Extra Mayo: Checkers

I’m not talking about the game of checkers, but the Mayo term for people on a wait list to see a provider.

For me, Mayo trips are a week long, and are stacked with appointments and tests each day; it’s exhausting from a mental and physical standpoint. By Thursday my brain is pretty foggy.

Our approach is to schedule important sarcoid tests and see my regular providers early in the week. This affords time for additional tests or referrals to other providers based on results.

This trip, sarcoid decided to make an appearance in my lungs and liver.

Since I hadn’t seen the pulmonology or hepatology teams yet, tests and consultations were added. The problem? The first provider availability was weeks after I was supposed to leave Rochester.

This is a common theme around the hospital. There are only so many medical professionals and Mayo does their best to accommodate patients.

One option that most departments offer is called a checker. First, you need to have an appointment scheduled, which tends to be weeks or months away. Then you can “check in” at the department and sit in the lobby in case another patient cancels. If there is a cancelation, you’re in. The challenge is you need to be in the lobby area, so wondering around the hospital or Rochester isn’t an option.

If you end up being a checker, pack some food, a good book, and get comfortable. Some departments even have puzzles out on tables which is a nice addition. The best luck I’ve had as a checker is early morning or late afternoon, as well as Fridays.