First visit to Mayo: How long should I book our hotel?

Hi @kimmorris19, I just wanted to check in with you to see if all your questions were answered from the helpful replies you've received here.
I can understand your wanting to plan ahead and be prepared for as much as possible, especially since the visit to Mayo is sandwiched between vacation and school starting and you have more than one child (correct?).

Don't hesitate to call the department where your child will be seen to get more details about your medical appointments. You can also contact Mayo Clinic's free Conceirge Services for all the logistical questions you may have about accommodations, shuttles, parking, things to do, childcare, etc. Here's how to contact them:
– Mayo Clinic Concierge Services https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services

Concierge services are complimentary and available in person or by phone, live chat, email or online form.

In person:
Concierge Services desk
Mayo Building (lobby level, in the International Center)
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No appointment necessary
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

And most of all, to hear from fellow patients first-hand, keep asking questions here. We'll share and guide you.

Since the hotels and motels there in Rochester serve a lot of Mayo Clinic patients and visitors every year; they're well aware of how patients' schedules are subject to change. I have had to extend a stay previously, and the motel my wife and I were staying at was very accommodating in extending our stay.

Hi, I am a brand-new patient to Mayo and will be visiting the Rochester location the first week of October. My appointments/tests are scheduled from Monday - Wednesday. Is it common or possible for doctors to schedule additional testing after meeting with you that may extend your stay at Mayo? I will be flying in from Texas and I'm wondering if I should make arrangements to stay the whole week just in case additional testing is needed.

It is very probable that additional tests will be ordered and it will be more convenient for you to extend your
stay than to return; however, availability of additional diagnostic tests may not be offered and a return visit
will be likely. Good Luck. Enjoy your visit.

Hi @chelle2001 !

When I made my very first trip to Rochester I was scheduled for only 2 appointments. One was a test and one with the neurologist. I was looking for a diagnosis. I was told by Mayo staff I should plan for 5-7 days.

I drove to Rochester from five hours away, so I could easily change my schedule if need be. With airline travel it may become a bit more difficult without help. The following two links would be very helpful to you.

Rochester has a concierge services: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services

and travel services: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/preparing-for-your-visit/travel-services.

Welcome @chelle2001, this is a commonly asked question by new patients. Mayo Clinic works hard to accommodate all your appointments in the time expected. However, it is good to prepare should your stay need to be extended for further investigation, especially if you have children or pets that need to be taken care of in your absence. Mayo Clinic hotels and services are very accommodating should you need to extend your stay.

As @nancy82415 suggested, Mayo Clinic free Concierge Services can help you prepare for your visit and adjustments.

You will also find additional helpful tips in these related discussions:
– First Visit to Mayo Clinic: How do appointments work? What to expect?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-internal-med-patient/
– 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/
- First visit to Mayo: How long should I book our hotel? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/first-visit-to-mayo/
- What to expect at Mayo Clinic, Rochester https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-expect-at-rochester/

Have you downloaded Patient Online Services, the patient portal?