Insurance & Financing Options 2026 | DPM

Quick answer: Insurance Financing is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Insurance Financing — Balance Foot & Ankle podiatrist explanation

Balance Foot & Ankle makes it easy to book your first podiatry visit. Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online and one of our three board-certified podiatrists — Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, or Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM — will see you within the same week at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, Medicaid, and most other major insurance plans. No referral is needed for most plans.

If the discomfort has been present for more than a few weeks, if it disrupts sleep, walking, or your usual activity, or if there is visible redness, swelling, bruising, drainage, numbness, or color change, an in-office evaluation with a podiatrist is the fastest path to relief. Home care alone rarely resolves a condition that has become structural. Our diagnostic workup includes same-day digital X-ray, in-office diagnostic ultrasound, and a gait evaluation — results are explained to you during the visit, and we build a written treatment plan with clear next steps.

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 Township 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.

What to expect at your first visit:

  • Same-week appointments — most patients seen within 3-7 days of calling
  • Digital X-ray and ultrasound available on-site (no second trip)
  • Most insurance accepted — BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Cigna, HAP, Priority Health, Medicare
  • Conservative care first, with surgery only when truly needed
  • Written treatment plan with specific milestones
  • Offices in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan

Get Seen This Week at Balance Foot & Ankle

Three board-certified podiatrists · 1,123+ five-star reviews · same-week appointments · most insurance accepted.

Howell · 4330 E Grand River  |  Bloomfield Township · 43494 Woodward

More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials

Hoka Clifton 10

Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

The podiatrist-recommended over-the-counter orthotic.

OOFOS Recovery Slide

Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

General Foot Care - Balance Foot & Ankle

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 Township 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 Township

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If 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

Book online →  |  Meet Dr. Tom Biernacki →

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)

Shop Doctor Hoy’s →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.