How to best plan and prep for my visit to Mayo Jacksonville

Posted by swimbikerun @swimbikerun, Feb 7, 2022

I have appointments scheduled at Mayo Jacksonville and want to make sure the trip is as efficient and effective as possible given cost and travel required for me to get there. While I will be initially seeing the GI department my issues are most likely in addition to any already "found" GI challenges.

How do I make sure that instead of rerunning the same tests that have already been done multiple times by multiple GI's that the Mayo team looks outside the box?

Also can anyone share how the general process works? I already have a few tests/procedures scheduled. Should I considered these absolutely going to happen or is there the possibility they will change once I get there and the doctors learn more about my case? One of them would require anesthesia and I have not planned to have a driver and am not staying in a hotel with a shuttle. Would the hospital allow uber or something similar? Do I book a driver in advance or is it possible this procedure could get canceled as it is a repeat of something that has already been done?

Thanks for your insights!

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

@swimbikerun I also will be heading to Mayo next week. Your questions are wonderful. I also would like to know the same thing. I wish I could help but I’m a newbie too. There does seem to be mystery around the first visit. However I don’t even have tests scheduled so at least you are on the right track. If it was me, I’d ask why x test is being repeated and their plan on digging deeper

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Hi @swimbikerun
I would suggest to make sure Mayo has received ALL of your records. It is possible that they may repeat a test or two because maybe they want the scan focused somewhere else or it wasn’t clear or whatever. I know they really did try not to repeat anything unnecessary when I went- but one scan they did because they wanted a focus somewhere else. I had all
My test scheduled prior to the doctor appt. So there was really little opportunity for cancelling tests- it could happen as most of the time the tests are read really quick after being completed compared to other facilities. If you have the portal, it’s the best way I have found, to inquire and confirm on questions about a test, because it enables you to message your health care team directly. The campus has shuttles if needed for on campus… I know there are some other transport options for off campus, but I am not familiar with them. Best of wishes!

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I have just returned from my second trip.I suggest you allow tests to br redone due to the state of the art equipment at the Mayo Clinic, best in the world.
Check with your assigned team about using an Uber after a procedure with anesthesia. There are 3 levels of Uber and VERY expensive so be careful.
I am having surgery at the end of the month, I hope you are seeing Dr.Stauffer, he's the best and his nurse is so personable and caring.I hope this helps.I am blessed to have 2 VERY close friends in the area that accompanied me.
Good luck

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@phoebeghostwriter

@swimbikerun I also will be heading to Mayo next week. Your questions are wonderful. I also would like to know the same thing. I wish I could help but I’m a newbie too. There does seem to be mystery around the first visit. However I don’t even have tests scheduled so at least you are on the right track. If it was me, I’d ask why x test is being repeated and their plan on digging deeper

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Good luck with your visit @phoebeghostwriter. I would love to hear about your experience afterwards so I can be more prepared in what to expect.

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@jeanern01

Hi @swimbikerun
I would suggest to make sure Mayo has received ALL of your records. It is possible that they may repeat a test or two because maybe they want the scan focused somewhere else or it wasn’t clear or whatever. I know they really did try not to repeat anything unnecessary when I went- but one scan they did because they wanted a focus somewhere else. I had all
My test scheduled prior to the doctor appt. So there was really little opportunity for cancelling tests- it could happen as most of the time the tests are read really quick after being completed compared to other facilities. If you have the portal, it’s the best way I have found, to inquire and confirm on questions about a test, because it enables you to message your health care team directly. The campus has shuttles if needed for on campus… I know there are some other transport options for off campus, but I am not familiar with them. Best of wishes!

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Thanks for your suggestions @jeanern01 !

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@tpw3845

I have just returned from my second trip.I suggest you allow tests to br redone due to the state of the art equipment at the Mayo Clinic, best in the world.
Check with your assigned team about using an Uber after a procedure with anesthesia. There are 3 levels of Uber and VERY expensive so be careful.
I am having surgery at the end of the month, I hope you are seeing Dr.Stauffer, he's the best and his nurse is so personable and caring.I hope this helps.I am blessed to have 2 VERY close friends in the area that accompanied me.
Good luck

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Thanks for the hint on Uber @tpw3845. Very helpful.

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@swimbikerun

Good luck with your visit @phoebeghostwriter. I would love to hear about your experience afterwards so I can be more prepared in what to expect.

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@swimbikerun - I will let you know. I don't have any tests scheduled but I'll let you know how it goes. 🙂

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Hi @swimbikerun and @phoebeghostwriter, @roch gave a great response to some of your questions here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/336621/

Allow me to bring in other members who have been to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and who may be able to give you more info, such as @lindes @rwinney @ess77 @nancy82415 @amrred @caryns

@fourof5zs may have insights specific to appointment with GI.

There's also more info in these related discussions:
- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts/
- Traveling Alone to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/traveling-alone-to-mayo-clinic-jacksonville-for-surgery/
— Mayo Clinic Florida – campus advice?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-florida-campus-advice/
— Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
— Jacksonville lodging: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/jacksonville-lodging/
— Visit to Jax. Mayo Clinic: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visit-to-jax-mayo-clinic/

@lmindela from the Concierge Services can also help with questions about logistics such as travel and accommodation. Learn more about the free offerings of Concierge Services and how to contact them here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services

Phew, that was a lot of info. Let me know if a question you have is not answered.

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@swimbikerun

Thanks for your suggestions @jeanern01 !

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@jeanern01 thank you! To clarify, my visit is in Minnesota but I live in Florida. I had no idea I could upload my records. I have an appointment with internal medicine but also with endocrinology three weeks later. I called to explain I believe with recents labs GI may be an appropriate add on but no schedule addendums. I also feel like Mayo is the last stop to figure out my mysterious symptoms and hope they truly can help. Praying for the right healing hands with the Lords help. 🙂

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@phoebeghostwriter

@jeanern01 thank you! To clarify, my visit is in Minnesota but I live in Florida. I had no idea I could upload my records. I have an appointment with internal medicine but also with endocrinology three weeks later. I called to explain I believe with recents labs GI may be an appropriate add on but no schedule addendums. I also feel like Mayo is the last stop to figure out my mysterious symptoms and hope they truly can help. Praying for the right healing hands with the Lords help. 🙂

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I also had my initial visits in Rochester. I know the travel and everything can be stressful! I am not sure about uploading records- but you can definitely send them ahead of time for their review. All of the test that Mayo does is easily accessible through their portal. I had all my scans from Florida prior to my consult put on CDs sent to Mayo, they then adjusted my testing needed before I arrived and had it all scheduled. I had a lot of testing, but it was all done in 2 days. I also knew all results and plan of care before leaving. I really hope you get the answers your searching for. Mayo is probably the best place to find them! Best wishes

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