Hi @jackiem95,

It sounds like you’ve taken the appropriate steps to seek care at Mayo Clinic, and it’s disheartening to hear about the challenges you’ve had to face. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t try my best to address some of your concerns.

You mentioned, "They have turned me down twice—supposedly because I can get adequate care in my local area...”
It is our goal to provide the best care each patient needs, but we do not want you to incur additional costs for evaluation or travel if we feel we cannot offer care that is different from what you’re already receiving. The complexity of the medical condition, or for less complex conditions, the availability of care closer to home are important factors to consider.

With regard to Medicare, Mayo Clinic is one of the largest Medicare providers in the country. Unfortunately, we can’t honor all requests we receive from Medicare patients who want to come to Mayo Clinic. We accept Medicare patients in all parts of our practice where we have the capacity to accommodate them, and most importantly, as the medical needs of these patients require. Here’s some more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance/medicare

I’d also encourage you to go through these discussions on Connect:
– Medicare and Mayo https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/medicare-and-mayo/
– Couldn't get appointment at Mayo Clinic. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/almost-a-half-year-wait-for-an-appointment/

Jump to this post