In my experience, other doctors would not see me because the Mayo is so well known and my back surgery was preformed at the Mayo Clinic. After I was moved from Pediatrics to adult, I chose to see Dr. Fogelson, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic. My surgery was preformed when I was still in Pediatrics — Not by Dr. Fogelson. I love Dr. Fogelson. Dr. Fogelson is kind, caring, and honest. Keep in mind an Orthopedist focuses on bones. A neurosurgeon focuses on the spinal cord, spinal canal, and nerves. I would avoid surgery if I could. After my spinal surgery, I am in constant pain. I have coccyx pain, a purple and cold left foot, costochondritis, nerve like pain in my ischial tuberosities, ridicculopathy at L3 and constant back pain. Dr. Nassr comes highly recommended by other staff and doctors at Mayo. Dr. Fogelson comes highly recommended by patients. I would ask you to think about everything a surgery can effect. What are the pros and cons? A surgery is permanent. A spine is very delicate and is connected to many things. Each part of your body is connected and wired to other parts of your body. I will also say that the Mayo has often figured out things that Nowhere else can. @sarany,

Thank you for this! I have experience with the Mayo Clinic figuring out things - my daughter has a rare benign intraneural tumor that has been diagnosed in less than 100 patients.

Thank you for your feedback. It is my hope that I will avoid surgery if possible. Great recommendation to see a neurosurgeon. I honestly never thought of that!

I wish I was more disciplined. I know that if I could make myself stronger, particularly my core and back muscles, it would make a big difference in my well-being.

THANK YOU, @annieecruz !

https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624
Neurosurgery Department Phone: 507.266.2522
I would suggest Not seeing his PA Laura, but waiting for an appointment with Dr. Fogelson.
Physician Assistants are not required to have as much education as a doctor. Furthermore, I would request a CT Scan. A CT scan will show soft tissue and bones. A x-ray only shows bones. @sarany

Thank you for this, @annieecruz ! We are coming back to Minnesota next winter. I will make an appointment and do my research until then!

I would just like to add that since Mayo Clinic is an educational institution, NPs and PAs are an integral part of treatment at Mayo Clinic. In addition, treatment and care at Mayo Clinic are viewed as a collaborative effort. I can understand why you may be hesitant, but it is important to remember that a physician, such as Dr. Fogelson, would be reviewing charts and recommended treatments and would be part of your appointment and care, even if your appointment was with a colleague of Dr. Fogelson. I do not intend for this post to sway your recommendation or discredit it in any way, but as appointments can sometimes be hard to get, I wanted to provide some additional information in the event that you are able to get an appointment sooner with a colleague.

Also keep in mind that if you are a self-referral, it may take longer to get an appointment. Start sooner rather than later.