First visit Jacksonville - Parkinson's

Hello @nimrodmcse and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm glad to hear that you were able to obtain an appointment at Mayo's Jacksonville, Florida clinic. Perhaps another member, who has visited the Jacksonville Florida clinic, will be able to respond to your question. In the meantime, you might consider calling the office to find out a bit more about the length of the appointment and what to expect. Mayo Clinic is very good at communicating with patients and I'm sure they would be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

You mentioned that you were diagnosed with PD in 2017. I'm just wondering, are you going to Mayo Clinic for a second opinion for a particular problem related to your PD diagnosis?

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to Mayo for a more team oriented treatment plan. I've been seeing a neurologist but he is not a MDS.

That is a great decision. A team-oriented approach is great, and a movement disorder specialist is really important when it comes to treating PD.

If you have any other questions prior to your appointment, please post them. After your appointment next week, will you let me know how it goes? I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Will do. Thanks!

Have appt in MN. Read reviews of the doctor that I am going to see and they’re not great.
Advice? Can I see a different doctor? I have seen a MDS and looking for more answers as it is not presenting as PD.

I saw Dr. Farwa Ali. She was kind and competent. She is a MDS. I too presented with atypical symptoms of PD. Was dx’d in June 2022. Went to see Dr Ali for a second opinion.

Thank you!

@bpk444, great that you were able to get an appointment at Mayo Clinic! I'm quoting fellow member @gingerw, who posted in another discussion (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/679959/):

"If I was to read a review on a new doctor, and saw several less-than-stellar comments, my thoughts would probably run along these lines:
1. All too often I will see more negative than positive comments, whether it is a product from an online shopping service, or a car, or a restaurant. Many positive comments are simply not entered!
2. Remember, all patients are different, and have a different experience. I know you will go in with an open mind, and will have made sure ahead of time that all records needed have been forwarded to the doctor and his team. If you have been keeping any kind of a symptom journal, make sure you don't forget it at home! [I've done that!] Not every patient and doctor are the right fit, but striving to make the right connection will go a long way to seeing that he helps you."

As the patient, you are the CEO of your team and you have several options. You can request to change your specialist at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic wants you to be confident in the care you are receiving.

To submit a request to change provider, it is generally suggested that you contact the appointment office or department where you have your appointment with your request to see a different doctor.

If this is not possible, you can submit your request to the Office of Patient Experience to assist.
Office of Patient Experience
https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience
Phone: 844-544-0036 (toll free)
Email: opx@mayo.edu

@bpk444, Is this your firstt appointment at Mayo Clinic? Do you have an account set up on the Mayo Clinic patient portal?

I'm not sure if you've had your appointment already. If not, you may find these related discussions helpful:
- How to best plan and prep for my visit to Mayo Jacksonville
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-best-plan-and-prep-for-my-visit-to-mayo-jacksonville/

- Mayo Neurology group: Anyone been to Mayo in Jacksonville, FL? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-neurology-group/

- Anyone have tips on preparing for initial visit to Mayo Clinic? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preparing-for-initial-visit/

They are not Parkinson's specific, but helpful and describe the Mayo Clinic team approach and how to get the most out of your appointment.