Tips about preparing for my second opinion appointment at Mayo

@mlassen1

The decision to rescan you at Mayo may depend on the quality of the scan done in Panama. I would definitely send both the report and images. If sending the images electronically is not an option, maybe you could download them to a flash drive and bring with.

The length of time at Mayo will vary based on other tests/appointments Mayo schedules. Have you set up your portal, which is the best place to keep track of scheduled appointments?

Hopefully, other Connect members who have had a 2nd opinion for the same conditions will share their experience.

Do you have the initial appointment scheduled?

Yes, February 16,2026 at 9am

@mlassen1, I agree with everything that @roch posted. I'm also tagging fellow NET members who I believe are patients of Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida like @vinnie694 @rodneysmom @amandafl @jeanern01 @teresap1976 @tammyv615. They can share a bit more about what to expect and what the first visit to Mayo was like for them and how to prepare.

You will be in good hands at Mayo Clinic. You might be interested in the discussion in this support group too:
- Visiting Mayo Clinic https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic/

Now that your initial appointment has been made, you will see additional appointments added to your schedule. Closer to the appointment date, you will receive a detailed Patient Appointment Guide. This is a comprehensive itinerary of your appointments and any special notes of things you need to know or do for the appointment.

Regarding flight arrangements, you may wish to book a flight that is flexible. Mayo Clinic offers a service to help with airline bookings. It is called Mayo Clinic Patient Travel Services. Patient Travel Service can make flight reservations ($25 fee per reservation, up to $50 for a family), manage changes to your travel itinerary, make hotel reservations, and arrange ground transportation, including airport shuttles, limo service or car rental reservations. Read more here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/travel-services

In addition Mayo Clinic offers a free Concierge Service that can be a great help ease the burden as you prepare for your first visit to Mayo Clinic. They can help with things like getting you set up with the patient portal called Patient Online Services, narrow your hotel options based on your budget and individual needs, recommend restaurants personalized to your preferences or diet and help with directions to and around Mayo Clinic, including shuttle bus schedules, etc. https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/concierge-services

You'll be in good hands at Mayo Clinic. Keep asking questions as they come up. 🙂

Send in your scan. They will have their radiologists review it too!

@mlassen1 Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect. I’ve been going to Mayo Jacksonville since 2017, started with prostate cancer. My urologist recommended me to Mayo, glad He did no surgery, no radiation, no chemo, and the cancer is still as it was in 2017… (just monitoring)Then December 2022, I was diagnosed with NETS, small intestine primary, metastasized to liver. After meeting Dr. Starr and the medical team I didn’t go for a second opinion, their confidence and knowledge of NET’s made me feel comfortable and confident with the treatment plans we discussed. I also like the fact that I can have bloodwork done, CT or MRI , and see the results and talk with the medical team most times the same day.. I’m fortunate to live only 40 minutes away.. My best to you …

@mlassen1 Hi! Mayo is a great place to seek a second opinion on complex diagnosis. I sought care at Mayo in 2019 for complex congenital heart disease. At the time I started in Jacksonville, because I lived in Florida, but was referred to Rochester. For my initial visit I had the appointment schedule in my portal- I spoke with the office directly to confirm if more testing would be scheduled at the appointment time- as I had to book a flight like you and trying to determine a return date. Mayo does a great job of sticking to the schedule given and if more testing are needed than planned for- they are really great at trying to work those in at that time. I definitely would bring other scans or upload if you can prior to going. They did rescan me- only because they had a really great 3d scan that my previous hospital did not- but having the previous scan helped them identify the area of concern and compare the progression. You should be given most if not all results at this initial visit and have a plan of care before you leave. Each time I flew to Rochester they were able to accommodate everything in my travel window- I did give myself some time by always booking the last possible flight out on my departure day so that I may have some time in the morning for any last minute issues. I now go to Mayo at Jacksonville at least once a year for follow-ups and Jacksonville campus is great. Easily able to walk- or shuttle between the buildings. It’s not a huge campus- they are doing some construction all around right now so traffic does tend to back up near the hospital especially at peak times- 7-9 am and then in the afternoon 4-6. So check traffic if you are renting a car and plan to drive to campus for appt. There are some nice little places to grab a snack or coffee on the campus if you have some time between appointment and they have a nice walking path to stretch your legs a little or benches to just sit outside for some fresh air. I have been coming to Jacksonville for several years now, and even had another surgery (not cardiac) done here last year. So I have had both in and outpatient experience here. Most days appointments are right on time- sometimes radiology can be a little slow due to emergent or add in cases- but that’s not often. They really do have a very efficient system. There are plenty of volunteers also stationed around to help guide you there as well. There is one hotel- I believe a Marriott right on campus if you’re looking to stay as close as possible. But there are several hotels really close by that maybe more cost efficient that I believe have shuttle service. Mayo is not far from the airport- but again traffic/construction can back things up if traveling during peak times. I would give at least 45 mins travel time to avoid time crunches. The airport itself is not very big and usually security is not a long wait- it’s really an easy airport to get through. I hope some of this helps! Best wishes! Safe travels!
Jeane

Mayo will probably ask for all of your records, but I would definitely include anything you have

Doubt highly the second doctor would rely on first doctor’s finding or impressions. Unless perhaps he/she would have done nothing different.

@hopeseeker22, that depends. Mayo Clinic reviews records, imaging studies, test results, etc. Some testing may need to be repeated, but reviewing previous findings is an essential step in assessing patients coming for a second opinion.

Read more here:
- Tips for seeking a second opinion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/tips-for-seeking-a-second-opinion/

We use the Mayo Clinic Travel Agency to arrange air, shuttle, hotel reservations. If we need to extend our visit we know that they are great at re-arranging flights. They have been good in finding direct flights and lower rates listening to our needs.
We also like to stay at the closest Staybridge at 101 11th Southwest which provides excellent free shuttle, and wheel chairs if needed.
The Canadian Honkers is within a short walk and has the Rochester famous Bunny Cake..
We also found that we did better with a referral from our local Doctor to a specific Doctor. Dr. Hobday is amazing and we also like working with his team member, the social worker Amy Allen.
Wishing you the compassion and competency we have found.