General Internal Medicine in Minnesota

A Typical Visit

What To Expect From Your Provider
You are more likely to be satisfied with your care if your expectations about your provider are realistic. You cannot always expect a cure, but you can expect your provider to give you:

• Time to respectfully listen to your concerns
• Time to ask questions and discuss concerns
• A clear explanation of your health status
• Help making decisions about specific health needs
• Confidentiality
• Appropriate referrals
• An appointment at the conclusion of your Mayo visit or summary letter to discuss treatment plans and final recommendations for you and your local and/or referring physician

Mayo Clinic Evaluation
The Mayo Clinic evaluation will start with a review of medical conditions and a thorough physical examination. The provider will then order whatever tests or specialist consultations are necessary. This schedule is carefully coordinated. After testing has been completed, the provider coordinating care will review the results with you and make final recommendations to you and your local and/or referring physician. If hospitalization is required, you will be admitted to one of Mayo Clinic's hospitals.

Time Requirements
The time required for a medical evaluation depends on medical needs and the availability of specialty services and tests. Medical evaluations can usually be completed within three to seven working days; however, additional testing or consultations may require more time. In some instances, evaluation or treatment may require a return visit. Consider keeping travel plans as flexible as possible.

Dismissal
Upon completion of the evaluation, any outside medical records and X-rays brought along or sent to Mayo Clinic should be claimed prior to leaving. A report of the visit will be communicated by phone or mail to the patient and/or referring physician.

The physicians in the Division of General Internal Medicine do not serve as primary care providers. Please refer to a local provider for ongoing care.