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New Patient
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5 PM
Office Visits, Surgery Consultation, Telehealth & Home Care, Visits Available.
(810) 206-1402
(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.

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:
- 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.
- Severe pain, and you don’t know how long you can last.
- Emergencies keeping you off work and are time-sensitive matters.
- Broken bones. Even a concern for a broken bone.
- Any type of wound or potential infection.
- Suspicion of torn or injured tendon.
- Any open wound or diabetes-related injury.
- If you are a high-risk patient with diabetes, dialysis, or significant heart problems. Even small problems can be emergencies for you.
- 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.

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.

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.







More Ways We Can Help Your Feet
Complete Foot & Ankle Support, All in One Place.
General Foot Care
- Toenail Trimming
- Senior Toenail Cutting & Trimming Services
- Podiatrist Pedicure
- Medical Pedicure
- Trimming of Corns
- Trimming of Calluses & Treatment of Pressure Blisters
- Dry Skin, Eczema, and Athlete’s Foot Treatment
- Prescription Refills
Advanced Therapies & Injections
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- EPAT Therapy
- Cold Laser Therapy (In-Office)
- MLS Laser Therapy (Multi-Wave Locked System)
- Laser Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy
- Foot & Ankle Injections (Steroid or Natural Solutions)
Orthotics & Shoe Fitting
- Custom Orthotics for Children and Adults (In-Office)
- Over-the-Counter Orthotics for Children and Adults
- Orthotics Fitting
- Extra-Depth Shoes for Diabetic Patients
- Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic Foot Care
Injury, Pain & Joint Conditions
- Management of Foot & Ankle Fractures (e.g., Walking Boots for Broken Toes/Feet)
- Heel Pain (Heel Spur / Plantar Fasciltis)
- Gout Treatment
Virtual Care & Convenience
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.