Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists · Last updated April 2026

Table of Contents

• What Is a Podiatrist?
• Essential Credentials and Board Certification
• Experience and Specialization
• Insurance and Financial Considerations
• Office Technology and Diagnostic Capabilities
• Evaluating Patient Reviews and Reputation
• Communication Style and Patient Experience
• Questions to Ask During Your First Visit
• Red Flags to Watch For
• Recommended At-Home Foot Care Products
• Complete At-Home Foot Care Kit
• Most Common Mistake
• Warning Signs
• Watch: Choosing the Right Podiatrist
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sources
• Schedule Your Evaluation

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to products we recommend. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use in clinical practice and believe will benefit our patients.

What Is a Podiatrist? Understanding Podiatric Medical Training

A podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, DPM) is a physician who specializes exclusively in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the lower leg. Podiatrists complete four years of podiatric medical school following their undergraduate degree, then three years of hospital-based surgical residency training — a total of 7+ years of education and clinical training focused specifically on foot and ankle medicine and surgery.

During residency, podiatrists receive extensive training in both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical management of foot and ankle conditions. This includes musculoskeletal medicine, sports medicine, wound care, diabetic foot management, biomechanics, orthotic therapy, and surgical techniques ranging from simple nail procedures through complex ankle reconstruction. The breadth of this training means that a well-trained podiatrist can manage virtually any foot or ankle condition — from routine nail care through intricate surgical reconstruction.

Podiatrists differ from orthopedic surgeons in their exclusive focus on the foot and ankle. While orthopedic surgeons receive broad musculoskeletal training covering the entire body, podiatrists dedicate their entire career to the foot and ankle, developing a depth of expertise in this anatomical region that reflects their focused training and daily clinical experience. Both specialties provide excellent foot and ankle care, and the best choice for any individual patient depends on the specific condition, the clinician’s experience, and the patient’s preferences.

Essential Credentials and Board Certification

Board certification is the most objective measure of a podiatrist’s clinical competence and commitment to maintaining current medical knowledge. While all licensed podiatrists have completed medical school and residency, board certification requires additional examination and ongoing continuing education that demonstrates expertise beyond the minimum licensing requirements.

The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) is the primary board-certifying body for podiatric surgeons. ABFAS certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive written and oral examination covering all aspects of foot and ankle surgery. Board-certified podiatric surgeons must maintain certification through ongoing continuing medical education and periodic re-examination. ABFAS certification indicates that the podiatrist has demonstrated competency in surgical management of foot and ankle conditions and maintains current knowledge of evolving surgical techniques and evidence.

The American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) certifies podiatrists in the non-surgical management of foot and ankle conditions. ABPM certification focuses on diagnostic skills, conservative treatment strategies, biomechanics, orthotic therapy, and medical management of systemic conditions affecting the foot. Both ABFAS and ABPM certifications represent excellence in their respective domains, and many podiatrists hold certification from both boards.

State licensure is the baseline legal requirement for practicing podiatric medicine. In Michigan, podiatrists must hold an active license from the Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. License verification is available through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website, where you can confirm that your podiatrist holds a current, unrestricted license and check for any disciplinary actions.

Experience and Specialization: Finding the Right Fit

Beyond credentials, the right podiatrist for your specific needs is one whose clinical experience aligns with your condition. Podiatric medicine encompasses a broad range of conditions — from sports injuries in young athletes to diabetic wound care in elderly patients — and while all podiatrists are trained to manage the full spectrum, many develop particular expertise in specific areas through years of focused practice.

Sports medicine podiatry focuses on athletic foot and ankle injuries, biomechanical optimization for sport performance, and exercise-related overuse conditions. If you’re an athlete with a sport-specific injury, seek a podiatrist who regularly treats athletes and understands the demands of your sport. A sports-focused podiatrist will consider your training goals, competitive timeline, and sport-specific biomechanics when developing your treatment plan — rather than simply prescribing rest and waiting for healing.

Surgical expertise is important if your condition may require operative intervention. Ask about the podiatrist’s surgical volume for your specific procedure, complication rates, and preferred techniques. For common procedures like bunion correction, a podiatrist who performs 50-100+ bunion surgeries per year will have significantly more refined technique and complication management experience than one who performs only a handful annually.

Diabetic foot care requires specific training in wound care, vascular assessment, neuropathy management, and the complex interplay between metabolic disease and foot health. Podiatrists who focus on diabetic foot care typically work closely with endocrinologists, vascular surgeons, and wound care teams to provide the multidisciplinary care that diabetic foot complications demand. If you have diabetes, choosing a podiatrist with strong diabetic foot care experience is one of the most important healthcare decisions you can make for limb preservation.

Insurance and Financial Considerations

Understanding the financial aspects of podiatric care before your first visit eliminates surprises and allows you to focus on your health rather than worrying about costs. A good podiatric office will verify your insurance benefits before your appointment and provide clear information about your financial responsibility.

In-network status is the single most important financial consideration. Seeing an in-network podiatrist typically reduces your out-of-pocket costs by 30-60% compared to out-of-network care. Most podiatric practices participate in major insurance networks — at Balance Foot & Ankle, we accept Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, and most Medicaid managed care plans. Verify network status before scheduling by calling both the podiatrist’s office and your insurance company’s member services number.

Transparent pricing is a hallmark of a patient-centered practice. You should know your copay, approximate costs for diagnostic studies, and estimated surgical costs before services are rendered. Practices that avoid discussing costs or provide vague answers about financial responsibility may not prioritize the patient experience. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we verify benefits and discuss costs during the scheduling process so you have complete financial clarity before walking through the door.

Office Technology and Diagnostic Capabilities

Modern podiatric offices should have in-house diagnostic capabilities that allow for efficient, single-visit evaluation and treatment initiation. Having to schedule separate appointments at external imaging facilities adds days or weeks to your diagnosis and delays the start of treatment.

Digital radiography (X-ray) should be available in every podiatric office. In-office X-rays provide immediate imaging results during your visit, allowing your podiatrist to diagnose fractures, assess joint alignment, evaluate arthritis, and determine the severity of deformities like bunions and hammertoes within minutes of your clinical examination.

Diagnostic ultrasound is an increasingly essential tool in modern podiatric practice. Ultrasound allows real-time visualization of soft tissue structures (tendons, ligaments, nerves, plantar fascia) that cannot be seen on X-rays. It enables accurate diagnosis of Morton’s neuromas, plantar fasciitis, tendon tears, and tarsal tunnel syndrome during your office visit — and can guide targeted injections for maximum therapeutic accuracy. A podiatric office with in-house ultrasound capabilities can provide more efficient and accurate diagnosis than one that relies solely on clinical examination and X-rays.

Electronic health records (EHR) and patient portals improve communication and continuity of care. A modern EHR system allows your podiatrist to access your complete medical history, track treatment progress, and coordinate care with other physicians. Patient portals give you online access to appointment scheduling, test results, and secure messaging with your care team.

Evaluating Patient Reviews and Reputation

Patient reviews provide valuable insight into the real-world patient experience that cannot be assessed from credentials and marketing materials alone. However, interpreting reviews effectively requires understanding what to look for and what to take with a grain of salt.

Patterns matter more than individual reviews. A single negative review in a sea of positive feedback likely reflects an isolated experience. Conversely, recurring themes in negative reviews — long wait times, poor communication, dismissive attitude, unexpected billing — suggest systemic issues that you are likely to experience as well. Look for consistency across platforms (Google, Healthgrades, Vitals, Zocdoc) rather than relying on any single source.

Reviews that mention specific clinical experiences are more informative than generic “great doctor” comments. Look for reviews that describe the diagnostic process, treatment options discussed, communication quality, and outcome of treatment. Reviews from patients with conditions similar to yours are particularly relevant — a podiatrist who receives consistently positive reviews from runners with plantar fasciitis is likely a good choice if you have the same condition.

Communication Style and Patient Experience

The quality of communication between you and your podiatrist directly impacts treatment outcomes. Research consistently demonstrates that patients who understand their diagnosis, participate in treatment decisions, and feel comfortable asking questions have better adherence to treatment plans and superior clinical outcomes compared to patients who feel rushed, confused, or dismissed.

A good podiatrist should: Explain your diagnosis in terms you understand, without excessive medical jargon. Present all reasonable treatment options — including doing nothing — with honest discussion of the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of each approach. Answer your questions thoroughly without making you feel rushed or unintelligent. Listen to your concerns about pain, function, and activity goals rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Provide clear instructions for at-home management, including recommendations for supportive products like PowerStep Orthotic Insoles and Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel that empower you to actively participate in your own recovery.

Questions to Ask During Your First Visit

Preparing thoughtful questions for your first podiatric visit helps you gather the information you need to make informed decisions about your care and assess whether this podiatrist is the right fit for you. Here are the most important questions to have ready.

About your diagnosis: What is my diagnosis, and how confident are you in it? Are there other conditions that could cause my symptoms? What additional testing, if any, do you recommend? What is the natural history of this condition — what happens if I do nothing?

About treatment: What are my treatment options? What do you recommend and why? What are the risks and benefits of each option? How long will treatment take, and when should I expect to see improvement? What can I do at home to support my recovery?

About the practice: How many patients with my condition do you treat per year? What is your approach if the initial treatment doesn’t work? Do you have in-house imaging? Will I see you at every visit, or will I sometimes see other providers? How do I reach you or your office with questions between appointments?

Red Flags When Evaluating a Podiatrist

While most podiatrists provide excellent, patient-centered care, knowing the warning signs of a poor match helps you avoid wasting time and money on suboptimal care. These red flags don’t necessarily indicate incompetence, but they suggest a practice environment that may not serve your best interests.

Red flags include: Rushing through the examination without performing a thorough physical assessment. Recommending surgery without first discussing conservative treatment options. Inability or unwillingness to explain your diagnosis in understandable terms. Dismissing your concerns or symptoms. No in-house imaging — relying entirely on external referrals for basic X-rays. Difficulty getting appointments or reaching the office with questions. Consistently long wait times without explanation or apology. Pushing expensive treatments without discussing less costly alternatives. Not accepting major insurance plans common in your area. Staff who are unfriendly, unhelpful, or disorganized.

Recommended At-Home Foot Care Products

Regardless of which podiatrist you choose, maintaining daily foot health between appointments is essential. A good podiatrist will recommend specific products tailored to your condition, but these three products form the foundation of at-home foot care for virtually every foot and ankle condition.

PowerStep Orthotic Insoles provide biomechanical support in every pair of shoes, preventing arch collapse, heel instability, and the forefoot overloading that drives most common foot conditions. Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel delivers on-demand topical pain relief using natural ingredients. DASS Medical Grade Compression Socks manage swelling, support circulation, and provide proprioceptive stability.

Complete At-Home Foot Care Kit

Most Common Mistake: Choosing Based on Convenience Alone

Warning Signs: When You Need to See a Podiatrist Urgently

Watch: Choosing the Right Podiatrist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A11FFjCXAX4

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Podiatrist

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic foot surgeon?

Podiatrists (DPM) complete 4 years of podiatric medical school and 3 years of foot/ankle-focused residency. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) complete 4 years of medical school and 5 years of general orthopedic residency, with optional 1-year foot/ankle fellowship. Podiatrists focus exclusively on the foot and ankle throughout their career, while orthopedic surgeons receive broader musculoskeletal training. Both provide excellent foot and ankle care — the best choice depends on your specific condition and the individual provider’s experience.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

Most insurance plans (PPO, POS, Medicare) do not require referrals for podiatric visits. Some HMO plans may require a primary care referral. Check your insurance card — if it says PPO or POS, you can typically schedule directly. If it says HMO, call member services to verify referral requirements. Even with HMO plans, many have eliminated referral requirements for podiatric specialists in recent years.

What should I bring to my first podiatrist appointment?

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of current medications, any relevant medical records or imaging from previous providers, the shoes you wear most frequently (the podiatrist can assess wear patterns), and a list of questions about your condition. If you have prior X-rays or MRIs on a disc, bring those as well. Wear or bring shorts or loose pants that can be rolled up above the knee for the examination.

How often should I see a podiatrist for routine care?

For otherwise healthy patients without active foot conditions, an annual podiatric check-up is reasonable for adults over 50 or anyone with biomechanical concerns. Diabetic patients should see a podiatrist every 3-6 months for comprehensive foot examinations, depending on their risk level. Patients with active conditions follow individualized visit schedules based on their treatment plan. Athletes may benefit from pre-season podiatric evaluations to address biomechanical issues before they cause injuries.

What conditions does a podiatrist treat?

Podiatrists treat the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, heel pain, neuromas, diabetic foot complications, ankle sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, arthritis, sports injuries, flat feet, warts, corns, calluses, nerve conditions, circulatory problems affecting the feet, congenital deformities, and post-traumatic conditions. They perform both conservative (non-surgical) treatments and surgical procedures ranging from simple nail procedures through complex ankle reconstruction.

Sources

1. American Podiatric Medical Association. “What is a Podiatrist?” APMA.org. 2026.
2. American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. “Board Certification Standards.” ABFAS.org. 2026.
3. American Board of Podiatric Medicine. “Certification Requirements.” ABPM.org. 2026.
4. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Licensure.” Michigan.gov. 2026.
5. Graziano TA, et al. “Patient satisfaction with podiatric medical care: a systematic review.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2021;111(1):Article 18-049.

Schedule Your First Appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle

Related Foot & Ankle Guides

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Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle?

Dr. Tom Biernacki and his team bring board certification, advanced surgical training, and over 1 million YouTube views of patient education content. We offer same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

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Clinical References

1. Lohr KN, Schroeder SA. A strategy for quality assurance in Medicare. N Engl J Med. 1990;322(10):707-712.
2. American Podiatric Medical Association. How to Choose a Podiatrist. APMA Patient Resources. 2024.
3. Boulton AJM. The diabetic foot: a global view. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2000;16(S1):S2-S5. doi:10.1002/1520-7560(200009/10)