I totally understand that the demand exceeds the requests. My issue was with how the entire process was handled. At my initial call I was directed to mail records, drs reports, tests, etc. It took me a week to assemble and $20 to mail. Two days after I sent, I already got the denial letter that was dated 3 days after I had my initial phone call. When I called, I was told the letter was “auto sent” and I should not have received. They hadn’t even gotten my packet yet. When I hung up, I went on the portal, and right there, all my tests had been uploaded. Two lies. She said to call back in a week or two so I did. So sorry we can’t offer you an apt. I asked why I hadn’t been notified. You were. We sent you a letter weeks ago. I thought that was an error? No. So why was I denied? Let me check. Oh I see here they feel they have nothing here new to offer that your dr at Cleveland Clinic hasn’t tried. How did they make that decision when they didn’t have my records? He isn’t even my current dr and I now have a different diagnosis. And, you definitely have a program there to help me or I wouldn’t be spending all this money to come there from Pennsylvania!
So, if Mayo had no intention of giving me an apt, at least be honest. Don’t promote programs like the Bowel Evacuation Clinic. Tell me right up front and save me the $20 for records no one ever looked at. And mostly, don’t hold out false hope.
Yes, my colo-rectal surgeon is ordering the Sitz Marker study to determine what type of colectomy I’ll need. Mayo was my last hope to avoid removing my colon.