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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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I’m very sorry to hear this, but unfortunately it happens often and has happened to me as well. I had an unexpected opportunity to be seen in a different department but also needed and obtained a referral to Neurology at Mayo and they even declined an internal referral.
It’s my understanding that Neurology at Mayo is one of the most high-demand specialties at Mayo.
I know it’s hard now, but I hope you don’t give up. Mayo isn’t always the end-all, be-all, as much as the marketing and rankings would push that narrative.
Is the physician working with you now within an academic medical center? If not, is there one in your area where you can go? At other academic medical centers, the wait may be long, but you can often self-schedule an appointment.
For example, I looked into Cleveland Clinic. My PCP submitted a referral for me to be seen in Rheumatology and they called within a week to offer me an appointment. They also have a program called the “National Consultation Program,” which might be of interest to you, and their website highlights opportunities for virtual care: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/community-care/depts/national-consultation-service
But if you haven’t ruled out options closer to home yet with academic medical centers, it may be worth looking into while you’re also trying to be seen at larger organizations. Wishing you the best.
That is very fortunate news to hear. It can be frustrating to want and appointment but not be the only one looking for an appointment. It takes perseverance and patience (not patient) to get the right place!
Another reality is, once your accepted oto one specialty clinic... You still have to apply the same amount of energy, emotion and determination to get any any other specialist.... with absolutely no help or assistance from the people your already seeing. They have all the empathy in the world and are amazing medical front line workers. Unfortunately, you'll end up outside Mayo completely for all needs... The effort to get that accomplished was long a difficult and disheartening.. Mayo has incredible medical Care!
Unfortunately the battle is getting the 'system' to recognize you as a person with a name... And not a number or a statistic that Mayo says they successfully treated.
NEXT ??!!!
Mayo Is Great Medical Care just temper your expectations and don't stop looking.....Ever for alternatives. The struggle for ongoing TIMELY medical care after a major life saving procedure....beyond the one specialist and PC.
The journey is hard enough as it is.....still.. after you get in.
You Are Your Own Best Advocate!!!!
I wonder what the Mayo brothers would see if they saw this behemoth of an organizations from a patients point of view...?