What is the Procedure for a New Patient Seeing a Mayo Clinic Doctor

Maybe you need to see a physiatrist conversant/competent in kinesiology.

You can apply to Mayo online here, but IMO you will do better getting a referral. Allow at least month for your case to be considered.

@bajjerfan Thank you for replying. I was referred to a physiatrist by my primary doctor, and saw him in July. After reviewing my imaging and the reports, then performing a physical exam, he basically shrugged his shoulders and referred me to a spine surgeon. And of course, the obligatory prescription for an anti-depressant that is also used for chronic pain was written. I took the medicine for about 4 weeks with no change to my pain levels at all, but all of the negative side-effects were there.

I'l check with my primary about getting a referral, thanks again.

This defines a physiatrist. I don't think they do any surgery other than that involving spinal stimulators, etc.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Physical medicine and rehabilitation is a medical specialty that treats impairments and disabilities affecting the nerves, muscles, bones and brain.

If the issue is muscular in nature then a good knowledge of kinesiology could help.

Not sure how they are different from someone in pain management.

For me it's difficult to get my providers to ignore the MRIs which almost always leads them to focus on spine issues instead of the hip pain.

@marcd2k I believe that Mayo is overwhelmed with requests for neurology services. If any of your physicians has a relationship with a physician on Mayo staff, that could help you to get an appointment.

@bajjerfan When you say "...For me it's difficult to get my providers to ignore the MRIs which almost always leads them to focus on spine issues instead of the hip pain..." are you sure the hip and not the spine is the source of pain?

I recently went through something similar - sure that either my hip prosthetic had worn out, or I needed a knee replacement. Imaging and examination revealed that it is degenerative disk disease messing with everything from pelvis to toes. Just got a steroid injection and restarted PT with my awesome therapist - he had my lie prone on his table, and while looking at the images, put his thumb on each sore spot based on what he saw. He was able to show me exactly where the "pinch points" were, causing the pain. We started mild manual manipulations and some new-to-me stretches to get me back on track.

Does imaging show that your hip is the issue? Or is that the apparent source of the pain?

@marcd2k Good morning! I had a T11 to L4 fusion in December 2024. I was originally scheduled to have the surgery Uc Davis but decided to get another opinion at the Mayo Clinic.
I called the Phoenix, Mayo Clinic, and after determining that they took my insurance. I had my x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs electronically sent to their office. Their doctors reviewed my case, and I was accepted by Dr. McClendon.
It was a pretty smooth process for me, but I will recommend that you call them to ensure that they received all of your files. Good communication is key to getting timely responses from them.
Wishing you the best!
Sherry

@sueinmn

I have IMO 2 issues. One is pain across my lower back which is often initiated by walkng or bending slightly forward. It may be spine related, but out of all of the docs I've seen none has suggested any surgical intervention based on MRIs, but they try to treat with epidurals which don't help. I had a medial branch block, but that indicated that RF ablation probably wouldn't work. Since I had L5-L1 fusion Intracept likely won't help. The verterbrae won't wear because they can't move and if I understood the last ARPN I saw the metal bloks physical access to the required nerve for treatment.

I've had a sore spot on the right side at the top of my pelvic bone that feels like burning/inflammation. It's worse than the pain across my lower back, but the docs just ignore it. IMO it's some kind of tendonitis and not tendinopathy. I had a 3D MRI on my hips and pelvis, but there was nothing remarkable from what I gather. It's possible that MRI in the prone position or ultrasound could provide more nsight. The right hip pain started maybe a year and a half ago. It's possible it's trochanteric bursitis or additional tendinitis. A trigger point injection didn't help. I am going to see my spine doc's assistant today. Hopefully she'll be more receptive about the pelvic and hip pain.

@sherrym25 Good morning, Sherry. Thank you for replying, I will give them a call to see what is recommended on my end.

@steveinarizona Thank you, Steve. I will check with my primary to see if he knows anyone at Mayo, or at least has a suggestion moving forward.

@sueinmn Hi Sue, thank you for this information. Unfortunately, epidurals do not always help, and sometimes they actually make things worse. And of course, this is my situation. I had an epidural back in February at T11-T12 of my Thoracic spine, and there was intense pain during the epidural, and there has been an increase in my pain level ever since.

I've had the opposite happen as well, where I had two previous epidurals about 2 to 2 1/2 years ago (T12-L1), and they did not help or hurt. No additional pain, but no improvement at all. I recently saw another spine surgeon that reviewed my imaging and reports, examined me, and told me that he does not feel I need another surgery.

That is great news for me, however, no one has any idea why I am still in so much pain every day. I am currently at the 4th PT office this year, from January until this week. So, (4) offices, multiple therapists over (9) months, and no one has any idea why their procedures are not working, or why I am in pain. Everyone is just guessing, or throwing darts, as I tell my wife.