Frequently asked questions about scheduling appointments at Mayo Clinic

What's the best way to request an appointment at Mayo Clinic?

You can talk to an appointment specialist directly Monday through Friday.

Mayo Clinic in Arizona

  1. 480-301-8484
  2. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain time
  3. COVID-19 appointment and visitor updates for Arizona

Mayo Clinic in Florida

  1. 904-953-0853
  2. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time
  3. COVID-19 appointment and visitor updates for Florida

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota

  1. 507-538-3270
  2. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time
  3. COVID-19 appointment and visitor updates for Rochester

Mayo Clinic Children's Center

  1. 855-MAYO-KID (855-629-6543)
  2. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time

Mayo Clinic Health System

Community care in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin

You can also request an appointment online, and we'll call you within three business days.

Do I need a referral?

Mayo Clinic generally doesn't require a doctor's referral. But your insurance might. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company about coverage requirements. If you need a referral, we can help you with this process.

Even if a doctor's referral isn't required, getting one can help Mayo Clinic better determine what care you need.

Can I request a particular provider?

Appointment specialists are specially trained to match you with the provider or group that's the best fit for your diagnosis and medical history. But you may wonder if you can request a specialist that you've read about or who's been recommended by a friend or colleague.

Mayo Clinic can't honor all requests, but we try to when possible.

We won't grant requests for care team members based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, disability status, age or any other personal attribute.

We strive to create an environment where everyone in our diverse community feels safe and welcome and is treated with respect and dignity.

Can I be seen for conditions other than my primary concern?

Mayo Clinic practices integrated medicine. That means providers across different clinical areas work closely together to assess more than one condition.

If you have a list of health concerns, include that information in your initial appointment request. That will help our appointment specialists best plan your visit.

How soon are appointments available?

We are welcoming new and existing patients for virtual visits and safe in-person care, including elective surgeries. Wait times depend on your medical need and the area of practice you need to see. You might be able to see a provider next week, or you might have to wait 12 weeks or more. Generally, timely appointments are available for urgent problems.

Is there a waiting list?

Some areas have more requests for appointments than they have availability. When that happens, some departments do keep a waiting list. Other areas accommodate appointments with very little wait time. The best way to determine appointment availability is to request an appointment.

What is typically involved in the first evaluation?

A thorough examination is the first step in your visit to Mayo.

Your coordinating provider will start by reviewing your medical history. He or she will then order any necessary tests or additional consultations. These will be scheduled in a coordinated way, and you'll be given an easy-to-understand itinerary. After testing is complete, your provider will review results with you and make final recommendations.

Can I fit all of my appointments into a single week?

It depends on your medical needs. In general, medical evaluations can be completed within a week. Mayo Clinic aims to coordinate appointments and tests in concentrated blocks, to be respectful of your time.

Sometimes, your provider will recommend additional testing or consultations, which require more time. In some instances, your evaluation or treatment may require return visits or follow-up virtual visits. We encourage you to keep travel plans as flexible as possible.

Can friends or family members come to appointments with me?

Relatives and friends can be an important part of your support team and are generally welcome at Mayo Clinic. However, we are limiting the number of visitors allowed at this time to help keep our campuses safe for care in the COVID-19 environment.

Do I need to bring my medical records? Or does Mayo Clinic start from scratch?

We encourage you to bring any records related to the medical concern you want addressed. When you request your appointment, ask if your Mayo doctors will expect to see anything specific. Generally, plan to provide:

  • A letter from your local provider summarizing your medical condition
  • A list of the medications and dosages you're currently taking
  • Your immunization record
  • Copies of any medical record information from providers outside of Mayo Clinic
  • Any radiologic films, CDs, DVDs, videos or written reports related to your condition
  • Any pathology slides and written reports from relevant biopsies

If your local provider refers you to Mayo Clinic, he or she will likely submit your medical records for you. If you're visiting without a referral, ask your provider to share your records.

If additional files are needed once you arrive, Mayo will contact your provider. You'll be asked to sign a consent form to release your records.

Where can I stay for my Mayo Clinic appointment?

You'll find convenient hotels, hospitality houses, campgrounds, RV parks and local housing rentals to suit every budget near our campuses. Mayo Clinic is working with local businesses that serve patients and caregivers, such as hotels and restaurants, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we're creating safe communities for people who need to travel for care.

Does Mayo Clinic ever close?

Mayo is closed on weekends and all major U.S. holidays. These include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Of course, the hospital and emergency department are open 24/7.

Why does Mayo Clinic ask about race and ethnicity?

Our most important goal is to provide care that meets your personal health needs. That’s why we ask every patient about their family history, personal health, and lifestyle, and we collect some demographic information. Your race and ethnicity alone do not determine your health risks and benefits. But you and your care team can use this and other information to address your unique health care needs. Learn more about race and ethnicity at Mayo Clinic (PDF).