Expert Foot & Ankle Treatment from Michigan’s #1 Podiatrist - Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist

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Patient Information

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New Patient

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Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5 PM

Office Visits, Surgery Consultation, Telehealth & Home Care, Visits Available.
Bloomfield Office
(810) 206-1402
Howell Office
(810) 206-1402

List of Insurances Accepted

Our office accepts a variety of HMOs, PPOs, and other health plans for new patient, including:

  • Medicare
  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Medicaid
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Care Network
  • United Health Care
  • Aetna
  • Priority Health
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • Health Alliance Plan
  • Tri-Care
  • Tri-West

We encourage new patient to please call our office to verify acceptance of your insurance carrier if not listed.

New Patient Paperwork:

Your first visit to Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists establishes a vital foundation in our relationship with you.

  • During the visit, we make sure to obtain important background information (like your medical history) and give you time to get to know your doctor.
  • If this is your first visit, it may help download new patient paperwork and fill it out.
new patient

What you will need for your visit:

  • If you are a new patient, please arrive early at her appointment. Generally, people do need about 30 minutes for a visit.

 You will require the following:

  • Completed new patient forms. You can download them and fill them out on this page. Or you can show up 30 minutes early and fill them all in at the office. We would be glad to print them out for you if you have any issues.
  • Driver’s license or state ID.
  • Referral: specifically, for blue care network (BCN) and certain other types of insurances depending on your plan.
  • Insurance information.
  • Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans may be relevant to treating your foot and ankle problem.
  • An up-to-date list of current medications and any known allergies.
  • We know that this is a lot to ask! But these are legally required, and they are necessary to provide a comprehensive health plan for you.

How to schedule an appointment:

  • The easiest way is to call any of the offices you wish to visit.
  • If you are having an emergency, you must emphasize this to the nurse.
  • We do occasionally get swamped; the wait time may be numerous weeks.
  • But if you have an urgent problem, we will always make sure to get you in as soon as possible.

What is an urgent problem?

We will always make get you in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you have:

  1. Infections, even if you are just concerned that you may be having an infection. Do not risk losing a toe or your foot over the fear of being wrong.
  2. Severe pain, and you don’t know how long you can last.
  3. Emergencies keeping you off work and are time-sensitive matters.
  4. Broken bones. Even a concern for a broken bone.
  5. Any type of wound or potential infection.
  6. Suspicion of torn or injured tendon.
  7. Any open wound or diabetes-related injury.
  8. If you are a high-risk patient with diabetes, dialysis, or significant heart problems. Even small problems can be emergencies for you.
  9. An ingrown toenail with some drainage. This can be a severe problem that can lead to a bone infection.

Insurance information:

  • We accept most major insurance plans.
  • Fees and payments: if you have any specific questions, please call our office and speak to the receptionist.
  • We want to do our best not to nickel and dime you, but please do your best to let us know in advance at least 24 hours if you cannot make her appointment.
  • We understand that things come up in life, we will not harshly go after you for payment. But please be respectful of our other patients as sometimes we do have a long wait time, and occasionally, a slot can go unfilled as a result.

What to Expect:

  • Being well-prepared for your first appointment will ensure that the doctor has all the needed information to provide you with the best possible care.
  • It also will help relieve any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling.
  • Many patients write down their questions ahead of time to be sure not to forget what they want to talk to the doctor about.
  • You may find the patient library on our website useful as it addresses many common foot/ankle problems.
  • It may also be helpful to review our physician pages and familiarize yourself with our doctors. We look forward to meeting you.

Mission Statement:

  • Our goal is to work together with you to provide excellent podiatric care.

To fulfill this mission, we are committed to:

  • Listening to those we are privileged to serve.
  • Earning the trust and respect of patients, fellow professionals, and our community.
  • Exceeding patient expectations.
  • Ensuring a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

Former Patients:

  • Medical records of patients who have not been seen by one of our doctors in more than two years have been archived.
  • You may be required to complete New Patient Paperwork on a subsequent visit. Welcome Back! 

Becoming a new patient at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist is an easy and reassuring experience. From the moment you book your appointment, our team works to ensure you’re fully informed and supported. Here’s how we help new patients feel confident about their care.

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we’re committed to making your first visit simple, smooth, and stress-free. Whether you’re dealing with chronic foot pain or a recent ankle injury, our expert podiatrists in Michigan and Oakland County are here to help. As a new patient, you’ll receive comprehensive care tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and long-term health goals. Let us walk beside you—step by step.

Meet Our Podiatrists – Experts Who Truly Care

Seamless Scheduling With Supportive Staff

Our podiatrists believe great care starts even before your first visit. That’s why we offer easy online booking and digital forms—so you can focus on your health, not the paperwork.

Dedicated One-on-One Consultation

From your very first appointment, you’ll be welcomed by a skilled foot and ankle specialist who takes the time to listen, assess your concerns thoroughly, and explain your diagnosis in a clear and compassionate way.

Clear Guidance on Insurance & Payments

Our doctors and team work closely with major insurance providers and ensure you understand every step of your care, including costs. No surprises—just transparency and peace of mind.

A Personalized, Long-Term Care Plan

Every podiatrist at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist is committed to long-term healing. Whether you need orthotics, rehabilitation, or advanced treatment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Dr Tom Biernacki Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist

Get to Know Dr. Tom Biernacki

Dr. Tom Biernacki is a highly respected podiatrist and the trusted provider behind Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Michigan. Known for his compassionate approach and commitment to advanced foot and ankle care, Dr. Biernacki combines years of clinical expertise with the latest technology to help patients recover quickly and comfortably. Whether treating ingrown toenails, heel pain, or complex surgical cases, his patient-first philosophy ensures every individual receives personalized, effective care.

Dr Carl Jay Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist Podiatrist

Get to Know Dr. Carl Jay

Dr. Carl Jay is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Michigan, bringing over a decade of experience in podiatric medicine. A graduate of Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, he completed his surgical residency at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Michigan, focusing on elective foot and ankle procedures, trauma, wound care, and lower extremity reconstruction. He is dedicated to delivering expert, compassionate care that helps patients move better and live better.

Why New Patients Trust Balance Foot & Ankle

Precision Medicine. Compassionate Care. Trusted Results.

Alex Hyman
Alex Hyman
Just watched a youtube video on "Cuboid Syndrome Treatment" by Michigan Foot Doctors and I think the suggested treatment in the video has almost instantly healed my foot!
Doug Gosa
Doug Gosa
Amazingly thorough! Astoundingly effective results! If you’re in their area - they need to be your people!!!
Joseph Russo
Joseph Russo
I'm 54 years old, and I'm always enlighten by the info I get from this channel. We can never stop learning to better our health.
Monika Vorberg
Monika Vorberg
Watched the video on cuboid syndrome after suffering mild ache down the side of my left foot for a few months. It’s got to the point where I was considering a podiatrist visit, but thought I’d try and see what it could be. Found this video, tried the exercise, felt the tiniest of nudges in my foot…stopped wiggling and I’m cautiously optimistic that it’s done the trick! Amazing if so, THANK YOU!
Audrey R.
Audrey R.
I watched this video and it helped so much. Great explanation and guidance. I've just ordered new walking shoes and an ankle brace the Doc recommended. Maybe I'll be able to resume my walking again. Maybe now I can have my husband try to fix it next time. Highly recommend Dr. Biernacki. He uses plain language and explains so well! Thank you, Doc!
Katharina Jhon
Katharina Jhon
Dear Michigan Doctor I respect your films; we learn a lot. Your teaching is a lifesaver. Billion Menschen has problems, with aging, etc. This is the fastest and best way for us to know more about what to do!! Without you, half the planet's population would be dead or in wheelchairs!!! THANK YOU, DOCTOR,
Harold Steggal
Harold Steggal
I just broke my pinky toe on my right foot yesterday 😡 for the third time. You all are suggesting that I go to the doctor?! THIS is a rural area of poplar bluff Missouri and they are just going to take X-rays and send me on my way back home. I like the video BTW you taught me how to wrap my toes together. I appreciate it. Maybe 😏, if it turns purple on my toe. I'll listen to you and head over to the doctor and have it checked out. Tysvm.

More Ways We Can Help Your Feet

Complete Foot & Ankle Support, All in One Place.

Injury, Pain & Joint Conditions

Are You a New Patient? We’ve Got Answers!

Bring your ID, insurance card, referral (if needed), a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records.

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.

Yes! You can download and complete our new patient forms online before your appointment.

We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office or check our Insurance page for a full list.

You’ll receive a thorough foot and ankle evaluation, discuss your symptoms, and work with the doctor on a treatment plan.

First visits typically take 30–45 minutes depending on your condition and treatment needs.

We offer in-office digital X-rays and imaging if needed during your visit.

Yes, we provide podiatric care for patients of all ages, including children.

Call our office at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule or cancel your appointment.

We recommend scheduling in advance to ensure we can accommodate you, but feel free to call about same-day availability.

Yes, we offer telehealth for select conditions. Contact us to see if your case qualifies.