Neurology Appointment in Feb: How long can I expect to be there?

@acann
That is common question and amount time at Mayo will vary. Normally your visit will be less then a week. Once you meet with consultant and tests ordered the results will be reviewed and determine if additional tests are required. Sometimes length of stay will be based on availability of appointments for tests. The appointment coordinators trys to schedule efficiently so you can get everything done in few days. Hotels in Rochester are very accommodating if you finish early or need to stay few extra days. Of course airlines are less flexible.

You can call and ask to talk to Nero dept appointment desk and see if they have any suggestion on length of stay.

Have you set up your Patient Portal, can you see what is already scheduled?

Hi @acann, I added your question to the Visiting Mayo Clinic support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/ In this group you will find discussion related to your questions. Use the group search to find answers to your questions about what to expect, accommodations, how to prepare and more.

I'm also tagging a few Mayo neurology patients like @casidyjogier @jdlee22 @jdombek1019 @nancy82415 who may be able to share more about their experiences.

See these related discussions:
– Tips for your first Mayo Clinic visit and tests/appt schedules https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-first-dr-visit-and-testsappt-schedules/

- What can I expect at an Evaluation Appointment at Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/evaluation-appts

Coming from NH, you'll have the right clothing for an appointment at the end of February. Luckily Mayo Clinic in MN has underground and above ground links between many of the buildings.

Also hotels in Rochester are accommodating should you need to shorten or lengthen your anticipated stay. Many of them offer Mayo patient discounts. Have you booked accomodations yet?

@acann when I was contacted by Mayo telling me when my first two appointments were I was told to plan on approximately 5-7 business days. I was looking for a diagnosis so I would assume that was the reasoning behind the amount of time I was told. The tests and appointments are scheduled as close together as possible as Mayo is well aware of most to their patients travel a long distance. “The needs of the patient comes first” is not just a bunch of words. The entire staff at Mayo puts it in action in every sense of the word! You truly will feel it thru out your stay there. It is unspoken, by their actions speak it loudly.

The first appointment was an EMG and nerve condition test. The second was with my neurologist who went over the test and did a thorough neurological test. Once that was completed he determined what I had and that is when the next appointments were scheduled for a full head and spine MRI. They were split between two days. This resulted in an experience that shows how quickly they can rearrange appointments if needed. I start my first MRI of my head and cervical part of the spine. While doing the test they found an abnormality and called my neurologist to advise and it was determined that the entire spine should be completed right away and not wait for the appointment two days later. The next day I was scheduled for another appointment with the neurologist of which prior to the MRI I did not have an appointment with him that day.

So this was now day 3 and during that appointment he told me he had already requested an appointment to see their top neurosurgeon. This doctor was extremely busy and once he saw they results of the MRI decided he would see me and would squeeze me in on day 5. I needed to go to the hospital to see him between his surgeries. Once he entered the room, he introduced himself and things moved very quickly. Three weeks later I was returning for brain decompression surgery.

The Neurology and Neurosurgery departments have amazing doctors and staff. Very knowledgeable and compassionate individuals. They talk to you with words you understand and patient when you have questions. You definitely feel you are not alone in your medical journey and they have your back.

I continue to be seen there annually. I look forward to it every year as it feels like seeing old friends and they welcome you back with open arms. They always seem to “recharge” my battery.

Wishing you all the best and if you have any questions for me feel free to ask.