First Appointment

Your first contact will probably be a resident so I'd say ask away. You can also say the same to the big cheese when they come in. Unless they are already scheduled it's unlikely you might get extra visits/appts the same or next day.

For me it was pre-determined that I would have an adrenalectomy so on my first visit I saw an endocrinologist, a urologist and the surgeon who wold do the adrenalectomy. I chose another option, but ended up having the adrenalectomy last summer.

Often patients present at Mayo with complex medical issues that cross specialties. The appointment specialist likely made the first appointment with an consultant in an area that is your major concern. The first specialist is your primary contact at Mayo. That specialist is like a medical detective looking for clues to that help diagnoses and develop treatment plan. If necessary they will arrange for additional specialist to help with diagnosis . Whether you can get them done during your first visit to Mayo will depend on availability.

Typically the specialist will not arrange appointments in other sections that are not related to their medical specialty. Example, if seeing a GI provider for Celica disease, they may not refer you to an unrelated orthopedic appointment.

You may want to check out this discussion: "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/
Would like to share what department your first appointment is with?

Thank you for the input! So my first appt is with Internal Medicine, and then I have appointments set with cardiology/GI/genetics -- but I have an undiagnosed disease and I am wondering whether there will be a need for others (like rheumatology) once we get into more detail.

Basically I am being Anxiety Girl and wondering if I should have done "better" with my intake questionnaire!

@emilyjchambers
It sounds like you are off to great start. Do not worry about intake questionnaire, Internal Medicine will take charge now.

Most people have some anxiety when starting at new clinic. I think you will find Rochester Mayo a very welcoming place. There is always someone around to ask questions if need directions.

Make sure you check your Mayo online portal for any questionnaires or forms that need filling out. It saves time when check in.

Feel free to ask any additional questions you have.

Thank you so much. It's hard not to worry - it's been a very long road of very dismissive doctors to get here, but it sounds like Mayo is just plain different.

I truly appreciate your response!

I don't recall a questionnaire. Info was sent with my referral.

If you've been accepted you can create an account and send your inquiries directly to who you believe that your primary physician is and someone will answer or refer you to someone who can help. The sooner you contact someone the more likely that you could get an additional appt.

Hi @bajjerfan -

It sounds like we have different situations - I do not have a diagnosis or a referral, so I don't know what's heading my way. I appreciate your input though!

@emilyjchambers
I had same concerns when I came to Mayo Jacksonville in 2006. You are going to have excellent consultation and care giving. They may want to schedule test to confirm this or rule out that when you are there or schedule you to return to do them.

In my case when seeing EP he referred me to a heart failure doctor as well. I was able to see that docton on same day. Regarding questions: When your doctors come in informed them like I do that I have some questions I would like to ask. Most of the time specialist will need to asked and go over things they need to know and then will asked you to go over your questions. If they forget remind them you have some questions.

From your post sounds like you will see a internal medicine doctor if you don't have a specific diagnoses now. He/she will want to asked a lot of questions and most likely order tests so they know who else you should see that is a specialist in another area.

Just know you are going to one of the best hospitals and most outstanding doctors and specialist in the world. That should bring you to a meant outlook of I am going somewhere knows for excellent care, experience, facilities, etc. You are going to be in good hand and let you mind know that you are going to get the best.