Minot’s Trinity Health has become the 20th member of the Mayo Clinic Health Care Network.
"We wanted to bring Rochester, MN to Minot, ND," said Trinity President and CEO John Kutch. He said the collaboration came about through patient demand.
"Many time we heard from our patients that they didn't want to travel out of the region for care," said Kutch. "With this partnership, our patient population will not have to travel for care unless it's absolutely necessary."
Trinity physician Dr. Kenneth Keller says this will help patients with their peace of mind, knowing the doctors at Trinity are connected with Mayo – and will help Trinity’s doctors deliver better care.
"Lots of times, physicians say 'I think I need an answer,' or maybe someone has another opinion, or there's a bit more information out there," said Keller. "In the past, they couldn't immediately get that. Now they will be able to get that electronically through an exchange of information."
Mayo Care Network medical director Dr. David Hayes says Mayo will benefit from the collaboration as well.
"As we see health care changing, and changing rapidly, we see a need for Mayo Clinic to remain relevant, if you will, to establish more quality relationships with organizations around the country," said Hayes. "Through the network, Mayo gets to know those organizations very well."
Trinity chief of staff Dr. Kevin Collins says a key in the collaboration will be efficiency.
"At the moment, if we refer patients to Mayo, patients would have to arrange travel, set up appointments, and it might be two or three weeks before the patient gets a definitive answer," said Collins. "Through the use of the electronic medical record, and through electronic consultation, the patient will be able to get a much more efficient service. That will be a significant benefit, especially when there is a complex medical problem. It won't delay care."
St. Alexius Medical Center of Bismarck is also a part of the Mayo network.
