Stunned to read this about Mayo as I've been desperate to coordinate specialists in ophthalmology (retinal expertise) and cardiology (arrhythmia specialist) - to no avail.
My issue is I've been forced to take blood thinners for frequent but asymptomatic AFib (to avoid stroke, duh)
However, I was diagnosed in Nov. with wet macular degeneration, and my instant reservations about how Xarelto (any blood thinners) would further endanger my eyesight.
Just a quick overview of my unfortunate eye condition...Leakage of blood and toxic fluids from tiny abnormal capillaries growing into my retina, cause eventual blindness at an uncertain rate.
Patients can slow this process by injections of a so-called antiVEGF compound into the eye, but blindness is still inevitable.
My own research confirmed my immediate fear that taking blood thinners would hastens this evolution.
I wanted the coordinated consult to help me arrive at a decision about alternatives to Xarelto (*Watchman " heart procedure"?). That would be based on a cost/benefit evaluation looking at my particular risk markers in terms of cardiac risk of stroke, blindness caused by retinal leakage (including blood), and overall health to evaluate my suitability for the Watchman procedure?
I too thought they had a multidisciplinary approach which would be just what I needed. They told me I would just have to schedule appointments separately with two specialists! Is there another way to reach a pertinent office to arrange a cross-disciplinary consultative approach?
@realitytest, I can see where there may be some confusion. Your first appointment will be made with the specialist related to your primary concern. Upon consultation, that specialist will arrange for related appointment(s) with other disciplines and/or departments as required for your care.
Are you currently a Mayo Clinic patient?