16 May 2016 Unity Health joins Mayo care network

Unity Health and Mayo Clinic recently announced that Unity Health has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a network of health care providers committed to better serving patients and their families through collaboration.

Unity Health is the first health care organization in Arkansas to join the network. The formal agreement gives Unity Health access to the latest Mayo Clinic knowledge and promotes collaboration among physicians to benefit patients. Through these shared resources, more patients can get answers to complex medical questions – and peace of mind – while staying close to home.

“Our membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network is the result of our shared commitment with Mayo Clinic to improve the delivery of health care through high-quality, evidence based medical care and treatment,” said John Henderson, M.D., chief medical officer, Unity Health. “Although some patients will still need to travel to Mayo Clinic for specialty care not available in our community, by sharing medical expertise through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, we hope to provide most patients with the ability to stay close to home for care whenever possible.”  

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Unity Health will work with Mayo to share medical knowledge in ways that enhance patient care. Network products and services include:

•    eConsults that enable Unity Health physicians to connect electronically with Mayo specialists for additional input on a patient’s care.

•    AskMayoExpert database that offers point-of-care, Mayo-vetted information on disease management, care guidelines, treatment recommendations and reference materials for medical conditions.

•    Health care consulting that enables Unity Health to learn more about Mayo’s clinical, operational and business models, including their design and implementation.

•    eTumor Board conferences that invite Unity Health physicians to present and discuss management of complex cancer cases with a multidisciplinary panel of Mayo specialists and other network members

Unity Health providers also can access Mayo’s extensive library of patient education materials and view archived Mayo Clinic grand rounds presentations that feature Mayo physicians and scientists.

“We are pleased to welcome Unity Health to the Mayo Clinic Care Network,” said Ryan Uitti, M.D., medical director, Southeast Region, Mayo Clinic Care Network. “Patient-centered care is the foundation of our collaboration. We are eager to work toward our common goal of improving the delivery of health care for our patients.”

Founded in 1967, Unity Health is the largest employer in a seven-county area with more than 2,000 associates. With three hospital locations and more than 15 clinics, including primary care, oncology, cardiology, behavioral health and orthopedic care, Unity Health provides a medical staff of more than 150 physicians who specialize in various areas of health care.

As the leading health care provider in a seven-county area, Unity Health and its associates strive to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities it serves through compassionate care. Unity Health associates and partners strive to create a healthy community by creating a healing environment that enables people to reach their highest potential for health. For more information, visit unity-health.org.

Unity Health and other members of the care network remain independent, but share Mayo’s commitment to improve the quality and delivery of health care. Launched in 2011, the network has more than 35 member organizations in the U.S., Mexico, Puerto Rico and Singapore.

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to medical research and education, and providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/.