Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Does Insurance Cover a Podiatrist in Michigan? The Complete relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
Does Insurance Cover a Podiatrist in Michigan? The Complete 2026 Guide
The short answer: YES — almost every insurance plan in Michigan covers podiatry visits. What exactly is covered, what your copay will be, and whether you need a referral depends on your specific plan. This guide breaks down coverage for every major Michigan insurer so you can walk into your appointment with confidence.
The Universal Truth About Podiatry Insurance
Podiatrists are classified as medical specialists. Nearly all insurance plans cover specialist visits for medically necessary care. You generally do NOT need a referral for most PPO plans. Some HMO plans (like Blue Care Network) may require a PCP referral first.
Quick Reference: Michigan Insurance Coverage Chart
| Insurer | Covers Podiatry? | Referral Needed? | Balance Foot In-Network? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part B | Yes (medically necessary) | No | Yes |
| Medicare Advantage (various) | Yes | Check plan | Yes (most plans) |
| BCBS Michigan PPO | Yes | No | Yes |
| Blue Care Network HMO | Yes | Usually yes | Yes |
| Aetna | Yes | No (PPO) / Yes (HMO) | Yes |
| United Healthcare | Yes | Check plan | Yes |
| Cigna | Yes | Check plan | Yes |
| Humana | Yes | Check plan | Yes |
| HAP | Yes | Check plan | Yes |
| Molina | Yes | Check plan | Yes |
| Meridian | Yes | Check plan | Yes |
| Priority Health | Yes | Check plan | Check with office |
| Oscar Health | Yes | No | Yes |
| Workers’ Comp | Yes | Employer auth required | Yes |
| Medicaid / Healthy Michigan | Yes | May need referral | Yes |
What IS Covered by Insurance for Podiatry
- New patient evaluation and established patient office visits
- Diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions (bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, fractures, infections)
- Podiatric surgery
- In-office X-rays and ultrasound
- Diabetic foot exams
- Wound care for diabetic ulcers and foot infections
- Medically necessary nail care (qualifying patients)
- Cortisone and other injections
- Custom orthotics (when medically necessary)
- Diabetic therapeutic shoes (Medicare: 1 pair + 3 inserts per year)
What May NOT Be Covered
- Purely cosmetic procedures
- Routine nail trimming without a qualifying medical condition
- Some newer therapies (laser for fungus, EMTT) — varies by plan
- Non-medical foot care (nail salons, routine pedicures)
How to Verify Your Specific Coverage
The fastest way to know exactly what your plan covers is to call us. Our front desk team verifies insurance benefits before every appointment — at no charge to you. We check your specific deductible status, copay amount, referral requirements, and covered services.
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.
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ Magnetotransduction (EMTT) — Deep electromagnetic healing
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
✅ Diabetic Shoe Program — Medicare-covered
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills
📞 Call (810) 206-1402 — we’ll verify your coverage and answer your insurance questions for free.
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
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Michigan patients from throughout the region — Livingston County communities including Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, and Fowlerville, and Oakland County communities including Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, and Rochester — can access expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our clinical team is committed to providing the highest standard of foot and ankle care available in Southeast Michigan, from routine preventive care to complex surgical intervention. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule — we look forward to serving you at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills location.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
Join 950,000+ Learning About Foot Health
Dr. Tom shares honest medical advice, supplement reviews, and treatment guides you won’t find anywhere else.
Subscribe on YouTube →📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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.