Need help to avoid appointment cancellation!

Posted by erin132 @erin132, Apr 9 12:17pm

Have been working to get my mom an appointment with Rheumatology for the past two months. We finally have one coming up on Thursday morning. However, during the intake appointment, my mother mentioned she tested positive for covid on March 27 (two weeks ago). She took an inconclusive test yesterday and mentioned that as part of her intake.

**She had since been tested yesterday and been cleared by her assisted living community!!**

I don't know if she got confused, if the nurse got confused or what happened. However, they said they'd have to discuss canceling her appointment and get back to us.

She was cleared negative and is not contagious!!! Also, CDC says no need to isolate anymore, just wear a mask while symptomatic. She is fine, not ill.

I am on the brink of tears. This has been a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears to make this trip work. I am her caretaker as well as a single mom of a one-year-old and am using my precious leave to take her out of state to this appointment. At this point, our hotel is nonrefundable. We also have to pay for our pets (three dogs between us) who are boarding at the vet.

I've tried contacting Mayo in Jacksonville and only been able to leave a message with the operator.

If anyone can offer any help or direct me accordingly so I can explain the situation before they cancel everything and with it our chances of likely ever getting her to Mayo Clinic, it would be so very, very deeply appreciated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Visiting Mayo Clinic Support Group.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Apr 9 12:34pm

@erin1359 Did you set up the patient portal for your mom? That is a way to send a message to a provider at Mayo. The Mayo Clinic Concierge service (free) may be able to walk you through setting up the portal.

Here are the ways to contact the Concierge. They are in Rochester, but should be able to assist for Jacksonville. They may also know how best to contact the provider.

Five Ways to Contact Mayo Concierge Services

Phone: 507-538-8438

Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide

Email: concierge@mayo.edu

Web form: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/becoming-a-patient/concierge-travel-services

erin132 | @erin132 | Apr 9 12:53pm

Thank you!!! Trying that now.

erin132 | @erin132 | Apr 9 1:00pm

In reply to @erin132 "Thank you!!! Trying that now." + (show)

Patient portal seems to be a dead end. Looks like all message options indicate "No recipient available."

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Apr 9 1:09pm

In reply to @erin132 "Patient portal seems to be a dead end. Looks like all message options indicate "No recipient..." + (show)

@erin132 It sounds like they have not assigned a provider to your mom's case. You may want to call the Concierge. If your mom was offered an appointment, there should be a doctor assigned to her case. They should be able to help figure this out.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 9 1:54pm

In reply to @erin132 "Patient portal seems to be a dead end. Looks like all message options indicate "No recipient..." + (show)

Hi @erin132, I can imagine that you are very worried about the appointment getting cancelled based on a miscommunication. @jenniferhunter has given you a good tip to contact Concierge Services to talk to someone directly and get their help.

According to this information about patient care at Mayo Clinic in Florida (https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/visitor-policies/florida), your mom did the right thing to inform them as stated
"Please note that before scheduling an appointment, you must notify your care team if you have had a positive COVID-19 test in the past 30 days."

Masking may be required of her, but not necessarily a cancellation.
"Masks may be recommended in certain care settings for the safety of patients and staff. Masking may be required if a person is exhibiting signs or symptoms of respiratory illness."

Is this the number you called? 904-953-0853

erin132 | @erin132 | Apr 9 5:55pm

Thank you, everyone! The Conciege resource account was very helpful and provided a number to call to reach the provider/department. From what they can tell, her appointment is still on. Fingers crossed!