First Visit to Mayo Clinic: How do appointments work? What to expect?

My dad was approved after his doctor sent a summary letter. We have an appt 7/7 with Dr. Scalini in Internal Med. How does it work now bringing in team? What should we expect?

And, his insurance (Medicare and AARP Supplement) say the visit is approved if medically necessary. Is there anything we need to do on our end to ensure that coverage?

Hello @kaf80

What good news. I'm so pleased that your dad was accepted for an appointment. Here is a link to information if you want to call Mayo about insurance questions, https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance.

If you would like to see what others have posted about their first visit to Mayo Clinic, here is a discussion that will be helpful, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/. Some of these comments will help you understand what could happen at the first appointment. Did you receive any information as to what to expect other than an appointment with the doctor?

As I recall your dad has Parkinson's as well as some digestive issues. Is that correct?

Yes, he has Parkinson’s and Ulcerative colitis as his two primary do. His appt is with internal med. I’m not sure if we should expect additional appointments at this visit?

Yes, the internal medicine dr at mayo will arrange any necessary referrals to specialist necessary. The provider will order initial tests he/she may thing necessary , after seeing specialist, more test may be ordered.

Are you going to appointment with him? When he checks in they will ask if he wants to authorize anyone to his medical information. Mayo will not be able to talk to you about anything unless he fills out form. One form for each person he approves.

Here is form online: https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc0001-mc0099/mc0072-94.pdf

Next, make sure he has Mayo Portal set up. Mayo probably sent you information about. That is best resource for any additional tests and referrals he will have.

Good luck
Laurie

@kaf80, in addition to @roch's tips, I would also recommend contacting Mayo's Concierge Services. They provide a free service to help with arranging accommodation, transportation and much much more. They can also help your father set up his account on the patient portal. Here's how to contact them:

Concierge Services desk
Mayo Building (lobby level, in the International Center)
By phone 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday: 507-538-8438
Email: concierge@mayo.edu
Online form: http://cdforms.mayoforms.org/mayocliniccom-ahbyn/pages/c9d36544cef4e41180d800155dcfc10f.html

We will be traveling to Mayo for my dad’s first appointment with internal med next week. He has Parkinson’s and Ulcerative Colitis as primary diagnoses and several lower level issues.

He is very anxious about how the itinerary is built after that first appointment. Can anyone give me a broad idea of what to expect so I can help him prepare?

@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.