How to Prepare for the Mayo Clinic

After my trip to the Mayo Clinic, I didn't grace a doctor's doorstep for a whole year. Despite possessing the know-how and technology fit for world leaders, the renown medical center has its limits. Following a bill for 20 thousand dollars and lacking a concrete diagnosis, I learned I was not alone. Preparation and reasonable expectations can make the most of this important trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Medical records and test results
• Entertainment gear
• Accommodations guide/information
• Patience
• Tough skin

Mayo Clinic Trip Essentials

1. Medical Records. Plan enough time (several days to weeks) to obtain medical records from your health care providers. The Mayo Clinic may send a list. Also obtain copies of radiology films or other test results you wish the Mayo Clinic doctors to evaluate. This eliminates unnecessary expenses and provides a benchmark with which to compare any diagnostic changes.
2. Housing. As your diagnostic phase may be unknown, you will need flexible accommodations. Select hotels and motels that are able to house you for additional days if necessary and don't penalize you for early departure.
3. Entertainment. Be prepared for long waits. Bring along your iPod, reading material, portable DVD or needlework--whichever best passes the time. For non-hospital fun, several free and low-cost activities are available. Check with a travel agent, visitor bureau or online travel guide prior to departure.
4. Expectations. Don't expect conventional patient treatment or privacy. This can be a shocker as the testing routines can resemble cattle herding. Several people may be called upon simultaneously to prepare for similar tests and led to a narrow hall of fitting rooms. Additionally, direct physician consults may be few.
5. Prepare for fewer answers and less compassion. With all the Mayo Clinic offers, it is a different world then spending time with your local doctor. You may meet several physicians each with a different bedside manner, and some are quite abrupt.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that your sane. Clear cut disease that is readily defined by test results provides a different experience then for some with more obscure illness, say Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Chronic Lyme Disease.
• Psychological exams may be recommended. This reality can be disturbing for some patients, seemingly lending itself to the “it's all in your head” phenomena. While this may be the case, some illnesses cause depression and other problems so may be diagnostically useful.
• You may turn down tests you deem a waste of money or time, at your own risk.
• The Mayo Clinic deserves its premiere reputation in many areas, but diagnostic mistakes can occur.