orthopedic specialist advice (Jacksonville, Mayo: insurance, medical, money)

[mypost]

Hi:

I'm going to be coming from overseas to Jacksonville in February for a check-up at the Mayo Clinic.

The hospital might not be able to set up an orthopedic appointment for me, so I'm open to suggestions to other orthopedic facilities in the area.

My areas of concern are the back and knee.

Thanks for your advice.

Larry

[Robyn55]

If you're going to Mayo - stay in the Mayo system. There is some cooperation between the Mayo and non-Mayo docs here in JAX - but not a whole lot.

I really can't understand going to Mayo for a check-up (it's a secondary and tertiary - not a primary care center) - but what the heck. If you want any kind of workup for orthopedic problems - like a knee - get a referral from your local doctor - set up the appointments - and allow at least 3-4 days for the workup (you'll probably get lots and lots of tests).

FWIW - the "back doctors" there - they're neurosurgeons - not orthopedic surgeons. And they will insist on looking at an MRI before they'll even set up an appointment with you.

Dr. Paul Shirley - who's not at Mayo - is a well regarded knee doc here who specializes in arthroscopic knee surgery (no total knees or anything like that). He recently affiliated with the Heekin group (about which I know nothing).

One thing to keep in mind is that Mayo will frequently not accept things like MRIs and other tests done outside Mayo before doing surgical procedures in Mayo.

FWIW - my husband and I both use Mayo - but only for non-routine medical care. I had 2 minor operations there last year - one for skin cancer - one GYN - and was very pleased with both experiences (as pleased as I could be considering I was sick!).

Don't know how you plan to pay - but get it all straight in advance. Mayo is expensive - and many insurance plans don't cover any or parts of your care there. Robyn

And P.S. - Mayo doesn't screw around with the money stuff. You'll have to show you can pay there before you get past the registration desk.

[vpdianne]

I would advise staying away from Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JSI), that's all I am going to say.

[madcapmagishion]

Look up Heekin Orthopedic they seem to be very popular with people I know who need knee & hip work