How many days...

[debhaz22]

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]

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]

Thanks Phil. I just did and they said no tests...on the weekends.

[Debbie C]

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]

You like to have tests, don't you Deb?.......lol.....

[debhaz22]

........ NO!

[annekat]

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]

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]

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]

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.