Frequently Asked Questions

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education, and research, and providing compassion, expertise, and answers to everyone who needs care.

The Mayo Clinic Care Network is a select group of independent healthcare providers carefully vetted and granted special access to Mayo Clinic knowledge, expertise, and resources. Through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, MHS providers can quickly access Mayo Clinic’s latest research, diagnostic, and treatment resources whenever they feel it will benefit their patients. Additionally, collaboration with Mayo Clinic will help MHS achieve its goal to improve the delivery of health care.

No. This agreement is not an acquisition or merger. Mayo Clinic Care Network members like MHS remain independent healthcare providers dedicated to serving the needs of their communities.

With the ability to access Mayo Clinic’s research, diagnostic, and treatment resources, MHS providers will be able to treat more of their patients close to home. Anytime they want to discuss a treatment plan or request a second opinion, they can consult directly with Mayo Clinic’s specialists, at no additional cost to their patients. This way, MHS providers can combine their understanding of their patient’s unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic’s expertise to develop the best treatment plan for them.

No. When MHS providers want clinical advice or have questions about complex patient care, they can quickly connect with Mayo Clinic specialists to consult with them.

Yes. MHS providers will continue to treat their patients. MHS providers now have special access to Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise and can consult with Mayo Clinic’s team of specialists when they feel additional input will benefit their patient.

No. Through this membership, Mayo Clinic’s expertise and knowledge is shared with MHS care providers at no additional cost to the patient.

Typically, MHS providers will request the consult with Mayo Clinic if it will benefit their patients’ care. If patients are experiencing anxiety about their condition and would like a second opinion, they are advised to talk to their provider about requesting one. It can be done easily—at no additional cost—and without travel to another location. The provider and patient can then discuss the best treatment plan.

MHS providers have access to Mayo Clinic’s research, diagnostic, and treatment resources so they can provide more patient care locally, reducing the patient’s need to travel outside the region for care. There is no obligation for providers to refer patients to Mayo Clinic.

No. The interaction is between the medical professionals of MHS and Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not see or contact the patient through these services. If your MHS provider requests an eConsult with a Mayo Clinic specialist on your behalf, the consultation will be noted in your secure medical record.