Hancock Health, Hendricks Regional Health and Mayo Clinic announced Wednesday, June 29, that the two Indiana health systems have joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Members of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a group of carefully vetted, independent health care organizations, have special access to Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and expertise.

Hancock Health and Hendricks Regional Health have a shared vision to provide central Indiana with excellent health care and keep communities healthy — all while remaining independent.

“Hancock Health has invested heavily in bringing medical expertise to east-central Indiana, creating attractive and convenient access points in our patients’ hometowns — all while establishing solid bonds with our tertiary partners to ensure every level of care is within reach,” said Steve Long, president and CEO of Hancock Health. “In the future, this relationship with Mayo Clinic will allow our care teams meaningful and timely access to some of the best medical specialists in the world. In my estimation, there is no better combination than a trusted local physician working in concert with their counterparts at Mayo Clinic to provide the very best care close to home.”

“As Hendricks Regional Health joins forces with Mayo Clinic, we celebrate this milestone that builds upon a 60-year legacy and commitment to our community, and the relentless dedication of our nationally recognized physicians and associates,” said Kevin Speer, president and CEO of Hendricks Regional Health. “It’s the next step in preserving, growing and innovating local access to the most patient-focused, highest quality, specialized care possible. At a time when health care affordability has never been more important to Hoosiers, this collaboration is a shining example of how we are expanding world-class medicine in west-central Indiana at no additional cost for patients.”

Physicians from Hancock Health and Hendricks Regional Health will be able to combine their understanding of their patients’ medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so patients get exactly the care they need close to home.

“We are delighted to welcome Hancock Health and Hendricks Regional Health to the Mayo Clinic Care Network,” said Dr. Mark V. Larson, medical director of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. “Both health care organizations are deeply committed to providing outstanding patient care in the communities they serve. Collaboration is a key cornerstone of Mayo Clinic’s culture, and through this network, Mayo Clinic and community health care organizations will work close together to find new ways to improve the lives of patients.”

Through Hancock Health’s and Hendricks Regional Health’s membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, their physicians have access to Mayo Clinic clinical tools, including:

• AskMayoExpert – AskMayoExpert offers providers a database of concise clinical information on hundreds of medical conditions, and includes medical protocols, treatment recommendations and medical references.

• eConsults – eConsults enable physicians to contact Mayo Clinic specialists for second opinions on specific patient cases when they believe additional input will benefit their patients.

• eBoards – eBoards are live videoconferences that enable medical teams to virtually review and discuss complex cases with a team of Mayo Clinic specialists and doctors from Mayo Clinic Care Network health systems.

• Health Care Consulting – Health Care Consulting provides access to Mayo’s extensive experience, knowledge and subspecialty expertise to attain clinical, operational and business goals.

Staff from Hancock Health and Hendricks Regional Health can use Mayo Clinic educational materials designed for patients, and access opportunities for professional development and continuous medical education.