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Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do?
Over a year trying to get an appointment, Scottsdale/Phoenix. I have two issues that may or may not be related. 5 'regular' doctors and 2 years later reveals what are likely lumbar spinal issues, but none of them can account for an issue in my left abdominal area. Last Doc I saw sent referral to Mayo, April 2020. Mayo says 2-3 years to establish primary care. I asked for an appt (internal medicine, interns, anyone at this point) for a comprehensive physical, to basically start over, but I keep getting rejected. I don't understand.
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It breaks my heart to hear of your difficulties. I work in Finance at Mayo (Rochester), so I don't often deal with these types of issues unless a referral is required by your insurance company.
Although your insurance may not require a referral, yes, as mentioned, obtaining a referral from your primary doctor or local specialist can likely help as it will assist Mayo's efforts to address your entire being - not just one element. I, too, deal with issues similar to the ones posted & staying positive in the face of chronic pain is challenging.
There have been a lot of great suggestions. Truly all options posted thus far are options I was going to recommend.
If this has not yet been mentioned, you can talk to an Appointment Specialist who can discuss your specific situation. I'll post the phone numbers & hours for each site in the event this is helpful.
Appointment Specialists
Mayo Clinic in Arizona
480-301-8484
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time
Mayo Clinic in Florida
904-953-0853
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time
Mayo Clinic in Minnesota - Rochester
507-538-3270
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time
Mayo Clinic Children's Center
855-MAYO-KID (855-629-6543)
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time
I'm wishing you all the very best as you advocate for yourself. I've had a wide range of experiences in my own heath journey & have learned that you are your greatest advocate.
Never, ever, ever give up. Even when most will - still don't. The herd will thin & new opportunities will present themselves. Keep going, going, going. Hope exists when we believe there's always at least one more door to open.
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6 ReactionsThe University of Iowa has a world class NET practice. That may be an option for you. They are very good.
I too have tried several times to get into Mayo Clinic Rochester as I can’t get a diagnosis. I had my physician refer me. I first tried the spine center and then neurology who just sent me back to the spine center. I tried neurology because I had spine surgery which helped with some of my symptoms but then I went back into muscle spasms and radiating nerve pain. I was told that they get 25,000 requests weekly since Covid. Ironically my niece even works at Mayo. So I am off to Cleveland clinic even though they don’t have the same type of program where you could see multiple specialists in a matter of hours/days.
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1 ReactionBest way to get seen is to call everyday to see if someone cancels and they have an opening you take anything you can get.
And Pray that always helps!
I was told (after being denied appointment) for internal medicine that I gave to wait one year to ask for appointment again.
Any thoughts on this?
My doctor suggested Mayo Clinic
They wanted me to make an appointment in Florida Arizona Utah I live in Michigan and they didn't have Michigan on there so I can't do it
Thank you for replying a year is ridiculous so why do they ask you if you want to make an appointment! Right!
Hi @jodybee, you're right Mayo Clinic has locations in Florida and Arizona as well as in the mid-west, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
You may wish to look into the Mayo Clinic Care Network to find care closer to home.
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
@anonymousq, I’m sorry to hear that you had difficulties receiving an appointment at Mayo Clinic. Unfortunately Mayo Clinic has more requests for appointments than available openings, especially general internal medicine. You may wish to ask your doctor to submit a referral on your behalf and perhaps to a different department related to your medical symptom or condition.
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1 ReactionI was told from Mayo employee via phone, that I couldn’t request an appointment for one year, from the date I was denied.
Has this changed or was I given wrong information?