How fast did you get to Mayo Clinic?

I'm thinking getting a seventh opinion, and I think it's time to visit the Mayo Clinic for a thorough check up.

First off, my GI doc is quite famous in these parts of the United States. In addition, I live in a state that has a very famous GI establishment, and I've been there fo a few times for a second opinion. It sucks in my humble opinion.

I'd appreciate if those who have been to Mayo to inform me about their experiences, especially how long it took to get in and what kind of paperwork was required from your doctors, insurance issues, etc. I've perused Mayo's website a lot, but several questions are still being unanswered.

So, I thank in advance every kind soul who bothers to respond and assist me it this issue. Every bit of information helps.

Thanks AZYooper,

I'l give them a call.

It took me about a month to get in. But once you are in they will get you scheduled for a test right away. They try to do everything in a few days. I can let you know after my scope tomorrow my final opinion on them. My brother did have a j pouch at Mayo 15 years ago and his experience was great.

Mayo was a quick turn around I requested an appt on 4/21 and got a call in 3 days to schedule an appointment in Rochester. MN. For IBD you'll want to go to Rochester...that's where the IBD clinic is located.

Got the appoint for 5/20. They don't schedule the test until you're there and review a copy of your medical records, so expect 3-5 business days. I wound up staying over the weekend which was nice and relaxing. They have special Mayo airfare on DL and AA. Consult Mayo website for travel info.

Since my visit I've been in touch with them. The doctors are very quick to respond to phone messages. I got calls back anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours which is ALOT better than my local GI. I still use the local GI for physical examinations /check-up. They coordinate very well together.

Planning on a follow-up in Sept/Oct. I was very impressed how serious the doctors take this disease and how understanding they are. The clinic is very well organized and while you're there you may as well get a dexa scan, MRI, eye exam ect. Everything is connected by walkways and underground passages...even some of the hotels, so you don't have to go outside. Price is reasonable too. Alot cheaper there than here in DC! BCBS Insurance paid 90% of the cost. It's worth the trip!

MNBeachgal said...
It took me about a month to get in. But once you are in they will get you scheduled for a test right away. They try to do everything in a few days. I can let you know after my scope tomorrow my final opinion on them. My brother did have a j pouch at Mayo 15 years ago and his experience was great.

Thank you for the response. I'd love to hear as much as you can divulge. I actually made a request for an appointment this evening over the net with the MN Mayo.

C_G_K said...
I live in Phoenix and use the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale. It took me about 3 months to get my first appointment. The doctors at Mayo face the same constraints as all the other GI Docs around, and that is there is a very small number of options available to treat U.C. They do have a lot of ongoing clinical trials if that interests you. Also the triage nurses are great, they can get you prescriptions right away and they call you right back.

Now if you ever opt for surgery, then yeah, Mayo would definitely be a great choice.

Gracias.

I'm going to call them tomorrow and get some matters cleared out. I've read a few excellent articles about their new 'options' that other surgeons don't yet use.

Yup, definitely, when the time comes to have a surgery, Mayo it is.

Best wishes.

KiWi44 said...

MNBeachgal said...
It took me about a month to get in. But once you are in they will get you scheduled for a test right away. They try to do everything in a few days. I can let you know after my scope tomorrow my final opinion on them. My brother did have a j pouch at Mayo 15 years ago and his experience was great.

Thank you for the response. I'd love to hear as much as you can divulge. I actually made a request for an appointment this evening over the net with the MN Mayo.

My experience at Mayo on Friday was great.  They checked my kidney function, liver, etc - I think they want to make sure you kidneys are fine after drinking the prep (something my local GI has never done).  I waited quite awhile in the waiting room before they called me in for my colonoscopy (probably 40 mins). Other than that, everything was very smooth and they really seemed generally interested in how you as the patient feel throughout the whole process. They wanted to make sure I was comfortable and had as much information as possible. I had 3 different nurses helping to prep me before the test.  The doctor and the anesthesiologist both came to talk to me before they wheeled me in for the test.  They also made sure I was comfortable for the test - I don't even remember them giving me the Propofol even though it was supposed to burn (they gave me lidocaine so I wouldn't feel it).  I had my appt with the GI doc later that afternoon at about 4:30pm and we were there till almost 5:30pm talking to him. He really seemed interested in figuring out what is wrong with me and explained everything really well.  He wanted to wait till Monday when the biopsies are back to call me and talk about next steps.  I walked out of there feeling like for once I actually have a chance at feeling a bit better and knowing what's going on. He even recommended I make an appt with a Rhumatologist as he thinks its possible my joint and muscle pains could be related to arthritis type symptoms rather than GI.

I definitely recommend going there.  If you have any other questions just let me know!