✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Does Insurance Cover Ankle Sprains and Fractures? For specialized treatment, see our ankle sprain care Howell MI.
Ankle sprains and fractures are acute injuries and covered by all insurance plans as medically necessary. Skip the ER — our office has in-house X-ray at both locations for faster, lower-cost evaluation.
Twisted your ankle? Suspect a fracture? Don’t wait at the ER for hours. Our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices have in-office digital X-ray, so you get a diagnosis and treatment plan in a single visit — usually at far lower cost than emergency care.
About Ankle Sprains and Fractures
Ankle sprains range from minor ligament stretches (Grade I) to complete ligament tears (Grade III). Fractures can involve the fibula, tibia, talus, or small bones of the foot. Both require prompt evaluation to rule out instability, cartilage damage, or stress fractures that X-ray alone may miss. Early accurate diagnosis prevents chronic instability and arthritis down the road.
Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle: Foot Emergency Guide →
What Insurance Covers
- Office visit for evaluation and diagnosis — covered
- In-office digital X-ray — covered (both locations)
- Fracture casting, splinting, or boot immobilization
- Acute injury management and follow-up visits
- MRI referral for ligament/cartilage evaluation (with documentation)
- Physical therapy referral and coordination
- Surgery consultation if fracture requires fixation
- EPAT shockwave therapy for chronic ligament/tendon issues (coverage varies)
How Coverage Works by Insurance Type
Medicare Part B: Fully covers evaluation, X-ray, and treatment at standard Part B rates (typically 80% after deductible). No prior authorization needed for acute injuries. Fracture care and casting are included.
Medicare Advantage: Covers the same services as traditional Medicare; some plans require in-network providers. We participate with most Michigan Advantage plans.
Commercial Insurance (BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna, Humana): Acute ankle injuries are covered as medically necessary. Cost-sharing depends on your deductible and copay structure.
Workers’ Compensation: If your ankle injury happened at work, workers’ comp covers all evaluation and treatment — no cost to you. We handle workers’ comp billing directly.
Auto Insurance / No-Fault: Michigan no-fault auto covers ankle injuries from car accidents with no dollar limit for medical care.
What May Not Be Covered (Rare)
Most ankle sprain and fracture care is covered without issue. Exceptions: out-of-network visits (check your plan), elective procedures without conservative care trial, and cosmetic concerns. EPAT shockwave for chronic ankle instability may require documentation.
Why Choose Our Office Over the ER
The ER charges $1,500–$4,000 for ankle X-ray and evaluation. Our office charges a fraction of that — and you’ll see a fellowship-trained podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle, not a general ER physician. Same-day appointments often available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist for an ankle injury?
Most insurance plans allow direct access to a podiatrist without a referral. HMO plans may require one — check your card or call us and we’ll verify.
Is an MRI covered for ankle sprains?
Yes, with documentation of the injury mechanism and clinical need. We handle the documentation and pre-auth if needed.
What if I injured my ankle playing sports?
Covered as medically necessary regardless of how the injury occurred — sport, fall, or workplace accident.
How soon should I be seen?
Within 24–48 hours for suspected fractures or complete ligament tears. Same-day appointments available at both locations.
Not sure what your plan covers? Our team verifies your insurance before every visit — no surprise bills, no confusion.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, HAP, Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, Oscar, McLaren, Workers’ Comp, VA, and most Michigan insurance plans.
✅ In-Office Digital X-Ray — both locations
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ In-Office Ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 Twisted your ankle? Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day evaluation — in-office X-ray, expert diagnosis, covered by your insurance.
Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services
At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive comprehensive podiatric care across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathology — from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and nail disorders to complex reconstructive surgery, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries. Our clinical approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment selection, and honest communication with patients about realistic outcomes.
We serve patients in Livingston and Oakland counties from two convenient Michigan locations: our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River (serving Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Howell, and all of Livingston County) and our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and all of Oakland County). Both offices offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient appointments, and a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.
Related Treatment Guides
- Ankle Sprain Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Michigan patients can access expert ankle sprain treatment in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Medical References & Sources
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Ankle Sprain
- PubMed Research — Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for Ankle Pain & Injuries
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
These are products I personally use and recommend to my patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
- ASO Ankle Stabilizing Orthosis — Figure-8 straps with bilateral stability columns — the gold standard lace-up ankle brace for return to sport
- McDavid 195 Ankle Brace — Hinged design allows dorsiflexion/plantarflexion while blocking inversion — best for chronic lateral instability
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel 3oz — Menthol-based cryotherapy — penetrates soft tissue to reduce ankle sprain inflammation and acute pain
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
Dr. Tom’s Recommended: Natural Topical Pain Relief
This is what I actually use in our clinic at Balance Foot & Ankle.
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula. Apply directly to the painful area 3-4x daily for fast-acting relief without NSAIDs.
📧 Get Dr. Tom’s Free Lab Test Guide
Discover the 5 lab tests every person over 35 should ask their doctor about — explained in plain English by a board-certified physician.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust for our own patients.
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Ankle sprains and fractures need proper diagnosis to heal correctly. Our podiatrists provide same-week appointments with in-office X-ray for quick, accurate evaluation and treatment.
Clinical References
- Kemler E, et al. A systematic review on the treatment of acute ankle sprain. Sports Med. 2011;41(3):185-197.
- Kerkhoffs GM, et al. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: an evidence-based clinical guideline. Br J Sports Med. 2012;46(12):854-860.
- Doherty C, et al. The incidence and prevalence of ankle sprain injury: a systematic review. Sports Med. 2014;44(1):123-140.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.