Frequently Asked Podiatrist Questions?

Q: What is a podiatrist?

A: Podiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, DPM. Podiatrists are podiatric physicians, foot doctors, or podiatric surgeons. Podiatrists often diagnose and treat the foot, ankle, and other related structures of the leg.

Podiatrists receive similar training that other doctors complete. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training.

The podiatrists at Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists have received extra training, such as fellowships beyond residency and board certifications by the board of foot and ankle surgery and the board of podiatric medicine.

Q: Do podiatrists accept insurance?

Yes, podiatrists do, except for insurance. We set most major insurance plans as podiatrists and foot doctors. This includes Medicare, Medicare plus blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, and Aetna health. Humana, Blue Care Network, Oscar Health, Molina, Meridian, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP), Health Share Plans, Christian Health Share Plans, Worker’s Compensation Plans, and Cigna Healthcare.

Q: Is podiatrist toenail trimming covered by insurance?

Yes, this service may be covered for people with help issues that cannot help themselves. If your foot is in pain or has a health issue, a podiatrist is recommended to evaluate you, and this is a covered option.

If you have foot pain, please call our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with our podiatrists to assess your eligibility for foot care.

Q: Does insurance cover podiatrist ingrown toenail removals?

Yes, ingrown toenails are covered by insurance. Let us help! Don’t wait to come in if you have a toe or foot infection.

Q: What parts of the body do podiatrists treat?

A: Podiatrists in Michigan are licensed to treat the foot, ankle, and lower leg below the knee.

At Prime Foot & Ankle Specialists, we specialize in toenail problems, toe problems, foot problems, heel problems, ankle problems, minimally invasive surgery, advanced diagnostic techniques, and advanced treatment options. We pride ourselves on being your choice for all foot and ankle problems!

Q: When should I call a podiatrist for an appointment?

A: Pain is never normal, especially if it lasts longer than a week. This means that most insurance plans will cover a visit if you feel you have a problem developing with your feet.

The longer you wait, the more serious the pain may become, leading to hospitalization or further foot problems.

It would help to have it evaluated and treated to avoid long-term problems.

Q: Can podiatrists perform corn removal and callus removal?

A: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin. Development of corn and callouses occur when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.

If corns and calluses are causing you discomfort, you should seek treatment. The most common areas of development are on your feet and toes. We provide treatment for these somewhat unsightly painful conditions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Q: Does insurance cover the podiatrist treatment of corns and calluses:

If you feel you have a foot problem that you cannot care about on your own, evaluation and diagnosis are covered. We provide a no-obligation consultation to inform you if this is the case. In general, foot pain and a painful lesion on the foot covered the visit.

Q: What is a hammertoe?

A: A Hammertoe is a contracture (bending) of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes.

We provide advanced imaging such as ultrasound and digital X-rays to diagnose immediately in the office. 

This abnormal bending can pressure the toe when wearing shoes, causing painful problems.

Conservative and surgical treatment options are available for the treatment of Hammertoes.

Q: What causes heel pain?

A: Typically, heel pain is not caused by one single incident or injury, and the most common cause is plantar fasciitis, which can lead to long-term pain that may one day require surgical treatment if not corrected.

Repetitive stress/pounding of the heel can cause heel pain.

Other common causes can include inflammation of the plantar fascia, inflammation of the back of the heel, inflammation of the heel pad, progressive degeneration of the Achilles tendon, or a stress fracture caused by repetitive stress to the heel.

Q: What are orthotics or insoles?

A: Orthotics or insoles are custom foot supports that replace the over-the-counter supports that come in shoes you buy off the shelf at the store. These are designed to hug your foot more efficiently than over-the-counter products to significantly aid in balancing the biomechanical inadequacies of your feet and legs.

Q: How can you tell if you have an infected ingrown toenail?

A: You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there are any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and drainage, such as puss coming from the area.

• If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your podiatric Physician immediately.
• If you have toenail pain, this may also be a sign. It is never normal to have toenail pain.
• If you have toenail redness or swelling, this is never normal.

Q: What is plantar fasciitis that causes heel pain?

A: The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.

• This tissue connects the heel bone to the toes and is responsible for creating the arch in your foot.
• Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Q: Does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes and custom orthotics?

A: Medicare will cover diabetic shoes and inserts for some patients.

• Patients must meet and have specific qualifying conditions verified by the Physician managing their diabetes.
• If you have diabetes, you should have an annual foot evaluation performed by a foot doctor or podiatrist to determine your eligibility for this benefit through Medicare and other insurance carriers.