First Visit to Mayo Clinic - Neurology

I have been patient of Mayo Rochester my entire life and have seen variety of physician assistants, residents, chief residents, fellows and consultants. Mayo is an education and training facility so it is not unusual to see residents or other health care providers in training. In many specialty areas, a resident often reviews the medical records and asks initials questions and reviews results with consultants on how to proceed.

If uncomfortable, ask questions before arriving or any time during process:
- What year is the provider in the residency program? 1st year resident is very different then chief resident.
- Who is supervising the resident?
- Will I see a consultant after resident?

You need to be your own advocate.

Good luck

Hello @rpaige1365, welcome to Connect. I live in the Rochester area and have been a Mayo Clinic patient for 40+ years. I was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy by a Mayo Clinic neurologist at the Rochester campus. My primary care facility is a small Mayo Family Clinic in a near town. I can tell you that the Mayo Clinic neurology department is like the other areas of Mayo Clinic - they work together as a team. Residents are part of the team but they definitely get direction and work with highly skilled specialists to treat the patient as a whole. I feel very fortunate to live close to the Rochester facility.

If it's your first time to Rochester you might find the following information helpful.

Map of downtown Rochester Accomodations:
-- http://318commons.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dowtown-subway-and-skyway-map.pdf

Mayo Building - Mayo Clinic Patient Video Guide - Minnesota - YouTube

Thank you @johnbishop and @roch

I am very good at being my own advocate. I already called and voiced my concern. I had two doctors, 2 neurologists, and 2 nurses completely miss my myoclonic jerks and hyperreflexia this year (in Michigan). My movement disorder specialist was the first person to recognize them. I am bringing a summary from my movement disorder specialist so hopefully the resident will present that to a movement disorder specialist at Mayo.

I was told a panel of neurologists will review everything, is that true? I’m not trying to be doubtful of a residents skillset, I just know this is a very complex situation.

Easy for me to say but do not worry. The Residents at Mayo are always in touch with a Consultant and they confer about your case together.

@rpaige1365 I can understand the concern. I would have it too in your situation. Just keep asking questions - it's great that you are bringing a summary from your movement disorder specialist.

Thanks everyone 😊 Less than a month to go.

Hello @rpaige1365 I am Scott and I wish you well with your visit to Mayo! My wife was a neurology patient at Mayo for over 14 years and received nothing but world class, exceptional healthcare from every individual she worked with! You will be surrounded by a team of folks, who collaborate on their patients more than anywhere else we ever experienced!

Best of everything and it is lovely to e-meet you here on Connect!

Thank you so much, @IndianaScott

<p>Traveling to Mayo MN from Colorado: First Neurology Appointment</p><p>I completed my intake survey and found out that I can be seen in Neurology for chronic migraine. I've had migraines for 6 years and can't find a doctor locally (or in Seattle where I used to live) that can find the cause. I'm looking to travel to Rochester in Jan or Feb...but I don't really know what the next steps are.<br />Neurology wanted to schedule an appointment, but shouldn't I schedule more than just 1? I don't want to get there and just have an hour with the doctor and no follow ups scheduled such as MRI and blood work. Also originally I stated that we need to work in conjunction with the Women's Clinic because there is a hormonal component to my migraines. So, how do I get those appointments scheduled? I just feel like I don't know what to do next and don't want to book a flight and hotel for a week when I only have talked to the receptionist and have one appointment scheduled. Is there a Patient Care Specialist or team that makes this all work?<br />I also have lab work from several doctors as well as 2 MRIs that I want sent to Mayo. Not sure how to do that.</p>

@kristinincolorado
Hi Kristin, great questions. First I will add @johnbishop to this post as he has a lot of answers to the questions you ask whereas I am less familiar with the ins/outs of how Mayo works.

Also will add @colleenyoung @lisalucier who are both moderators on this site.

There is a group here in the forum that will likely answer many questions for you. Here is the link:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/
If you go here you will find a list of discussions about the Mayo Clinic and how it works. Hopefully one of the moderators, or John, will post here soon to give you some answers.
Best, Hank