How to make an appointment at Mayo with orthopedic or neurosurgeon?

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@marybethtruitt Good morning,

Which vertebrate did you have fused in 1978?

I had a T11-L4 fusion last December at the Phoenix Mayo Clinic. Dr McClendon (neurosurgeon) performed the surgery and did an amazing job!!

I was originally scheduled for surgery at UC Davis but decided to get another opinion about which vertebrate to fuse.
I called the Mayo Clinic (480) 342-1735 and they gave me the fax and mailing address to send my medical reports and imaging to.
I IMMEDIATELY sent them everything and then called to check that they had received it. A few days later they called to let me know that Dr McClendon had accepted my case and they scheduled me for an evaluation. Every situation is different and I have heard of it taking quite a bit longer, but I believe that if you communicate with them and don’t sit back and wait for a call, you will do better.

I believe there are 3 major Mayo Hospitals, Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona.
There are other people on this site who have had amazing experiences with surgeons at the other Mayo Clinic’s so it’s important to find the best surgeon for your specific case, while also considering how far of a flight/drive it will be after your surgery.
Best Sherry😊

@marybethtruitt Marybeth, welcome! I had spine surgery at Mayo in Rochester with Dr. Jeremy Fogelson who is excellent. He is a spine deformity expert and a neurosurgeon also with orthopedic deformity fellowship training. He does a lot of big scoliosis cases, and he also does simpler procedures like mine which was a fusion of C5/C6 done with only a bone spacer and no hardware. He also does artificial discs, but I don't know if you can have that next to a fused level. He's also very compassionate as a person.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/fogelson-jeremy-l-m-d/bio-20055624
You can apply for an appointment at any of the Mayo campuses at this link. https://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 That request will go to an intake office and they will call you back to discuss your needs and arrange for you to send in imaging.

You may want to look at the profiles of Mayo surgeons and research their interests to find a surgeon who is a good match for what you need.

Thanks for your reply Sherry. I had the L4 and L5 fused in 78. They used my own bone taken from my hip. I believe I was one of the lucky ones!

@marybethtruitt I am so glad you are going to get a second opinion!! I don’t understand not doing surgery for something that might happen so far in the future. Wishing the best for you!
Sherry

It can take some months to get in if they decide to see you. I just followed the directions from their website step by step. I did request a particular orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Paul Huddleston lll, although I didn't know if I would get to see him. They told me he would be part of my team but perhaps not my surgeon. After they received all my records and images of my spine from various surgeons I had seen in Chicago, but none willing to do my surgery due to being somewhat over weight, I received a call from Dr. Huddleston's staff saying he would see me. I think I had to wait a a few months to get in. It was so worth it. He is a great surgeon and did my surgery.My weight was not an issue at all for him. I had my surgery March of 2023. Lumbar laminectomy. It was successful and amazing! I was in severe back and leg pain and using a walker prior, now I am able to walk without an assistive device. So thankful I was accepted to Mayo Clinic and had Dr. Huddleston do my surgery. So I encourage you to try also. I did not have a referral.