Hi @jer22, you ask a very good question. How do you know which department to request an appointment with or what type of specialty you should be seen by?

The good news is that Mayo Clinic can help walk you through the process and determine the best starting place with you. When making an appointment, you do not have to decide which doctor or department. Start by filling out the form online found on this Mayo webpage http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

You will be asked 4 things, namely your
1. Patient Information
2. Primary Concern
3. Insurance Details
4. Wrap Up

By filling out this form, you will be asked to focus on your primary concern. That gives the appointment schedulers a starting point. They will then schedule a phone call with you to discuss in further detail. At that point, they will collect the necessary information, medical history, and, if available, any recent tests or procedures you've had. That information is then reviewed by Mayo Clinic physicians.

Often medical issues are not limited to one specialty, especially complex or undiagnosed issues. You may start with one department, but subsequently be referred to related specialties.

I should add that filling out the form and requesting an appointment does not always result in getting a consultation with a Mayo expert. Mayo’s goal is to provide the best care each patient needs, but does not want you to incur additional costs for evaluation or travel if there is not care to offer that is different from what you’re already receiving or can receive locally.