How to Call Mayo Clinic for an Appointment

The main Mayo Clinic appointment line is 1-800-66-MAYO (1-800-666-2296)

This is the central number for scheduling new appointments across all three Mayo Clinic locations: Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona. When you call, you'll reach a scheduling representative who can book you with a doctor, arrange a procedure, or transfer you to a specific department if you already know which one you need.

The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message and a scheduler will return your call the next business day. Weekend and holiday hours vary by location, so if you need an appointment urgently, ask about same-day or next-day openings when you reach someone.

Have your insurance card and a list of any current medications ready before you call. If you're a new patient, the scheduler will also ask for your medical history and reason for the visit, so having those details written down speeds up the process.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-66-MAYO (1-800-666-2296) to schedule appointments at any of the three Mayo Clinic locations.
• The main line is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, and voicemail is available outside those hours.
• Have your insurance information and a description of your symptoms or reason for the visit ready when you call.
• If you know which department or doctor you need, mentioning that when you call can speed up your scheduling.
• Mayo Clinic also offers online scheduling through their patient portal if you already have an account.

What to expect when you call

A scheduling representative will answer and ask which location you prefer and what type of appointment you need. If you don't have a specific doctor in mind, they can recommend one based on your symptoms or condition. They'll also check availability and may offer you several time slots to choose from.

The scheduler will confirm your contact information, insurance details, and whether you need any special accommodations — for example, if you require an interpreter or have mobility needs. They'll also let you know if you need to arrive early for paperwork or lab work before your appointment.

After booking, you'll receive a confirmation by phone, email, or mail depending on what you provided. If you need to reschedule or cancel, call the same number or use the patient portal if you have one set up.

Scheduling for specific Mayo Clinic locations

All three Mayo Clinic campuses use the same central phone line, but you can request a specific location when you call. Rochester is the original and largest campus, Jacksonville serves patients in Florida and the Southeast, and Phoenix serves the Southwest region. Your insurance may have preferred locations, so check your plan before calling.

If you're unsure which location is closest or most convenient, the scheduler can help you decide based on wait times and availability. Some specialists are only at certain locations, so if you need a particular doctor or subspecialty, mention that and the scheduler will let you know where they practice.

Using Mayo Clinic's online scheduling option

If you already have a Mayo Clinic patient account, you can schedule some appointments through their online patient portal without calling. Log in to your account, select "Schedule an Appointment," and browse available times with doctors you've seen before or new providers in your area of need.

Online scheduling is fastest for follow-up visits with doctors you know, but new patient appointments or complex cases may still require a phone call. If you don't have a patient portal account yet, you can create one on the Mayo Clinic website, though you'll need to verify your identity first.

What to prepare before your appointment

Gather your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of all medications and supplements you take — including over-the-counter ones. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and anything that makes them better or worse. If you have records from another doctor, ask if they can be sent to Mayo Clinic before your visit.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in, especially if it's your first visit. Bring a list of questions you want to ask the doctor, and consider bringing a family member or friend if you think you'll need help taking notes or understanding medical information.

If you can't reach the main line

If the main number is busy or you're having trouble getting through, you can also visit the Mayo Clinic website and use their "Contact Us" page to find department-specific numbers. Some departments have their own direct lines for scheduling, which can be faster if you know exactly which specialty you need.

You can also send a message through the patient portal if you have one, though this method takes longer than calling — usually one to two business days for a response. For urgent medical issues that aren't emergencies, ask the scheduler about urgent care or same-day clinic appointments when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral from my doctor to schedule a Mayo Clinic appointment?

No. Mayo Clinic accepts self-referred patients, meaning you can call and schedule directly without a referral. However, some insurance plans require a referral for coverage, so check your policy before calling. The scheduler can tell you what your insurance needs.

How long does it usually take to get an appointment?

Wait times vary by location, specialty, and how urgent your condition is. Routine appointments may be available within a few weeks, while specialists can sometimes take longer. If you need to be seen sooner, tell the scheduler about your symptoms and ask about urgent or same-day options.

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

Yes, you can call on behalf of a family member or friend. Have their date of birth, insurance information, and medical history ready. If they're a new patient, they may need to sign a release form allowing you to schedule on their behalf.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Call the same number (1-800-66-MAYO) and a scheduler will help you change your appointment. You can also cancel or reschedule through the patient portal if you have one. Try to give at least 24 hours' notice so the time slot can be offered to another patient.

Does Mayo Clinic offer virtual or telehealth appointments?

Yes, Mayo Clinic offers video visits for many types of appointments. When you call to schedule, ask if your visit can be done by video. Not all specialties or situations are suitable for telehealth, so the scheduler will let you know if it's an option for your needs.