Dr. Howard Marans MD
Dr. Howard Marans’ 9 Facts about Hospital Quality
Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery
• Male
• Age 57
Hospital Quality Matters
If you’re like most people facing a health condition that requires hospital care, you’re not thinking about the hospital where you’ll be treated. You’ll go to the closest hospital or where your doctor sends you, and it will be fine. It’s not that simple. Don’t confuse healthcare convenience and quality. Where you’re treated matters—every bit as much as the doctor providing the care does.
1. All Hospitals Are Not the Same
All hospitals are not the same—at least when it comes to the quality of care they provide. Some offer significantly better care than others, and the difference to patients can be dramatic. How dramatic? Your chances of surviving heart bypass surgery could be 85.6% higher at one hospital than at another hospital just down the road. Your chances of sailing through a total knee replacement without complications could be 63.4 % higher. These statistics are based off of data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Medicare-enrolled patients.
2. It’s All About Outcomes
Hospitals are required to report the results of the treatments they provide. This information tells us if patients at a particular hospital are more or less likely to have a successful medical outcome. When it comes to hospital care, success is defined in two ways. Mortality—Did patients die during or after their care? Complication rates—Did patients experience unexpected health issues, such as an infection or blood clot that required additional medical care? Reviewing a hospital’s performance based on objective measures of quality can increase your chances of a good outcome.
3. How We Rate Hospital Quality
Health grades rates hospital quality based solely on objective measures of performance—mortality and complication rates. First, we calculate the mortality and complication rates a hospital is expected to have for a range of common conditions and procedures—from maternity care to knee replacements. Then we calculate the actual (observed) rates at the hospital. After comparing the expected and actual rates, hospitals are placed into one of three categories for their performance on each procedure or condition: better than expected outcomes (5 stars); as expected outcomes (3 stars); and worse than expected outcomes (1 star).
4. What Quality Ratings Mean to You
There are few no-brainers in healthcare—but this is one of them: If you’re treated at a hospital with 5 stars in your condition or procedure, you have a much lower risk of dying or experiencing a complication than at a lower-rated hospital for that condition or procedure. In fact, mortality and complication rates for a given condition or procedure can vary considerably from one hospital to another just a few minutes down the road.
5. How to Ensure You Get the Best Care
First, you need to learn which hospitals in your area perform better than expected (5 stars) for the care you need. To help you do that, Health grades provides objective quality ratings for virtually every hospital in the nation. Health grades hospital quality information is free, publicly available, and easy to understand. Next, you need to find a doctor who can treat you at a hospital with 5 stars for the care you need.
6. Your Doctor Determines Your Hospital
Doctors have admitting privileges—permission to treat patients—at certain hospitals. That’s right. You can’t choose any doctor you want and expect to be treated at any hospital you want. If your doctor’s hospital falls short in quality, you should find a doctor who treats patients at a hospital likely to offer you the best possible outcome. In other words, you may need to limit your search to doctors who can treat you at a hospital with 5 stars for the treatment you need. Healthgrades shows you the doctor’s hospital affiliation(s) so that you can make clear choices.
7. Quality, Not Geography Matters
It’s tempting to choose a hospital right around the corner, particularly if your condition requires frequent hospital visits. In a recent survey, 97% of Americans agree having the right information is the key to making good healthcare decisions, yet 71% admit they are more likely to choose a hospital based on convenience. But if that hospital doesn’t have 5 stars in your treatment or condition, you should look for a hospital that does. While the hospital down the street may be convenient—this does not mean it’s the best choice for high-quality care.
8. Insurance Coverage Is a Practical Matter
When you’re preparing for a hospital stay, your first concern should be getting the best healthcare. But you also need to understand what your medical insurance covers and doesn’t cover. To receive the most insurance benefits and pay the least out-of-pocket for your care, you may need to choose a hospital that participates in your plan. You should still consider hospital quality as you select an in-network hospital. If you’re selecting a plan at work or buying insurance through the new health insurance marketplace, you have a great opportunity to choose a plan that covers services at a hospital with 5 stars in the treatment or condition that applies to you.
9. Informed Decisions Are Essential for Your Best Health
Making an informed decision about your hospital is not difficult and clearly it can make an enormous difference to your health. Focus on hospitals with 5-stars in your treatment or condition—hospitals that show a commitment to high-quality healthcare. Remember, where you’re treated matters every bit as much as the doctor providing the care.
Dr. Howard Marans MD Experience
Dr. Marans' Care Philosophy
“Dr Howard Marans believe that all patients are entitled to quality orthopedics surgical care and do my best to ensure that he live up to that standard. He treats most conditions of the upper and lower extremities and if he feels it is necessary will refer patients out for further, more specialized care when indicated. It is often difficult for patients to be seen quickly by an Orthopedic Surgeon. He can always see patients within 1-2 days and often on the day of injury. It is also common for patients to wait for hours to see the doctor once they arrive. He endeavors to keep waiting times to a minimum. “
Specialties
· Orthopedic Surgery
· Adult Orthopedic Surgery
· Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery
· Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery
· Orthopedic Arthroscopy
· Orthopedic Fracture Care
· Orthopedic Knee Surgery
· Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgery
· Orthopedic Sports Medicine
· Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
Board Certifications
· Orthopedic Surgery
Procedures Dr. Marans Performs
· Achilles Tendon Reconstruction
· Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair
· Achilles Tenotomy
· ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Surgery
· All Shoulder or Elbow Replacement Procedures
· Ankle Arthroscopy
· Ankle Fusion
· Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
· Ankle Surgery
· Arthrocentesis
· Arthroscopic Joint Reconstruction
· Arthroscopic Joint Surgery
· Arthroscopic Labrum Repair
· Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair
· Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
· Arthroscopic Shoulder Reconstruction
· Arthroscopic Surgery
· Arthroscopic Wrist Surgery
· Bicep Repairs
· Bursa Injection
· Carpal Tunnel Release
· Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery, Endoscopic
· Cartilage Transplant
· Casting
· De Quervain's Release
· Elbow Arthroscopy
· Elbow Surgery
· Elbow Tenotomy
· Excision of Scapula, Clavicle, Rib, or Sternum
· Excision of Tibia or Fibula
· Foot and Ankle Fracture and Dislocation Treatment
· Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment, Open
· Foot and Ankle Ligament and Tendon Repair
· Fracture Care
· Glenoid Labrum Repair
· Hand and Wrist Fracture and Dislocation Treatment
· Hand and Wrist Fracture Treatment, Closed
· Hand and Wrist Fracture Treatment, Open
· Hand Surgery
· Joint Drainage
· Joint Injection
· Knee and Leg Fracture and Dislocation Treatment
· Knee and Lower Leg Fracture Treatment, Closed
· Knee and Lower Leg Fracture Treatment, Open
· Knee Arthroscopy
· Knee Cartilage Repair
· Knee Ligament Reconstruction
· Knee Surgery
· Lateral Meniscus Repair
· Ligament Reconstruction
· Medial Meniscus Repair
· Minimally Invasive Surgery
· Partial Shoulder Replacement
· Patella Tendon Repair
· Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction
· Quadriceps Tendon Repair
· Rotator Cuff Surgery
· Shoulder Arthroscopy
· Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
· Shoulder Fracture and Dislocation Treatment
· Shoulder Fracture Treatment
· Shoulder Surgery
· Splinting
· Sports Medicine Surgery
· Steroid Injection
· Subcromial Decompression
· Synovial Biopsy
· Tricep Repair
· Trigger Finger Release
· Viscosupplementation With Hyaluronate
· Worker's Compensation Evaluations
· X-Ray
Conditions Dr. Marans Treats
· Achilles Tendinitis
· Adhesive Capsulitis
· Ankle Disorders
· Ankle Fracture
· Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture
· Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
· Arm Fracture (incl. Elbow and Shoulder)
· Arthritis
· Arthritis of the Ankle
· Bursitis
· Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease
· Carpal Fractures
· Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
· Chondromalacia of the Patella (Runner's Knee)
· Clavicle Fracture
· De Quervain's Disease
· Elbow Bursitis
· Elbow Disorders
· Enthesopathy of Knee (incl. Bursitis of Knee)
· Extremity Malunions
· Extremity Nonunion
· Foot Fracture
· Foot Sprain
· Fracture
· Fracture of Hand (incl. Fingers)
· Ganglion Cyst
· Ganglion of Wrist
· Glenoid Labrum Tear
· Hand Fracture
· Hip Fracture
· Internal Derangement of Knee
· Knee Dislocation (incl. Meniscal Tear)
· Knee Fracture
· Knee Sprain
· Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golf Elbow)
· Leg Fracture Above Knee (incl. Hip)
· Leg Fracture Below Knee (incl. Ankle)
· Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tear
· Metatarsal Fracture
· Non-Unions and Malunions of Fractures
· Occupational Injuries
· Orthopedic Trauma
· Osgood Schlatter Disease
· Osteoarthritis
· Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist
· Osteoarthritis of Knee
· Osteoarthritis of Shoulder
· Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or Knee Pain
· Plantar Fasciitis
· Pseudoarthrosis
· Rotator Cuff Injuries
· Rotator Cuff Tear
· Scapular Fracture
· Shoulder Dislocation
· Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
· Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis
· Sports Injuries
· Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear)
· Stress Fracture of Foot
· Tibia and Fibula Fractures
· Tibia or Fibula Stress Fracture
· Trigger Finger
· Work-Related Injuries
Education & Training
MEDICAL SCHOOL
· University Of Toronto
· Graduated in 1982
INTERNSHIP HOSPITAL
· Mount Sinai Hospital
· Complete in 1983
RESIDENCY HOSPITAL
· Gallie Orthopaedic Surgical Residency
· Complete in 1989
FELLOWSHIP HOSPITAL
· Orthopaedic and Arthritic Hospital
· Complete in 1990
· Royal Adelaide Hospital/Sportsmed SA
· Complete in 1991
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOLS
· University Of Toronto / Faculty of Medicine
· Graduated in 1978
OTHER EDUCATION
· University Of Toronto/Master’s Degree
· Complete in 1985
Languages Spoken by Dr. Marans & Staff
· English
· Spanish
Awards & Recognitions
· Healthgrades Honor Roll
Recognized Doctor
Health grades Recognized Doctor designation identifies leading doctors who:
· Are board certified.
· Have not had their license surrendered or revoked since health grades started collecting data in 2000.
· Have no malpractice judgments, adverse arbitration awards, or monetary settlements for the last five years in the states in which health grades can collect malpractice data.
· Are free of state or federal disciplinary actions (sanctions) for the last five years.
Health grades updates the Recognized Doctor list quarterly based on board certification data. Health grades also receive sanction and malpractice data throughout the year, depending on how frequently the state medical boards release updates.
We remove a newly sanctioned doctor from the Recognized Doctor list as soon as we receive the information. However, it is important to note that malpractice information is publically available in only 14 states.