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Being a “checker” at Mayo during a pandemic

Posted by bernese53 @bernese53, Sep 17, 2020

I will be in Rochester for two weeks beginning this Saturday. I have scheduled several long-overdue appointments but my endocrinologist cannot see me until the middle of October. I live in Tennessee (about 900 miles away) and do not want to fly back to Rochester for one appointment. I was told that I could be a checker while I am at Mayo but how do I remain in a waiting room all day now? Isn’t it true that patients are supposed to be in the waiting area for a limited amount of time? Any advice about being a checker?

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

Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 18, 2020

@bernese53, I might suggest that you contact the Endocrinology department directly to see how they are specifically modifying the checker system. Some appointments require testing, etc. prior to the appointment time. It's possible that different waiting room models are being used, like waiting by their phone in a hotel room or other safe place rather than in the waiting room. To be safe, they would need to connect directly with the department. It would be a long flight/drive if the checker policy has been paused during the pandemic.

Because things change often during these unprecedented time, I recommended confirming with endocrinology. Will you post what you find out?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 15, 2020

@bernese53, How was your visit to Mayo? Did you learn anything more to share with others about being a checker at this time? What was it like in the waiting rooms and areas?

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jayneedbj | @jayneedbj | Jul 6, 2021

Has anyone had any luck waiting in the lobby for an appointment? I drove 9 hours due to an orthopedic problem to find out I have an appointment with a rehab doctor and not an orthopedic doctor. They scheduled an appointment in the future that will require another trip (and another $1,000 or so) but told me to visit the lobby everyday to see if they can fit me in while I am here. Has anyone ever got to see a doctor like this?
Thank you!

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 6, 2021
In reply to @jayneedbj "Has anyone had any luck waiting in the lobby for an appointment? I drove 9 hours..." + (show)
@jayneedbj

Has anyone had any luck waiting in the lobby for an appointment? I drove 9 hours due to an orthopedic problem to find out I have an appointment with a rehab doctor and not an orthopedic doctor. They scheduled an appointment in the future that will require another trip (and another $1,000 or so) but told me to visit the lobby everyday to see if they can fit me in while I am here. Has anyone ever got to see a doctor like this?
Thank you!

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Hi Jay, you'll notice that I moved your question to this discussion in the Visiting Mayo Clinic group. Yes, that's how the checker system works and often quite successfully. I'm hoping that @bernese53 will return to share her experience with being a checker. @roch @csjolundjr @amandajro or @dandl48 may also be able to add some thoughts.

@jamienolson wrote more here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/143919/

Please let us know how it goes.

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jul 7, 2021

I hope they can fit you in. I live local and have tried to get in as checker with mixed results. One time I sat for two days without luck. Another time got in almost immediately. Very hard to predict. It depends on specialty, staffing, no-shows, cancelations, if asking for 1st available or a specific provider and other checkers ahead of you. Ask if checkers are based on time they arrive or other selection criteria and how many are ahead of you that day. If you are already in town it is worth a try. If only here for that one appt, need to compare cost of staying vs coming back.

Laurie

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