Welcome to Balance Foot & Ankle — here is what to expect, what to bring, and how to get the most from your first visit. Most new-patient appointments are available within 24-48 hours.
You’re in the right place. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — board-certified foot & ankle surgeon with 3,000+ surgeries — explains exactly what new patient information at Balance Foot & Ankle means and what works. Call (810) 206-1402 for same-day appointment at Howell or Bloomfield Hills.
Ready to book? Skip the wait.
Same-week new-patient appointments at Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Most insurances accepted. Live insurance verification on the call. Most patients see a doctor within 5–7 days.
📞 Call (810) 206-1402📅 Book Online
★ 4.9/5 · 1,100+ Google reviews · BCBSM, Medicare, HAP, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, BCN, Aetna Better Health
🛒 DR. TOM’S RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
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★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Balance Foot & Ankle Michigan
New Patient Information
Board-certified podiatrists in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 4.9★ rated · Same-week appointments · Most insurance accepted · (810) 206-1402.
Watch: A Welcome Message From Dr. Tom Biernacki
Before your first visit, take 2 minutes to meet Dr. Tom and see what to expect at Balance Foot & Ankle. We want every new patient to walk in feeling informed and confident.
★ Start Here · 2-Minute Intake
Request Your First Appointment
Fill out the form and our team will confirm your appointment within 1 business hour. Same-week slots available at both Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
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☎ (810) 206-1402New Patient Intake
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New Patient Welcome
Your First Visit Starts Here
Same-week appointments. Most insurance accepted. Three board-certified specialists ready to help. Getting started at Balance Foot & Ankle is easy.
Two Offices. One Practice.
Board-certified podiatrists · Same-week appointments · Free parking at both offices
Balance Foot & Ankle
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Mon–Thu 8am–5pm · Fri 8am–3pm
Balance Foot & Ankle
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Mon–Thu 8am–5pm · Fri 8am–3pm
Your First Visit, Step By Step
No guesswork. No high-pressure sales. Just straight answers and a plan.
Book
30 seconds online or (810) 206-1402. Same-week slots held daily.
Meet
Sit with a board-certified podiatrist. Imaging same visit if you need it.
Plan
Straight talk on what’s actually causing your pain — and your options.
Relief
Conservative first. Surgery only when it’s the right answer. Most patients feel better fast.
How It Works
4 Easy Steps to Pain Relief
No long waits, no runaround. Most patients go from phone call to treatment plan in one visit.
Book Online or Call
Use the form above or call (810) 206-1402. We’ll find a time within the same week.
Complete Paperwork Online
Digital intake forms take about 10 minutes. No clipboard surprises. We verify your insurance before you arrive.
Your Examination
Your doctor listens, examines, and explains your diagnosis in plain English. Questions are always encouraged.
Your Treatment Plan
Leave with a clear plan, realistic timeline, and direct access to your care team. Many treatments begin the same visit.
Be Prepared
What to Bring to Your First Visit
Why Balance Foot & Ankle
What Makes Us Different
We built this practice specifically because we believe patients deserve better.
💬
Doctors Who Listen
No 5-minute rushed visits. Every new patient gets thorough time with their doctor. Your questions matter here.
★
1,123+ Five-Star Reviews
Our patients rate us 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google. Read their stories — they’ll tell you what we can’t.
🎓
Board-Certified Surgeons
Three board-certified foot and ankle surgeons with 3,000+ combined procedures. Fellowship-trained expertise.
📅
Same-Week Appointments
No waiting weeks or months. Most new patients are seen within the same week they call.
🎓
950K+ YouTube Subscribers
Dr. Tom runs the largest podiatry channel on YouTube. When your doctor educates millions, you know they understand your condition.
🛡
Insurance Made Easy
We verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. BCBS, Aetna, UHC, Cigna, Medicare, and more.
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
Not sure if we take your plan? Call (810) 206-1402 and we’ll verify your benefits.
Ready to Get Started?
Same-week appointments. Most insurance accepted. Three board-certified specialists ready for you.
Your Care Team
Three Board-Certified Specialists
Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, FACFAS
Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Triple board-certified. 3,000+ surgeries. Biomechanics expert. Michigan’s most-watched podiatrist (950K+ YouTube subscribers).
Dr. Carl Jay DPM
Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Fellowship-trained in advanced reconstruction. The surgeon other surgeons refer their toughest cases to.
Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM, AACFAS
Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Henry Ford Health trained. Exceptional with patients, kids, families, and diabetic foot care. Bloomfield Hills specialist.
Our Locations
Two Convenient Michigan Offices
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River AveHowell, MI 48843
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Mon-Thu 8am-5pm · Fri 8am-3pm
Office Details →Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Phone: (810) 206-1402
Mon-Thu 8am-5pm · Fri 8am-3pm
Office Details →Schedule Your Appointment
Request Your Appointment Now
Complete the form below and our team will confirm your appointment within 1 business hour.
Or call us directly: (810) 206-1402
Trusted by 50,000+ Michigan patients
Hospital Affiliations: Trinity Health Michigan · Corewell Health · Henry Ford Health
New Patient Information — Balance Foot & Ankle
Everything you need to know before your first visit: what to expect, how to prepare, insurance accepted, and how to get the most out of your podiatry appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for my first podiatry appointment?
Arrive 10 minutes early, complete paperwork online in advance if possible, bring your insurance card and photo ID, bring a list of current medications, bring any prior X-rays or imaging, and wear the shoes you wear daily. Nail polish should be removed if you’re being seen for a nail or toenail condition.
What happens during a new patient podiatry visit?
Your first visit includes a comprehensive health history review, physical examination of your feet and ankles, gait analysis, weight-bearing X-rays if indicated, and a detailed discussion of your diagnosis and treatment plan. Most first visits are 30–45 minutes. You’ll leave with a clear plan.
Can I book a same-day or urgent appointment?
Yes — we reserve urgent care slots for acute injuries (fractures, infections, severe pain). Call (810) 206-1402 as early as possible for same-day needs. Online booking is available 24/7 for routine and follow-up appointments. We do our best to see urgent cases the same day they call.
Ready to book? It takes 60 seconds.
Same-week appointments at Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Have your insurance card ready — we verify benefits live on the call. Same-day slots available for acute foot pain, infections, and ingrown toenails.
★ 4.9 / 5 from 1,100+ Google reviews · BCBSM, Medicare, HAP, Aetna, Cigna, UHC accepted
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.
Foot pain typically responds best to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments such as supportive footwear and targeted physical therapy, and—when needed—custom orthotics or in-office procedures. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a structured treatment plan. Schedule an evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office for a clinical assessment.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Book Your Visit