Out of state - how to get referred to multiple departments

Posted by jwool89 @jwool89, Jun 19, 2024

I have my first appointment next week in Rochester. I have Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and am seeing a pulmonologist that I was referred to. Unfortunately Alpha-1 affects a lot of things in the body and recently I discovered a lot of gastroenterology issues. Liver issues are to be expected but I have esophagus problems, acid reflux, and a small hiatal hernia. I got into the pulmonologist no problem without a referral. When I called gastroenterology they said I had to wait until I got to Rochester and pulmonology would get me into gastroenterology. That just seems difficult for planning purposes when I need to decide on a flight home and hotel room nights. Is this really how it works? I just found it odd that I couldn't schedule both.

Does anyone have a good referral in gastroenterology at Rochester given the above issues? I have learned to research physicians as you may not like who they decide to schedule you with.

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sommerreign | @sommerreign | Jul 10, 2024

Usually once you have been seen there for these issues you will be able to schedule yourself next time.
I was told the primary MD you are seeing, may need tests or treatments that day or the next day & if you have other visits scheduled it delays their job.
Mayo runs like a well oiled machine & the reason for that is b/c appts, tests & treatments are done in days not weeks.
When I was there, having a specialist send me over to another specialist the same day was easy.
I had reflux & issues w a hiatal hernia (secondary medical issue) and they sent me right down the hall after my primary appt (the reason I went there was not related to GI issues!)
Did a marshmallow swallowing test standing & it got stuck so they knew the NEW diagnosis, Nutcracker Esophagus!
Some new meds ended all that reflux pain & the HHernia had 0 to do w the symptoms !
They try to get all your needs met there.
I bought round trip w no cancelation fees & next time I booked one way & then another one way a couple of weeks later after all my care was completed which ended up cheaper!
I’ve found talking to an airline agent is better b/c it is medical