@kaf80 I am a Mayo patient, and my experience was that whatever is needed for further evaluation and testing will be arranged by the providers when they consult with you. Their staff or nurses get on the phone to schedule other appointments or tests while you wait at the end of the first appointment. No worries... they will arrange everything for you and print out a new schedule with all the information you need as to where to go and where to check in. They have a lot of staff, so they can handle arranging testing for many patients very efficiently. When I was there, they arranged some same day testing, and some the next day. Blood tests can usually be done as walk in, and not on a set schedule. If you need to travel to another location, there are free Mayo shuttles that go between St. Mary's Hospital and the main campus where the Mayo and Gonda buildings are. You will be greeted when you arrive at the drive up to the Gonda building and given a wheelchair if that is needed. Mayo has been requiring masks and has questions related to Covid at entry stations and then give you a sticker to wear after you check in. I don't know what current procedures are, but they will take care of you. Ask anyone there if you need directions to find your way. At the Gonda and Mayo buildings, there are different elevators for the upper half and lower half of the building, so look up at the sign on the walls in the elevator lobby to see what floors that elevator services.

Enjoy yourself while you are there. There is a wonderful collection of art everywhere, and in the main lobbies, there are pianos that guests can play. Often there are some very talented people and Mayo staff who play beautiful music there. Perhaps telling your dad about the piano music in the lobbies will give him something to look forward to. I love it there, and I've never experienced this comforting welcome at other medical centers. They will take good care of your dad.

Thank you so much for this response. I think having a little idea of what to expect will help him immensely!

Hi @kaf80 ,
I am also a patient at Mayo Rochester and Mayo Jacksonville, I know when I go for my yearly checkups the list of appointments on my schedule seems overwhelming. Through the patient portal you can see all your appointments scheduled and exactly where they are. This helps when navigating the campus. There are so many people around to help you find where you are going. There’s also plenty of access to wheelchairs if needed. And don’t stress if one of your appointments is delayed or runs over time- the nice thing is that each department has access to your entire schedule- you just mention you need to be somewhere else they will call that department and explain the delay- it’s usually not a problem. They have always found a way to get all my stuff done to still meet with the dr on time. They have regular shuttles running if you need to be at other buildings to help transport you so you don’t have to worry about going to the car and parking. It is a very patient friendly and forward set up- I am a nurse and I have never experienced a hospital like Mayo. Get familiar with the patient portal- it’s a very helpful tool for check-in, looking for results and your schedule. Best wishes.

Jeane

My experiences at Mayo have always been wonderful. Everyone makes you feel as if you are the only patient they are seeing for the day...yet they see so many. The volunteers, recognized by their blue vests, answer your questions and help you get wherever you need to go. If you are staying at a hotel you can take their shuttle. If you drive valet parking is very good. And if you need a bite to eat I find the cafeteria to be tasty. And as someone else said, if one appointment runs late they adjust the others. Take time to venture out and enjoy Rochester. There are so many great restaurants and so much to see and do. If possible stay a couple extra days and allow yourself to enjoy. The whole community has a very welcoming attitude.

You did not mention what Mayo campus your going to, but if in Rochester on Thursday, there are food and craft vendors set up on downtown streets few blocks from Mayo buildings (weather permitting). Great place for lunch, listen to some music or kill few hours between appointment.

Also, if dad is in wheelchair and needs assistance in getting him from one appointment to next, ask for a escort / transporter. They can help push wheelchair where you need to go.

Bring light sweater if tend to get cold, some rooms are colder then others.

Good luck with appointments
Laurie

You are all amazing. Thank you.