Now that you’re signed up for the Portal, you’ll see on the Portal if you have labs prior to the Hematologist appointment. Click on “Appointments” in the Portal to see good info - your entire “Itinerary” - and to see and record your Patient ID number. Take your printed “Itinerary” to your appointment.

You’ll be going to the Mangurian Bldg, for Hematology; the only building with decent parking without a long walk. Other buildings are very full parking with long walks, but there is a roving free shuttle to each building, for example the Davis, Cannady, or Mayo Hospital buildings. If you feel you need the shuttle, call the Mayo main phone number to ask for the shuttle phone number so you can call for pickup instead of hoping to see the bus at the designated bus stop at most parking lots.

Check in at one of 3 desks on the 1st floor of the Mangurian building. If you’re asked at registration to sign an ABN - as you probably know, your signature on that document is your promise to pay out of pocket, and the ABN should estimate the amount you must pay. Registration workers are loathe to advise you about why you’re signing that “Advance Beneficiary Notice”.

There is a large waiting room on the 1st floor where you have labs done -where your blood draw is accomplished. Plan to be at the Mangurian building most of the day if you have labs plus Dr. appointment.

There is a decent cafe on the 1st floor.

Your first appointment probably will include labs - don’t worry about timing - Mayo will get results to your doctor in time for your same-day appointment. We always have labs scheduled in the morning for afternoon doctor appointments. Yes, you could run into a second day, requiring an overnight, if something is revealed in tests that indicates more tests or immediate action. Always take an overnight bag when going to Mayo. Take bottled water; there’s a water bottle fill-up station near the 1st floor rest rooms.

Hematology doctors, NPs, nurses, and clerical staff are wonderful - always helpful in every way.

There’s a new hotel - Hilton Jacksonville At Mayo Clinic- on Transformation Way just around a big curve from the crummy old too-costly Marriott on the south side of the Mayo Campus. The Hilton is on the high side for cost but very much worth it. Ask for a room that gets good wireless; lower floors were hard to connect when I was there a couple months ago.

Your first appointment will feel like a success, no matter what you learn. The experience and feedback are outstanding. Best regards to you; it will be a big day.