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First appointment at Mayo Clinic in FL: What to expect?
Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Dec 7, 2025 | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
@roch
Hello, I am having a terrible time on planning as we have to travel and have a Friday first appointment. Since nothing happens on the weekend I was wondering if I should throw myself back on the waiting list, especially since I feel that I may be starting in the wrong section.
I called Jacksonville and had a rude operator tell me that I am crazy to think that I would have anything other than that first evaluation. That I would be returning many times as appointments open up. This just puts me back to the mess I am in, only worse. And if we do have to stay, the weekend will be expensive. Now I do not know what to do. Any ideas? Thank you in advance.
Replies to "@roch Hello, I am having a terrible time on planning as we have to travel and..."
@amygifu
I'm so sorry that the appointment coordinator was rude. That is not Mayo's standard. If you're willing to wait, call the appointment coordinator to see when the first available appointment on a Monday or Tues is available. If nothing is available, ask when calendars for future months open up. Mayo opens calendars for future months about 2-3 months ahead, depending on the section.
Also, sometimes if you go on the portal, you can try to reschedule an appointment and it will show if anything is available.
@amygifu, I am reading your response to @roch and thought I would pipe in with my 2cents. No one should call you ‘crazy’, I am so sorry you had such a discouraging experience. I initially was ready to respond to the initial discussion posted and now realize it was written by @darbylc and not you. Darbylc had a December 1 evaluation scheduled and I am hoping they can provide an update so you have more feedback.
I am a Mayo MN patient and can speak to my experience. An initial appointment that is virtual typically is one that can be over the phone. They want to make sure what they show as your medications, allergies, etc. are all accurate. If it is an in-person evaluation this would be something that needs to happen before tests are ordered. They may have an idea of what you need. I have had appointments that led to tests immediately following since they do what they can to be as efficient as possible.
I have learned that Mayo Clinic functions unlike other care I have experienced. This may be why they see different results than others. I have found their approach to be conservative to make sure they don’t miss, or have to revisit something. Once they decide what needs to happen it is game on! It’s been a process requiring me to show up, buy in and let them drive, what they do best. For me, more has been accomplished, and quicker at Mayo Clinic even including my round trip drive and overnights.
I want to encourage you to hang in there! Not everyone is a fit, is able to walk through the process Mayo Clinic offers. I am hopeful you are able to find a comfort level and resolve your schedule to one that works for you. If you are willing, please share more about what brings you Mayo and what you hope to accomplish so others will have will know how to comment.
What does your schedule look like? Why do you think you are starting in the wrong section?
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I have been trying to get into a neurologist for more than a year for cognitive decline and CT scan that year showed loss of brain mass. Long history with brain damage from aneurysms and craniotomy’s. I am now 61 years old and have had TMI’s and blood clotting issue. I was denied by Mayo so please don’t miss your opportunity because of financial reasons. You are more important