Questions to Ask at Your First Appointment

Your first visit is an opportunity to evaluate whether this podiatrist is the right fit for your needs. Come prepared with questions that help you assess their approach and expertise. Ask about their experience with your specific condition — a podiatrist who regularly treats plantar fasciitis or performs bunion surgery will have more refined techniques and better outcome data than one who rarely encounters these cases.

Ask what treatment options they recommend and why, including both conservative and surgical approaches. A good podiatrist will explain the reasoning behind their recommendations and present alternatives rather than pushing a single solution. Find out what technology they have in-office — practices with digital X-ray, ultrasound, laser therapy, and shockwave therapy can offer more comprehensive care without referring you to multiple specialists. Ask about their surgical success rates and complication rates for any procedure you might need.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every podiatrist will be the right fit. Be cautious of practitioners who recommend surgery at your first visit without trying conservative treatments, who seem rushed and don’t take time to explain your diagnosis, or who can’t answer specific questions about their experience with your condition. A podiatrist who doesn’t take X-rays or perform a thorough physical exam before making a diagnosis may be cutting corners.

Watch for practices that pressure you into purchasing expensive products or treatments during your first visit, especially if they don’t accept insurance or seem focused on out-of-pocket services. Your podiatrist should be transparent about costs, insurance coverage, and the expected timeline for results. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion.

Why Location and Convenience Matter

Foot and ankle conditions often require multiple follow-up visits — for orthotics fitting, post-surgical checks, or therapy sessions. Choosing a podiatrist with a convenient location reduces the burden of ongoing care. Balance Foot & Ankle has offices in both Howell and Bloomfield Hills, serving patients throughout Livingston and Oakland counties with same-day appointments available for urgent needs.

Consider the practice’s scheduling flexibility too. Can you get appointments before or after work? Do they offer same-day appointments for urgent problems? How long is the typical wait time? Practices that respect your time and offer flexible scheduling make it easier to stay consistent with your treatment plan, which directly impacts your outcomes.

In This Article

• Check Credentials and Training
• Look for Condition-Specific Experience
• Advanced Technology Matters
• What Online Reviews Tell You
• Questions to Ask at Your First Visit
• Red Flags to Watch For
• Frequently Asked Questions

Check Credentials and Training

Not all medical providers who treat foot conditions have the same level of training. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) has completed 4 years of podiatric medical school followed by a minimum 3-year hospital-based surgical residency. This is comparable to the training pathway for MDs and DOs, but focused entirely on the foot and ankle.

Look for a podiatrist who is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). Board certification requires passing rigorous examinations and demonstrating surgical competency beyond residency training. It is a voluntary credential that indicates a higher standard of commitment to the specialty.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki is board-certified and has completed over 3,000 foot and ankle surgeries — providing the depth of experience that translates to better outcomes for both surgical and non-surgical patients.

Look for Condition-Specific Experience

Podiatry covers a wide range of conditions, and some podiatrists develop deeper expertise in certain areas. If you have a specific condition like bunions requiring surgery, make sure your podiatrist has significant surgical volume in that procedure. If you need diabetic foot care, look for a practice with experience managing diabetic wounds and neuropathy. For sports injuries, choose a podiatrist with a sports medicine background who understands the demands of your specific activity.

A good indicator of experience is a podiatrist’s willingness to discuss the number of procedures they have performed and their outcomes. High-volume practices typically have better results because repetition builds expertise and allows the team to refine their protocols.

Advanced Technology Matters

Modern podiatric technology can significantly improve your diagnosis and treatment outcomes. When evaluating a practice, consider whether they offer in-office digital X-rays (immediate imaging without waiting for results), diagnostic ultrasound (for visualizing soft tissue conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendon injuries), 3D scanning for custom orthotics (more accurate than traditional casting), EPAT shockwave therapy (for chronic conditions that failed conservative care), and MLS laser therapy (for pain management and tissue healing). A practice that invests in advanced technology demonstrates a commitment to providing the most effective, evidence-based care available.

What Online Reviews Tell You (and What They Don’t)

Online reviews are a valuable starting point but should be interpreted thoughtfully. A consistently high rating (4.5+ stars) with a large number of reviews (100+) is a strong positive signal. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we are proud of our 4.9-star rating across 1,123+ reviews — a reflection of our commitment to patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Pay attention to the content of reviews, not just the star ratings. Look for mentions of the podiatrist’s communication style, wait times, staff friendliness, whether the doctor explained the condition clearly, and whether the treatment was effective. Also check if the practice responds professionally to negative reviews — this indicates they care about the patient experience.

Questions to Ask at Your First Visit

• What is your diagnosis? A good podiatrist will explain your condition in terms you understand.
• What are ALL my treatment options? You should hear about conservative treatments before surgery is discussed.
• What is your experience with this specific condition/procedure? Ask about volume and outcomes.
• What are the risks and expected recovery time? Transparency about complications is a sign of integrity.
• Do you accept my insurance? Verify coverage before committing to treatment.
• What happens if the first treatment does not work? A good podiatrist has a plan B, C, and D.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of a podiatrist who pushes surgery as the first option without discussing conservative alternatives, does not perform a thorough examination before recommending treatment, dismisses your concerns or does not explain your condition clearly, has no hospital privileges or board certification, pressures you to make immediate treatment decisions, or does not take or accept your insurance. A good podiatrist respects your time, addresses your concerns, and empowers you with information to make informed decisions about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

Most insurance plans (including Medicare and most PPOs) do not require a referral to see a podiatrist. Some HMO plans may require one. Call your insurance or our office and we will verify your specific plan’s requirements.

What should I bring to my first podiatry appointment?

Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, any relevant medical records or imaging, and the shoes you wear most frequently (your podiatrist can learn a lot from your shoe wear patterns). Complete your new patient forms online before your visit to save time.

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