APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) - For the first time in Wisconsin, a health system will team up with the Mayo Clinic system to treat patients.
ThedaCare CEO Dr. Dean Gruner says they're the newest member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
"It means that patients will have greater piece of mind that they're getting the right care, the best care for their medical conditions," says Dr. Gruner. "I think it allows us another avenue to improve the already great care that we provide."
The partnership has apparently been in the works for about three years.
Doctors affiliated with Appleton-based ThedaCare will be able to get consultations with doctors at the Mayo Clinic for second opinions and questions about rare cases.
"They will be able to access Mayo Clinic specialists electronically and have them give opinions about the care they are receiving and give them a formal consultation," says Dr. Gruner. "The best news about this is it's a very efficient process, usually within 2 or 3 days, and there's no additional charge to our patients."
The specialists, as well as primary care physicians, will also have access to "AskMayoExpert," an online medical resource created by Mayo physicians to help with diagnosing complex medical conditions and care planning.
