Thursday, March 17, 2016

Howard Marans MD: Is Knee Arthritis Treatment Covered By Insurance?

The symptoms of arthritis can negatively affect daily living routines. Arthritis creates pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. When a person has arthritis in one or both knees, everyday activities become extremely difficult.


Even though arthritis is incurable, finding options to manage the painful symptoms will aid in staying active. Various factors including the degree of degeneration will help determine the best type of knee arthritis treatment for each individual.


Medical Insurance

The costs of knee arthritis treatment will vary with each person’s particular insurance policy coverage. Calling the medical insurance provider’s customer service representative will help determine the amount of coverage a patient has for knee arthritis treatment. Each health insurance policy is different. Specific guidelines for knee arthritis treatment may need to be followed for the utmost medical insurance coverage compensation.

•Prior recommendation and referral from the family or primary physician
•The orthopedic specialists must be within the medical insurance care network
•Co-pays or deductibles may be part of the out of pocket costs as outlined in the insurance policy
•Non-surgical measures may first need to be implemented prior to surgery costs coverage

Non-Surgical Options

Under many insurance policies, surgical options are often viewed as the last resort in knee arthritis treatment. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in determining the type of individualized knee arthritis treatment.

Unless the degree of degeneration is too severe, a patient will typically begin treatment with non-surgical options to relieve the symptoms.

•Over the counter or prescription drugs to reduce inflammation and pain
•Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections
•Weight management to help reduce the pressure and stress on the knee joints
•Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee to help improve movement and flexibility
•Walking aids or a cane to help support stability during movement
•Knee brace to provide extra support

Surgical Options

If the non-surgical options do not yield the desired results, the next step in the knee arthritis treatment process is surgery. Knee joint replacement is one of the most effective methods used. The joint is removed and replaced with prosthesis. The costs vary with medical insurance guidelines and other contributing factors.

•Geographic location
•Length of hospital stay
•Type of prosthesis used
•Surgical approach
•Pre-existing medical conditions that may require specialized care
•Amount of time in the operating room
•Anesthesia costs
•Unanticipated medical care

Each component of treatment will add to one’s final medical expense. Without medical insurance or limited coverage, a knee joint replacement procedure could cost a patient over $50,000. Knowing the knee arthritis treatment options and following guidelines will help keep the costs manageable.

Located in Orange County, Dr. Howard Marans strives to return a patient back to a pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Marans will create an individualized knee treatment approach. Each step in the medical treatment program will be explained in great detail to allow the patient time to ask questions. Following each step of the patient’s progress, Dr. Marans will implement a precise execution for knee arthritis treatment approach.

Knee Arthritis Treatment Provider

With a consistently busy practice for over 33 years, Dr. Howard Marans provides the best knee arthritis treatment options available knee to return his patients back to their active lifestyle. Dr. Marans accepts various types of medical insurance, including PPOs. It is the Doctor’s goal to provide the highest level of care without an overwhelming financial burden for the patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Dr Howard Marans MD: Who is the Best Knee Specialist in Tustin?


People who lead active lifestyles understand knee pain will occur at some point. Participation in sports, training, or a fitness routine can create all types of problems for the knee.

Best Knee Specialist
From simple muscle strains to serious injuries, knee pain can abruptly halt one’s active lifestyle. Chronic pain may decrease participation in activities dramatically. Finding the best knee specialist in Tustin should be the next step.

Knee Injury Symptoms
Symptoms will vary with each person based on the degree of injury or the stage of the degenerative disease. The best knee specialist in Tustin – Dr. Howard Marans – will be able to determine if the symptoms are part of a larger problem.

•Pain is often the first indicator of an injury or disease
•The pain does not subside over time
•Simple knee movements may increase the amount of pain
•Swelling of the knee creating extra pressure and pain
•Difficulty standing or placing full weight on the knee
•Redness or tenderness to the touch around the knee area

After experiencing any knee injury symptoms, the decision to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist should be a priority. Early diagnosis and treatment will help in achieving the desired outcome allowing the person to resume normal activities.

Common Knee Problems
The best knee specialist in Tustin will start with a precise diagnosis to determine the reason for the pain. Medical history, physical examination, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging devices are primarily used.

•Arthritis commonly effects the knees of elderly adults
•Arthritis is a degenerative disease causing stiffness, inflammation, and pain in the knee joint
•Dislocated knee cap
•Bursitis occurs from overuse or repetitive motion of the knee joint
•The bursa sac swells, creating pain in the knee
•Knee ligament injuries
•Knee cartilage tears

Each type of knee problem will require a specialized treatment approach based on the patient’s diagnosis.

Treatment
In many cases, the only treatment available is surgery to repair the damage or help eliminate the painful symptoms of a degenerative disease. Milder injuries may be treated with non-surgical methods to help engage in the body’s healing process.

•Resting and avoiding activities that require knee movement
•Elevation of the knee with a pillow during times of inactivity
•Cold compresses for approximately 20 minutes every 4 hours or as directed by a healthcare professional
•Anti-inflammatory medication to help fight pain and reduce swelling
•Physical Therapy to allow the muscle to be strengthened to add to the flexibility of the knee
•Steroid injections to help reduce painful symptoms including swelling

Best Knee Specialist in Tustin
Each treatment option will depend on the findings of the initial diagnosis. The best knee specialist in Tustin, Dr. Howard Marans, has over 20 years of consistent experience with all types of musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Marans works with each patient to design an individualized treatment program yielding best results possible. Dr. Marans strives to provide the best knee treatment in Tustin, returning his patients to a normal, active lifestyle. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Dr. Howard Marans: Your most trusted orthopedic health partner for life

As soon as you enter the office of Dr. Howard Marans, you’re going to feel a transforming and healing presence. His absolute care for his patients for 29 years makes him one of the most recommended physicians by his peers in Southern California.

Howard is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1993 and recertified in 2003. He’s also certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1989.

He completed his pre-med and master’s degree at the University of Toronto. He finished his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Toronto under the Gallie Surgical Program in 1989.

Dr. Howard Marans completed his orthopedic fellowship in knee and shoulder at Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre in Toronto in 1990 and after a year, he completed once again his fellowship in knee and shoulder at SPORTSMED•SA, and at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

He also gained some achievements in his career such as a J.C. Kennedy Award for Excellency in Sports Medicine, and Excellence in Research Award (Sports Sciences) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Howard is affiliated with 6 hospitals, namely Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, West Anaheim Medical Center, Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital & Medical Center, Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, and College Medical Center.

For 19 years, Howard delivered volunteer medical assistance and coverage to many colleges and high schools. He is currently the team physician for Orange Lutheran High School and Tustin High School. He previously took care of Northwood High School (Irvine, California) and Concordia University. He was also an officer for the Special Olympics. He continues to provide medical coverage at several local, national, and international cycling events.

His team has a passion for putting patients first. They consist of professional and efficient individuals who are always ready to give their utmost care for their patients. In particular, they provide prompt care using established orthopedic treatments and advanced surgical and arthroscopic procedures.

Because of the wonders of modern technology, many born deformities can now be corrected. Deformed facial bones can be replaced or reshaped. On the other hand, Dr. Howard Marans can provide a normal-appearing prosthesis to those who became victims of a grave disease such as cancer which causes them to lose a limb.

Prosthetics is the design, fabrication, and fitting of custom-built artificial limbs or other assistive devices. These devices can restore the function and appearance of a full or partial missing limb as completely as possible.

Because of the big differences in human anatomy, the creation of prosthesis involves an intricate and custom procedure that requires a remarkable skill and an advanced technology.

Arthroscopy is one of the recent technological advances that Dr. Howard Marans has been using to help a lot of orthopedic patients. Many orthopedic surgical procedures don’t need an open incision to fully expose the joint. Flexible arthroscopes can now be inserted through a small incision in the skin and then into a joint. And after that it can be manipulated through the joint to locate and determine the nature of the injury.

Howard is a natural – he is benevolent and incisive. No wonder a lot of people trust him and respect him as an orthopedic surgeon.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Howard Marans MD: Best ACL Surgeon For Athletes and Sport Injuries



The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue located on the inside of the knee. The purpose of this tough tissue is to provide stability to the entire knee during back and forth movement. The ACL tissue connects the upper thighbone to the lower shinbone. Any type of ACL knee injury is common for athletes participating in soccer, football, or basketball.
Best Surgeon for Athletes

Receiving immediate sports medicine attention from the best surgeon for athletes – Dr. Howard Marans – will aid in the prevention of further damage and speed the patient’s recovery process.
Cause of Injury


For athletes and others involved in extensive training, an injury to the ACL may happen in a variety of ways. From professionals to minor leagues, playing team sports involves physical risks.

·         A rapid change in direction due to an external force or falling
·         Sudden stop due to an impact or collision
·         Dramatically slowly down while jogging or running
·         Landing in an incorrect manner after jumping or trying to maneuver around an object

Symptoms

When the injury to the ACL occurs, a loud popping noise may be heard followed by the feeling of the knee giving out from underneath the athlete. The best surgeon for athletes will be able to determine if the injury involves the ACL through testing. The symptoms will vary with each individual.

·         Pain is instant and does not subside within a couple of hours
·         Knee appears deformed
·         Tingling occurs which may indicate damage to the nerve endings and blood vessels
·         Inability to move the knee with a full degree of motion
·         Severe swelling and inflammation
·         Unable to bear full weight or apply pressure when standing, walking or trying to climb a set of stairs
·         Tenderness to the joint area

The pain may subside temporarily and many athletes return to their sports too quickly. Without proper medical treatment by the best surgeon for athletes, returning to the sport may create further damage with negative, long-term consequences.

Treatment

In most cases, an ACL tear will require arthoscopic surgery to provide an accurate level of healing. Non-surgical methods may be used to ease symptoms for the elderly. In order to find the right treatment program, the best surgeon for athletes will begin with a precise diagnosis based on x-rays, physical examination, and MRIs.

·         Non-surgical methods include bracing, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs
·         Surgical methods involve repairing or reconstructing the ACL tear to restore the stability to the knee area

After surgery, physical therapy is usually part of the treatment program to help strengthen the muscles around the knee area. These carefully monitored exercises will help restore the function to the knee. The best surgeon for athletes will monitor each step during the treatment program to help an athlete return to normal sport-related activities.

Dr. Howard Marans – Best Surgeon for Athletes

The best surgeon for athletes, Howard Marans MD will work with each sports participant to help repair and restore damage to the ACL. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Howard Marans understands athletes have special health needs. When one is at peak physical health, athletes are a work in progress, having an overwhelming desire to get back to the game. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981. 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Dr. Howard Marans: Leading you to better health

If you’re looking for a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Southern California, Dr. Howard Marans is the perfect physician for you.

He’s regarded to as one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the area, and a lot of people admire his good character. Furthermore, he still remained as one of the respected physicians in orthopedics for quite some time now.

He and his team are committed to giving quality orthopedic surgical care to their patients. They specialize in arthroscopic surgery, open reduction and internal fixation of fractures, sports medicine, and the treatment of arthritis.

They’re particularly known in the Orange County and their expertise in medical care is on a higher level. Whether it’s your shoulder, knee, hand, wrist, elbow, ankle or a fracture, they can take care of it.

Even Sarah Hammer, a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, trusts the excellent health care Dr. Howard Marans and his team provide to their patients. Because of Howard’s faithful and loving care, a number of patients along with Sarah, have made him their personal physician. He often treats conditions of the upper and lower extremities.

With his compassionate care and advanced medicine, patients can return to their daily activities as soon as safely possible. He can discuss the nature of your injury, and provide ways on how to prevent it from happening again.

Pain is such an unwanted feeling – it brings discomfort. It can be caused by injury, illness or emotional disorder. Severe pain is another thing – it is really excruciating; diseases and inflammations are a few of its causes. You don’t need to worry because Howard provides pain management to his patients. If you’re currently experiencing an unbearable pain, you can schedule an appointment with him to help ease your pain.

His team considers their patient’s good health as their greatest achievement. Their dedication to treating patients is incomparable. Howard, on the other hand, always makes sure that he’s giving his 100% in delivering a precise diagnosis; a comprehensive explanation of treatment options and expectations; and proper execution of the chosen treatment whether nonsurgical or surgical. His two decades in the arena proved his true devotion to his career.

To conclude, Howard Marans MD delivers immediate care using established orthopedic treatments and innovative surgical and arthroscopic procedures. With the aid of his extraordinary care, you can get back to cheerleading or return playing soccer in your school’s team.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dr. Howard Marans: Changing The Way You Receive Orthopedic Care

If there’s one thing that separates Dr. Howard Marans from other surgeons, it’ll be his progressive care with compassion. His astounding capabilities combined with modern technology makes his name widely known throughout the orthopedic scene in Southern California.

Orthopedic care is a field in medicine that focuses on determining, treating, and preventing conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, such as musculoskeletal trauma, congenital disorders, degenerative diseases, infections, and sports injuries. These could be treated by Dr. Howard Marans through surgical and nonsurgical means.

Musculoskeletal system – probably one of the most amazing systems in the human body. If something goes wrong within the system, your range of motion or ability to move becomes limited. When this occurs, you can head to Dr. Howard Marans for an excellent orthopedic care.

Orthopedic care isn’t only about fractured bones. It also focuses on repairing the tendons and ligaments that connect muscle to bone. In the olden days, open surgery was performed to reattach torn tendons in the joints or heal ligaments. However, minimally invasive surgery is becoming more and more common in hospitals these days.

In particular, better and less invasive arthroscopy was developed during the 1950s that allow doctors to operate people with musculoskeletal issues without exposing their internal organs and systems to harmful pathogens.

Furthermore, orthopedic care doesn’t only treat people with injuries. As mentioned earlier, people that have degenerative diseases or congenital disorders can also seek out orthopedic care.

Years ago, if you’re an athlete and you have a torn anterior cruciate ligament, you’re maybe thinking that everything was over in your career. However, the advances in orthopedic care nowadays will give you a comeback to your glory days in playing the sport you love with a new and stable knee ligament.
The developments in orthopedic care also bring lots of benefits to older people. Probably most of them experienced advanced deterioration of a major point such as the knee or hip, but with the help of Dr. Howard Marans, their entire knee/hip joint was replaced and they now have a life of mobility without pain.


You only have one life to live, so do the things you love. And this is possible if you have a full range of motion and not experiencing any physical pain. But if problems arise in your musculoskeletal system, never hesitate to seek the professional care of Howard Marans MD.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Howard Marans MD: Huntington Beach Orthopedic Sports Medicine



Dr. Howard Marans – Being at their top physical performance, athletes are a special group of individuals. After an injury, seeking out the best sports medicine doctor in  Huntington Beach is a critical step in the healing process.

Sports Medicine in Huntington Beach

A sports medicine doctor concentrates on the needs of both the professional and amateur athlete. Every sports participant understands minor aches and pains are just part of the fitness training game. When pain does not subside, ignoring the issue will create further irreversible damage to the body.

Why Visit a Sports Medicine Doctor?

Receiving specialized training, a sports medicine doctor will be able to focus on an athlete’s musculoskeletal issues relating physical fitness. The sports medicine specialist receives training beyond primary care physician qualifications. The extra education provides the patient with the best possible care relating to the human body’s movement, physical activity, and injury prevention.

With specialized training, a sports medicine doctor will be able to prescribe a precise treatment program for injury recovery. Treatment approaches range from: Physical Therapy to Arthoscopic Surgery. The treatment program depends on individualized diagnosis and medical needs.

How to Find a Sports Medicine Specialist?

One of the best ways to be directed to an orthopedic specialists or sports medicine doctor is by a referral from a primary care physician. The referral from a primary care physician is indicative the doctor will understand the athlete’s needs for specialized care involving the musculoskeletal injury beyond basic treatment. Other ways to finding orthopedic specialists for sports injuries include:
  • Contact health insurance representative for referrals within the care network.
  • If an athlete picks a doctor out of the network, higher out of pocket costs may be added to the final medical expense.
  • Ask for a referral from the team’s coach, teammates, athletic trainer or others who participate in similar sports activities.
  • Ask friends, family members or others in the peer network.
  • Utilize the Internet to research Huntington Beach area sports medicine specialists.
  • Various medical review sites are available with patient entries on the doctors who provide the best care for athletes.
  • Contact the American Medical Association or other professional organizations for a referrals and reviews.

Each step in finding the right sports medicine doctor will result in a variety of names. In most cases, one orthopedic specialist with a longstanding, consistent practice will stand out above the rest. In order to receive more information about the top choice, be prepared to ask questions during the first consultation.

Questions to Ask

The best sports medicine orthopedic doctor will take the time to answer each question with a detailed explanation.
  • What credentials and experience does the doctor have involving the care of athletes?
  • Does the specialist focus on non-surgical approaches as part of the treatment program?
  • How many similar procedures are performed within a week or month?
  • How long will the recovery process take?
Huntington Beach Sports Medicine Doctor


In the Huntington Beach area, Dr. Howard Marans will take the time to address all sports medicine questions. Experienced working with athletes at all levels, Dr. Howard Marans strives to get every patient back into their sport in a timely manner. For your sports injury rehabilitation, please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.