According to the American Medical Association, health literacy is a better forecaster of health status than age, income, employment, ethnicity or educational level. Marblestone Consulting helps organizations and individuals develop plain language communications for their patients and/or customers. Our services also include literacy translations that reflect the culture of low-literacy individuals within minority communities. We call this specialty, Cultural Health Literacy

We also help individuals better understand and navigate the US Healthcare system which includes hospitals, long-term care, medical practices and home-health facilities. We believe, and multiple studies show, that investing in Health Literacy drives down medical costs and improves individual health. See an example of our revised letter below

Original Letter to Patient:

Dear Ms. Smith:
Even though you are asymptomatic, our laboratory report indicates a small benign cyst, and removing it will require a subcutaneous injection and sutures. Be aware that after the procedures, you may experience hypertension, among other symptoms.  We will prescribe an analgesic and a topical medication, but beware that it might not be effective if you have hypertension, angina, pleurisy, vasculitis or have had an infarction. Otherwise, Ms. Smith good luck.  We know you will follow your healthcare instructions and hope that you recuperate soon.

 Yours truly,
The Healthcare Industry

Plain Language Revision:

Dear Ms. Smith:

We received your lab report and it shows a small bump on your skin. It is not cancer. To remove it takes a small cut and a few stitches. Afterwards, you may experience high blood pressure or other sign of illness. We will give you medicine for pain and cream to apply to the cut. This medicine may not work if you have high blood pressure, chest pain, swelling in the lungs and chest, swelling in the veins or have had a heart attack. Otherwise, Ms. Smith good luck. Please follow the information sheet we gave you and get well soon.

Yours truly,
The Healthcare Industry