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How to best plan and prep for my visit to Mayo Jacksonville
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!
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@swimbikerun (Colleen @colleenyoung my apologies for the delay in answering.. yahoo sent your message to spam folder)
First it is very helpful to know the campus layout: https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc1600-mc1699/mc1663-59.pdf
Your itinerary that you have… if you do not have a printout visit your patient portal to see it. I like to have a printout because I cannot read the small print on my phone. Sometimes I ask at the first desk I visit if they will print it out for me. The printouts they print for me are large enough I do not have to use my eyeglasses. Yes, the schedule can change.. keep your phone turned on in case appointments change while you are there. I was in with the NP when my phone rang… I told her it was a Mayo number and she told me to answer it. Yes, a change in an appointment.
You may have a Covid test… it will be on your itinerary. It will tell you what building you need to go to. Refer to the map to help you. The GI department is in the Davis building, I think 3rd floor (the itinerary will give you the floor and wing of the floor to go to… so refer to your itinerary and map).
They may want to repeat some test because their equipment is better than some places. Make sure you have any test results with you… cds if you have them. You may be able to share them on the patient portal Make sure they know you do not have anyone with you and give them number of who is coming to pick you up even if it is an uber driver.
If at all possible I would have someone with me.. to help listen and take notes during doctor appointments. I felt a bit overwhelmed my first trip in 2013. I was glad my husband was with me to take notes and ask questions.
There are desk throughout the buildings with people that can answer questions about where to go and how to get there. Test appointments may be in different buildings.. .. so very important to be familiar with the layout. You can also ask questions through your patient portal or contact the GI department via phone.
If I missed anything just let me know.
ZeeGee
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1 ReactionI am a patient in Rochester, MN, and in Jacksonville, FL. I found that everybody at any facility is very friendly and helpful. If one has any question, one can ask at any desk for information. They always will help you.
Just for information, you can have them print out a short version of the appointment schedule, missing all the general stuff on the standard version. Just ask for a print out of the short version.
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5 Reactions@swimbikerun, how are you doing? Do feel all set for your upcoming appointment?
Not completely but getting there.
Quick question - how do I make sure all my records have been uploaded? I sent them and was told they were received but can’t see them in the “portal.” Should I be able to?
I could not see all of mine. I was able to see some of my scans- they said outside report/scan. But majority of my records were not listed. If the office however, is saying they received them then I am sure they have it. The office was never shy about reaching out to me for more records when needed. When I traveled to Mayo the first time- I did take my own copies of my reports and cds of my scans. It actually was helpful in one of my consults- she used the cd to glance at my scan because it would not open.
Hope this helps! Best wishes
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1 ReactionI was on a one year wait list to see Mayo Jacksonville neurologist and match 9 is my appointment. I wish they would contact me prior to my traveling to Jacksonville to schedule some tests but no one has called to schedule testing for my march 9 visit. With me driving several hours to get there and hotel and gas costs etc you would think Mayo neurology might have some testing scheduled during my march 9 visit. I surely can not afford to keep driving back there for several tests spread out over a week or two period. Who has money to do that?? I've been suffering for 2.5 years now and am beside myself trying to get answers to my debilitating symptoms
How lucky for you, Joanne to get moved up so quickly on the waiting list after only 3 months! I know you’re anxious to get this visit under way.
Do you have your patient portal set up with Mayo? https://onlineservices.mayoclinic.org/content/staticpatient/showpage/patientonline
That basically becomes your lifeline with the clinic for all your appointments, your health records and for contacting the people who are on your health team should you have any questions and concerns.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/preparing-for-your-visit/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment
When you go in for your initial appointment with the specialist, the doctor will meet with you to find out what further tests may be needed. Especially in your situation where you have so many different symptoms, there may be a need for several departments to collaborate to get you a complete diagnosis. So, for your first visit it would be impractical to arrange those appointments without meeting with you to see what is required. Does that make sense?
Often, if there is anything more they need, appointments can be set up within minutes or hours within the same day or the next.
My suggestion would be to plan on staying in Jacksonville at least 2-3 days in case you have added appointments. Most hotels have a 24 hour cancellation notice so that would give you time to cancel the extra day if not needed.
Have you booked your hotel yet?
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2 ReactionsI have not booked hotel yet. I just tried to create my patient portal account but it asked for a mayo patient number which no one at Mayo ever gave me nor did anyone at Mayo explain to me about a patient portal.
I'm becoming extremely concerned with the total lack of insight, info etc coming from Mayo to me. So far it's been non-existent except for them scheduling this appointment. Also I was initially contacted by Mayo one year ago and put on their wait list and then they called several months later to schedule me to see Dr Cheshire in Neurology.
I can not understand why no one at Mayo has contacted me to tell me about setting up a portal or explain that I may need to stay longer than one day etc.
Joanne, I’m so happy for you that you got an appointment and earlier than anticipated. I strongly recommend that you contact Mayo Clinic with your questions as fellow patients here can’t answer them for you. Each patient’s schedule and patient number is unique to them.
Give the Mayo Clinic Florida office a call. If you have been given a number to call, use that one. If not, call the main line
Jacksonville, Florida
904-953-0853
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eastern time, Monday through Friday
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