. But, I am now watching the billing itemization role in to Medicare. There was, for example, a $3 blood draw charge, an $18.30 EKG for which Medicare has now sent me a $2.98 check to pay Mayo etc etc ... up to $48K
Sure, Mayo has a great reputation. But as a patient having to deal with these Byzantine medical billing and coding issues, and having to manually pay Mayo with the checks that Medicare sends me, is it worth the time and headaches? I am sure that in a big city like Phoenix, there are plenty of good, qualified doctors who work with Medicare. Why would we stay with Mayo?
I see a lot of seniors over at Mayo. How are they dealing with this ?!?
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MAYO CLINIC IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH GETTING AN APPOINTMENT.
In 2019 I received a diagnosis of Tonsiliary Cancer by an ENT physician in New Jersey. Their office draged their feet for 2 weeks trying to get a Cat Scan pre cert with my private insurance Blu Cross Blue Shield. Not yet on Medicare. Well to make a long story short. I advocated for myself, wrote a cover letter, faxed almost 30 pages of medical records, and 3 days later I received a phone call from Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota.
I contacted Mayo's concierge service, they scheduled my flights and booked my hotel right across the street from the hospital. They provided shuttle pick up service. I was seen by Dr. Eric Moore and his team.
I DID NOT have tonsiliary cancer. I was there for 2 weeks, as an outpatient, scheduling my appointments with a specialist each day as a checker. I have some minor health problems but no cancer. Don't hesitate to go to Mayo. It was the Best medical decision I ever made. Good Luck to everyone in your search for proper and correct diagnosis and medical treatment. Take care
God Bless!
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5 Reactionsbe careful medicare advantage is very bad Notice your message dated 2020 how are you doing now with advantage. that is private ins. we all know what private ins. does, cut benefits, premiums go up etc.
Have heard many scarey stories on seniors that are very sorry they took advantage!
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1 Reactionwhat did you pay on hotel, flights? that can be expensive
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1 ReactionNo lengthy comment here just some "pointed facts. There is no "hassle" with Traditional Medicare and a related supplement. Actually very pain free.....but Joe Nemeth is not going to drive you to bingo.
Now if you are talking "Advantage Plan" (which is NOT Medicare) that's another issue and may preclude access to Mayo and many other "centers of excellence". Honestly, I don't understand why the CMS does not prohibit "Advantage Plan" providers from using Medicare in their name. Once on an Advantage Plan, CMS Medicare has nothing to do with your care or who can provide it.,,,.you have been "sold" to a "for profit" insurance company that can and do change their terms for coverage as they please year to year.
Old line "pay me now or pay me more later"....
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1 ReactionContact the concierge desk at Mayo Clinic.
They booked all of my travel and hotel reservations.
If yiur flight gets cancelled due to weather or unforseen problems at the airport, because you are a Mayo patient and Mayo concierge booked your flights you get flight change accommodations ahead of everyone else also you explain yoyr budget and the concierge service will assist in booking your hotel.
Mayo also provides free shuttle pick up and drop off to and from the airport, I can't remember I think there was a small fee for the shuttle.
I know thst if yiu have Traditional Medicare with supplemental insurance, your Re covered at Mayo Clinic.
Good Luck to you.
Take care.
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1 Reaction@firefly5, here's more information about Mayo Clinic's free Concierge Services that @collenp mentions.
The staff at the concierge desk can help with hotel/lodging recommendations, according to your wishes of proximity, price and requirements. Here more information and how you can contact them:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
* Phone: 507-538-8438
* Email: concierge@mayo.edu
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1 ReactionPlease do not spread false information, please read the threads on Medicare Advantage Plans. Not all Medicare Advantage plans are created equal, mine is absolutely super including for surgery at Mayo in Rochester. It's non-profit. Everyone needs to research thoroughly the plans available to them.
Medicare Advantage Plans are not equal. My Medicare Advantage Plan is non-profit. Paid for my surgery and other medical expenses in 2022 at Mayo with no hassles. I am able to go to any medical provider and facility that takes Medicare without a referral.
Mayo in Arizona does not accept Medicare advantage. Each year I receive a message on the patient portal in bold letters that says so.
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4 ReactionsI do not have an advantage plan. I have the original red white and blue medicare. I had no problems.
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