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

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.

My nephrologist is with Emory Clinic, Atlanta.

@kaf80, it can be unsettling to not know what to expect and to not have a firm schedule and plan laid out before you go. But as you can see from the replies you've received from other members, you are in good hands. Mayo Clinic doesn't book additional appointments for testing or referrals to relevant specialists until your father has had his first consult. At that time, it will be determine what is required and they will make all the necessary arrangements for putting together a plan and a schedule for you.

You'll notice that I merged the 3 discussions you started on the same/related topic about how to prepare for your first visit into one discussion thread. I did this so you can read all the great advice you've received over the past couple of weeks in one place starting here:
- First Visit to Mayo Clinic: How do appointments work? What to expect?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-internal-med-patient/

You may also find additional helpful tips in these related discussions:
- Tips for your first Mayo Clinic visit and tests/appt schedules: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-first-dr-visit-and-testsappt-schedules/
- Initial Visit to Mayo Clinic - How Long Should I Expect to be There?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/initial-visit-in-jacksonville-how-long-should-i-expect-to-be-there/

And the good thing about this forum is that you can post any questions and updates any time even while you're at Mayo Clinic. We're here.

Thanks very much!

And the cafeteria in the Mayo/Gonda building is both good and cheap.

Hello All! I am very new to this process and was hoping for some information on how you were diagnosed. I have a bit of a complicated problem/illness, multiple unexplained fractures. We have seen 12 local doctors to no avail. I am set up to see many specialties when I come to town. Do these doctors all work together for a diagnosis? I am imagining a sort of round table. Does that happen? I am set for 3 day but expect to have appts added. Will I have a diagnosis or a general idea of what the doctors think before I leave or is this a long process? Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences. I am really trying to control my anxiety. Thanks again!

Every situation is different. But I can give you general idea how will work.

At first appt, they may send you for test right away or you may see provider first. Desk attendant will explain when you check in. Bring your insurance cards, even though they have information, they usually ask to scan them in at first appointment.

If it is determined you need to see additional specialist, they will be scheduled. They try to get everything done while there if appts are available.

Tests results are very fast. No waiting days for results, usually available within hours unless it is test that requires more time.

Not sure if round table happens, but all doctors have access to all records / notes / tests, and often talk on phone to each other about next step.

When you leave Mayo, you should have a diagnosis and treatment plan. Or at least what next step is.

If you have not created a Mayo portal sign on, I suggest you do so. And download the app if have smart phone. It has all information about appointments , and will be updated as they add appointments. You can also see providers notes and test results. If there is any preparations needed for tests, that will be on appointment guide. If prefer paper copy, desk attendants can print you one.

If there are any questionnaires required, often you can fill out online via portal. But do not worry if you have not done so, they will ask you to fill out when you check in.

Good luck
Laurie

Hi @kimremedes
Definitely agree with setting up your patient portal. Mayo has a good patient portal for you to view all your results and message your care team on. It’s a good resource. You can see everything there in one place- results, messages, billing, check in… I had my appt set up- I only saw 2 specialties- all results and notes can be seen by all physicians and there is a lot of communication I feel between docs. Test results are available most of the time very quickly. And Mayo is very aware many patients travel in so they try and get things done while you are there. I hope that you find the answers you are searching for, in my opinion you are going to the best place!!

Jeane

@kimremedes, you got two fabulous replies from @roch and @jeanern01. I really like your questions and putting them all here in this discussion.

"Do these doctors all work together for a diagnosis? I am imagining a sort of round table. Does that happen? I am set for 3 day but expect to have appts added. Will I have a diagnosis or a general idea of what the doctors think before I leave or is this a long process?"

Answers will vary depending on your personal and medical needs. Rest assured, everything that happens is focused on you.

You may also appreciate reading these related discussions:
- First visit to Mayo: How long should I book our hotel? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/first-visit-to-mayo/
- Tips on What To Do while at Mayo Clinic Rochester https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-upcoming-mayo-rochester-visit/
- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts/

Kim, may I ask what Mayo Clinic campus you will be going to? Do you have additional questions? There are many discussions from logistics like parking, accommodations, shuttles and medical like transferring records, the patient portal, and more that I can direct you to. Just let me know.