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First visit: Evaluation in MN
Hi everyone,
I have my first visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester in January... my referral was for GI stuff so I’m seeing gastro- I’m wondering what to expect?
What is the initial evaluation like? Is it just questions, or testing, vitals etc like a regular doctors visit?
I’m not from the area so is it smart to plan to stay a couple more days after the initial evaluation for potential testing? Or would they space it out and I’d be scheduling further appointments days/weeks out?
Do they communicate everything that day or would I hear back in a couple days with a plan?
Does the evaluation guarantee further appointments or could they reject me like they can with applications? Ive run out of options with doctors so thats why I wanted to come to Mayo.
Hotel recommendations/travel plan tips?
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@emhamilton825
Welcome to Mayo Connect. Many members have asked similar questions. After you see your first provider, they will discuss future testing and appointments needed and an appointment coordinator will try to schedule while still in MN. Every appointment's schedule is different.
Have you set up your Patient Portal? it is best way to keep up with appointments. In addition, there may be form / questionnaires that may need to be filled out. If fill out ahead of time, saves time at appointment.
For more information or help, see: https://onlineservices.mayoclinic.org/patientportal/support
Another great resource is the Mayo's free Concierge Services. They can make suggestions on lodging based on your needs. https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services
- Phone: 507-538-8438
- Email: concierge@mayo.edu
You might want to check out an articles on
"How to make the most of your Mayo Clinic appointment."
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-appointment
Another Connect dissuasion you may want to review, Tips for New Specialist:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/
This previous discussion has suggestions from other Connect members on hotels:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/coming-to-rochester-mayo-clinic-and-need-suggestions/
Where are you traveling from, are you ready for MN in January?
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Hug
2 ReactionsHi, I was there for aortic valve issues. My first consult was in November, 2024. Once you sign up on the portal, you can get all the information there and download it. They schedule tests before the actual appointment with the Doctor. The appointment document has detailed instructions on how to prepare for it. They make them for the same day. One test was only scheduled at the very last minute so you need to keep checking the portal, or the phone app. When I went for my one month follow up after surgery, that test was scheduled after 5 pm and the Doctor's appointment was at 6:30 pm so be prepared for that. If your appointments are in the Gonda Building, I recommend the Kahler Grand Hotel. If you park on the second level of their garage you can walk directly into the hotel. They have elevator access to the subway level where you can walk to the Gonda subway level. If the appointment is after hours, you can easily leave Gonda and just walk across the street to the Kahler entrance. If price is an issue, you can find another hotel that is on the shuttle route to Gonda. Or take an uber.
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Hug
1 ReactionI forgot to mention, they also post the test results immediately on the portal and the Doctor posts their notes on the portal right after your appointment.
In January you need to plan your travel around possible bad weather too.
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Hug
1 Reaction@roch thank you!
Traveling from Illinois
@mone2 they haven’t scheduled any tests yet that I’ve seen- would they do that before the evaluation or after?
@emhamilton825
From personal observation, the provider may indicate tests (laboratory, x rays, and others) in the portal ( or your MyChart), and if you look carefully you may see them. "You can now view details of.... " I had to ask about this information, apparently the intent is to communicate tests to be done at Mayo Clinic.
Best wishes