Mayo Clinic Phoenix - First Visit Evaluation & Stay

Hi…we are here with the Colorectal department and I am sure every department is different. We came for an evaluation and my husband had tests and doctor visit on the first day. Not knowing the area, We stayed at Sonesta Suites in Scottsdale, right at Scottsdale clinic and took the shuttle to the Phoenix campus. That worked but we stayed more days than we needed. Now we are here for probably 3 months. I would suggest you check with Help in Healing Home* . It is a non-profit lodging facility for patients being evaluated or for long term care. There is a minimum 3-night stay but they charge only $51 per night. It is communal living, kind of like a college dorm, with a community kitchen, dining area and laundry, and they are careful about contamination, so we are responsible for our own cleaning. Most patients here are immune compromised. It is actually 0n the Mayo Phoenix campus, about 3 minute drive to the front door. There is a waiting list to get in, but it never hurts to check. Best of luck!!

*Www.helpinhealinghome.org
480-609-1324

Mayo told me to book for the week. So I did but won't be too happy if I am done early and still have to pay for the room for the week.

@katertucker, inquire at the hotel about their cancellation policy. Many hotels that serve Mayo Clinic patients make accommodations for shortening or lengthening stays due to medical appointment changes. Also be sure to ask if they provide a Mayo Clinic patient discount.

Here's the link to Help in Healing that @bmtl27 so generously provided.
- Help In Healing Home https://helpinhealinghome.org/

If you have additional questions about Mayo Clinic, accommodations and getting around, you can contact Mayo's free Concierge Services:
– Mayo Clinic Concierge Services https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services

Here are additional discussions about preparing for your first visit and evaluation
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=first+visit

And tips specific to Mayo Clinic, Arizona
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Mayo+clinic+phoenix

I have my first evaluation with Mayo urology Phoenix. I am coming from Alaska. I am trying to figure out how long I should stay. I have had 5 CT scans up here and all imagines have been sent to urology. I have a messed up ureter that is starting to cause kidney damage.

@tallchick60 welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. The first time I went to Mayo it was for pre-transplant evaluation for simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant. I was able to get an itinerary /schedule of planned appointments. My visit was full of appointments spread over about a week. I also received instructions regarading labs, eating /drinking, fasting, taking medications plus scans, X rays and how to dress. Besides this there was information regarding lodging, transportation & parking, restaurants and tourist destinations. Mayo is the comprehensive place to go for health care. I have family living in Phoenix and I hear the weather is great there now. When will you be going?

I am going the 15th. When I made, she didn’t tell me how long I should be. The doctors hear and passing it off as it’s way of life having kidney stones and kidney stone renal surgery every 1-2 years. I have had 3 surgeries for that and have passed 12 stones. All on my right kidney. I feel good when I have a stint in (minus the stint pain). Then they take it out and I’m always in pain on my right side. One doctor here told me it’s in my head. So my primary doctor is fed up and sent everything to Mayo in July. Mayo was taking their time on it then I had another CT scan Thursday, Mayo got the report then now I have an appointment. But they haven’t said the length, or anything. Just the eval appointment. I just don’t know if I should fly back on Thursday or stay through Friday or Saturday to be safe.

I would stay the weekend. It is a nice place to visit even if you’re not busy with Mayo. Let the Mayo people know that you are there for a limited amount of time and are counting on them for some answers. They like challenges and hopefully will rise to the occasion to meet your needs.

I would recommend being there at least Friday for any diagnostics. Our experience at Mayo MN urology with my husband is that they are so very busy that additional tests like cystoscopy are often scheduled in a few weeks instead of the next few days. My husband ended up seeing a ureter specialist and there was quite a wait for that appointment. Hotels near Mayo tend to be very understanding that you may not know how long you are staying and checking out early is no problem. It makes sense to pay the extra for flights you can change also. Good luck getting answers. My sister lives near Scottsdale and weather this time of year is great!

If you don’t mind telling me, what was your husband’s diagnosis? That’s is who my primary care doctor was trying to get me in with. But they sent me to the stone clinic of urology instead.

My husband had aggressive invasive bladder cancer and had complications of ureteral blockage after his radical cystectomy and neobladder surgery. Dr. Boyd Viers at Mayo in Rochester, MN did the repair of his ureter. All of his surgery was at Mayo in Rochester. Dr. Viers has been wonderful to work with and his support staff as well. There is so much specialization with the urology doctors and that makes them experts in their particular field. If you don't find that at Mayo in Phoenix, it might be advisable to have a discussion with your doctor there about visiting Rochester. We have over 11 years of experience with Mayo in MN with my head and neck cancer that has been excellent. Working with urology there has been frustrating due to things just not happening as quickly. I guess that comes from being number one in the country in urology and very busy.