National Jewish Health or Mayo Rochester to treat MAC

Posted by mtinderscott2626 @mtinderscott2626, Dec 29, 2025

I have had bronchiectasis since 2010. I was just diagnosed with MAC on 12/23/25. I want to go to the BEST doctor/facility for treatment. Which location is preferred? Mayo Rochester or National Jewish Health?

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Profile picture for lorrainewenn @lorrainewenn

I’m being seen at Mayo Rochester however I am in need of a local pulmonologist to help me with flareups. I live ia the northern Chicago area near the Wisconsin boarder but will travel to get the care and need. I am fighting a cold/cough and my Mayo doctor is pushing me back to my local PCP. Is there a directory for MAC/bronchiectasis I can check? Or any recommendations are appreciated.

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@lorrainewenn Personally I think I would push/insist that you see someone at Mayo if that is what you feel is best for you.... especially since PCP's do not fully understand all related to BE.
My two cents. Hope you are feeling a bit better.
Barbara

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Profile picture for Nancy @nlee1954

I’m fortunate to live close to Mayo, and have been very happy with my doctors and care. Like @sueinmn said, they will treat any other conditions you have by referring you to other specialists there.
My pulmonologist and infectious disease doctors always get back to me right away if I contact them when a problem arises.

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@nlee1954 Do you mind me asking who your pulmonologist is at Mayo?

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Profile picture for big52fish @big52fish

I go to NJH. I live in Florida and go to Denver about once a year. I love my Dr and love the care when I’m there but the communication between appts is not so great. The lab there is very good. Are there other comparable labs that do the thorough sensitivity screening that NJH does?

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@big52fish Who do you see at NJH?

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Profile picture for sma2 @sma2

I was treated for MAC AT Mayo in late 23 and early 24.I think they now know numbness n feet is a serious ethambutol side effect can precede vision loss because of me. Based on what I’ve heard from my support group and hearing Dr Daly speak, I wish I had gone to Nat Jewish.

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@sma2 The Ethambutol caused the numbness in your feet AND permanent vision loss?

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Ive been going to Mayo for 2 years and am pleased with my care. My doctor decreased my visits to once per year, so I’ll be back in 2026. I always have the option to visit more frequently. I send sputum samples every other month. I still sometimes test positive for MAC, not on the big 3 yet.

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Profile picture for lorrainewenn @lorrainewenn

Ive been going to Mayo for 2 years and am pleased with my care. My doctor decreased my visits to once per year, so I’ll be back in 2026. I always have the option to visit more frequently. I send sputum samples every other month. I still sometimes test positive for MAC, not on the big 3 yet.

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@lorrainewenn, may I ask who you see at the Mayo Clinic? Do you go to Rochester? Why haven't they used the big 3? What are you doing other than using the big 3?

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I live in NJ and chose to go to National Jewish Respiratory Institute at Mount Sinai in NYC. I have been very happy with my doctor there. I go approximately 3 times a year and also have had about 1 video call per year. I’m not on medication at this time for MAC. I started treatment with a local doctor in 2023 and had very bad side effects after one dose. It had to be stopped. I was desperate to find a good and caring doctor when someone mentioned to me that NJH had an outpost in NYC. So I started there in Feb 2024 and have a great doctor (Dr Becker) who spends a lot of time with me at each visit. He does not leave the room until all my questions have been answered and we talk in length. I have not restarted any medications yet as I am in a watch and see mode. There might be other outposts in other states. I know Pennsylvania also has an outpost at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. Good luck to you

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Profile picture for mtinderscott2626 @mtinderscott2626

@lorrainewenn, may I ask who you see at the Mayo Clinic? Do you go to Rochester? Why haven't they used the big 3? What are you doing other than using the big 3?

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@mtinderscott2626
I see Dr Sarah Chalmers at Mayo Rochester.
My lungs are stable, so we are using the wait and see approach.

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