@blueeyez I had a similar experience a few years ago when I tried to make an appointment at the Mayo Clinic. I called in December and was told that there was only a two week wait for an appointment with a neurologist. In January my insurance changed to Medicare. I called Mayo on January 2nd to make an appointment with a neurologist and was told, “The schedule is full.” I was encouraged to see my own doctor or doctors in my area who were affiliated with Mayo. No thanks.

I googled to see if the Mayo Clinic was for profit and this is from their website:
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.

Hi @blueeyez, I can certainly understand your frustration at not being able to get an appointment.

Mayo Clinic accepts new Medicare patients. Mayo Clinic is one of the largest Medicare providers in the country. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic can’t honor all requests they receive from Medicare patients who want to come to Mayo Clinic. Medicare patients are accepted in all practice areas where there is capacity (appointments available) to accommodate them and most importantly, as the medical needs of these patients require. The only exception is the small family medicine facility in Glendale, Ariz.

Since you are a returning Mayo Clinic patient, it is likely that the department where you wish to get an appointment is fully booked and is not taking any new patients at the moment.

Mayo Clinic is a non-participating provider under Medicare Part B. This means that we see Medicare patients, but do not always accept assignment for payment. In these cases, Medicare pays the patient who is then responsible for reimbursing Mayo Clinic for the services provided. I wonder if this is the situation for your husband.

Further details about Medicare and Mayo Clinic can be found on the Mayo Clinic website here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance/medicare

Blueeyez and @patrick17, I realize that my responses fall short of getting you an answer specific to your situations. To get help investigating the reasons relevant to each of your cases, I recommend calling the Office of Patient Experience. They can investigate further and perhaps help navigate the system with you. Here is their contact information:
Mayo Clinic Office of Patient Experience
Phone: 844-544-0036 (toll free)
Email: opx@mayo.edu

@blueeyez
I have no understanding of insurance.. from the Mayo website:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance/medicare/more-on-medicare