Frequently asked questions

Why should I choose Mayo Clinic?

Mayo Clinic provides one-stop diagnosis and treatment, including hospital care, by a team of experts at its campuses in Rochester, Minn.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Scottsdale and Phoenix, Ariz.

Mayo patients say that they appreciate Mayo Clinic for its highly efficient, high-quality care and for the well-coordinated team of experts who offer answers not available elsewhere. They choose Mayo Clinic when they are looking for depth of medical knowledge and experience, cutting-edge technology, and the kindness and hope offered by Mayo staff.

Mayo is consistently ranked among the best U.S. hospitals on the basis of quality measures in a number of specialty areas as well as large patient volume statistics. You benefit from the convenience of an integrated care model, where all testing, answers and treatment are offered in a single location. Testing, specialty appointments, and, when needed, surgery and hospitalization are all "under one roof," within walking distance from each other.

At Mayo Clinic, quality and service are measured in many ways, including:

  • Spending the appropriate amount of time spent with each patient
  • Ensuring each patient is treated with respect, kindness and dignity by every member of the Mayo team
  • Making sure appointments are on time
  • Ensuring that all test results and other patient information are available to every doctor, whenever needed

How do I get to Mayo Clinic from Kansas City?

With three campus locations, Mayo Clinic is easily accessible from Kansas City. Mayo appointment staff will work with your travel needs and desired arrival time when scheduling your appointment.

  • Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is located in Rochester, Minn., 80 miles south of Minneapolis. See maps and directions.
  • Mayo Clinic in Arizona is located in the northeast side of Scottsdale, Ariz. See maps and directions.
  • Mayo Clinic in Florida is located near the ocean in Jacksonville, Fla., 30 miles southeast of Jacksonville International Airport. See maps and directions.

Who goes to Mayo Clinic?

On average, nearly 1,000 Kansas City area residents per year choose to become Mayo Clinic patients for the first time.

Why do Kansas City area residents go to Mayo Clinic?

They know of Mayo's best-in-class reputation. They have researched quality ratings. They have heard and read stories about others' experiences. And they know that Mayo can provide diagnosis and treatment all under one roof in a condensed period, saving them time and stress because they don't have to go to a variety of different places over a period of several weeks or months.

Do I need to be seriously ill to seek care at Mayo Clinic?

You don't have to be seriously ill to seek care at Mayo. People travel to Mayo Clinic from every state in the U.S. and more than 140 countries around the world for every kind of care — from general exams to diagnosis and treatment of both common and highly complex medical conditions. The more than 3,700 Mayo Clinic physicians and scientists represent virtually all subspecialties of medicine.

Is Mayo Clinic for everyone?

Although Mayo Clinic sometimes attracts attention for treating well-known people, the truth is that millions of people from all walks of life have been finding answers at Mayo Clinic for more than 100 years. People just like you come to Mayo to be treated for a wide variety of conditions, including prostate cancer, breast cancer and epilepsy, as well as heart conditions and gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's.

Will I need to make a separate trip for each specialist or test?

In many cases, Mayo patients can see multiple specialists during a single visit — a significant benefit of choosing Mayo Clinic. Mayo appointment staff try to coordinate all your appointments in one visit.

How does the cost of care at Mayo Clinic compare with that of other providers?

Out-of-pocket expenses are typically determined by your insurance plan. In a recent survey of patients from several Midwest locations, most of them told us that their expenses for care at Mayo were the same as they would have been at other facilities.

Making an appointment

How long does it take to get an appointment at Mayo Clinic?

Mayo Clinic offers appointments based on the severity and acuity of a patient's condition. Appointment coordinators do their best to build schedules that allow our staff to best meet the needs of patients.

Can I come to Mayo Clinic without an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment before traveling to Mayo Clinic is strongly encouraged. We can't guarantee that you'll be seen if you come without an appointment.

Do I need a referral to request an appointment?

Anyone may request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, and in most cases, a physician's referral is not required. When you call or submit an online appointment request, Mayo appointment staff will advise you if a referral is needed.

Lodging

Do you recommend any accommodations? Are discounts offered to Mayo Clinic patients?

Mayo Clinic does not own, operate or endorse any lodging facility. All campuses offer many lodging choices. Some facilities do offer discounts to Mayo patients. See lodging options for:
Jacksonville, Fla. | Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz. | Rochester, Minn.

My appointment

How long can I expect to stay to complete my appointments?

The length of your appointment schedule depends on the number of tests and consultations needed to understand your problem. Length of stay can't always be predicted in advance. Many of our patients tell us they are surprised by how quickly they can move from test to test and appointment to appointment. Mayo appointment staff schedule your appointments in the most efficient and convenient manner possible.

Will I be an inpatient or outpatient while at Mayo Clinic?

Most people (more than 80 percent) are treated as outpatients, meaning that their evaluation, tests and treatments are done in the clinic, and they return home or to lodging at the end of the day. If you require hospital care, you will be admitted to a Mayo hospital located on each campus. These hospitals are staffed exclusively by Mayo doctors.

May I bring my children? Is child care offered?

Mayo Clinic does not offer child care for patients. You are welcome to bring your children, but please bring a responsible person to watch them during your appointments.

Are family members allowed to come to my appointments?

Relatives and friends are welcome and encouraged to accompany you during your visit. For some exams and diagnostic tests, your family and friends may be asked to remain in the waiting room.

Medical records

Will I need to bring my medical records with me?

Mayo Clinic encourages patients to bring all recent, pertinent medical records, including:

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

Can you call my doctor's office to get my medical records?

Generally, we expect you to obtain your medical records from your providers. If additional records are needed once you arrive, Mayo Clinic staff may contact your provider. You will be asked to sign a consent form to release your records.

Insurance

Will my insurance cover my visit to Mayo Clinic?

Mayo Clinic is an in-network provider for millions of people and works with many insurance companies. Insurance plans vary, and your level of coverage will depend on your specific plan.

Mayo Clinic will submit claims to your insurer. You are encouraged to contact your insurance company to verify coverage and obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Your insurance company's customer service telephone number is listed on your insurance card.

Hours

When is Mayo Clinic open?

Mayo Clinic is open for outpatient consultations and procedures Monday through Friday. Mayo Clinic hospitals are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.