What to expect and chances of getting in?

I called last August to get a second opinion on a prostate MRI and they offered an in-office appointment on Fruday, the next day. Since we are in Michigan, we took a Tuesday appointment. Following their interpretation I scheduled a biopsy for a few weeks later. However, I suspect that the illness and department will dictate the response.

Cross posted from another comment I recently made...... "How do I get into Mayo". Kind of like Carnagie Hall....practice, practice, practice... Or in the case of Mayo, preparation, patience and polite persistence. Again, this forum can't do your leg work and homework for you. Get a referral if you can... Most credible doctors will provide you with a referral letter....if they won't, find another doctor. Gather ALL your records, imaging, tests, anything related to the issue you are attempting to have Mayo address. With all this in hand, contact the scheduling department and "checking emotions at the door", go through the process of scheduling which will first involve an evaluation of your condition and records... (remember, I said be prepared, not "I'll have to gather that up"...and no detail is too small). With that pile, be prepared (again, without emotion) to draft a cover narrative stating your case....and per scheduling instructions, send if off....... Now comes the patience. The Mayo system is a "VERY FINITE" resource and not everyone is going to "make the cut" or even if accepted going to get in soon....months is not out of the question. This is where the polite persistence pays off. If they say you will hear back in 3 weeks, give it five before "politely, emotions checked" make that call to follow up. Flexibility is another key. We have been doing "MAYO" for over 35 years and the one thing we have learned is "whatever you say, whenever you say". Heck, in a recent round of visits we camped in our motorhome for two weeks after a consult to wait for the doctor to take his vacation and come home to do a procedure.... Our standard line is "we are here for the duration, no matter how long that may be"...and our providers know and appreciate that.

Care at Mayo and other "centers of medical excellence" should be treated as a privilege in today's world. Mayo is Mayo due to the level of excellence they require of all their providers....these are not "doc in the box" normal doctors and nor does Mayo operate as your standard "clinic". I realize these are hard words to swallow, but it's just the way it is. Want in, "work at it"........ Oh, and for those looking for "miracles", Mayo is not the place..... They will do the best they can, but some outcomes will not be what you want...... I have "ranted" enough on this topic....as I have in the past. Consider this a refresher.....

@flrvingbob A doctor referral - sending all information in your behalf - gives the best results.