Do doctors allow family members to join my appointments by video?

Posted by jmp1514 @jmp1514, Feb 4 4:13pm

Does anyone know if the oncology docs at Mayo, Rochester, will allow facetime with family members during a consultation? My sons would like to hear what the options are, they both live in other states.

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katoosh | @katoosh | Feb 18 7:35am

Ask the particular doctor. Our oncologist lets family members sit in on zoom.

bobscozz0927 | @bobscozz0927 | Feb 16 7:26am

In my experience yes. Be courteous and ask prior to appointment.

jmp1514 | @jmp1514 | Feb 14 8:06am

At the consult.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 13 8:00pm

In reply to @jmp1514 "It is up to each individual physician." + (show)

@jmp1514, thanks for the update. So vidoeing in a family member into an inperson consult is permitted at the discretion of the physician. When did you get to ask the physician for permission? Before the consult or during?

jmp1514 | @jmp1514 | Feb 10 6:26am

It is up to each individual physician.

johnstawicki | @johnstawicki | Feb 9 2:17pm

In most cases they do , because people do them at home

gynosaur42 | @gynosaur42 | Feb 8 4:35am

Hello, JMP,

I hope you have found an answer to your question. I have been meeting with gyn oncology team members remotely in preparation for my upcoming surgery. My husband sits with me on the couch to attend all meetings. I would imagine that technology exists that would allow you to have more than one family member, in different locations, participate in your calls, as our entire family participates in online "gatherings." I imagine your team would have to let you know if they can support that. There should be no reason why they would not allow it. I think the more people with whom you feel comfortable are engaged in supporting you and learning, with you, about what you are facing, the better. Best wishes to you with this, your care and your journey!

jmp1514 | @jmp1514 | Feb 6 1:58am

In reply to @colleenyoung "That shouldn't be a problem as long as you and the doctor agree. As @johnbishop suggested,..." + (show)

I will post what I find out.
Thank you to everyone who responded!

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 5 9:12pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "That shouldn't be a problem as long as you and the doctor agree. As @johnbishop suggested,..." + (show)

@colleenyoung @jmp1514 I have done this with my oncologist and my husband. With my doctor's permission, I called my husband and had him on the line during my appointment. Dr. Y took extra time to explain things to him, as he knew I already had information. As Colleen said, it worked out very well.
Ginger

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 5 8:35pm

In reply to @jmp1514 "Yes, Colleen, you’re right." + (show)

That shouldn't be a problem as long as you and the doctor agree. As @johnbishop suggested, I would call to confirm. As @IndianaScott mentioned, depending on the information shared, you may have to sign something to give permission for information to be shared with your family member.

I know I've heard other members talk of doing this, but can't recall who it was. My mom and I do this with her PCP when I can't make the trip for her appointments. I works like a dream and I didn't have to sign anything. Sometimes I attend in person, other times by video call. We use Facetime too.

Please let me know if you find out anything that will help inform other members.