Mayo Clinic

[Special K]

I recently found out that the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ has a CHF clinic and they have patients with PPCM. I am trying to get an appointment, but they don't contract with my PPO/insurance so I will have to cover 30% of the cost, which can be expensive. I just have not been satisfied with my current doc, she seems to passive and I have not been sent for blood work, only an echo with her. I wonder if I should get a second opinion. Do you think it is worth it?

[jmonte]

Glad you checked with us first. Where do you live? We are scattered all over the country and chances are, someone knows of a spclst closer to your home. Let us know...Julie

[jmonte]

Oops- I just looked at your bio. You live in AZ! Sorry-
If you are strictly looking for opinions, I am a firm believer in 2nd opinions or more. I saw 2 top rated docs at CHF clinics in CHicago and Boston and was told very different things. I am not familiar with your situation, but if you can handle it financially, I think it is worth it. ALso, don't simply accept that it isn't covered. Make a few phone calls- you'd be surprised how many people make errors when it comes to insurance. In other words, don't take "no" for an answer yet! Good luck- Julie

[JAMESFETT]

If you can work it out, it would be worth your concerns to go to Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. They are under the umbrella of home base Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, where are located two of the most knowledgeable persons in the world about PPCM, IDCM, heart failure and myocarditis. In the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at the Rochester, MN Mayo Clinic, I am talking about:

1)Leslie Cooper, MD (Editor of textbook, MYOCARDITIS: From Bench to Bedside
2)Joseph Murphy, MD, author of chapter on PPCM in MYOCARDITIS, my colleague and co-author in PPCM investigations.

James

[christyh]

If you can manage the finances, deffinately! They take my blood every time I go, and I had echos, and stress tests every 3 months for the first year.

[Natasha]

I had a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Overall, they agreed with the doctors that I was seeing, but I was relieved to hear them say it. I was VERY impressed with Mayo. When I called my primary clinic, I was able to get a referral to Mayo for the 2nd opinion. Then it was nearly all covered. See if you can get a referral. I have Blue Cross insurance.