Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?

Hi, so sorry. Are u able to get a referral from your Dr. to see someone at Mayo. Have u ever been given a diagnosis.

Good luck and I hope u find some help u r so young..

To begin, I do not mean to sound negative but the modern day health care system is leaving a very bitter taste in my mouth. In recent years, Honor health system has repeatedly referred me to infectious disease doctors however, I have been told they are not accepting new patients. I reached out to Mayo multiple times and have had Honor as well as a specialist I paid for out of pocket refer me to Mayo because they simply can not find a solution to my issues. I have metal poisoning, Lyme, celiac disease, 5 strains of Coxsacki and my Epstein bar level is in the 500’s. I have extreme fatigue for years, tinnitus, vertigo and my cognitive functions are slowly but steadily declining. My short term memory is becoming non existent. There are days I am bed ridden and tests have shown I have said issues. And again, Mayo declined treatment. Even with all the proper referrals and records. I am strongly considering hiring my attorney and filing a suit as with all the evidence pointing to the proof that I need serious help, they have refused to provide medical attention multiple times.

Hi @jamcousi9, like you said, there is a strain in our health care system nation wide. Like other hospitals, Mayo Clinic has more requests for appointments than available openings. That said, members offer helpful tips in this discussion.

Another possibility for you may be to request an appointment with an institution that is part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

The Mayo Clinic Care Network is a select group of independent health systems that are granted special access to Mayo Clinic's extensive knowledge and world-leading medical expertise. The Mayo Clinic Care Network helps keep care local by providing guidance and answers to many questions that might otherwise require a referral to a specialist. See the member hospitals here:
– Mayo Clinic Care Network https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/network-members

Good morning,

I have tried multiple times for over two years. Calls, referrals etc... I understand that there are issues with over population/booking but i’d like to think there can be at least a waiting list. It’s not like I have a case of Covid, I have legitimate health issues.

I have been a patient of Mayo for 30 years now (thorough multiple treatments and conditions) and believe it is worth every effort to get into the Mayo system. I also work with an organization called Angel Flight East that matches patients with volunteer pilots. They limit the flights to 1.000 miles but all flight costs are paid by the pilots and there is no limit on the number of times a patient can fly. I don't know if that opens up the possibility of travelling to another Mayo location (and therefore acceptance as a Mayo patient) for you, but if so, you may want to consider reaching out to them. Good luck.

I disagree that these problems didn't exist before the pandemic or that our experiences are unique to our generation or the time period in which we live at all. I read that Medicare reimbursement rates are lower than Obama care so while the appointment may not cost you anything you may not be first to be seen at a hospital. The Egyptians had doctors, scribes, herbalists, and embalming specialists so I don't really see the problem as a shortage of money, coin, knowledge, or time and rather the problem is low autonomy, toxic work environment, and underinvestment in the work force and not an act of God or a systemic problem but rather a political problem in the way that we frame and then react to stress according to our own egocentric way of thinking, do as I say not as I do.

<p>Hello,<br />I received a Mayo Clinic rejection email and was suggested to continue care locally. However, I am not receiving good care locally and was suggested by my treating doctors to go to Mayo Clinic, as they have nothing more for me at this time. However, I did not have a doctor send in the referral on my behalf. How often am I able to apply? What can I do to improve my chances of being accepted? I am currently 100% disabled at age of 33 due to neurological symptoms . I do not have a clear diagnosis or treatment plan.</p>

Did your doctor send all your records to Mayo? They need very specific information. I'm disabled also and got accepted but can't find a ride! Cleveland Clinic is also a great choice.

Hi @mmh2, that sounds frustrating. But you're asking the right questions. I agree with @mariajean03 that you may wish to ask your treating doctor to submit a referral on your behalf.

You'll find additional tips shared by mmbers in this discussion:
– Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

I too was denied. I have severe cognitive decline and they found a loophole excuse to deny treatment stating that I since I have severe Epstein Barr, they don’t treat that. I got two referrals from doctors who tried everything and I’m getting worse. In June I went to Mayo emergency room as my ears were ringing, the burning in my head and confusion was so bad I didn’t know what to do. They admitted me and I told them every issue I had was cognitive and what did they do? Took an EKG and did basic bloodwork before showing me the door. Here it is August and I finally found a doctor in NJ who may be able to help but we believe the damage is permanent. I lost my job due to this issue and am now in consultation with an attorney to possibly sue Mayo for negligence as they could have done something but refused to. Funny part is, they keep sending me a bill for $486