Connect
Living with Parkinson's Disease - Meet others & come say hi
Welcome to the Parkinson's Disease group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people living with Parkinson's or caring for someone with Parkinson's. Let's learn from each other and share stories about living well with Parkinson's, coping with the bumps and offering tips.
Chances are you'll to be greeted by fellow member and volunteer patient Mentor, Teresa (@hopeful33250), when you post to this group.
We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
Connect
Yes it was AZ. I’m am so surprised to find out they are not in contract with Medicare though!! We have been to the University Medical Center in our area but always the same thing, everything is normal when it’s obviously not. My mom is just ready to give up but we continue to dig to help. Thanks for all your info!
@beverlyann
I am sorry to hear that your mom won't be able to go to Mayo, but I understand your concern about the driving distance, etc. As I recall, you were planning on visiting the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, is that correct?
Are there any university medical schools in your area where your mom could be seen?
Teresa
Looks like we’re not going to be able to use Mayo Clinic. With issues my mom is having besides tremors which she would need a neurologist, GI, possibly IM Doctors. The only one contracted with Medicare is neurologist. That’s too long of a drive to not be able to get all our answers. But I do hear great things about Mayo.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@beverlyann
Glad to be of help, Beverly. Please keep in touch with us.
Teresa
Thanks so much for all your info and guidance!! I will read on this tonight when I get home!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi Beverly,
Were you able to call Mayo Clinic and get answers to your questions about scheduling etc?
Mayo Clinic specialists collaborate with experts in neurology and other departments to provide coordinated and integrated, multidisciplinary care to people with Parkinson's. Usually, it works like this. Before you go to Mayo, they will gather the patient's medical history, tests results and records in as far as that is possible. According to all the information gathered, they will schedule initial consults and, additional testing if necessary. As more information is gathered, additional appointments with specialists and related departments may be made if warranted.
If you call Mayo Clinic, the campus of your preference, they can give you specifics.
When planning your visit you may also wish to make use of the Concierge Travel Services (free of charge) https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services
I also encourage you to read through some of the experiences other Mayo patients have shared in the Visiting Mayo Clinic group here on Connect: http://mayocl.in/2bGLTKj
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @beverlyann
While I don't have answers to all your questions, why not give Mayo Clinic a call and ask them these questions. I'm sure they would be pleased to talk with you. Here is the information about getting an appointment at one of their facilities: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/arizona/appointments
If you would like to find out more about insurance at Mayo Clinic, please call Patient Account Services at 800-660-4582.
This webpage http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance/insurance provides information on insurance at Mayo Clinic which includes:
Insurance types; Approval from insurers; Guidance for denied claims; International patients; Uninsured (self-pay) or underinsured patients
Insurance FAQs; Glossary of billing and insurance terms; Contact numbers and online form
Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing, Beverly.
Teresa
I’m just curious how this works when someone travel 12 hours to be seen by Mayo Clinic. Does one see a team of Doctors and then determine what all test need to be ordered. And do the test require prior authorization?
Hello @beverlyann
That is a good question. Yes, I have heard that tremors can come and go. Here is a link to an article from WebMD about tremors, https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/tc/parkinsons-disease-symptoms#1. If you read the article it will mention that when a person sleeps and they are relaxed that the tremor will often go away. I suppose stress and fatigue may be a factor. I know that when I am tired my symptoms are worse (even though tremor is not a big problem for me).
Teresa
Have you ever heard of a person with Parkinson’s having hand tremors that come and go, like can go 3-5 days with no tremors but then one day have them all day but can lay down in bed and they stop.