Today's foot and ankle surgeons are focused on effectively implementing value-based care and educating patients who are shopping around for care, according to American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons President Chris Reeves, DPM.
Dr. Reeves spoke to Becker's Spine Review about top trends in the field.
Note: Responses have been edited for style and clarity.
Question: What is ACFAS doing to facilitate the transition to value-based care?
Dr. Chris Reeves: As healthcare continues the shift to value-based payment models, ACFAS members are not only taking notice of the regulations being implemented, but actively working with the college to ensure proper uptake and implementation. This comes in the form of educational materials, peer-to-peer dialogue and sharing measurement tools, such as surveys, that help track patient outcomes. These techniques will be a key component to ensuring performance-based policies are actually improving care delivery from both the patient and provider perspective, and foot and ankle surgeons are working hard to be at the forefront of this evolution.
Q: What are some ways foot and ankle practices can address the rise in consumerism?
CR: Today's patients have resources at their fingertips, giving them confidence that they understand their injury and options to seek out the best possible care — but it can also be misguided. Because of this reality, patients might read about a solution online that's not the right option for their circumstances. With this in mind, foot and ankle surgeons must navigate these challenges by delivering exceptional patient care and educating patients on their condition before ever entering the operating room.
Q: Do any ACFAS initiatives tie into that trend?
CR: ACFAS teaches its members how to foster productive conversations with empowered patients, and also shows the benefits of tools like social media that help facilitate productive exchanges with patients.
To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Angie Stewart at astewart@beckershealthcare.com.
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