Need help transferring my care to the Mayo in Phoenix/Scottsdale

Posted by graphicedge @graphicedge, May 28, 2021

I am a patient at the Cleveland Clinic that is faced with having to transfer my care to the Mayo in Phoenix/Scottsdale Arizona. This is because my husband can no longer be my caregiver and I will be moving to live with my brother.
I have Lynch Syndrome and for the last 30 years I have battled cancer 8 times leaving me with a short bowel. I have a peg tube to aspirate my stomach, an illyostom, 2 nephrostomy tubes, a Hickman catheter and my total nutrition is supplied by TPN. I currently have a home Healthcare nurse and aide that come twice a week.
I am so overwhelmed with this task, what do I do?

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@graphicedge, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can imagine that this task as well as the pending move is overwhelming you. As with all things, let's take it one step at a time and members here will journey with you as you get this done.

My first suggestion would be to call Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. They can walk you through each step. You can call or, if you prefer, submit an online request. All the information you need to get started can be found by clicking this link http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Once you've connected with someone at Mayo in Phoenix, be sure to ask how your care team at Cleveland Clinic can best transfer your medical records. That should take some of the burden off of you.

Does making the first phone call sound doable today?

REPLY
@colleenyoung

@graphicedge, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can imagine that this task as well as the pending move is overwhelming you. As with all things, let's take it one step at a time and members here will journey with you as you get this done.

My first suggestion would be to call Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. They can walk you through each step. You can call or, if you prefer, submit an online request. All the information you need to get started can be found by clicking this link http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Once you've connected with someone at Mayo in Phoenix, be sure to ask how your care team at Cleveland Clinic can best transfer your medical records. That should take some of the burden off of you.

Does making the first phone call sound doable today?

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Yes, it does. I can start here. Will they be able to answer questions on insurance too?

REPLY

Hello @graphicedge, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @colleenyoung and others. I did find an interesting news article discussing hospital transfers which includes information on how to request a transfer and some tips to walk you through the process.
Here is an excerpt from the article below:
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To initiate a transfer, reach out to your hospital case manager or social worker, as these professionals "are committed to advocating for you and your needs," Graney says. "They're experts in the health care system and know how to navigate its many complexities."

And be sure to "explain your concerns calmly and plainly and know they're there to help you get what you need."

He adds that "most case managers will have experience supporting patients in tricky situations and will offer counsel and advice given the specifics of your case."

You should also contact your insurance company for details about any costs or fees you'll be expected to pick up in executing a hospital transfer. Graney recommends contacting a case manager at the insurance company to walk you through the particulars depending on your specific coverage plan. Transportation costs are often not covered, and these "can be quite expensive, especially when more advanced ambulance services are needed."

Some insurers also require proof of medical necessity or a physician's approval.

You'll also want to determine whether the facility you're transferring to is in your insurer's network. "Some insurance plans will cover out-of-network hospitals to a limited degree, and others may not do so at all," Graney explains. Make sure you understand your financial responsibilities before you take the plunge on a transfer.

You should also consider other, less tangible costs. "The biggest cost can be a cost to your health," Graney says. "Ensuring the accepting facility is ready to deliver the needed care is most important, so your care and recovery aren't negatively impacted by your transfer."
------------------------------------------------------

Hospital Transfers: Where to Turn? | U.S. News: https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/where-do-you-turn-when-you-want-a-hospital-transfer

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@graphicedge

Yes, it does. I can start here. Will they be able to answer questions on insurance too?

Jump to this post

Graphicedge, yes. When you call Mayo Clinic, they can help answer your questions about insurance as well. Let us know how you make out.

REPLY
@johnbishop

Hello @graphicedge, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @colleenyoung and others. I did find an interesting news article discussing hospital transfers which includes information on how to request a transfer and some tips to walk you through the process.
Here is an excerpt from the article below:
------------------------------------------------------
To initiate a transfer, reach out to your hospital case manager or social worker, as these professionals "are committed to advocating for you and your needs," Graney says. "They're experts in the health care system and know how to navigate its many complexities."

And be sure to "explain your concerns calmly and plainly and know they're there to help you get what you need."

He adds that "most case managers will have experience supporting patients in tricky situations and will offer counsel and advice given the specifics of your case."

You should also contact your insurance company for details about any costs or fees you'll be expected to pick up in executing a hospital transfer. Graney recommends contacting a case manager at the insurance company to walk you through the particulars depending on your specific coverage plan. Transportation costs are often not covered, and these "can be quite expensive, especially when more advanced ambulance services are needed."

Some insurers also require proof of medical necessity or a physician's approval.

You'll also want to determine whether the facility you're transferring to is in your insurer's network. "Some insurance plans will cover out-of-network hospitals to a limited degree, and others may not do so at all," Graney explains. Make sure you understand your financial responsibilities before you take the plunge on a transfer.

You should also consider other, less tangible costs. "The biggest cost can be a cost to your health," Graney says. "Ensuring the accepting facility is ready to deliver the needed care is most important, so your care and recovery aren't negatively impacted by your transfer."
------------------------------------------------------

Hospital Transfers: Where to Turn? | U.S. News: https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/where-do-you-turn-when-you-want-a-hospital-transfer

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This transfer will likely be permanent, so I have to figure this out. I have a phone call scheduled for next week to get things started. I will talk to my social worker and care coordinator at the Cleveland Clinic to get as much help as I can on this end.

REPLY
@colleenyoung

Graphicedge, yes. When you call Mayo Clinic, they can help answer your questions about insurance as well. Let us know how you make out.

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I will let you know how I make out. I am hoping for a good outcome.

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@graphicedge Hi and I also Welcome you to Connect and Arizona, Mayo Phoenix is my hospital since I had a Heart transplant. Im not familiar with you medical condition but as to the general area around Phoenix I may be able to give some assistance as to the local area and getting around etc. Let me know if there are any questions about the area.
Blessings
Dana

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Thank you for your response. My brother lives there which is the reason why I am moving there. I have been there many times.

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@graphicedge

I will let you know how I make out. I am hoping for a good outcome.

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Well, I have waited all afternoon for the phone call from the Mayo and nothing.
I am pretty sure I signed up for today at 1 pm. I am in Cleveland, so I thought maybe it was Phoenix time so I waited till 4pm. Please somebody tell me what I am supposed to do now?
Can I try to reschedule or is there a number that I can call. I really need to get this started.

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@graphicedge

Well, I have waited all afternoon for the phone call from the Mayo and nothing.
I am pretty sure I signed up for today at 1 pm. I am in Cleveland, so I thought maybe it was Phoenix time so I waited till 4pm. Please somebody tell me what I am supposed to do now?
Can I try to reschedule or is there a number that I can call. I really need to get this started.

Jump to this post

Graphicedge, that is disappointing for sure. Were you scheduled for a virtual clinical appointment or with a scheduler. It is still business hours in Phoenix. I strongly suggest you call them. Do you have a direct phone number with a specific department? If not, call this number 480-301-8484.

Let me know how you make out.

REPLY
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