Application process with Physician referral

I didn't have a referral from my physicians because they wouldn't listen to me and I became a patient on my own with approval the next day after applying to become a patient. Just be patient and you'll get approved!

@savinggrace16 Hi and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m sure you’re anxious to hear back from Mayo Clinic after your doctor’s referral to the cardiology department.

Cardiology issues are very diverse and there are myriad factors to be considered when a referral has been placed. Your case information will be reviewed and then directed to a specialty care area. So it may take some time before you receive contact.

If you don’t hear back in a reasonable about of time, you might check with your PCP to see if they’ve had contact or you can call the Mayo Rochester Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at 507-284-3994 to check the status of your request.

Do you have a specific diagnosis for which you’re seeking treatment? Are you being seen by a cardiologist locally?

In the meantime, you might want to connect with members in the Heart and Blood health group.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/
I hope you get your answer soon! Lori

@jenniferk07 thank you so much for sharing your experience!

@loribmt thanks for your message and guidance on when I could expect to hear back about my referral.

I do not have a definite diagnosis, which is part of the issue. I've been referred to a few cardiologists locally within the same practice and each had a different suspected diagnosis (vasospastic angina, microvascular angina/dysfunction, POTS, heightened adrenergic tone). My hope is that Mayo can pinpoint a definitive diagnosis and help me manage the symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue with minimal exertion) that I've been having over the last 6+ months. I'm in my mid-30s and have gone from leading a pretty active lifestyle to having significantly decreased stamina and exercise tolerance due to my symptoms getting progressively worse.

I'll definitely find some time to connect with the members in the Heart and Blood health group! <3

I’m so sorry you’re going through all of this without any diagnosis. Especially when you’re so young and active, it has to be really disconcerting not to get answers as to why your health changed so radically in a short amount of time. I’m sure your anxiety and worry over the symptoms adds to the mix.

Mayo Clinic truly is a place of hope. The teams are relentless in getting to the bottom of health issues. I’m glad that your doctor sent a referral to the clinic. Finger’s crossed it doesn’t take too long to get a reply! I know it’s difficult to be patient when dealing with our health!

Will you let us know when you hear back? From there we can help you with your next round of questions. 😉
Have you joined any of the discussions in the Heart/Blood vessel group?

@loribmt - It has definitely been a bit unnerving to not know exactly what is going on, but I've been doing all I can to stay positive through this and try to live as active of a lifestyle as I can despite my current limitations.

I'll definitely update this thread when I hear back!

I haven't joined any of the discussions in the Heart/Blood Vessel group yet, I am still getting used to the lay of the land. I plan to soon, though! 🙂

Attitude is a huge portion of our ability to thrive and survive! I can sense that you’re a positive person and that will work heavily in your favor. ☺️

You’ll find this community on Connect to be a very welcoming and encouraging group of people. We share stories, experiences and valuable insights we’ve gathered along the way in our own personal journeys.

Wishing you all the best! Lori.

@savinggrace16 - Like Lori @loribmt, I think attitude can play a major part. I'm not sure if you have seen The Patient Revolution website but it has some great notecards that you can print out to help you "plan" your conversations with your doctors - https://patientrevolution.org/visit-tools.

John! This is a great suggestion and valuable tool for patients who might need guidance speaking with their doctors. Thank you, I’m bookmarking it for future reference. You are just a fount of knowledge! ☺️

Thanks for sharing this resource @johnbishop! I've bookmarked it and will try to use some of these tips in my upcoming appointments.