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Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?
Visiting Mayo Clinic | Last Active: Aug 12 12:33pm | Replies (193)Comment receiving replies
Hi Colleen. She is getting the standard form letter (email) stating that demand is higher than their appointment capacity. She was denied by the Neurology MS department, was requested to send in a medical summary for re-review in general neurology, and was then denied by them as well. They recommended she reapply again for Internal Medicine since they would then have the ability to refer her out to any specialty areas, but again she got the standard email denial response. She has been assigned an ID # so that the summary has been accessible in her Mayo record. I’m at a loss what to do, and frankly she is losing all hope.
This isn’t an insurance issue, we would be self pay. There is clearly a high need here, and a very unclear medical picture that nobody can figure out. I believe in my heart that Mayo can help her, but we can’t seem to get a foot in the door.
Replies to "Hi Colleen. She is getting the standard form letter (email) stating that demand is higher than..."
Thanks for the further clarification, Stacey. I know that the denial letter reads like a standard form (brush off) letter, but I can attest that demand is high and beyond capacity at all hospitals these days. Our health care system is under pressure.
I wish I had the magic answer for you. I have heard from several others like @artscaping and @jenniferhunter that despite repeated denials, they eventually got appointments at Mayo Clinic. I wish you and your daughter strength in persistence.
Good afternoon @staceycddn.......nice to be introduced to you by @colleenyoung. Her assessment of my Mayo admission requests is accurate. It took me five years from my first application to acceptance. 1. I applied on my own and was denied admission. 2. My PCP referred me and I was denied admission even though I am a Connect mentor. 3. I applied online and during the telephone interview explained that I was faced with a challenging decision that had serious implications for my future health and well-being and which no one else was willing to tackle. In essence, I needed a consultation and help with decision-making.
With acceptance came the message that there was an opening the next day if I could make it. Needless to say, I had my suitcase packed within an hour and was on my way. What a relief.
So, is the third time a charm? Actually, I backed away from an overall total patient acceptance request in a "popular" area and went with a much more definable issue. Whether that would work with others I cannot say. I was desperate and running out of time. Even my PCP was unable to help with my pressing and important issue. She was informed and kept in the loop. And I am able to open and merge both patient portals so that everyone can be kept up to date.
Good luck to you. I totally sense your urgency.
May you find contentment and ease.
Chris
Connect
Hello @staceycddn,
I can hear the frustration in your words and I can understand your wanting some answers for your daughter. At this age, she certainly does need some answers.
I'm not sure about Mayo's appointment system, but I'm wondering if you tried going to another campus (Arizona or Florida) if you might get a different response. Once again, I don't know for sure if this would make a difference, but it might be worth a try.