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Getting your first appointment

Posted by amkaloha @amkaloha, Dec 29, 2016

I have so many questions about this. Do I have to have a PCP referral to make an appointment? How about health records? I have many problems, the most prevalent right now is swollen legs and feet and have been seeing a few doctors in my area but no one seems to be able to help. I have had sonogram tests (blood movement is fine with no clots), an echocardiogram (heart is working well), but my legs stay swollen and stiff. I also have terrible pain in my knees due to osteoarthritis and neuropathy in both legs (I have to use a walker). Must I diagnose myself? - how do i know which department at Mayo to start with? This is in addition to if they will take my Medicare and BCBS. Mayo has such a great reputation that I just feel they could help me get my life back. Thanks to anyone with any answers or ideas.

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

bjgwellness | @bjgwellness | Aug 17, 2021

@jenniferhunter Just want to give an update on my son and MFR (Myofascial Release Therapy) . Yesterday, he spoke to his Physical Therapist about MFR. Unfortunately, MFR won't work so well, due to the location of my son's scar tissue. His scar tissue is under his L5/S1 vertebrae, so MFR access is near impossible. However, the good news is the PT recommended specific long hold (5-10 minutes each) stretching exercises to reshape/remold the fascial scar tissue. My son will try this. Thanks again for your information! It has led to additional pain reducing solutions for my son.

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1 reply
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Aug 18, 2021
In reply to @bjgwellness "@jenniferhunter Just want to give an update on my son and MFR (Myofascial Release Therapy) ...." + (show)
@bjgwellness

@jenniferhunter Just want to give an update on my son and MFR (Myofascial Release Therapy) . Yesterday, he spoke to his Physical Therapist about MFR. Unfortunately, MFR won't work so well, due to the location of my son's scar tissue. His scar tissue is under his L5/S1 vertebrae, so MFR access is near impossible. However, the good news is the PT recommended specific long hold (5-10 minutes each) stretching exercises to reshape/remold the fascial scar tissue. My son will try this. Thanks again for your information! It has led to additional pain reducing solutions for my son.

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@bjgwellness The long hold is exactly how myofascial release works with a gentle stretch. It also can wrap around different places and from side to side. I can feel the MFR tingling stretch go all the way to my ankles when my therapst is working in my neck or chest. Some PT's think of stuff like cupping as MFR and it does stretch fascia, but a little more aggressively. Whatever works is great. Yoga is also a way to stretch fascia when you hold the poses. I'm glad you found something that helps. Thank you for the update!

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idagirl | @idagirl | Sep 11, 2021

I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my question...if I were to just show up at the Mayo Clinic in AZ, could I become a “checker”? Or did they end that due to COVID? I wouldn’t even consider this if I didn’t know something is wrong. I live in rural North Idaho and the last three doctors (two were specialists) that I’ve seen in the past few months are in agreement something’s wrong, but they’ve completely dropped the ball and can’t seem to work together to help. Just more and more tests and future appointments over a month away. I have a feeling I know what’s wrong, at least partially, but they just look at me with a blank stare. I’m desperate to see an internal medicine doctor.

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Sep 12, 2021
In reply to @idagirl "I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my..." + (show)
@idagirl

I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my question...if I were to just show up at the Mayo Clinic in AZ, could I become a “checker”? Or did they end that due to COVID? I wouldn’t even consider this if I didn’t know something is wrong. I live in rural North Idaho and the last three doctors (two were specialists) that I’ve seen in the past few months are in agreement something’s wrong, but they’ve completely dropped the ball and can’t seem to work together to help. Just more and more tests and future appointments over a month away. I have a feeling I know what’s wrong, at least partially, but they just look at me with a blank stare. I’m desperate to see an internal medicine doctor.

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I doubt just showing up will help. You may travel a long way and be disappointed when unable to be seen.

I would try calling on Monday and find our why you were not called. Someone should of called, or least let you know there was a problem and needed to be reschedule. If you do not get a satisfactory response, contact Mayo Patent Experience, see their web site for how to contact them, you can call or fil out a form. ​
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience
​If unable to get into AZ ask about Rochester.

Good luck
Laurie

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 12, 2021
In reply to @idagirl "I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my..." + (show)
@idagirl

I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my question...if I were to just show up at the Mayo Clinic in AZ, could I become a “checker”? Or did they end that due to COVID? I wouldn’t even consider this if I didn’t know something is wrong. I live in rural North Idaho and the last three doctors (two were specialists) that I’ve seen in the past few months are in agreement something’s wrong, but they’ve completely dropped the ball and can’t seem to work together to help. Just more and more tests and future appointments over a month away. I have a feeling I know what’s wrong, at least partially, but they just look at me with a blank stare. I’m desperate to see an internal medicine doctor.

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@idagirl, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @roch and other members. I also agree with @roch suggestion to call first so it's not a wasted trip if you are not able to get an appointment. You can find the contact information for the Mayo Clinic Arizona, Florida and Minnesota locations here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

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cindajune | @cindajune | Sep 12, 2021
In reply to @idagirl "I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my..." + (show)
@idagirl

I had a phone call scheduled to make an appointment, but no one called. So my question...if I were to just show up at the Mayo Clinic in AZ, could I become a “checker”? Or did they end that due to COVID? I wouldn’t even consider this if I didn’t know something is wrong. I live in rural North Idaho and the last three doctors (two were specialists) that I’ve seen in the past few months are in agreement something’s wrong, but they’ve completely dropped the ball and can’t seem to work together to help. Just more and more tests and future appointments over a month away. I have a feeling I know what’s wrong, at least partially, but they just look at me with a blank stare. I’m desperate to see an internal medicine doctor.

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I had physicians from 3 different specialties and my primary send on referrals over two months ago and still haven’t heard anything. I call weekly and they say they haven’t received anything. They say they are overwhelmed with unvaccinated covid. I guess from the media the whole of the world is and no hospitals have any room for anyone. They are even denying women who give birth in some hospitals. They are saying once they get to 90% vaccination we will have a better shot at normalcy in the health system again. It’s all just terrifying. I would t go down if I were you. Call them frequently. Stay calm and breathe. I am very ill lost 35lbs and barely move. No answers from dozens of MRIs. Thankful I don’t have covid and hoping the hospitals will no longer be burdened and have to turn away dying sick people. They are all overwhelmed and under staffed now. Our local news showed 100 nurses quit the other day. I’m sure it’s happening everywhere. Stay strong and as healthy as you can. Move, eat right and take your vitamins. It’s what we can do for now. I get on my phone and watch slot if tv to take my mind of the discomfort. Hoping you are luckier than me and can get in. Praying!

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idagirl | @idagirl | Sep 12, 2021

Sounds like similar circumstances, thanks for the info. Hope you get help as soon as possible!

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Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Sep 19, 2021
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@pjmax11 When I was looking at the list of surgeons at Mayo who treat spina bifida,..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@pjmax11 When I was looking at the list of surgeons at Mayo who treat spina bifida, they seem to be pediatric surgeons. I looked up spina bifida oculta and found it was a diagnosis in adults that is sometimes missed. What I might suggest if you are looking for a surgical consult at Mayo is to contact a spine deformity expert. I would contact Mayo first to make sure that you have in network insurance coverage as spine care is very expensive. You can ask to have your records sent in to a particular surgeon if their clinical interests match what you need. I did that in my case. That being said, I would recommend that you contact the neurosurgeon who did my surgery, Jeremy Fogelson, because he is a deformity expert and is teaching in the neurosurgery program at Mayo. First you would be speaking with the neurosurgery department and can ask about which surgeons treat spina bifida in adults. If Dr. Fogelson felt another surgeon was a better choice for your son's case, he may call in another surgeon to assist or to take the case. As patients, John and I don't have any say in scheduling at Mayo or diagnosing issues, but we can relay our experiences and what we know about Mayo.

It is important to get second opinions about any proposed serious spine surgery. There might be another opinion with a different approach that is better or safer. You need a real expert at the top of their game who can give that opinion.

Here is Dr. Fogelson's profile (and there is a wait list to see him at this time)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624
If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

Was a spinal implant suggested to him by another surgeon?

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@pjmax11 I happened to run across a video about adult spina bifida surgery that might be of interest to you about a surgeon from Johns Hopkins and a new procedure for spina bifida with a tethered spinal cord. I thought this may be of interest and I was very impressed with this story. Here is the link.

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1 reply
pjmax11 | @pjmax11 | Sep 19, 2021
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@pjmax11 I happened to run across a video about adult spina bifida surgery that might be..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@pjmax11 I happened to run across a video about adult spina bifida surgery that might be of interest to you about a surgeon from Johns Hopkins and a new procedure for spina bifida with a tethered spinal cord. I thought this may be of interest and I was very impressed with this story. Here is the link.

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Thank you, Jennifer. This was fascinating! I’ll send it in to my son. I appreciate you remembering me!

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ishaa | @ishaa | Jun 3, 2022

We have a similar situation in our family and I am not sure the best route to make an appointment. We have seen multiple specialists who have prescribed medications for multiple symptoms, but no clear diagnosis or route. How do we determine the best Dr. to make an appt with and not get pigeon-holed? Do you have a Dr. House? LOL.

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