Can I apply for a TeleHealth Consult at Mayo Clinic?

When I was diagnosed last year after my biopsy at Mayo Phoenix, I did my consults by tele-visit since I was remote. It worked for me and I didn't feel neglected. In fact, I think it might have made it a bit easier to ask questions about sensitive things like incontinence, ED, and penile shrinkage/rehab. That said, you should do the consult whichever way you feel comfortable doing it. Either way, I'd suggest having a list of questions prepared and, if possible, a trusted companion with you to help remember what's said. It can be a lot to take in and it's easy to miss something. Plus a companion can help ensure you don't inadvertently miss asking something you're concerned about. Best wishes.

I’ve had prostate cancer for 16 years. When I had my second reoccurrence and had to go on Lupron, I was given a Genito Urinary Oncologist to manage my treatment, 8 years ago.. I’ve never met her in person, Even though she has her office in the same city I live in. I either have video conferences with her or a telephone call. She meets with me at least once every three months. If I have a question, I email her and it usually gets answered within a few hours. I’ve never found a question she did not have the answer to.

I’ve been able to get her to change my treatment by asking for changes.

The doctor has all of your information. There really is no reason you need to meet in person.

@retireditguy Thank you for sharing your experience. I should have stated that I am worried they won't accept me, since my consult is not in person where they can see & touch me.

@service1010 -- I doubt that'll be a problem for a prostate cancer consult since there really isn't anything to see and you already have the MRI and biopsy. Remote consults are typically pretty common for CCOE's. I signed up on their website for an appointment from out of state. It's a process; I entered my information on their website and then they called me back. If you have a good relationship with your doctor and feel comfortable doing so, you can ask him to request a 2nd opinion consult directly. My sister-in-law's oncologist asked for a 2nd opinion from MD Anderson recently and handled everything himself. I was pretty impressed that her doctor asked for it. Best wishes.

@service1010

Yes, I have to agree with others - it will not effect quality of consultation. Same as @retiredguy stated for us ( my husband and me) it was more comfortable and convenient to have discussions sitting in our own living-room and all questions and papers spread on a big table and concentrating on that meeting rather than worrying about commute time, parking, finding elevator, waiting room etc etc. We never met my husband's surgeon in person until the day of surgery. With very busy and top centers it is more a norm than an exception. Try not to worry about that and there is no reason that "they would not accept you" - why do you think that might happen : ( ? They might ask for additional tests to be done and that is completely normal and regular part of pre-treatment protocol.
Wishing you the best of luck on your consult : )

I see several Dr at Mayo Phoenix. Mine are video appointments. I much prefer them. my cardiologist watches me take my blood pressure. You can set yourself in appropriate dress and stage the background . Video over your computer is not the grainy pictures of the past. I probably wouldnt want my dermatologist looking for cancer in a video but most appointments work.

@surftohealth88 You have helped put my mind at ease. Thank you

@tuckerp I guess I didn't realize that Telehealth was so wide spread and that the doctors prefer. Thanks

I had Tulsa Pro at Mayo in 2024. I did not meet my doctor in person until the morning of the procedure. All other consults were by video or messaging. I never felt like I was compromising my care. In fact when my PSMA scan was delayed in Minneapolis, I called and they got me in the same day in Rochester.

Good to know. Did they require the PSMA PET for the Tulsa Pro?