First visit to Mayo: Traveling alone

@hump1278 For your convenience I want to add that most motels have shuttles to transport you to and from the Mayo campus. So there is no need to worry about parking a car. There is also a regular shuttle between Mayo and St Mary's Campus if you need to go there. If you have a coat there is a coat check available, too. Everything you might need is conveniently connected indoors by an amazing series of walkways. There are places for food, and comfortable lobbies if you have down time between appointments. No need to worry about getting lost because there is an amazing team of volunteers at information stations located throughout the buildings.
Sending hopes for successful treatment and safe travels. Rosemary

Good luck to you, as well!

You want to know what I love about Mayo Clinic on 1st, 2nd, 3rd...visit? In addition to the top rated medical expertise, and the beautifully designed campus, and the fact that they saved my life...it is the way they respect each person as an individual. The eye contact, the genuine smile by the person at each check-in desk sets the tone for the rest of my day and the rest of my appointments. Thank you, Mayo staff who are face to face daily with the patients, for what you do to support the medical miracles at Mayo.
I am moved to write this because of several recent encounters at my local health facilities. No smile and no greeting. I was met with the rote words, "Sign in and take a seat".
Enjoy your day. Rosemary 🙂

it will say on your itinerary if a caregiver needs to be present or not, and it depends on what tests they will be doing and if you will be sedated. I know from experience that going alone to a transplant evaluation will not sit well with the team, just so you know. If it says caregiver must be present it isn't a suggestion,lol. notes are a good idea and write down any questions you may have before you go. You will be amazed how easily you will forget, only to remember when you are halfway home. Good luck!

Hello. I am planning to be apatient for 2 months or more. Did You stay in a hotel for a month or find an apartment to stay in?

@joemae1

You did not mention what location your appointments are at. It might be hard to find an apartment for short term rental in Rochester.

Have you checked Airbnb.

Laurie

@joemae1, Do you know about the free Concierge Services at Mayo Clinic?
The staff at the concierge desk can help with hotel/lodging recommendations, according to your wishes of proximity, price and space requirements. Here is how you can contact them:

* Phone: 507-538-8438
* Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
* Email: concierge@mayo.edu

Even though I have been at Mayo before, I recently used the chat line as I was planning my recent visit. I was happy to chat with a real person who answered my questions.

I would say that Mayo is one of the easiest medical facilities to visit alone. I’ve been going there for 12 years (sometimes alone), and find everyone to be amazingly helpful. Once I was standing outside kind of looking around, and a man asked if he could help me. He not only told me his favorite breakfast place, but he walked me there. I looked up his name later, and he was a neurosurgeon. So I echo another comment that Mayo doctors are much less likely to have oversized egos than doctors elsewhere. It is scary the first time you go alone, but you CAN do it!

Thank you so much! Your encouraging word make me feel better. Will be solo but your words give me more confidence I can do it alone.

Hi I am coming alone first time to Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic. I have heard wonderful things about this is the right place to be and my cardiologist in Colorado recommends it. I was diagnosed with SCAD and want to have a better quality of life without no more chest pains . I was wondering how long it will be for my length of stay and what to expect of outcome and etc… since I am flying out from Colorado. Thanks for your time …. Take care all….