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debhaz22
08-17-2013, 12:47 AM
is the "usual" first appointment take? I have an appointment at Cleveland Clinic on a Friday at 8am, but not sure how many nights to make hotel reservations for. I'm assuming they don't do tests on the weekends? Maybe they do. Also, anyone stay at the Doubletree Downtown Lakeside?
Thank you

pberggren1
08-17-2013, 01:28 AM
I would doubt any doc would see you on the weekend or even do tests. But I would call CC just to make sure. Call VFs office and see what they say.

debhaz22
08-17-2013, 01:30 AM
Thanks Phil. I just did and they said no tests...on the weekends. :(

Debbie C
08-17-2013, 01:34 AM
Hey Deb, all the times I've been up there,its a 2-3 hr appt. If they want you to have bloodwook they will send you to the first floor for that. But any scans or x-rays they may have you do it at home then forward them the info. They may have you do it there but I doubt it. Never stayed at that motel you mentioned just the the Comfort Inn Downtown.

pberggren1
08-17-2013, 01:35 AM
You like to have tests, don't you Deb?.......lol.....:w00t:

debhaz22
08-17-2013, 01:41 AM
........ NO!:sad:

annekat
08-17-2013, 02:29 AM
I'm glad people with experience are helping set your mind at ease! Sounds like your visit at CC will probably be 2 or 3 hours long and to the point. I hope it goes very well and you feel much better about everything after talking with Dr. Villa Forte.

Pete
08-17-2013, 12:12 PM
is the "usual" first appointment take? I have an appointment at Cleveland Clinic on a Friday at 8am, but not sure how many nights to make hotel reservations for. I'm assuming they don't do tests on the weekends? Maybe they do. Also, anyone stay at the Doubletree Downtown Lakeside?
Thank you

I would estimate that you'll be done around noon. You'll probably only need to spend one night in a hotel.

Debra C is correct about labs and scans. I have my labs, etc. done here in Columbus and mail them to Cleveland.

annekat
08-17-2013, 12:23 PM
I'm curious, does it cost a lot to get seen at the Cleveland Clinic? Does people's insurance cover it? Do they take Medicare patients, do you know? So far I have spent very little on my Wegs treatment, but if was going to go to specialists and such, I doubt I could afford it. I'm curious about the same things in regard to Mayo, Johns Hopkins, Univ. of Utah, and UC San Francisco Med Center. The last two are the closest specialists to me, but they are not close at all.

drz
08-17-2013, 01:06 PM
According to their web site Mayo takes Mediare patients from Minnesota and Medicaid patients from border states as well. One way you might get seen free or little cost is to join one of their GPA studies which are held at several sites around the country. The best way to find out about costs and insurance coverage is to inquire directly from the facility. Larger places like Mayo also take some charity cases from all over the world cause that is how that facility got started and was their original mission. Places affiliated with a university and med school often have best rates and open acceptance for new patients, especially those with an unusual medical issue or strong need that can't be met elsewhere. The web sites for various facilities can tell you a lot about gaining admission for an appointment, costs involved, and what is involved in getting seen at their facility.

Mayo always sends me a schedule for all my appointments for the day about a month ahead. I usually do labs in morning and have last appointment late in PM. For me it is a three day event travel there, one day there and travel back on third day so two over night stays.

annekat
08-17-2013, 01:36 PM
Thanks, drz. Good idea to check the websites. I've looked at the one for U of WA med school teaching hospital, and they have a rheumatology clinic that does handle vasculitis, but of course, none of them are listed as specialists on the VF site. Every place is a little different, I'm sure.

So what are all the appointments that take all day for you at Mayo? Are these different docs or just the different labs and places you go to for tests? Just curious.

drz
08-17-2013, 02:01 PM
Thanks, drz. Good idea to check the websites. I've looked at the one for U of WA med school teaching hospital, and they have a rheumatology clinic that does handle vasculitis, but of course, none of them are listed as specialists on the VF site. Every place is a little different, I'm sure.

So what are all the appointments that take all day for you at Mayo? Are these different docs or just the different labs and places you go to for tests? Just curious.
First is seeing research person to provide info on current symptoms and functioning, then fasting lab work, breakfast, chest x-ray, lunch, nap, and then wait to see doctors nurse, update my history for him, see doctor and get results of my lab work and his assessment and recommendations. I had some free time along the way for another nap too. First appointment was 8 am and last was 3:15 PM which end a little after 4 pm. I often take in a concert in lobby, art show or history tour, or lecture on some health issue during my free time. Some times I check the forum on their free computers or visit library to search for new info on health issues.

Pete
08-17-2013, 11:33 PM
I'm curious, does it cost a lot to get seen at the Cleveland Clinic? Does people's insurance cover it? Do they take Medicare patients, do you know? So far I have spent very little on my Wegs treatment, but if was going to go to specialists and such, I doubt I could afford it. I'm curious about the same things in regard to Mayo, Johns Hopkins, Univ. of Utah, and UC San Francisco Med Center. The last two are the closest specialists to me, but they are not close at all.

Cleveland Clinic takes Medicare.

My last statement showed a billing of $435 of which my out of pocket after Medicare and insurance was $35.

annekat
08-18-2013, 10:46 AM
Thanks, Pete, that is helpful. That sounds pretty reasonable for the amount of time and attention you are getting there, even if one didn't have insurance to cover it, but could come up with a few hundred dollars. In my case, I have Medicare, but no additional insurance, so my copay would be 20%, which would come out to $87. I might have to save for it, but it would not be a terrible amount to pay for that kind of service. I'm too far away from CC to go there, but it gives me an idea what I might expect somewhere closer.

sunnykmr123
10-06-2014, 07:04 PM
on weekend you have to wait for 2 days. As they on be off.