Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Nov 2, 2018

I'm looking for your best tips.
Starting a relationship with a new specialist can be daunting. You want to get off to a good start and ensure that you establish mutual respect and are able to develop trust. You want to know you're in good hands. What is their expertise and experience? What research are they doing? Will they listen and consider your input?

How do you get off to the best start with a new provider? What suggestions would you tell a friend who is going to see a new doctor?

+++UPDATE+++
Your tips in action: Tips shared in the discussion below made this video. It's great advice: For patients by patients.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.

Jo Ann K | @jkiemen | Aug 23, 2019

In reply to @jeanern01 "This is great information! I am coming to Mayo for the first time in A few..." + (show)

@jeanern01 I just returned from my first visit at Mayo in Rochester with Dr Aksamit. He was very kind and spent at least an hour if not more with me. The whole place is a bit overwhelming when you first walk in but everything is well marked and bring good walking shoes. It was a bit chilly so make sure you bring a sweater. Plan to be there for 3-4 days. I think everyone should be evaluated at least once at a large center with the most experience and expertise.

jeanern01 | @jeanern01 | Aug 23, 2019

In reply to @debbraw "Hi @jeanern01 - Welcome to Connect! Glad you found this Group. I go to Mayo Jacksonville..." + (show)

Hi! I am visiting Rochester. Hoping maybe to have follow up care at Jacksonville, I live in Pensacola so that would be much more easier.

tdrell | @tdrell | Aug 23, 2019

In reply to @jkiemen "@jeanern01 I just returned from my first visit at Mayo in Rochester with Dr Aksamit. He..." + (show)

@jkiemen ...what made you decide to get input from Mayo?tdrell

flagal22 | @flagal22 | Aug 23, 2019

In reply to @jeanern01 "Hi! I am visiting Rochester. Hoping maybe to have follow up care at Jacksonville, I live..." + (show)

@jeanern01 Hi Jean! I was treated at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic. It is a quite a drive from Pensacola but worth the trip. We lived in Panama City until Hurricane Michael hit. I then lived at my son’s in Daphne, Alabama afterwards until the end of December 2018. You should be satisfied with the care at this location too!

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Aug 24, 2019

In reply to @jeanern01 "Hi! I am visiting Rochester. Hoping maybe to have follow up care at Jacksonville, I live..." + (show)

Hi @jeanern01 - I'm going to echo what Jo Ann K @jkiemen said - Mayo Jacksonville is cold too. I live in St. Augustine. I always take a sweater or jacket - winter or summer. Actually, summer is probably worst because the AC is cranked up so high. Just FYI, if you are coming from Pensacola, you'll probably need to stay overnight. There is a Hampton about a mile away from the Jacksonville campus and they have a free shuttle. There is also a Marriott right across the street - walking distance. The Hampton offers a discount for Mayo patient and its a very nice facility. Not sure if Marriott gives a discount. Will you be coming to Mayo Jax anytime soon?

jeanern01 | @jeanern01 | Aug 24, 2019

In reply to @debbraw "Hi @jeanern01 - I'm going to echo what Jo Ann K @jkiemen said - Mayo Jacksonville..." + (show)

I am not sure- I am scheduled at Rochester on Sept 9th. I am meeting the surgeon and depending on if or when i need surgery will probably determine when I go to Jacksonville... I tried to go there first but was told for the surgery I would need I needed to go to Rochester... thank you for all the great information though!! I feel so overwhelmed right now the littlest bit of details and information offered gives me some comfort and emotional ease!

EES1 | @ees1 | Aug 24, 2019

I’m in Pensacola, too, and going to Rochester Mayo nect month!! What are you going far if you don’t mind my asking. Thanks!!

clogue8 | @clogue8 | Aug 24, 2019

In reply to @jeanern01 "I am not sure- I am scheduled at Rochester on Sept 9th. I am meeting the..." + (show)

We had to travel to Rochester 4 times now. Very expensive as there is no direct flights from Denver. I leave to go pick up my husband from the brand new Mayo accute rehab next to St Mary’s. The restaurants and decent hotels are pricy too so prepare

jeanern01 | @jeanern01 | Aug 24, 2019

In reply to @ees1 "I’m in Pensacola, too, and going to Rochester Mayo nect month!! What are you going far..." + (show)

I was found to have a rare congenital heart condition- Mayo is one of the few places in the country who has dealt with this condition.

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Aug 24, 2019

In reply to @jeanern01 "I was found to have a rare congenital heart condition- Mayo is one of the few..." + (show)

You will be in good hands, we have been there a lot. I did find the rates are better at the hotels after Labor Day, like anywhere. We stayed at extended stay because they have a weekly rate. We did not fly in so I have no knowledge of flights. However I did find food to be less than where we live on the west coast. It cost us 5600.00 to travel to and from, and stay for 4 months. Which is worth it for us to get my husband a stem cell transplant. Also Mayo charged less for the care than any of the big centers on the west coast. We got all the answers we needed and the doctors and nurses who cared for him were the best of the best.