What to expect during a Zoom appointment with Mayo provider?

@mimbresman2
I've only used zoom one time and that was one time too many.
It's not really that there's anything wrong with Zoom. It's more like there's something wrong with me. I guess I'm just too old-fashioned and like more personal contact with people.
My experience was that the sound didn't catch up with the video. My zoom experience was a long time ago so that may not happen anymore.
Take care,
Jake

I live about a 10 hour drive away. That's why there is a video appointment. Thanks for the response Jake

Hi @mimbresman2 Zoom meetings can be a little intimidating the first time when you have no idea what to expect. But they’ve proven to be a convenient way to bring people (sometimes groups) together whether for professional meetings, consultations, or even family meetups.
During covid I had zoom meetings with several of my specialists at Mayo. The first time I was a little apprehensive but after that it’s old hat.

Generally the way it works is that you’ll be sent an email with an invitation to the meeting, with a designated time. The invitation contains a link to the host of the meeting. What you’ll need to do, is a couple of minutes before the meeting time, click that link. It will open the Zoom app. The screen will say something like, “The host will be notified that you’re in the chat room”. They’ll be with you shortly”.
Then you just get comfy and wait for the window to open.

Your doctor will be on the screen and you converse like you’re sitting across the table from each other. You can have your notes ready, pen, cup of coffee…
Make sure your phone is fully charged or on the charger! Just so your phone doesn’t die on you!
You can do this by phone or, if you have a laptop or computer with a camera it’s even better. Larger screen for you to see your doctor.

It’s in real-time so there’s no lag between conversations. Back when @jakedduck1 participated, it was using paper cups with strings. LOL. (Sorry Jake! I had to toss that in there!! 😅)

I’m involved with several groups now that meet routinely with Zoom. The only thing I hate is how I look on camera, blargh…I have a face for radio! 😄

Good luck with the appointment! It’s really helpful to be able to meet like this, especially since you live 10 hours away. Let me know how it went!
Is this your first contact with a Mayo Specialist?

@loribmt
I too have a face for radio.
When I read that, I laughed and laughed and laughed
Thank you,
Jake

@mimbresman2

I participate with Zoom appointments for Mayo, both indvidual and group. Even though live in Rochester, it is sometimes easier to use ZOOM. I do not have to leave home and deal with parking at Mayo.

Here are a few suggestions:
- Find a quite place for appointment.
- Turn off any TVs, etc prior to meeting.
- Try to make sure there are no distractions

Any time prior to appointment - test your microphone and camera:
- Sign on your Mayo portal.
- Got to Appointments, select your ZOOM appointment, then appointment details
- There is a button to "Test Device", use that button to make sure your camera a microphone works for Zoom.
- Under your appoinments detail, you find other suggestions.
- There is contact phone number if having problems: Mayo Clinic Customer Assistance at 877-858-0398

At time of appointment:
- If you have portal notifications set, you will get emails / text message it is time for appointment
- Prior to appointment, sign on your Mayo portal, and go to your appointment
- Select "Join Video Appointment"
- This will start ZOOM, and you will see notice that host will be with you shortly.
- A Mayo representative will join meeting and make sure if thing is ready.
- When provider is ready, he will join meeting.

It can be overwhelming at first, but I have found it is not that different then in person meeting when appointment is just a discussion.

Hope this helps.

Hi, @mimbresman2 my wife and I used the video appointment/Zoom for many of her appointments with her doctors at Mayo. It was a terrific experience for us. No travel, the technology was amazing, and I loved the privacy. For us, we could also see the screen views of stuff far better than in a small office.

Side bonus: I could turn up the volume as much as we needed so we could actually hear well!

We loved it!

Thanks for all the reply's. I have a good feeling i will do alright at my upcoming appointment.

Does the Mayo clinic see people for Long COVID via Zoom?

@diverdown1
Unfortunately I cannot answer that question because it depends. Providers can only provide services in the state they are licensed in. As an example, I have a provider that is licensed in MN, she can only do ZOOM appointments with me if I am physically located in MN.

Beside the license requirement, some providers may need to see a patient in person to provide the best service.

I suggest you start by requesting an appointment. An appointment coordinator can answer your questions. Start appointment process here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

I've had a couple. The last one via laptop I couldn't connect for some reason so we did it over the phone. It beats a long drive tho.