Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, May 6, 2020

Medical needs don't go dormant and wait for the current pandemic to pass. People still need cancer treatment, heart surgery, diagnostic procedures, joint replacements, lung assessments, wound care and compassionate care. Some medical needs can be met through telemedicine, but certainly not everything.

Compassionate care at Mayo Clinic COVID-19

Postponing nonessential appointments and surgeries in March allowed time to increase Mayo Clinic's COVID-19 testing capabilities. Mayo Clinic hospital and intensive care capacity meets and exceeds the current projected needs for COVID-19 patients, due to a revised, smaller expected COVID-19 peak. With these important favorable developments, Mayo Clinic is ready to safely treat patients whose care was delayed, in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Mayo is also welcoming new patients, and able to offer more phone and video visits to new and established patients. Read more about the new precautions Mayo added to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission.

What can you do to stay safe when:

Going to the hospital for appointments
Traveling to a hospital out of your local area
Staying at a hotel
Getting food

What are your tips?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

ret18 | @ret18 | Jun 22, 2020

I agree the best in the best. If you have to go to the doctor right now I would feel safest at Mayo Clinic.

dandl48 Dave | @dandl48 | Jun 22, 2020

Here is a link you might find beneficial when at Mayo Rochester. https://www.mayoclinic.org/covid-19

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 22, 2020

I will say that we have been "regulars" in local medical offices (Minnesota - Twin Cities) this month - I was in for primary care, ortho, surgery center, labs, opthalmology; my husband has been to the dentist, lab, rheumatologist and chiropractor, and my daughter has gone to the pediatrician, ortho urgent care, and the ER. I have been thoroughly impressed with the care and caution taken by each and every one, even our chiropractor, who maybe used to be a bit lax. It is heartening to me to see that the threat of infection is still being taken seriously, and I have no qualms about seeking necessary care.
I hope people do not let fear keep them from necessary health care, or the fallout from Covid-19 will become worse and worse over time.
Sue

migizii | @migizii | Jun 22, 2020

In reply to @ret18 "I agree the best in the best. If you have to go to the doctor right..." + (show)

I totally agree, although I had surgery at Twin Cities Orthopedic last week and they had the same level of excellence regarding safety standards!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 22, 2020

In reply to @migizii "I totally agree, although I had surgery at Twin Cities Orthopedic last week and they had..." + (show)

@migizii Which center? I was at Eagan last Tuesday. Sue

migizii | @migizii | Jun 23, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "@migizii Which center? I was at Eagan last Tuesday. Sue" + (show)

@sueinmn yes, I was at the Eagan surgery center last Wednesday. Did you have surgery too or an appointment? Btw, my name is Sue too

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 23, 2020

@migizii I had my thumb joint repaired - arthritis has sent me to them over and over for years - my followup will be in Edina & therapy in Blaine near my home - after 6 weeks of healing. So thankful for modern orthopedic medicine.
Sue

migizii | @migizii | Jun 23, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "@migizii I had my thumb joint repaired - arthritis has sent me to them over and..." + (show)

@sueinmn I had a fusion of 2 joints in my midfoot...follow up in Eagan in 2 weeks, 6 weeks on crutches and then? My guess will be PT, but I don’t know where yet as I may need to stay at my sister’s to do it in the Cities depending on if we don’t have the specific PT I will need.....yes, so grateful for orthopedic medicine. I may even get to join the virtual walking group!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 24, 2020

@migizii Good luck! My friend in rural Nebraska has been having good success alternating in-person PT 2X one week (requires a hotel stay) with 2 weeks of at home exercise. This after a complex hip replacement/muscle & tendon repair. Maybe...
Sue

migizii | @migizii | Jun 24, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "@migizii Good luck! My friend in rural Nebraska has been having good success alternating in-person PT..." + (show)

@sueinmn That’s a good idea to discuss at my follow up appointment. Right now I’m struggling with a fever and increased pain. I hope it’s nothing too concerning.