How long did you have to wait for an appt?

Wow, I guess it's very different depending on the situation, and maybe timing and specialty area. When I self-referred to gastroenterology, and eventually spoke with someone in the department at Rochester, it almost felt like the person was trying not to laugh/scoff (he didn't, and was still very nice) at the prospect of getting in as a self-referral there.

I really haven't had that experience at all--it's felt like I've had to fight for any appointment I got, including in the specialty where I was ultimately seen at Jacksonville. The nurse coordinator told me she'd call me "the next day" to help schedule my series of follow-ups. That was on April 27th, and she's called me once and still hasn't sorted it out because of their confusion about changing in-person and telehealth policies.

But I am glad you and your husband have been able to access the care you need and are having a positive experience.

I’m not sure if we are just “lucky” or that my husband’s health challenges are more difficult.

I was on the wait list for along time then when I told them im on Medicare Advantage they took me off the list they dont take my insurance. So now I get no help and have to live with the pain because Medicare is taboo

IROC

So they don't treat any medicare patients?? That's crazy.....most people over the age of 65 are on medicare! 🙁

@nanagizer, Mayo Clinic is a participating Medicare facility in Arizona, in Florida, in Rochester, Minn. and at all Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Mayo Clinic is one of the largest Medicare providers in the country. Unfortunately, Mayo Clinic can’t honor all requests they receive from Medicare patients who want to come to Mayo Clinic. Medicare patients are accepted in all practice areas where there is capacity (appointments available) to accommodate them and most importantly, as the medical needs of these patients require. Here is more information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance/medicare

@angusconn, you might find this related discussion helpful that helps explains the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage:
- Does Mayo Clinic take Medicare? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-mayo-clinic-take-medicare/

It depends on how busy the particular department is. Also, when a referral is necessary, sometimes most of the delay is dependent on getting the necessary records are assembled and to Mayo's. In my case, it took a couple of months, once all the records were there. My condition was lymphedema secondary to femoral artery surgery. It probably helped that my vascular surgeon trained at Mayo. However, if I had found to be a candidate for the microsurgery, the wait would have been 2-4 months, because it's performed by a plastic surgeon, and they're stacked. (I was not found appropriate because my condition had improved so much on its own with conservative treatment.)

There is a significant difference between Medicare (Part A and B) and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. When you chose an Advantage plan, you 'lock' yourself into the health care plan of the insurance company you pay your premiums to. The insurance company (Cigna, BCBS, United Healthcare) dictates your coverage, network providers and payments to those providers.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do not include Mayo Clinic as a network provider. Individuals with just Medicare Part A and Part B are free to use any provider including Mayo Clinic and are not subject to 'network' restrictions. I hope this helps you understand why you're unable to be seen at Mayo Clinic.

Thank you for that information, I’m considering change to the plan to a duel insurance plan since I have Medicare advantage and Healthy Blue if you guys are on that program, can I get put back on the waiting list.

Cori

Before changing insurance plans or providers, you may wish to speak to coordinator at Mayo Clinic. See the contact info here:
- Insurance Contact Us https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/contact-us

Add more info
- Insurance types accepted at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance/accepted-insurance

I believe I was put on in August, and I recently had surgery on my right knee and a reverse total shoulder for a torn rotator cuff, 6th surgery on my knee and 5th on shoulder.