Colleen, I will have my first tele-visit next Monday with a non Mayo provider, so I will have to let you know how that goes, especially since I have some coming up with Mayo. You asked about our concerns. I think that the visits may be shorter since the provider patient virtual visit will not take into count body language. Rather the provide will rely on a question for example “do you understand”? We as patients, may not be as truthful and admitting confusion, ergo it could make one uncomfortable. I plan to have a list of question handy as I do with most visits. My final thought is if I am coming into Mayo for labs and procedures and I was scheduled that same day to see the dr, they are still asking for Tele-Med visit. Since I am local I can make it home in time, but it doesn’t make that much sense, unless we are still under the Pandemic, as my appointment is in mid-May. Thanks

Colleen,
I have mixed feeling on tele-visit.

Seeing my upcoming visit is a 1 year recheck it may not be as important to see dr in person. But he usually listen to heart, lungs and does a breast exam. Of course that will not happen. As someone else suggested, I will have my questions prepared ahead of time. I might even send them to dr via portal prior to appointment. Make sure check to see if any of your prescriptions need refill prior to appointment.

What I do not understand is why it is OK to come into clinic and have techs to do EKG and blood work, but to risky to see dr.

I did call my insurance company to make sure they will pay for tele-visit. They just recently changed their rules to allow.

I figure if tele-visit does not meet my expectations. I will request a follow up visit in person when they become available.

Laurie

I recently had to find a lab in my area for blood test. The hospital Center in nearby city recommended this, due to increased Covid19 threat and to spare all concerned. Lab in our small rural town was closed but I managed to find lab in nearby small town. They were able to give me an appointment time, Hematologist faxed them a requisition and I went to have the test. I found the lab attendants were very appropriately masked, gowned and wearing face shields etc. I was given a mask (I inquired in advance if I should wear one and they preferred to give me one there).The test was done, Hematologist has results and Dr phoned me with directions for prescription of Hydroxyurea continuing. I feel this is a reasonable alternative during these uncertain times. Stay home and stay well. Take care all.

My concern is about precautions, not about postponement. I check in with Mayo's hematology doc twice a year for guidance. But my chemo treatments are done locally, a three hour drive from Mayo. I get infusions for 7 days on, then 21 days off. Those 7 days are frightening.

My local oncologist has a very loose disinfecting program. People go in and out the door, touching on door handles, the door, the door jamb - then they fail to use hand sanitizer, even though there is hand sanitizer in sight. There's no one watching to make sure they sanitize. The front desk lady - when she has a chance every hour or so - sprays and wipes door handles and the countertop at the window to her desk. With the same cloth she keeps laid on top of the spray bottle between wipedowns. There are no signs or notices to tell patients and caregivers exactly how to conduct themselves to help prevent virus spread. Nothing.

No one sanitizes the chair arms or the toilet rooms. Patients and caregivers sit in the waiting room, sometimes pull their masks down for comfort; no one is making sure they wear them properly or keep them on. Caregivers are not allowed into the infusion room where I'm told sanitizing takes place between patients; but seeing how the waiting room is handled, I have doubts about the procedure.

I am frustrated. I wear a mask, a shield, disinfectant wipes on my hands, a bottle of disinfectant spray in my pocket which I use every time I touch something with my wipe-covered hand. I spray my shoes after leaving, before I get into my car.

Imagine what would happen if I told the doctor all he's failing to do to prevent COVID-19 virus spread. I'd never have a decent relationship with him again, no matter how nicely I present this.