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Frequently Asked Questions

Travel/Lodging

Do I need a car?
It depends on the Mayo Clinic campus you visit and your personal preference. It's always a good idea, if you fly, to check local options for taxi or other transport services between the airport, hotels and Mayo Clinic.

Minnesota — Many visitors find that cars aren't needed. Mayo Clinic buildings are centralized in downtown Rochester. The clinic buildings, as well as many downtown restaurants, hotels and shops, are connected by pedestrian walkways — either skyways or subways (underground walkways). Several Rochester hotels operate courtesy vans for their guests.

There's a free shuttle service between downtown Mayo Clinic buildings and Mayo's Saint Marys Hospital, about one mile from downtown Rochester.

Arizona and Florida — Patients traveling by air may want to rent a car or consult with their hotel about shuttle arrangements. Not all hotels offer shuttle service.

How far is the airport from Mayo Clinic?
Arizona — Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 20 miles from Mayo Clinic. The drive can take an hour when traffic is heavy. Scottsdale Airport is 10 miles away and can accommodate corporate and private aircraft.

Florida — Jacksonville International Airport is about 30 miles northwest of the clinic, a 45- to 60-minute drive.

Minnesota — Rochester International Airport is about 10 miles from downtown Rochester. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is about 80 miles from Rochester. Many patients fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and travel to Rochester by bus or van. For more information, check online at http://www.gorochesterdirect.com/.

Do you recommend accommodations? Are discounts offered to Mayo Clinic patients?
Mayo Clinic does not own, operate or endorse any lodging facility, but you'll find many convenient lodging options. Some nearby hotels and motels offer special rates for Mayo Clinic patients.

Arizona — Hotels are available on Mayo Clinic's Scottsdale and Phoenix campuses.

Courtyard by Marriott, a 124-room hotel, is on the Scottsdale campus. Reservations: 480-860-4000 or 1-800-321-2211 (toll-free).

Residence Inn by Marriott Desert View at Mayo Clinic is on the Phoenix campus. Reservations: 480-563-1500 or 1-800-331-3131 (toll-free).

Several organizations in the area can provide information on travel arrangements and lodging. They include:

Florida — Two hotels are within convenient walking distance, on or near the Florida Mayo Clinic campus.

The Inn at Mayo Clinic has 78 one- and two-bedroom suites and studios with kitchens. It is connected to the clinic by an enclosed walkway. Reservations: 1-888-255-4458 (toll-free), or Marriott's toll-free reservation number for Mayo Clinic patients is 1-866-699-MAYO (6296).

Courtyard by Marriott is next to the clinic. Reservations: 1-888-254-8045 (toll-free), or Marriott's toll-free reservation number for Mayo Clinic patients is 1-866-699-MAYO (6296).

Travel and lodging information is available from Visit Jacksonville, http://www.visitjacksonville.com, 1-800-733-2668 (toll-free) or 904-798-9111. Some area hotels offer shuttle service to Mayo Clinic.

Minnesota — There are more than 5,000 hotel and motel rooms in Rochester. You'll receive a brochure from Rochester Lodging in the packet that Mayo Clinic mails you confirming your appointment. For more lodging information, including campground information, call 1-800-634-8277 (toll-free) or visit www.rochestercvb.org or www.rochesterlodging.com.

Appointment requests

Do I need a referral for an appointment?
Anyone can request an appointment at Mayo Clinic. If a physician referral is required, our appointment staff will advise you. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

How long does it take to get an appointment at Mayo Clinic?
We make every effort to work with patients seeking appointments at Mayo Clinic. Appointments are scheduled based on medical need.

Can I show up without an appointment?
For Mayo Clinic to provide the best service and care, appointments are highly recommended.

Arizona — Walk-in appointments are not available.

Florida — Walk-in patients are scheduled on a standby basis, and the length of the wait will depend on the medical urgency and appointment availability. Walk-in appointments are not encouraged but can be accommodated.

Minnesota — Patients without appointments are directed to the Unscheduled Appointment Area. A nurse will assess your medical needs. The length of your wait will depend upon the urgency of your medical need and the number of scheduled appointment cancellations.

Could I schedule an appointment more quickly if my physician refers me?
Because appointments are based on medical need, a referral doesn't assure an earlier appointment.

Could a physician review my records and give an opinion so I don't have to travel to Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic does not offer opinions based on review of records only.

Can I discuss my case with a physician or nurse over the phone?
Mayo Clinic doesn't offer this service. If needed, your primary physician can call prior to your visit to provide information. In Rochester, Minn., a Mayo Clinic provider is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-533-1564 (toll-free) to take these calls.

Will I be an inpatient or outpatient while at Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic is an outpatient facility. After your initial appointment, if your physician determines that hospital care is needed, admission to a Mayo Clinic hospital can be arranged.

How long can I expect to stay to complete my appointments?
Length of stay depends upon the number of tests and consultations needed. Our processes and systems are designed to be highly efficient. Many of our patients tell us they are surprised by how quickly they can move from test to test and appointment to appointment.

Medical records

Will I need to bring my medical records with me or does Mayo Clinic start from scratch?
Mayo Clinic encourages patients to bring all recent, pertinent medical records, including:

  • Medical summary
  • X-ray films or a CD with radiology studies
  • Pathology slides and reports
  • List of current medications

Can you call my doctor's office to get my medical records?
Generally, patients obtain their medical records from their providers. If additional records are needed once you are here, Mayo Clinic can contact your provider. You'll be asked to sign a consent form to release your records.

Insurance

Will my insurance cover care at Mayo Clinic?
Mayo Clinic routinely submits claims to insurance carriers. Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card. Additional information about billing and insurance is available on this Web site at these locations:

Arizona Billing and Insurance
Florida Billing and Insurance
Minnesota Billing and Insurance

Family/visitors

Can I bring my child? Is child care offered?
You can bring children with you, but no child care is offered. Many visitors find it convenient to bring a responsible person along to watch children during your appointments.

Are family members allowed to come to my appointments?
Relatives and friends are welcome at Mayo Clinic. They may be asked to stay in the waiting area during some exams and tests.

Special services once you arrive

Where can I get oxygen while in town?
Oxygen dealers are available. Ask your regular oxygen supplier to make these arrangements for you before you leave home. Bring a copy of your oxygen prescription with you, which you can get from your home oxygen dealer.

Is there a nursing service at my hotel? If not, how can I find one?
Nursing services are not available at hotels. When you arrive, you can ask your provider about options.

Phone numbers/Days open

Is there an 800 number for patients to call?
We welcome your calls and questions. You can find many Mayo Clinic contact phone numbers here.

Is Mayo Clinic open weekends?
Mayo Clinic is open Monday through Friday and is closed for all major U.S. holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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