Do you verify my benefits before my visit?

Yes. Our team confirms exactly what your plan covers and gives you a clear out-of-pocket estimate before any treatment begins. Just bring your insurance card and a photo ID to your first visit.

What will I pay at my first appointment?

Most patients pay only their plan’s standard specialist copay for an office visit. If your deductible isn’t met yet, you may owe more until it is. We tell you what to expect ahead of time so there are no surprises.

What if you’re not in-network with my plan?

We’re in-network with most major Michigan plans, and we likely accept yours even if it isn’t listed. Call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll verify your coverage before your visit.

Is bunion or foot surgery covered?

Medically necessary surgery is covered by most plans. Your cost depends on your copay, deductible, and coinsurance — we provide a written estimate before anything is scheduled. See our bunion surgery coverage guide.

Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?

Qualifying diabetic patients are often eligible for therapeutic shoes once per year under Medicare. We confirm your eligibility first — read more in our diabetic shoes guide.

Can I use my FSA or HSA?

Yes — many foot-care visits, custom orthotics, and recommended products are FSA/HSA eligible and can be paid for pre-tax.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

It depends on your plan. Most PPO plans let you see a podiatrist directly. Some HMO and Medicare Advantage plans require a referral from your primary care doctor first. When we verify your benefits before your visit, we’ll tell you whether a referral is needed and help you get one.

Does my treatment need prior authorization?

A routine office visit almost never does. Certain services — advanced imaging (MRI), some custom orthotics or durable medical equipment, and most surgeries — may. We handle that paperwork and won’t schedule those services until any required authorization is approved, so you’re never left with an unexpected bill.

Could I get a “surprise” out-of-network bill?

For most patients, no — we’re in-network with most major Michigan plans. You’re also protected by law: the federal No Surprises Act and Michigan’s surprise-billing law (PA 234 of 2020) shield you from unexpected out-of-network charges in many situations. On top of that, we verify your benefits and give you a clear estimate before treatment.

Is routine nail and callus care covered?

Often, yes. When thick, painful, fungal, or hard-to-trim nails — or painful calluses — are tied to a medical condition such as diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy, Medicare and most insurers cover this care (generally about every 60 days). Purely cosmetic trimming of healthy nails isn’t covered. If you’re unsure, just come in — we’ll determine what applies to you. See our toenail care and diabetic foot care pages.

Does Medicare cover custom orthotics?

Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover custom orthotics for most conditions, though it does cover therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying diabetic patients. Many commercial plans cover orthotics fully or partially. We verify your specific benefit and quote you before you order — and if coverage is limited, we’ll do our best to get your custom orthotics covered, let you know ahead of time, and never gouge you when there’s a coverage gap. See our custom orthotics coverage guide.

How does Medicare Advantage work for podiatry?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover the same medically necessary foot and ankle care as Original Medicare, but they use their own networks and may require referrals or prior authorization. We verify your specific plan’s rules before your visit so there are no surprises.

What if I can’t pay my balance all at once?

Talk to us — we don’t want cost to keep you from getting care. Ask about our self-pay rates and payment options when you call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll walk you through what’s available.

Does insurance cover a second opinion?

Usually, yes. Most plans cover a second opinion for a medically necessary diagnosis or before surgery. We’ll verify your benefit and request any records needed — bring your imaging or reports if you have them.

What should I bring to verify my coverage?

Bring your insurance card (plus a secondary card if you have one), a photo ID, a referral if your plan requires one, and a list of your current medications. That’s all we need to confirm your benefits and give you an accurate out-of-pocket estimate.

Are procedures like ingrown toenail, wart, or fungus treatment covered?

Yes — when they treat a medical problem, these are covered by most plans and billed like any in-office procedure (your copay, plus deductible if it isn’t met). We confirm your benefit first. See our guides on ingrown toenail removal, plantar wart removal, and toenail fungus treatment.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We offer self-pay rates. Ask about them when you call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll walk you through your options.