Your Care Experience

During your visits to Mayo Clinic, you will usually be assigned to one Mayo Clinic doctor, who will coordinate your care. If your local doctor did not refer you to a particular Mayo Clinic doctor, the clinic will select a doctor to conduct your initial exam and decide which lab tests and other consultations may be needed. Your local doctor will be updated after your visit, if you wish.

We encourage you to bring a list of questions to discuss with your doctor and recommend that you meet alone for at least part of your initial visit, to help develop an effective doctor-patient relationship. Consider having someone accompany you when you are receiving test results or follow-up instructions.

Teamwork

If your doctor decides that you should see other specialists, those appointments will be scheduled for you. Your doctor also may consult with other specialists behind the scenes. This team approach helps ensure that you receive all the expertise you need to find answers about your health problem.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor will order diagnostic tests for you through a computerized system and you'll receive instructions on any necessary test preparations. The results of your tests will be quickly available in Mayo Clinic's electronic medical record. Your doctor will discuss them with you, along with results of other consultations and go over treatment recommendations. A report of your exam will be sent to you and your local doctor, if you wish.

Hospitalization

If you and your doctor decide that you need hospital care, you will be admitted to Mayo Clinic Hospital on the Phoenix campus. If you are too ill to be examined as an outpatient at the clinic, you may be admitted directly to the hospital. Admissions are arranged by a Mayo Clinic doctor, usually in consultation with your local doctor.