Hi, I also learned a lot of things talking to people in waiting rooms. So many are from out of state. I learned about people coming as "checkers." That means you just come to Mayo Rochester and check in with the department you want to be seen in. Then you just wait. It's actually easier in winter because it's cold and fewer people are coming. But I don't know how they do insurance for checkers. One thing the appointment people asked me is what kind of BCBS Insurance I had. It has to say "PPO" on the insurance card to be in-network. Mine did say "PPO" so they took my insurance. I think that helps. Otherwise, I think you have to send in a deposit. I heard about deposits from other patients but it didn't apply to me. In my family we purposely don't cut corners on insurance.