Fifteen years after its launch, the network connects more than 50 independent healthcare organisations and nearly 20,000 physicians through specialist consultations and clinical cooperation
The Mayo Clinic Care Network has reached its 15th anniversary with more than 50 member organisations representing 80 hospitals and nearly 20,000 physicians. Established in 2011 by the US-based Mayo Clinic, the network enables independent healthcare providers to access specialist expertise, clinical knowledge and professional resources while continuing to treat patients within their own communities.
The initiative represents an approach to international healthcare cooperation that differs from traditional medical tourism. Rather than requiring patients to travel to a specialist hospital abroad, participating physicians can consult Mayo Clinic experts on complex diagnoses, treatment decisions and other clinical questions. This model can support local medical teams when specialised knowledge is needed, although individual patients may still require referral to another institution for particular procedures.
According to figures released by Mayo Clinic in September 2026, the network has facilitated 63,545 electronic specialist consultations since its establishment. Members have also participated in 1,283 inpatient telephone consultations and 1,720 interactive clinical case conferences. The figures illustrate the scale of professional cooperation developed over 15 years, although they do not independently establish improvements in clinical outcomes.
Specialist expertise across institutional boundaries
The Mayo Clinic Care Network was created to connect selected independent healthcare organisations with Mayo Clinic's clinical resources and specialist knowledge. Altru Health System in Grand Forks, North Dakota, became its first member in 2011.
Unlike a hospital ownership group, the network allows participating organisations to retain their independence. Member institutions continue to manage their own facilities, employ their own medical teams and provide treatment locally.
Electronic consultations are among the network's principal services. Physicians at member hospitals can request specialist input on complex cases, potentially supporting diagnostic clarification or treatment planning without requiring the patient to attend a Mayo Clinic facility.
The network also facilitates interactive case discussions and professional exchanges across medical specialties. Over its first 15 years, members participated in 292 professional affinity group meetings, connecting healthcare specialists, administrators and other professionals.
Mayo Clinic additionally reports 121,520 hours of healthcare consulting provided to member organisations. These services extend beyond individual clinical cases to organisational development, operational processes and healthcare management.
The cooperation has evolved from its original focus on specialist consultations into a broader platform covering clinical education, leadership, operational improvement and innovation.
Digital collaboration and international patient care
The development of digital healthcare infrastructure has expanded the possibilities for cooperation between hospitals in different locations.
Following the introduction of Mayo Clinic Platform in 2019, Care Network members gained additional opportunities to engage with data-driven healthcare innovation and emerging technologies.
Such developments are particularly relevant to international healthcare systems seeking access to specialised knowledge without necessarily building every advanced medical service independently.
For hospitals treating patients with rare diseases or complex conditions, external specialist consultation may provide additional perspectives on diagnostic findings and treatment options. It can also support local physicians in determining whether a patient requires referral to a more specialised centre.
The distinction between professional consultation and direct patient treatment remains important. Membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network does not mean that an affiliated hospital is owned or operated by Mayo Clinic, nor does it automatically provide access to every treatment available at Mayo Clinic facilities.
The published network figures also describe consultation activity rather than measurable treatment success. Assessing the clinical impact of such cooperation would require additional information about patient outcomes, referral patterns and the implementation of specialist recommendations.
For the international health tourism sector, the network illustrates how cross-border healthcare is developing beyond the physical movement of patients. Digital access to specialist expertise can complement medical travel, particularly when local providers need assistance with diagnosis, treatment planning or follow-up care.
At the same time, complex procedures and highly specialised interventions may continue to require patients to travel to institutions with the necessary equipment, expertise and clinical infrastructure.
Fifteen years after its establishment, the Mayo Clinic Care Network demonstrates the growing role of institutional partnerships in connecting healthcare providers with specialist knowledge. Its experience highlights a model in which international medical cooperation can support treatment closer to home while preserving opportunities for referral when advanced care is unavailable locally.
Image Credit: AI generated illustration
