Mayo Clinic's approach

Teamwork

At Mayo Clinic, your parenteral nutrition care team may include:

  • Doctors. A surgeon will insert and, if necessary, remove the intravenous catheter used to infuse the parenteral nutrition. A gastroenterologist with special training in nutrition will supervise the medical aspects of your home parenteral nutrition and coordinate treatment with your primary care provider.
  • Nurses. Nurses will include a coordinator, a nurse educator who will train you to take care of your intravenous catheter, and staff nurses who are always available to answer questions and provide support.
  • Pharmacist. A clinical pharmacist will help you understand the use of drugs and nutrients, including the parenteral nutrition. The pharmacist contacts the home care company to arrange for you to receive supplies.
  • Dietitian. A registered dietitian will help you understand your diet and assist in planning appealing meals and snacks. If you need a special dietary product, the dietitian will advise you about its preparation, consumption, cost and availability.
  • Social worker. A social worker will obtain a social and financial history for your home parenteral nutrition team. Home parenteral nutrition is expensive, and many people need financial assistance. The social worker can suggest potential financial and community resources.
  • Home care company. A special company will provide you with supplies, including the parenteral nutrition and clinical services. Your team helps you select a home care company.

Experience

Mayo Clinic provides total parenteral nutrition to nearly 1,200 people each year, some of whom receive treatment at home. Your care team is prepared with the experience, knowledge and resources to provide you with exactly the care you need.

Research

Mayo Clinic researchers are studying methods of parenteral nutrition that can reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life of people who need intravenous feeding. Specific areas of interest include the effects of parenteral nutrition on liver disease and bone mineral density, and the ethics of long-term intravenous feeding. Researchers at Mayo Clinic are also studying both nutrients and drugs to help decrease the need for long-term parenteral nutrition.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024–2025 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.

Expertise and rankings

Each year, Mayo Clinic provides total parenteral nutrition to approximately 1,200 people, some of whom receive treatment at home.

  • Expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience in several parenteral feeding methods. Your doctor will work with you and your caregivers to find the best option. Follow-up exams with your doctor and ongoing support from other care team members can help you achieve successful parenteral nutrition at home.
  • Collaboration. At Mayo Clinic, gastroenterologists, surgeons, pharmacists, internal medicine specialists, dietitians and nurse specialists work as a team to provide the care you need.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic Children's Center in Rochester is ranked the No. 1 hospital in Minnesota, and the five-state region of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024–2025 "Best Children's Hospitals" rankings.

Locations, travel and lodging

Mayo Clinic has major campuses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic Health System has dozens of locations in several states.

For more information on visiting Mayo Clinic, choose your location below:

Costs and insurance

Mayo Clinic works with hundreds of insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people.

In most cases, Mayo Clinic doesn't require a physician referral. Some insurers require referrals or may have additional requirements for certain medical care. All appointments are prioritized on the basis of medical need.

Learn more about appointments at Mayo Clinic.

Please contact your insurance company to verify medical coverage and to obtain any needed authorization prior to your visit. Often, your insurer's customer service number is printed on the back of your insurance card.

By Mayo Clinic Staff