Do doctors allow family members to join my appointments by video?

Hello @jmp1514, You bring up a good question. There is a list of frequently asked questions on video appointments at Mayo Clinic but I didn't see the one you asked about out of state family members joining in. I did see the following note at the bottom of the page here - https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/video-appointment-instructions/faqs:

Who should I contact if I have questions about my Patient Online Services account or preparing for my video appointment?
You may contact Mayo Clinic Customer Assistance at 1-877-858-0398, and select option 4. Staff are available weekdays from 7 a.m.—7 p.m. CT.

Have you tried calling your doctor or care team to ask your question?

I have not called yet. This question popped into my head on the weekend. I couldn’t find any information on the Mayo website, hence my posted question!

Hello, @jmp1514 While it was a few years ago, I was able to join my wife for her video consultations. That said, she had granted me access via her HIPPA forms.

Strength, Courage, & Peace

@jmp1514 Hello, We both have had video visits within the past month with physicians at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. No one questioned this when we signed into Zoom. We just introduced the person sitting next to us and I'm assuming it was accepted just as it would be if you wanted any person (not necessarily your spouse or family member) into a face-to-face appointment. This was our experience with video visits.

It is a good question. You might like to ask the question via the Patient Portal to your provider prior to your appointment.

@jmp1514, if I'm understanding you correctly, you're asking whether a family member can join an appointment by video while you yourself are at the consultation in person with the doctor.

In other words you're at Mayo and wish to use your phone to include a family member via Facetime. Correct?

Yes, Colleen, you’re right.

@jmp1514 I'm so sorry. I misunderstood your post.

I have not used FaceTime during an appointment however I did call my partner during an appointment and put my phone on speaker. I first asked my physician if this would be OK and she said "yes".

Maybe this is something you can ask about ahead of time via the Mayo Clinic Patient Portal? Then you and your family member will be prepared.

That shouldn't be a problem as long as you and the doctor agree. As @johnbishop suggested, I would call to confirm. As @IndianaScott mentioned, depending on the information shared, you may have to sign something to give permission for information to be shared with your family member.

I know I've heard other members talk of doing this, but can't recall who it was. My mom and I do this with her PCP when I can't make the trip for her appointments. I works like a dream and I didn't have to sign anything. Sometimes I attend in person, other times by video call. We use Facetime too.

Please let me know if you find out anything that will help inform other members.

@colleenyoung @jmp1514 I have done this with my oncologist and my husband. With my doctor's permission, I called my husband and had him on the line during my appointment. Dr. Y took extra time to explain things to him, as he knew I already had information. As Colleen said, it worked out very well.
Ginger

I will post what I find out.
Thank you to everyone who responded!