Mayo Clinic Store offers medical supplies, personalized care

Every day, thousands of patients receive care at Mayo Clinic Health System. Some experiences are routine or even simple. Others are life-changing and dramatic.

A common thread is a personal connection and support between the patient and health care team. A listening ear or a comforting hug could help turn around a person's day. But others need more tangible support, like a walker or brace. That's where the durable medical equipment experts at Mayo Clinic Store shine brightly.

Supporting patient needs

Mayo Clinic Store is a convenient supplier of durable medical equipment, also called DME, for patients recovering at home from an illness or accident or managing a chronic health condition. Many vendors offer DME, but Mayo Clinic Store staff offer personal connection and expertise that sets the experience apart for patients.

A wide variety of products are available at most Mayo Clinic Stores* to help patients live safely and fully at home, including:

• Braces
• Breast pumps
• Compression garments
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) products
• Daily living aids
• Enteral nutrients
• Exercise aids and adaptive equipment
• Hospital beds
• Lifts and lift chairs
• Mastectomy products
• Mobility aids, including canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs
• Ostomy supplies
• Oxygen
• Personal care and convenience items
• Respiratory devices
• Urology supplies
• Wound care supplies

*Not all equipment and services are available at all Mayo Clinic Store locations. Check with your preferred location in advance.

Mayo Clinic Store staff work with patients' health care teams to ensure access to the safest and most effective solutions for at-home care.

Personalized care

It's not just the equipment that's special, it's the personalized and compassionate care each patient receives. Just ask Elna Johnson of Menomonie, Wisconsin.

When she was diagnosed with sleep apnea, she turned to Mayo Clinic Store experts to determine the right CPAP equipment to help her get a restful night's sleep.

"It took me a little time to find the right mask, but I think a lot of people struggle with that at first," says the 83-year-old retired nurse. "Now, I use it every single night. I'm compulsive about it."

Elna can get new supplies for her CPAP machine every three months. This maintains a good mask seal, prevents bacteria growth and keeps her equipment working properly. During this ongoing interaction with Mayo Clinic Store staff, Elna developed a close bond with Lisa Oldenberg, a durable medical equipment expert in Menomonie.

"She is personable, knowledgeable and very easy to talk with," says Elna. "She makes me feel like I am being personally known and heard."

And that's exactly the point, explains Lisa.

"That's how I was taught to help patients," she says. "It's important to connect with people, so I call each patient to ask if they need equipment or have questions. Over the years, I built a good rapport with Elna."

This personal connection and compassion extend beyond the telephone. Lisa knew Elna was going to visit the clinic but had knee pain.

"She saw I was walking down the hall, and she came running to meet me with my equipment," says Elna. "You can really tell when someone is interested in helping you versus just doing their job. Lisa is one of those people." 

This personal connection is mutual.

"We get the chance to get to know our patients and their needs," says Lisa. "Elna's bubbly and friendly. I feel like I know her on a professional and personal level. I like talking with her and helping her."

Mayo Clinic Store offers the same expertise and personalized care at 16 locations across Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Talk with your local health care team about your needs and questions regarding DME, postsurgical supplies and health care aids.

By Mayo Clinic Health System staff