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Urology Appointment
I would like to know if there is any method at the Mayo to appeal the denial of an appointment.
My last blood test ordered by my GP showed an elevated PSA level, and I recently noticed blood present in my semen. My GP referred me to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale AZ (at my request), but my request for an appointment with the Urology department was denied today.
I know that the clinic is very busy, and I know I can go elsewhere; but for this condition I would really prefer not to have to use the services of Number Two, if I can possibly see Number One.
So - do I have any other recourse with the Mayo?
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Welcome, @tangata. It sounds like you’ve taken the appropriate steps to seek care at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. You're right that the clinic is very busy. Mayo Clinic receives more requests for appointments than available openings.
Have you been diagnosed with prostate cancer? Or were you hoping to go to Mayo Clinic for diagnostic testing? Did you submit the request for an appointment yourself or did your GP submit a physician referral?
No, I have not yet been diagnosed with prostate cancer, Given the symptoms, I assumed the probability is high that it is a cancer, and my first thought was MAYO! My wife has been treared there (cochlear implant) and we were singularly impressed with - well - everything.
My GP made a referral for me, and I also submitted a request.
My primary concern is treatment (when/if it comes down to that); not so much diagnostics. If I have the diagnostics through Banner here, and treatment is prescribed, can I hope for a new referral to the Mayo to be accepted for treatment?
I would suggest your GP order "The 4Kscore Test" It's a simple blood test that shows the probability of prostate cancer. My urlolgist, after 3 years of my having higher than normal PSA, finally order the test. Turned out I had a 92% aprobability of high grade prostate cancer. ...........which, after the biopsy, turned out to be accurate. Gleason score of 9 plus.
My oncologist wondered why my urologist had waited so long to order the test. He thought it may have been my age since I was in my 80's. I no longer see the urologist to ask him why the delayed diagnosis.
tangata (@tangata) Are you on Medicare? If so, if you have an Advantage Plan, Mayo AZ doesn't accept it. MN and FL do accept some Advantage plans. Good luck to you.
Yes, with Aetna Supplement Plan G.
AFAIK, Mayo Scottsdale didn't have a problem with the supplement - at least, no one said anything contrariwise.
Thank you.
@tangata, I recommend that you or your physician contact Mayo Clinic to understand why the denial. It may be that they will offer a second opinion and guidance once (if) a diagnosis has been confirmed.
Naturally is is impossible for us to guess the reason for the denial. Best to contact Mayo AZ directly.
I understand the primary concern being treatment options and it is advisable to get a second opinion as many members here will agree. It's great that prostate cancer has multiple effective treatment options, but it makes decision making hard.
First, I hope that you do not have prostate cancer. 🙂