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Second opinion denied: Accepted for palliative care at Mayo Clinic

Posted by 1843 @1843, Feb 13, 2023

I've diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.tried 3 times to get a in person second opinion at mayo.2 times from referral and 1 time on my own.was denied all 3 times because my dr.sent their test results charts to mayo and they only tell me that they wouldn't because they would be doing the same treatment my dr.is doing and that it's closer to home than Rochester is.thats not the point.i want a whole new set of tests in person.not off some other drs.charts.people and diagnostic machines can and do make mistakes.any help?also seems funny the first thing they asked me is what insurance I had.that was a red flag to me.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 13, 2023

@1843, I'm very sorry to hear that you are not able to get a second opinion at Mayo Clinic as you had hoped. This is truly disappointing.

It sounds like you’ve taken the appropriate steps to seek care at Mayo Clinic. Our physician experts have likely reviewed your case with their colleagues. Their review led them to determine that Mayo Clinic cannot offer any further treatment for you at this time or treatment that differs from what you are already receiving from your current cancer care team. Mayo does not want to have you incur additional costs for evaluation or travel.

It sounds like that is the same explanation as you were given. So I'm probably only frustrating you further. I don't want to send you on a wild goose chase, but in this related discussion members share some tips that may offer options for you:

- Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

Have you considered requesting an appointment through oncology's palliative care or at a different Mayo Clinic location like Florida, Arizona or the Health System and explain that you want a full reassessment? That may not be possible, but it's worth asking.

My dad had stage 4 colon cancer. As the person supporting my mom and dad, I was most grateful for the whole person care, in fact whole-family care that we received from my dad's cancer center (not Mayo). Let me know if you'd like to know more.

REPLY
2 replies
1843 | @1843 | Feb 13, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "@1843, I'm very sorry to hear that you are not able to get a second opinion..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@1843, I'm very sorry to hear that you are not able to get a second opinion at Mayo Clinic as you had hoped. This is truly disappointing.

It sounds like you’ve taken the appropriate steps to seek care at Mayo Clinic. Our physician experts have likely reviewed your case with their colleagues. Their review led them to determine that Mayo Clinic cannot offer any further treatment for you at this time or treatment that differs from what you are already receiving from your current cancer care team. Mayo does not want to have you incur additional costs for evaluation or travel.

It sounds like that is the same explanation as you were given. So I'm probably only frustrating you further. I don't want to send you on a wild goose chase, but in this related discussion members share some tips that may offer options for you:

- Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

Have you considered requesting an appointment through oncology's palliative care or at a different Mayo Clinic location like Florida, Arizona or the Health System and explain that you want a full reassessment? That may not be possible, but it's worth asking.

My dad had stage 4 colon cancer. As the person supporting my mom and dad, I was most grateful for the whole person care, in fact whole-family care that we received from my dad's cancer center (not Mayo). Let me know if you'd like to know more.

Jump to this post

In minn.

REPLY
1843 | @1843 | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @colleenyoung "@1843, I'm very sorry to hear that you are not able to get a second opinion..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@1843, I'm very sorry to hear that you are not able to get a second opinion at Mayo Clinic as you had hoped. This is truly disappointing.

It sounds like you’ve taken the appropriate steps to seek care at Mayo Clinic. Our physician experts have likely reviewed your case with their colleagues. Their review led them to determine that Mayo Clinic cannot offer any further treatment for you at this time or treatment that differs from what you are already receiving from your current cancer care team. Mayo does not want to have you incur additional costs for evaluation or travel.

It sounds like that is the same explanation as you were given. So I'm probably only frustrating you further. I don't want to send you on a wild goose chase, but in this related discussion members share some tips that may offer options for you:

- Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

Have you considered requesting an appointment through oncology's palliative care or at a different Mayo Clinic location like Florida, Arizona or the Health System and explain that you want a full reassessment? That may not be possible, but it's worth asking.

My dad had stage 4 colon cancer. As the person supporting my mom and dad, I was most grateful for the whole person care, in fact whole-family care that we received from my dad's cancer center (not Mayo). Let me know if you'd like to know more.

Jump to this post

I have a appt.with palliative care on the 21st of Feb.

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 14, 2023
In reply to @1843 "I have a appt.with palliative care on the 21st of Feb." + (show)
@1843

I have a appt.with palliative care on the 21st of Feb.

Jump to this post

That's fantastic. Here are a couple of related discussions that might be helpful as you prepare for your appointment:
- Does anyone have experience with Palliative Care? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-have-experience-with-palliative-care/
– Palliative Care: What is it? How do I get it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/palliative-care-1/

REPLY
Tom Anderson | @ta52 | Feb 20, 2023

With my cancer diagnosis Mayo used the PET and CT scans that had been done at my previous medical provider. Some tests (blood, biopsies, etc.) would seem to be better with a second try but a CT scan is a CT scan. Could it also be an insurance issue? The insurance company not wanting to pay for two sets of tests so close together?

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