@wkindel, you can self-refer to Mayo Clinic. However, it can be useful to have your neurosurgeon make the referral. That way he or she can share the details of your medical status and history, and talk doctor-to-doctor. This could help speed the process.

You can and probably should call Mayo Clinic using the contact information here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 to ask the logistically questions about family lodging, insurance approval, etc. To gather your facts, there is a lot of information available on our website that yu can read first and then ask specific questions. Here are some pages that will be useful for you:

- Patient and Visitor Guide https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
- Billing and insurance https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance
- Concierge services (for travel and accommodation info) https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services

You may also wish to read and take part specific discussions about travel and accommodation, etc. in the Visiting Mayo Clinic group here on Connect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/