Beacon celebrates Mayo Clinic Care Network anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 21, 2018

Beacon Health System is marking its two-year anniversary as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network with a visit from Mayo Clinic specialists. Beacon’s relationship with Mayo has given its specialists quick, convenient access to Mayo Clinic colleagues and medical resources for their most complex and challenging cases.

The collaboration enhances the care Beacon provides while keeping patients close to home.

During the past two years, Beacon physicians have consulted with world-renowned Mayo Clinic experts on nearly 500 specific patient care cases, in specialty areas that include oncology, hematology, neurology and rheumatology. This physician teamwork has translated into a $500,000 savings for patients, helping them avoid unnecessary travel and giving them additional peace of mind.

Beacon specialists have also been widely accessing Mayo Clinic-vetted medical knowledge online, for convenient reference at the point of care. Top searches in the AskMayoExpert database have included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anticoagulation management and an array of medical conditions and diseases. Beacon specialists also regularly participate live conference discussions for breast, colorectal, genitourinary, and lung tumors, as well as lymphoma.

“Our relationship has grown into a true collaboration as we work on projects to improve care in COPD, congestive heart failure, opioid use and physician well being,” said Dale Patterson, M.D., vice president of medical affairs at Memorial Hospital of South Bend and physician liaison for the Mayo Clinic Care Network. “Ultimately, our collaboration will improve the care we’re able to deliver our patients, while helping other network members improve their models of care as they learn from us.”