Medical needs don’t go dormant and wait for the current pandemic to pass. People still need cancer treatment, heart surgery, diagnostic procedures, joint replacements, lung assessments, wound care and compassionate care. Some medical needs can be met through telemedicine, but certainly not everything.
Postponing nonessential appointments and surgeries in March allowed time to increase Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 testing capabilities. Mayo Clinic hospital and intensive care capacity meets and exceeds the current projected needs for COVID-19 patients, due to a revised, smaller expected COVID-19 peak. With these important favorable developments, Mayo Clinic is ready to safely treat patients whose care was delayed, in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Mayo is also welcoming new patients, and able to offer more phone and video visits to new and established patients. Read more about the new precautions Mayo added to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission.
What can you do to stay safe when:
What are your tips?
I just had a blood labs test done at the local Mayo Family Clinic which was originally scheduled for March and postponed due to COVID-19. My annual exam is scheduled for next Tuesday at the Family Clinic. I was quite surprised at the COVID overkill for the appointment which should really alleviate any fears one would have. Before I went I answered five questionnaires online (one or two COVID related), then when I got to the clinic I was greeted at the door and asked all of the questions again, had my temperature taken, did the hand sanitizer routine and entered the building where the receptionist asked me the same COVID questions again. Happy to see wearing a mask was a requirement and people were seating socially distant 🙂 I also saw maintenance folks with a tape measure rearranging chairs and tables. Really looking forward to my doctors appointment next Tuesday. I've already made a list of questions to take with me about ongoing health problems. Sigh…not looking forward to getting a new doctor who I'm sure will be introduced to me by my pcp Tuesday. It's all about change and the unknown – I like the doctor I have and what will the next one be like. Thank you Mayo Clinic Connect for making me a better advocate for my own health, part of which is communicating with your doctor 🙂
What's really a surprise is that I usually wait a couple of days to get the test results. I received an email from my Mayo Clinic Portal at 9:18 AM and the blood test was done at 8:30 AM. My fasting glucose was 104 down from 137 last year. Probably still marginal but I'm a work in progress 🙂
Liked by fiesty76
@johnbishop, I was at Mayo in Rochester a couple of weeks ago for a my annual post liver and kidney checkup. Mayo is unbelievably efficient!
Here is my experience for day 1 that started at 6:00AM in the lab for my fasting blood lab that consisted of 17 vials. This was followed by urine samply, EKG, Abdominal ultrasound, Chest x-ray, Dermatology exam, and at a quick cup of coffee and a muffin. Then at 10:45 I had visit with my transplant coordinator and all my results were already posted😊
Congratulations on your progress. Keep up the good work.
Liked by John, Volunteer Mentor, EES1, Jennifer Hunter, fiesty76 ... see all
Thanks @rosemarya! Mayo is most definitely highly efficient. I think COVID-19 has brought out the best in the best.
Liked by fiesty76
I agree the best in the best. If you have to go to the doctor right now I would feel safest at Mayo Clinic.
Liked by Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor, Jennifer Hunter
Here is a link you might find beneficial when at Mayo Rochester. https://www.mayoclinic.org/covid-19
I will say that we have been "regulars" in local medical offices (Minnesota – Twin Cities) this month – I was in for primary care, ortho, surgery center, labs, opthalmology; my husband has been to the dentist, lab, rheumatologist and chiropractor, and my daughter has gone to the pediatrician, ortho urgent care, and the ER. I have been thoroughly impressed with the care and caution taken by each and every one, even our chiropractor, who maybe used to be a bit lax. It is heartening to me to see that the threat of infection is still being taken seriously, and I have no qualms about seeking necessary care.
I hope people do not let fear keep them from necessary health care, or the fallout from Covid-19 will become worse and worse over time.
Sue
I totally agree, although I had surgery at Twin Cities Orthopedic last week and they had the same level of excellence regarding safety standards!
Liked by Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor
@sueinmn yes, I was at the Eagan surgery center last Wednesday. Did you have surgery too or an appointment? Btw, my name is Sue too
Liked by Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor
@migizii I had my thumb joint repaired – arthritis has sent me to them over and over for years – my followup will be in Edina & therapy in Blaine near my home – after 6 weeks of healing. So thankful for modern orthopedic medicine.
Sue
Liked by John, Volunteer Mentor, fiesty76
@sueinmn I had a fusion of 2 joints in my midfoot…follow up in Eagan in 2 weeks, 6 weeks on crutches and then? My guess will be PT, but I don’t know where yet as I may need to stay at my sister’s to do it in the Cities depending on if we don’t have the specific PT I will need…..yes, so grateful for orthopedic medicine. I may even get to join the virtual walking group!
Liked by John, Volunteer Mentor, fiesty76
@migizii Good luck! My friend in rural Nebraska has been having good success alternating in-person PT 2X one week (requires a hotel stay) with 2 weeks of at home exercise. This after a complex hip replacement/muscle & tendon repair. Maybe…
Sue
Liked by John, Volunteer Mentor
@migizii
Thank you! I don’t need a kitchen but I will definitely check into it!