Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville or National Jewish Health in Denver?

Posted by Nancy C @nac1, Nov 10, 2021

I am considering going to one of these institutions. At 83 and currently doing fairly well despite having MAC disease, I really don't want to go on the BIG THREE. I doubt my local doctors will be willing to try anything new and I want to get well or at least have a life.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@raney

I live in NC and am considering going to either NJH or Mayo in Jacksonville. Does Mayo Jacksonville also look at other health issues and meds that you are taking for these problems that may affect lungs, (i.e. Heart problems, hernia, GERD)

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Yes, I also have heart disease and see a cardiologist at Mayo Jacksonville, as well as (occasionally) a wonderful Infectious Disease specialist. I've also seen a GI doctor there as well.

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@selockman

I was at NJH in Denver a few months ago and they provided me with a list of hotels that would give a discount - most were very close to the hospital.

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Thank you.

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@ckscoville

Yes, I also have heart disease and see a cardiologist at Mayo Jacksonville, as well as (occasionally) a wonderful Infectious Disease specialist. I've also seen a GI doctor there as well.

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Do you see them during ht e same visit? Do they coordinate the care (meds) with other disciplines?

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I see them as needed. Since I live only 30 minutes away from Mayo Jacksonville, a lot of coordination isn't necessary. If I was traveling from a distance, I'm sure there would be more emphasis on coordinating my visits to various specialists.

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@raney

Does NJH have partnership with hotels to give patients a reduced rate?

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Yes, they give discount. They check everything not just your lung. It’s worth going there and people are very nice.

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I'm just following up on the hotel recommendation near NJH (Residence Inn Cherry Hill) and thought others might like to know. The hotel only offers a limited number of rooms at the discounted rate. Those were all taken so I was only able to reserve a room at the standard rate. And if you hope to finish early, you pay still more for the flexibility of early check out. So, the lesson is: reserve your room as soon as you know when you're going! I'm still grateful to have found a place so well located that offers a full kitchen!

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@marthamac

I'm heading to NJH on Nov. 30. I have recurrent MAC and hearing loss from Azithromycin on the first round. Anyone who has been there have any advice as I think about packing, where to stay, etc.? They have told me to plan to be there for 10 business days! I'm really looking forward to their evaluation and recommendations, but that's pretty daunting! Sadly, I think Gwen Huitt is basically already out of patient care. I'm sure the rest of the team is wonderful, but I'm disappointed not to be seeing her. I'm scheduled to see Dr. David Griffith the first week and Dr. Jared Eddy the second week (apparently they rotate).

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I just back from NJH. I was there from Nov 9th-16th and I had the good fortune of seeing Dr. Huitt. She is nothing short of amazing! We had planned to stay in a hotel but Covid is crazy in Denver right now. At the last minute, we switched to an Airbnb so we could limit our contact with people. Most people aren't wearing masks in Denver. We order in groceries and take out. It was nice to have extra room to relax because the first few days are exhausting. Lots of testing. They are great about walking you through the process the first day and getting you oriented. All the doctors and staff are so wonderful and really take time to talk with you and listen to your questions. Bundle up because it is cold but then again I live in California so anything below 60 degrees is super cold to be. LOL

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So am I hearing that NJH is a better place to go then Mayo Clinic. I am planning on going to Mayo but I am open to the best care. This is the first I have heard of somebody say this. Just want to get well, please let me know.

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@adrianhelp333

So am I hearing that NJH is a better place to go then Mayo Clinic. I am planning on going to Mayo but I am open to the best care. This is the first I have heard of somebody say this. Just want to get well, please let me know.

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I am not familiar with Mayo Clinic but I just returned from NJH and it was well-worth the trip. The doctors and the staff are amazing. It is so nice to be working with people who do lungs 24/7. And all the other departments at NJH, such as GI for my reflux, understand how that relates to my bronchiectasis and MAC. I was very impressed.

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Went to NJH in October and well worth the trip got to see Dr. Huitt amazing doctor.
They find out what causes your Mac in the first place. I cannot comment on which place is better though

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