What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Podiatrist

When you have a medical ailment or illness, choosing the right physician for you is not a decision to take lightly. If your feet are in pain, choosing a podiatrist, who has extensive training in foot care and podiatry, is the first stop you should make. While your primary care physician or orthopedist may have some training in podiatric medicine, it is a podiatrist who specializes extensively in the anatomy, physiology and structure of the foot and ankle.

Before you blindly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in your area, there are some questions you need to ask before making your first appointment. Remember, an educated and informed patient is the best kind of patient.

Questions You Should Ask:

1. Inquire about their training and educational background. A qualified podiatrist must have a four-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree, a four-year degree at one of the nine accredited colleges of podiatric medicine, as well as two to four years of post-graduate residency training in a hospital facility.
2. Are they board certified?
3. What specialties have they been trained in?
4. How many years of clinical experience do they have?
5. What insurance does their podiatric practice accept? What deductibles or costs will you be responsible for?
6. Do you accommodate for same day appointments if needed?
7. What is your treatment style? Are you aggressive or are you more conservative?
8. Are free consultations available?

If you find a podiatrist who you feel comfortable with, here are a few things to bring with you to your first appointment:

Your First Appointment:

1. Print, fill out and bring any required new patient forms. When making an appointment, ask the receptionist if they are available on their website or if they can mail them to you prior to your appointment. This saves time in the waiting room when you arrive.
2. Compile a list of known medical conditions, especially conditions that can affect your feet, such as diabetes.
3. Be sure to bring your insurance card and identification.

The podiatrists at Triad Foot Center are all board certified and highly trained physicians, who can help diagnose and treat foot-related problems. To schedule an appointment, please call 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment.

 

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.