No comparison between Mayo, other doctors

It is a mistake to compare Mayo Clinic with other medical services, because the culture and work at Mayo is so distinct from others. All personnel, especially doctors, at Mayo are very patient oriented, respectful, willing to spend time discussing questions and assisting in understanding. Patients can then make informed decisions.

Mayo specialists collaborate, often in real time, solving problems, resulting in fewer visits. I experienced this with a visit to a cardiologist at Mayo who called the endocrinologist while I was there and solved my problem in one visit. I had made multiple visits to doctors in Cedar Rapids.

Wellmark (Feb. 14 news story) was remiss in only comparing the names of the procedures and not the number of procedures that the Mayo Clinic recommends against. Mayo's doctors do not order procedures they believe are not clearly indicated, based on their examinations and lab work. Several years ago, Mayo said that I did not need the hospital-based biopsy my gastroenterologist had recommended.

Mayo is careful to diagnose and plan, so that the proper treatment plan is implemented the first time. A CT scan might have prevented me from having surgery for the wrong diagnosis three years ago.

Contrary to statements in the article, my Mayo doctor suggested working with my local oncologist with my treatment needed last year, but my local doctor was unwilling to collaborate or to provide chemotherapy treatments for me.

Carolyn Cleveland

Cedar Rapids