Hi @sandg, welcome. These are good questions to ask the appointments office. You can find the numbers to call here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

The answers to your questions are specific to each individual patient. Others may have personal experiences of how things worked in their situation. But this is what I can tell you in general.

1. Mayo Clinic will review all tests that you have done locally. Mayo Clinic doesn't want to repeat test unnecessarily. However, additional testing may be ordered if more information is required to plan treatment.
2. Mayo Clinic welcomes both new and existing patients for virtual and in-person care in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Video and phone visits can be great options for appointments before, after or in place of face-to-face care. A virtual visit will be offered if it best fits your individual needs.

You may also be interested in the helpful tips in this related discussion:
– Telemedicine: How to make the most of a virtual doctor visit https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-telemedicine-its-a-brave-new-world/

Which Mayo Clinic will you be visiting for the PET scan?

Sandg, my biopsy was conducted by my local Urologist. I contacted Mayo and gave my Gleason 4+4 score on the phone and Mayo had my Urologist send the films of the results. I contacted Mayo and not my Urologist. Mayo contacted within a week and agreed to treat me. I was not at Mayo before they accepted me. The next week I met with the oncology radiologist. He then arranged a bone scan and series of MRIs to ensure the cancer was inside the prostrate. The process was extremely fast and thorough.
I was accepted by Mayo in 2018, so not sure if they as quick now, but my guess is you can do it without going to Mayo before they might accept you.