Does Insurance Cover X-Rays and Ultrasound at the Podiatrist?

Quick answer: Does Insurance Cover Xrays Ultrasound Podiatrist affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Related Conditions

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Does Insurance Cover X-Rays and Ultrasound at the Podiatrist?

At Balance Foot & Ankle, both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices have in-house digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound. If you need imaging, it happens during your appointment — you get a diagnosis in one visit, not days later after a trip to a separate imaging center.

About In-Office X-Ray and Ultrasound

In-office X-ray allows instant evaluation of fractures, bone alignment, arthritis, heel spurs, and bone tumors. Musculoskeletal ultrasound provides real-time dynamic imaging of tendons, ligaments, plantar fascia thickness, and foreign bodies — all without radiation. Having both in-office eliminates referral delays and gets you answers immediately.

What Insurance Covers

• X-ray (1–3 views) — covered under standard radiology benefit when medically indicated
• Weight-bearing X-ray for flat feet, bunions, arthritis assessment — covered
• Diagnostic ultrasound for plantar fasciitis, tendon tears, Morton’s neuroma — covered
• Ultrasound-guided injections — covered (and more accurate than landmark-guided)
• Follow-up imaging to assess healing — covered with documentation

How Coverage Works by Insurance Type

Medicare Part B: Covers X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound when medically necessary. Billed separately from the office visit — your Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance apply. If you have a supplemental Medigap plan, typically covered at 100%.

Medicare Advantage: Covers in-office imaging; network restrictions may apply. We participate with most Michigan Advantage plans — we verify before your visit.

Commercial Insurance (BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna, Humana): Covered as medically necessary diagnostic services. Deductible and copay apply based on your plan tier. Most plans do not require separate pre-authorization for diagnostic X-ray or ultrasound.

Workers’ Compensation: Imaging related to a work injury is fully covered — we handle workers’ comp billing directly.

Why In-Office Imaging Saves You Money

Hospital-based radiology departments bill at facility rates — often $400–$800 for an ankle X-ray. Our in-office imaging is billed at professional rates, typically $80–$200 billed to insurance. If you have a high deductible, in-office imaging can save you hundreds of dollars per visit.

What May Not Be Covered

Imaging without documented medical necessity (e.g., screening with no symptoms) is not covered. MRI requires referral and pre-authorization for most plans — we handle this when needed. Ultrasound for purely cosmetic evaluation is not covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ultrasound at the podiatrist as accurate as at a hospital?
Yes — musculoskeletal ultrasound by a trained podiatrist is clinically equivalent to radiology ultrasound for foot/ankle structures, with the added advantage of dynamic real-time assessment while you move.

Will I get a separate bill for imaging?
Imaging is billed separately from your office visit — two separate claims on your explanation of benefits. This is normal and expected.

Can I get an MRI at your office?
We do not have in-office MRI, but we provide referrals and handle pre-authorization. MRI is typically needed for soft tissue injuries not visible on ultrasound or X-ray.

📞 Need imaging today? Call (810) 206-1402 — in-office X-ray and ultrasound, same-day appointments available, results before you leave.

Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services

Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS

Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon · 3,000+ surgeries · @MichiganFootDoctors (950K+ subscribers)

Last reviewed May 10, 2026 · (810) 206-1402

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 Township 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 experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.

Ready for Expert Care?

Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.

4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries

Or call: (810) 206-1402