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How long does it take for referrals within Mayo?

Posted by mnjayhawk @mnjayhawk, Nov 1, 2021

Hi, I apologize if this is in the wrong group--I wasn't sure where to post it.

I had a video appointment with a Mayo physician on September 25, and my doctor told me he was referring me to two different departments (I also did some tests). One of the departments has set up an appointment in December. I have not heard from the other department, so I called and found out that my pain medicine referral was denied, and they said to send me to pain rehabilitation. So they were waiting for the doctor to write a new referral. I've talked to them twice, then last week I wrote to the doctor (about the referral, and the fact that my test results are in and nobody has spoken to me about them). No reply after a week.

Is it normal to wait this long for a referral from one Mayo department to another? I don't want to make the trip to the Clinic for only one appointment. Also, shouldn't someone be coordinating my appointments so they happen around the same time and can be accomplished in one visit? I am getting so frustrated trying to do this on my own.

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

Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 4, 2021
In reply to @mnjayhawk "Hi @naturegirl5 My starting point, or original doctor, at Mayo was the genetics doctor, and he..." + (show)
@mnjayhawk

Hi @naturegirl5
My starting point, or original doctor, at Mayo was the genetics doctor, and he was the one making the referrals. He referred me to Neurology. It was just a matter of him switching one referral from pain med to pain rehab.

Great minds think alike 🙂 -- I called Pain Medicine yesterday to ask why they denied my referral and what the difference was between Pain Medicine and Pain Rehabilitation. After talking to them I decided I don't care if I see either department on this trip, as I am seeking a diagnosis for a problem that I have had for 30 years. At this point I don't want more medicine or the pain rehab program, since that seems to be a program that weans you off pain meds, and I am not ready for that.

I've seen more neurologists than I can count since my pain problems started (including one at Mayo 30 years ago), and every single one has given me an EMG, told me me it was negative, and said my problem was not neurological. All have been extremely rude and disinterested. That's why I was reluctant to go to Mayo without some other appointments set up to at least justify the cost and the pain it will put me in to make the trip. (And that's part of what I wrote to the geneticist about, but he didn't answer). But I also called the Neurology department yesterday, and they said if I cancelled my appointment they couldn't guarantee I would get another one. So I decided I may as well go through it one more time and see if the neurologist can refer me to other departments/physicians while I am there. I'm taking one last shot at finding a physician curious enough about my physical problems to seek out answers. I thought the geneticist was that doctor, but it seems he is too busy to follow up with me. Maybe I can find another. Thanks.

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I completely agree with @roch's approach to get answers to your questions.

Jayhawk, focusing on your appointment with Neurology sounds like a good plan. It is entirely possible that the consultation may lead to other appointments during this first visit as deemed necessary. Learn about the experience of others in this discussion:
- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts/

@rwinney can also tell you more about her experience with pain medicine and pain rehab referrals and self referral options that she explored at Mayo Clinic.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Nov 5, 2021
In reply to @mnjayhawk "Hi @naturegirl5 My starting point, or original doctor, at Mayo was the genetics doctor, and he..." + (show)
@mnjayhawk

Hi @naturegirl5
My starting point, or original doctor, at Mayo was the genetics doctor, and he was the one making the referrals. He referred me to Neurology. It was just a matter of him switching one referral from pain med to pain rehab.

Great minds think alike 🙂 -- I called Pain Medicine yesterday to ask why they denied my referral and what the difference was between Pain Medicine and Pain Rehabilitation. After talking to them I decided I don't care if I see either department on this trip, as I am seeking a diagnosis for a problem that I have had for 30 years. At this point I don't want more medicine or the pain rehab program, since that seems to be a program that weans you off pain meds, and I am not ready for that.

I've seen more neurologists than I can count since my pain problems started (including one at Mayo 30 years ago), and every single one has given me an EMG, told me me it was negative, and said my problem was not neurological. All have been extremely rude and disinterested. That's why I was reluctant to go to Mayo without some other appointments set up to at least justify the cost and the pain it will put me in to make the trip. (And that's part of what I wrote to the geneticist about, but he didn't answer). But I also called the Neurology department yesterday, and they said if I cancelled my appointment they couldn't guarantee I would get another one. So I decided I may as well go through it one more time and see if the neurologist can refer me to other departments/physicians while I am there. I'm taking one last shot at finding a physician curious enough about my physical problems to seek out answers. I thought the geneticist was that doctor, but it seems he is too busy to follow up with me. Maybe I can find another. Thanks.

Jump to this post

Hello, @mnjayhawk
I agree with @colleenyoung that focusing on the Neurology appointment at Mayo is a good starting point. That appointment may lead to other referrals and appointments.

I've talked with people who have told me that their ongoing pain is debilitating and affects every part of their life. Your pain extends back so far in your life that of course you want to get answers and do something about it. I "hear" the frustration in your posts.

Pain Rehab clinics are multi-disciplinary where you work with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other professionals. Since pain takes over your whole life it makes sense that no one approach will fit everyone.

Whether or not you decide to look into the Pain Rehab program at Mayo I hope the the neurologist will talk to you about options and treatments available to you.

Blessings,

Helen

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Nov 5, 2021
In reply to @colleenyoung "I completely agree with @roch's approach to get answers to your questions. Jayhawk, focusing on your..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

I completely agree with @roch's approach to get answers to your questions.

Jayhawk, focusing on your appointment with Neurology sounds like a good plan. It is entirely possible that the consultation may lead to other appointments during this first visit as deemed necessary. Learn about the experience of others in this discussion:
- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts/

@rwinney can also tell you more about her experience with pain medicine and pain rehab referrals and self referral options that she explored at Mayo Clinic.

Jump to this post

Hello @mnjayhawk. It's nice to meet you. After 30 years, it seems you are definitely ready for change and answers. You must be exhausted.

I was on a whirlwind, like you, and got burned out trying every kind of pain medicine and treatments, Dr. hopping, and searching for answers. The sad truth is that the more we get frustrated, emotional and anxious, the more chemicals we throw at our system and keep ourselves on this rollercoaster, the more we stimulate our brain neurons and "access the network" meaning amp up our pain. Its a viscous cycle, but can be calmed down.

I inevitably found my answer of Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) on my own after watching a video from Mayo's Dr. Sletten. Sure I had a whole bunch of random diagnosis from various doctors but the bottom line was that they fell under this umbrella of CSS aka chronic pain syndrome:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=central+sensitization+syndrome&qpvt=central+sensitization+syndrome&FORM=VDRE

When I decided to try Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehab Center (PRC), pain management instead of pain medicine, I began my own self referral by calling Mayo directly just to get my foot in the door and establish my profile. You are already a patient so that part is done.

My doctors were all on board and encouraged me to attend pain rehab but it was my general practitioner who referred me to Mayo PRC. He sent my entire history of medical records. Multiple doctors can do this as well. It's more helpful to have a doctor referral. The process may be long, and there is typically a waiting list, but oh so worth it.

Here is a link in case you want to check out the PRC program. You can also apply online directly from this link:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/sections/overview/ovc-20481691

I realize that each individual must be ready in their pain journey to decide their approach, whether or not they are ready to stop searching for an exact cause and fix, or whether its time to regroup and come to terms with chronic pain. The old saying goes...if its not working, change it.

Wishing you the best of luck at your next neurology appointment. Perhaps ask the doctor's opinion of pain rehabilitation and whether they think it would be right for you. I look forward to hearing an update and am sending lots of positive vibes your way.

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