Frequently asked questions

How can I request an appointment?

Patients can schedule their own appointments. In most cases, a physician referral is not necessary. Call 888-441-2133 to request an appointment directly. Appointments may also be requested by email, phone or fax.

A representative from one of the international appointment offices will respond to the request within three business days. Visit our international pages to obtain the contact information for each of the offices in Rochester, Minnesota; Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida.

In Canada, an information service representative is available to help meet the needs of prospective patients and their families by answering questions and facilitating communication with Mayo Clinic. Call 807-346-2218 for information.

What documentation should I bring to my appointment?

  • A list of your current medications and how much you are taking of each. You may bring the bottles or containers with you to your first appointment.
  • Medical information and radiology images (including paper radiology reports) supplied by your local physician, if requested by Mayo Clinic.
  • Any forms you were asked to bring with you.
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the physician who referred you, if applicable.
  • Written authorization of referral from your provincial government health plan.
  • Your insurance information, if you have private insurance.
  • A copy of your living will/advance directive, if applicable. If you have a living will or other advance directive, it is important that you bring a copy for your physician to review. It will then be placed in your medical record.
  • Your Mayo Clinic registration number and plastic ID, if you were given one at an earlier visit.

How would Mayo Clinic work with my provincial health plan?

Mayo Clinic requires written authorization from government entities sponsoring patient care. To facilitate the most expedient care, authorization must be received prior to patient arrival. The international appointment offices are available to assist with questions. If coverage is restricted, Mayo Clinic may require payment prior to unauthorized services, or the patient may receive a bill for services not covered by the sponsor. The sponsor can clarify what services are covered.

Will Mayo physicians communicate with my local doctor?

Mayo Clinic specialists have experience collaborating with physicians worldwide. It is not unusual for Canadian patients who are diagnosed at Mayo Clinic to get treated in Canada. In these situations, a Mayo Clinic physician will work closely with your local doctor to ensure that the best treatment option is considered.

Will Mayo Clinic provide a cost estimate for my treatment?

The international appointment offices at all three locations can provide an estimate of charges for services you know you will be receiving. A dedicated staff of international account representatives is available to assist patients with financial details before, during and after their visit to Mayo Clinic. Services generally include offering information about deposits and payment; providing cost estimates and cost updates for medical services; and maintaining contact with patients' insurance providers or other payers.

Does Mayo have specialists in the area I am interested in?

Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients. Canadian patients journey to Mayo Clinic for a broad range of patient-focused care and service, from general exams to diagnosis and treatment for both common and complex medical conditions.

If I need to be seen in more than one specialty area, would I be able to do this during one visit?

The length of your stay will depend on the number of tests and consultations you need, based on your initial evaluation and recommended care. Typically, an evaluation requires two to three working days to complete, but in many cases may take longer if extensive testing or special consultations are necessary. Depending on the specialty area, patients may or may not be able to see other specialists during the same visit.

How long should I expect to stay at Mayo Clinic?

Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis, meaning their evaluation, tests and treatments are done in the clinic and they return to their lodging at the end of the day.

In many cases, Mayo Clinic physicians provide both diagnosis and treatment within the same patient visit. Given the vast diagnostic infrastructure available, Mayo Clinic physicians are often able to provide patients their test results within one or two days of those tests being completed. Scheduling of appointments for diagnostic tests, consultation, and, if needed, surgery can often be adjusted for patients who have traveled long distances. For Canadian patients, this means less time away from home, less expense, and a more efficient use of patients' and family members' time.

The efficiency of the appointment system can be seen in the sample itinerary.

If you require an inpatient hospital stay, you may have the option of a semi-private room, private room or private suite. Semi-private room and private room requests are taken at the time of admission. If you would like more information regarding a private suite, please call 507-255-7992 to inquire.

Where is Mayo Clinic located? How do I get there?

Mayo Clinic is a private, not-for-profit health care organization that includes integrated group practices, hospitals and programs in biomedical research and education. The Mayo system comprises facilities in three locations: Rochester, Minnesota; Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida.

Click on the links below to obtain maps, travel and lodging information for each one of the Mayo Clinic sites.

Rochester, Minnesota

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona

Jacksonville, Florida

Can Mayo assist with my travel arrangements?

Mayo Clinic offers fee-based personal and on-site travel services to assist patients and families. Available services include:

  • New flight reservations
  • Changes to existing travel itineraries
  • Hotel reservations
  • Ground transportation including shuttles, limousine service, and car rental reservations

Rochester, Minnesota:
Patient Travel Services is located in the Mayo Building, Lobby level, in the International Center. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. No appointment is needed.
Patient Travel Services can be reached by:

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona:
Contact the international appointment office in Arizona if you require travel assistance.
Email: intl.mcs@mayo.edu
Telephone: 480-301-7101

Jacksonville, Florida:
Contact the international appointment office in Jacksonville if you require travel assistance.
Email: intl.mcj@mayo.edu
Telephone: 904-953-7000

Patients requiring emergency transportation can contact Mayo Medical Transport (Mayo One Airplane). Mayo One Airplane is staffed by teams of Mayo Clinic medical professionals who care for and transport patients to and from destinations around the world.

To learn more call 800-237-6822 or 507-255-2808

What types of amenities are available to patients traveling from Canada?

Mayo Clinic offers free concierge services to international patients. The Concierge Services Desk can facilitate access to a public notary as well as provide information on a variety of topics:

  • Mayo campus maps and directions
  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Restaurants and grocery stores
  • Shopping, recreation, and entertainment
  • Community resources
  • Local businesses, banks and worship services
  • Assistance with Patient Online Services

Rochester, Minnesota:
In Rochester, Concierge Services is located in the Mayo Building, Lobby level, in the International Center. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. No appointment is needed. Mayo Clinic Concierge Services can be reached by:

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona:
The Arizona international appointment office can assist you with similar requests. To learn more, contact:

Jacksonville, Florida:
The Jacksonville international appointment office can assist you with similar requests. To learn more, contact:

Back to top

Oct. 31, 2023