Info Desk [Paperwork, ordering, wait times, procedures, booklets, prescriptions...]

If you're heading abroad to see a private specialist and paying out of pocket, then of course you can.

I just got my referral to head up to some lab in North Chicago for medical microbiology and parasitology—something about a star-shaped clinic over there. Does anyone know the exact facility? Like, what's the address?
Thanks

So, here’s the deal—you really ought to head over to the Infectious Disease Clinic—you know, the main one near the city center—located at 8 Mirogojska Road. If you’re taking public transit, just hop on the number 14 streetcar; it’ll get you right where you need to be. Once you pull up and step into the courtyard, keep an eye out for the building numbers posted on the directory boards—you're looking for the Parasitology Department, which, if my memory serves me correctly, is housed in Building 16. Though, honestly, I can't be one hundred percent certain about that part...

Hello, I was wondering if anyone might know which hospital or clinic in the Chicago area has the shortest wait times for an MRI scan, specifically if you're trying to go through your insurance? Thanks!

My gynecologist wants me to get my ferritin, iron, and TIBC checked. Where can I go in the States to get these tests done quickly?

Arthur Thomas13 said:Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone knows which hospital or clinic in the Chicago area has the shortest wait times for an MRI—specifically one covered by insurance... thanks!

For my last MRI, the wait at Northwestern was at least until July... so, what part of you needs scanning?

restlessangler said:From what I've seen with my own MRI scheduling, they aren't even looking at appointments until July, maybe. Which specific part do you need scanned?

It's for my knee. Over at the local Mayo Clinic, the first available slot is also in July, but that's just for knees. I suppose I thought maybe the wait times might be shorter in a big city like New York, though there isn't much logic to that, I guess. It looks like I might just have to shell out some extra cash for a private clinic.

A brain MRI would likely be the better call here..

From what I can see, there isn't much available in Chicago right now—though other cities definitely have openings. I'm just not sure how far you're willing to travel... If you head out to Maui, the waiting list is probably the shortest one you'll find, but man, that's quite a trip...

Looking back through some older threads, I’ve noticed a ton of people complaining about the absolute mess that is the centralized email booking system over at the Gastroenterology department at Mount Sinai—and honestly, it’s making me a little anxious. I need to head in for a follow-up, so I sent an email directly to the clinic about a week ago, but... nothing. Not a peep. Even though their website explicitly claims you should hear back regarding an appointment within three days at the latest. Has anyone dealt with this kind of radio silence lately? I’m not actually based in New York City, otherwise, I probably would have just driven down there to deal with them in person. My primary care doctor was the one who originally referred me for the first exam.

Brenda Ortiz10 said:Looking back through some older threads, I see a lot of people complaining about the nightmare of trying to book appointments via email with the gastroenterology department at the Mayo Clinic, which made me a little anxious. I need a follow-up appointment, so I sent an email directly to the clinic about a week ago, but I haven't heard a peep—even though their website explicitly states you should receive a confirmed time within three days at the latest. Has anyone dealt with this lately? I’m not based in the city, otherwise, I would have just shown up in person. My primary care physician was the one who referred me for my initial exam.

They used to be responsive, but the last time I reached out, I ended up having to show up at the clinic in person just to get things sorted. I sent another email two days ago, but honestly, it looks like I'll be driving down there myself again. Even though I live in the city, I'm all the way on the other side of town. Why not just try calling them to schedule instead? Just tell them you aren't local and see if they'll help you out over the phone.

Thanks for getting back to me. Honestly, it would be great if you could actually reach them by phone—because I just spent two hours trying to call during the exact window they claim they're available, and absolutely nobody picked up! It’s just frustrating. On Monday, I’ll probably check in with my doctor at the local clinic to see if she can put in another request for my follow-up. In the absolute worst-case scenario where I have to drive all the way into the city to handle this in person—assuming that's where the scheduling happens—would I still be heading to Room 15, and is there a specific time I should aim for?

Brenda Ortiz10 said:Thanks for getting back to me. It would be great if you could actually reach them by phone, because I just spent two hours calling during their listed office hours and absolutely nobody picked up! On Monday, I’m going to ask my primary care physician if they can schedule my follow-up for me again. In the worst-case scenario, if I have to drive all the way to the city hospital myself—where exactly do I go to check in? Is it still Room 15, and is there a specific window of time I need to be there?

Yeah, you check in at Room 15. As for the timing... honestly, I don't recall exactly when I went to get scheduled. I think it was in the morning, but maybe you should stick to those posted hours from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Hmm... I suppose it shouldn't matter much; the nurse should be available regardless.
I really hope your doctor can get you on the schedule, since mine couldn't manage it.

You were totally right—I just got back from my appointment at the local VA clinic, and let me tell you, she can't boss me around if she wants. I mean, her system doesn't even give her access to schedule appointments over at Mount Sinai!

Where and for how long is the average wait time currently?

Is it possible to call ahead and ask when their next opening is, or do they only provide scheduling once an electronic referral has been sent over?

I just want to determine if waiting is worth the effort, or if I should simply book an appointment with a private specialist.

P.S. Do they perform color Doppler abdominal ultrasounds anywhere, or is that something I can only access through private clinics?

I am aware of the Tarle Clinic, $267 but there is a fee involved.

Brenda Ortiz10 said:You were spot on—I just got back from my appointment at the VA, and let me tell you, they can't touch me. Their system won't even let them schedule an appointment for me at the local hospital!

It’s absolutely ridiculous! I went down there in person today to get myself on the books. It looks like there really isn't any other way to handle this.

Zachary Gomez - I'm actually right in the middle of trying to book an abdominal ultrasound myself. Head over to the CMS website: http://www.cms.gov/ and look for the section on service lists. You can pick the specific procedure and location to see where you can get it done and how long the wait times are looking. If I remember correctly, the main medical center offers color Doppler, but you should probably double-check that with them directly. You can call them, sure, but you can only actually book the slot in person or via email.

I sent off another email—this time straight to the corporate headquarters instead of just hitting up the local clinic—so if I don't hear back from them there, I guess my only real option is to just show up in person. Which, honestly, isn't exactly how I wanted my week to go, especially since I don't live in the city... having to coordinate an entire day off just for this is such a headache. Anyway, what time were you actually there? I’m trying to figure out a window so I don't waste the whole trip only to find the doors locked.

Many thanks, Robert Thomas21! 🙂

Brenda Ortiz10 said:I sent another email, this time straight to the corporate headquarters instead of just the local clinic. If they don't respond to that, I'll have no choice but to show up in person—which honestly sounds miserable since I don't even live in the city, let alone having to scramble to take a day off work. What time were you there? I don't want to make the whole drive just to find the doors locked.

The only other option is if you know someone nearby who could grab a referral for you and set an appointment. Given how ridiculous this situation is...🙂
I went during the information desk hours, so somewhere between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

It’s hopeless, Zachary Gomez 🙂

I don't have any grievances with anyone. Thanks a lot for the info 🙂