A. Michael Marasco DPM. FACFAS, CHCQM
Physician/Consultant
Medicine and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle
ASSURANCE
A Web-Based Series designed to improve patient certainty in understanding their options for treatment of the foot and ankle and the importance of informed care.
Hello and Welcome to Our Series:
As health care's digital front door widens and more patients are confronted with disparate information it becomes more difficult for patients to understand the reasons and options for care. To make decisions with certainty and confidence when often times the current health care system looks to automate diagnosis and management leaving many patients confused. {ASSURANCE} is a A Web-Based Series designed to improve patient certainty in understanding their options for treatment and the importance of informed care.
A practice-driven, expert led overview on navigating the health care system from a board certified clinician and surgeon with a perspective based on over 40 years in the practice of the medical, surgical and orthopedic treatment of the foot and ankle. Collaborating with master trained educators in the field of healthcare we will review common conditions of the foot, ankle and lower extremity patients most often present with and discuss informed decision making to improve patient certainty in understanding their options for treatment as they seek care with confidence. It is not meant to take the place of a provider encounter but to give you as a patient a level of understanding to make that encounter more useful and productive as needed.
Before beginning this web-based series you will need to read the following:
Information and activities provided in this web-based series does not imply that Dr. Marasco or any authored commentaries approves or endorses any product in the presentation. Conditions and disorders commonly are described in general. Information provided on footache.com is designed as a resource, for informational use and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from your personal physician. Only your personal healthcare provider should diagnose your healthcare problems and prescribe treatment.
Introduction: ASSURANCE - A Commitment to Informed Care
The following information is meant to be viewed in sequence however you can also click on any of the topics that you have an interest in.
In this series you will start to develop a “tool kit” to improve your health literacy, increase your understanding and build your confidence in navigating through the health care system. It is designed to support the diversity of all patients. It is based on what you need to know to be an informed patient and educated consumer of health care resources to best ensure quality care.
A health IQ relates to the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for yourselves and others.
Did you know 88% of US adults have trouble understanding and using important health information? One reason for this is that we don't seem to be speaking the same language. Communication in healthcare is based on an understanding of medical terminology, the language of healthcare.
Today many people are using the Internet for health research with technology enabling access to a thousands of sites and millions of bytes of health-related information and treatment options. But are you able to differentiate health information and misinformation to think critically when making health decisions.
Understanding, interpreting and making sense of your diagnosis and plan of treatment.
A prescription is an important part of the comprehensive management of patient care.
Health and well-being are not only the responsibility of clinicians and healthcare providers but in one's own hands.