Zeroing-in on Health Literacy: How Enhanced Explanations and Improved Comprehension Can Reduce Patient Anxiety and Fear

This Influence Factors case study interview was conducted with Brandon Parkhurst, M.D., Adult Primary Care Service Line Medical Director for Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS). As an integrated health system with locations in central, northern, and western Wisconsin, MCHS operates over 50 outpatient facilities with over 10,000 employees including over 1,100 providers in over 80 medical subspecialties. MCHS also manages a health plan and a variety of research and education programs. Via participation in the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Demonstration Project, Marshfield Clinic demonstrated skill in improving care quality while reducing the overall cost of care.