Any DISers have experience with Mayo Clinic?

[EllieJedi]

I’m wondering if any DISers have experience with the Mayo Clinic, specifically with hematology / oncology? I finally have a hematology / oncology appointment locally but not until 10/11. The care coordinator wouldn’t make the appointment sooner as I haven’t yet had a biopsy. I’ve been getting bounced around at my local clinic and my symptoms have significantly increased over the last few weeks.

 

[dioxide45]

My wife goes there, though not for hematology / oncology. We have found it to be the most efficiently run operation anywhere. They had her initial appointment and schedule multiple tests for the same day. They say to allow for a week to stay there locally for your initial visit, tests and early followups. It is a huge campus, but getting around once inside is easy, if not a long walk.

 

[EllieJedi]

My wife goes there, though not for hematology / oncology. We have found it to be the most efficiently run operation anywhere. They had her initial appointment and schedule multiple tests for the same day. They say to allow for a week to stay there locally for your initial visit, tests and early followups. It is a huge campus, but getting around once inside is easy, if not a long walk.

That is what I’ve heard in terms of the scheduling. I live about 90 minutes away so I would likely stay nearby at least for the initial visit, and then I would have to decide after that. I do have a family member who could drive me back and forth to the appointments so that would help.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Go to whatever biggest hospital can get you in fastest, that you can reach. I like bigger hospitals for serious testing because they have devoted labs, the best equipment and up to date information.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Our best friend went there a number of times over about a ten year period, maybe six times or so. He went for some specific type of leukemia that he had. They drove from Chicago area to Rochester, stayed about a week each time. They loved it. Said it was so amazingly efficient. Sadly, our good friend passed away about 10 years ago, early 70's. His wife, and also our very good friend, passed away a few months ago.

Best wishes with your findings and treatments if required. You're going to be in the best place available.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Many major hospital systems have made it their business to get people in quickly and efficiently, as well as offering things like valet parking and other services, which was a known complaint for people who prefer their hometown hospitals for ease of travel and parking, getting rides and feeling known, etc. With these issues it can be a balancing act between care and convenience. Although a month difference probably isn’t going to be a game changer, it’s hard to wait that long when you’re worried about potentially having cancer. I guess you have to weigh all those factors and decide what works best for you. Many community hospitals have opened satellite sites with major hospitals for specialties like oncology so patients can get the best of both worlds. If you decide to go into Mayo, it’s possible you still may be able to continue your care there a little closer to home, but I don’t know exactly what’s in your area. Something to consider and research, though. Best of luck to you.

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you decide to go into Mayo, it’s possible you still may be able to continue your care there a little closer to home, but I don’t know exactly what’s in your area.

This is what our friend did, PnM. He went to Mayo for maybe a week, then came home and did treatments at a very large, Level 1/teaching hospital. He did this routine several times over the 10 year or so period he was ill.

 

[Nora03]

I have no personal knowledge about Mayo Clinic, other than hearing only good things about it. I follow a young couple on YouTube called Krocks In the Kitchen who go there. She has recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is only 36. She didn’t have a local doctor, and none seemed available in her insurance plan. This seemed the best option for them, although they live a seven hour drive away. They stay for a few days when she is having treatment, etc, Good luck to you.

 

[tvguy]

Many major hospital systems have made it their business to get people in quickly and efficiently, as well as offering things like valet parking and other services, which was a known complaint for people who prefer their hometown hospitals for ease of travel and parking, getting rides and feeling known, etc. With these issues it can be a balancing act between care and convenience. Although a month difference probably isn’t going to be a game changer, it’s hard to wait that long when you’re worried about potentially having cancer. I guess you have to weigh all those factors and decide what works best for you. Many community hospitals have opened satellite sites with major hospitals for specialties like oncology so patients can get the best of both worlds. If you decide to go into Mayo, it’s possible you still may be able to continue your care there a little closer to home, but I don’t know exactly what’s in your area. Something to consider and research, though. Best of luck to you.

Lots of Doctors here have valet parking, but I had to wait 4 months for my first appointment with the hematology oncology specialist. Now, after that initial appointment, he scheduled a bone marrow biopsy appointment, and a bank of 20 blood tests for a week later.
Also a 4 month wait for the Kidney Doctor. Two week wait for a kidney biopsy. Gastroenterologist was only a two month wait.
I had some funky blood tests in March, took until last week to get the final answer. My blood pressure medicine was causing all the issues. Changing that fixed all the issues.
To the OP, I have no experience with the Mayo Clinic.

 

[barkley]

just as a suggestion-if you plan on lodging at a hotel near a medical facility call the hotel DIRECTLY vs. the brand name reservations number. i have found that i can get better rates and much more forgiving cancellation policies by going through the on-site staff vs. corporate.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This is what our friend did, PnM. He went to Mayo for maybe a week, then came home and did treatments at a very large, Level 1/teaching hospital. He did this routine several times over the 10 year or so period he was ill.

I did it with my mother, too. In her 90s, in a wheelchair, traffic a nightmare, even just getting from the garage to the hospital it wasn’t easy, plus one appt became a whole day-long event. It was a blessing to have excellent care without having to go into the city for certain things. Similar issues with my own cancer treatment.

 

[EllieJedi]

I had my first call with Mayo today. I need to fill out the in-depth intake form, and then they will get back to me within 3 days. I will update here on how my experience turns out.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I had my first call with Mayo today. I need to fill out the in-depth intake form, and then they will get back to me within 3 days. I will update here on how my experience turns out.

Best wishes for a good outcome

 

[dioxide45]

I am not exactly sure which campus you are referring to, but the Jacksonville campus has a Courtyard by Marriott located onsite. There are also several other partner hotels, so if you go to JAX and stay, ask them what hotels offer special pricing for their patients.

 

[EllieJedi]

I will be looking to go to the original Rochester MN location, although come December and January I would probably prefer to be visiting Jacksonville.