Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
You are in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what foot and ankle doctor near me means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Quick answer: Foot And Ankle Doctor Near Me is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Foot And Ankle Doctor Near Me isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Foot And Ankle Doctor Near Me: Quick Answer
Searching “foot and ankle doctor near me” returns dozens of options – but choosing the wrong specialist costs you time, money, and worse outcomes. We have helped thousands of patients in Livingston, Oakland, and Wayne counties find the right care. Here is exactly how to choose.
Podiatrist (DPM) vs Orthopedic Foot Surgeon (MD)
Podiatrist (DPM): Foot and ankle specialist who completes 4-year podiatry school + 3-year surgical residency. Treats EVERYTHING below the knee – both medical (fungus, ulcers, neuropathy, biomechanics) and surgical (bunions, fractures, reconstructions). Orthopedic foot surgeon (MD): Medical school + 5-year orthopedics residency + 1-year foot/ankle fellowship. Surgical focus – typically does NOT manage routine foot care, fungus, ulcers, or biomechanics.
Who to See for Common Conditions
Heel pain, plantar fasciitis: Podiatrist (DPM). Bunion or hammertoe: Either; podiatrists do most volume. Toenail problems (fungus, ingrown): Podiatrist. Diabetic foot care: Podiatrist. Sports injury, ankle sprain: Either; podiatrist for biomechanical workup. Ankle arthritis, fusion, replacement: Either – specialty fellowship matters more than degree. Pediatric flat feet, in-toeing: Pediatric podiatrist or pediatric orthopedist.
Credentials That Matter
Board certification: American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) for podiatrists; American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) with foot/ankle subspecialty for MDs. Hospital privileges: Verifies competence in surgical care. Years in practice: Experience matters for complex cases – 10+ years preferred for major reconstructions. Surgical volume: Ask “how many of these procedures do you do per year?” – high volume correlates with better outcomes.
Red Flags When Choosing a Specialist
Pushes surgery without trying conservative care first. Cannot explain your diagnosis in plain terms. Will not give you a written treatment plan. Owns the surgery center where they operate (financial conflict of interest). Refuses second opinions. Heavy upselling of products (custom orthotics, shoes, devices). Office staff cannot answer basic insurance/cost questions. Trust your instincts – good doctors welcome questions and second opinions.
Insurance Considerations
Verify in-network status before scheduling – out-of-network costs can be 3-5x higher. Check if facility fees apply – some doctors charge office visit + facility fee separately. Ask about copays and deductibles upfront. Most major insurances (BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Medicare, Tricare, Priority Health, HAP, McLaren) cover podiatry without referral. Some HMOs require PCP referral – check first.
Same-Week vs Same-Day vs Next-Available
For URGENT issues (suspected fracture, severe pain, infection, diabetic ulcer): seek same-day care – go to ER if podiatrist not available. For ROUTINE issues (corns, calluses, ingrown nails, mild pain): same-week appointments are appropriate. Avoid practices with 4+ week wait times for new patients – may indicate over-extended scheduling and rushed visits.
Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
1. What is my diagnosis (in plain terms)? 2. What conservative treatments are available before considering surgery? 3. What is the success rate of recommended treatment? 4. What are the risks and side effects? 5. What is my expected timeline to improvement? 6. What are the costs (insurance and out-of-pocket)? 7. When should I follow up?
Why Patients Choose Balance Foot and Ankle
3 board-certified podiatrists (Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, Dr. Daria Gutkin). 3,000+ surgeries performed. 1,123+ five-star reviews at 4.9 average rating. 950K+ YouTube subscribers – extensive patient education. 2 convenient locations serving Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Same-week appointments available. All major insurances accepted. Schedule online in minutes.
When Shoes Aren’t Enough — Dr. Tom’s Top 9 Orthotics
About 30% of patients I see for foot pain need MORE than a great shoe — they need a structured insole. Below: my complete 2026 orthotic ranking with pros, cons, and the specific patient I’d give each one to.
Service Area: Where We See Patients
Howell office (Livingston County): Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, Gregory. Bloomfield Hills office (Oakland County): Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce, Novi, Walled Lake.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foot And Ankle Doctor Near Me
Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedic doctor for foot pain?
For most foot and ankle problems, a podiatrist (DPM) is the right first choice. Orthopedic foot surgeons (MD) are appropriate for complex reconstructive cases or trauma. Both have similar surgical training for foot/ankle.
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?
Most insurance plans (PPO, Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Tricare) do NOT require a referral. Some HMO plans do – check your specific plan.
How much does a foot doctor visit cost?
With insurance: $0-$50 copay typically. Without insurance: $150-$300 for new patient visit. Most insurances cover podiatry as a specialist visit.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Same-week appointments are available at Balance Foot and Ankle for both Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Some specialists have 2-4 week waits for new patients.
What insurance does Balance Foot and Ankle accept?
Medicare, Medicare Advantage, BCBS Michigan, BCN, HAP, Priority Health, Meridian, Molina, McLaren Health Plan, Aetna, UHC, Cigna, Tricare. We verify benefits before your visit.
Can a podiatrist do surgery?
Yes – board-certified podiatrists complete 3-year surgical residencies and perform foot and ankle surgery in hospitals and surgery centers. Most foot surgeries in the US are done by podiatrists.
What if I cannot afford a foot doctor?
Most foot care is covered by insurance. For uninsured patients, we offer transparent self-pay pricing and HSA/FSA payment. Free clinics in Livingston and Oakland counties also provide basic foot care.
Related Resources from Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Ready to fix this for good?
Reading goes so far. The fastest path is a 30-minute office visit. Same-day Howell or Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402.
American Podiatric Medical Association: Find a Podiatrist
Ready to Get Relief?
Same-day appointments available in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) 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 made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.