Patient education is very important as it helps promote foot and ankle health among people through public awareness and it assists individual patients in the decision-making process and ensuring an optimal outcome. As a board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Loncarich works with healthcare professionals from other medical disciplines to educate the patient about the foot and ankle and the problems associated with this integral part of the musculoskeletal system.
Patient education is an important tool in orthopedic care and gives the patient an active role in the treatment process. This education helps the patient understand the anatomy of the foot and ankle better so that they will understand their problem, their diagnosis, and their treatment plan including surgery if necessary.
Dr. Loncarich provides one-on-one patient education for patients in the office, the clinic, or the hospital setting. This is the most optimal method as it allows interaction to ensure that there is understanding of the information that is provided. It is also appropriate when sensitive and private matters are discussed. During the visit time may be limited, further information may be desired and additional questions may arise after the visit has been completed. For this reason, other methods of patient education may be desired.
Computers and the internet provide a limitless resource of information on all subjects including foot and ankle problems. This allows the patient to search for the information that they desire and review at their convenience and at their own pace. At the same time, the internet has very little filtering on that information that is provided. Dr. Loncarich’s goal is to provide his patients with the most appropriate and accurate information regarding their problem and the treatment options available. For this reason, if further information is desired, the following links to websites provided by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society provide patient education resources for the vast majority of foot and ankle problems.
For more information:
FootCareMD: Information created and provided by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. This provides information specifically related to the foot and ankle.
OrthoInfo: Information created and provided by the American Academy of orthopedic surgeons. This provides information regarding all body parts including the foot and ankle.
Fondren Orthopedic Group: This is the main website for the Fondren Orthopedic Group. Information regarding insurance accepted, patient forms, and questions regarding billing.