Quick answer: How to choose right podiatrist michigan the right way: 1) prepare the area properly, 2) use the correct technique demonstrated by a podiatrist, 3) avoid the common mistakes that worsen the problem. We see complications in clinic from improper home care. The full step-by-step guide below shows the right method. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Why Choosing the Right Podiatrist Matters
Not all foot care is created equal. The podiatrist you choose significantly impacts your diagnosis accuracy, treatment options, surgical outcomes, and overall experience. In Michigan, podiatrists practice in a wide range of settings — from solo practices to hospital systems — with varying levels of training, surgical expertise, and patient focus. Taking the time to choose thoughtfully pays dividends in your health outcomes and satisfaction.
Verify Board Certification
Board certification is the minimum standard for any podiatrist you should consider. Look for certification by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) for surgical cases, or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) for medical management. Board certification requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations after residency and demonstrates that the podiatrist has met nationally recognized competency standards. You can verify board certification at the ABFAS website (abfas.org) or ABPM website (abpmed.org).
Assess Residency Training
Modern podiatric residency programs are three-year hospital-based training programs accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Programs at academic medical centers with high surgical volume produce surgeons with the broadest case experience. Ask prospective podiatrists where they completed residency and whether the program was CPME-accredited. Podiatrists who completed residency after 2006 received the current three-year surgical training model.
Look for Subspecialty Focus
Many podiatrists develop particular expertise in specific areas: diabetic wound care, sports medicine, pediatric foot conditions, complex reconstructive surgery, or conservative biomechanical management. If your condition has specific complexity — such as diabetic Charcot foot, complex ankle reconstruction, or pediatric flatfoot — seek a podiatrist who has concentrated experience in that area rather than a generalist practice.
Evaluate Communication Style
The best technical skills matter little if communication breaks down between provider and patient. Look for a podiatrist who listens carefully to your history, explains diagnoses and treatment options in understandable language, discusses risks and alternatives honestly, respects your preferences and values in treatment decisions, and is accessible for follow-up questions. Patient reviews on Google and Healthgrades provide valuable perspective on communication quality from actual patients.
Consider Office Location and Accessibility
Foot and ankle conditions often require multiple visits during treatment. An office that’s inconvenient to reach leads to delayed care and missed appointments. Balance Foot & Ankle offers two conveniently located offices in Howell (serving Livingston County) and Bloomfield Township (serving Oakland County and surrounding areas), providing access to the same quality care with geographic convenience throughout southeastern Michigan.
Ask About Surgical Volume
For any surgical procedure, surgeon volume directly correlates with outcomes. A podiatric surgeon who performs 50 Lapiplasty bunion procedures annually has dramatically more experience than one who performs five. Don’t hesitate to ask how many times your specific procedure has been performed by the surgeon you’re considering. High-volume, specialized surgeons consistently achieve better complication rates and patient satisfaction scores.
Insurance and Financial Considerations
Verify that the podiatrist participates in your insurance plan before your first visit to avoid surprise bills. Medicare covers podiatric services for medically necessary care. Many podiatric services, including custom orthotics, require specific documentation for insurance coverage — an experienced office will handle this paperwork effectively. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we work with most major Michigan insurance plans and our staff guides patients through the coverage process.
Foot or Ankle Pain? We Can Help.
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
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Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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.
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
- Hallux Valgus (Bunions): Evaluation and Management (PubMed)
- Bunions (Mayo Clinic)