What can I expect during my first visit to Mayo Clinic? (Rochester)

Hi @sab1969 Shelley. 😊 It’s completely normal to feel anxious before a first visit. I remember feeling that way, too.

One thing that helped me was reading my physician’s biography before my appointment. I found that knowing a little about my doctor and their areas of interest made the appointment feel a little less like walking into the unknown. Here’s Dr. Flores Navarro’s profile if you’d like to take a look.

- More about Dr. Flores Navarro, Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/flores-navarro-monica-r-m-d/bio-20596989
It does help to write down questions ahead of time. I’ve learned that while my physician has reviewed my medical record, it doesn’t fully tell my story or explain what I’m hoping to accomplish by coming to Mayo. They are sometimes difficult to recall if they aren’t in writing.

Others will no doubt share good advice as they see your post. I am so glad to are here and sharing more about your health journey. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I hope Monday goes well. If you’d like, Mayo also has some helpful tips for getting ready for appointments, a more formalized list if that sounds helpful.

What are you most anxious about?

@sab1969 I agree with Janell @jlharsh, planning your conversation with your doctor can be a big help along with learning a little about them. If you don't normally write down your questions before appointments, the Patient Revolution website has some great suggestions along with some cards you can print out to take with you - https://www.patientrevolution.org/tools.

Good to review a timeline of your symptoms and
care history.Make sure to have access to prior lab tests and any information the clinic could use that is not on EPIC or provider portal.

@sab1969

I am always nervous when meeting with a new provider. I definitely would have a list of questions. I normally let the provider do the exam, ask questions, provide feedback, and then I check my questions and see if everything I was concerned about was answered.

Have you set up your Patient Portal? It is the best way to keep up with appointments. In addition, there may be questionnaires that you may need to complete. If you fill them out ahead of time, it saves time at the appointment.

For more information or help, see: https://onlineservices.mayoclinic.org/patientportal/support

You might want to check out this article on "How to make the most of your Mayo Clinic appointment."
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment
Another Connect discussion you may want to review: Tips for New Specialist:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
Hope everything goes well.

Yes! I always have a list of questions I bring with me and go through. Bring a pen to write answers also. If possible, I would bring someone to the appointment with you. Like someone else mentioned, write downs timeline of your medical history. So much easier than trying to remember on the fly. There can be a lot of information to take in. Mayo was a different SO MUCH BETTER medical experience than anything I had ever been to before. Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

Shelley
I appreciate your question. Gives me an opportunity to add my own experience. Some of it may resonate with you. I am due for my fourth visit to Mayo and I can remember my nervousness too. T

The Mayo travel agency arranged everything from air travel, to shuttle service from the airport a to hotel which had its own shuttle service to every appointment.

We stay at the Staybridge and enjoy its courtyard and quiet neighborhood for walking (even during the road construction). It is a short walking distance to the Canadian Honker Restaurant with its famous Bunny Cake.

We followed the instruction to get on the Patient Portal and to get on the Mayo Clinic app which helps if they add another appointment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/apps/mayo-clinic

The Clinic is large and confusing so that we appreciated that the information desk is helpful and there are volunteers to everywhere who will help you get around. I appreciated that a few steps from the main information desk there is a quiet room where I could get some sleep in a recliner. Then when rejuvenated I could visit the stores still indoors and nearby.

In the midst of all the medical stuff there was so much to see... Beautiful artwork everywhere, a person playing piano and places to sit, A wonderful miniature museum of the history of Mayo, a Meditation Room on the way to blood draw with an indoor labyrinth to walk.

Dress is comfort casual with lots of sneakers and pull on shoes.

As for the appointment itself . We came prepared with records and copies of our latest scans, especially when our local hospital was not on Epic. We had our list of questions and concerns which were specific. Before our third visit we requested to see a social worker who proved to be helpful. I always bring a second person, or ask that I can have my telephone with me so that another person is hearing the extensive information and taking notes.

In the midst of the trepidation I was also aware of the beauty of the place and people who created Mayo and those who work there today.. I had some heartfelt connections with other patients too.

Hoping for the best experience possible for you too.

I agree with everything that has been suggested, especially the pen to take notes. As @altilla stated, for me, my experiences at Mayo Jax (4 years worth now) is like no other medical experience. All positive.
I'll apologize up front as you may have already done this and continue to do but...research your disease/condition. Learn all that you can from reputable sites like Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, etc. You have to be your own best health care advocate. I've found that it also lets the physician you're seeing know that you're vested and willing.
Best of luck!

I appreciate what Donnab 213 suggested that research helps with your visit.. both with being informed and in asking questions.

@donnab213 Agreed, being knowledgeable helps aa lot!!

Yes by all means write down your questions. Print two copies. Hand one to the doctor when he/she comes in. Use the second copy to keep track and write down answers. By your next visit this doc will appear in your patient portal ( sign up if you have not already). Use the portal to send them followup questions. For future appointments I send my questions ahead a few days now to my doctors. This gives them a chance to prepare and the visit is more productive. Don't be nervous. Every person you encounter will be caring and compassionate.