★ New Patient Welcome · Same-Week Appointments
Your First Visit at Balance Foot & Ankle
Three board-certified podiatric surgeons. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Most insurance accepted. We confirm within 1 business hour.
Watch Before Your Visit
Meet Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Michigan’s most-watched podiatrist · 950K+ YouTube subscribers · 156M+ views
Request Your Appointment
Fill out the form below and our team will confirm your appointment within 1 business hour. Required fields are marked.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 1,123+ Patients · All Insurance Verified Free · HIPAA-Secure Form
Why Patients Choose Us
Trusted by 50,000+ Michigan Patients
When you choose Balance Foot & Ankle, you choose Michigan’s highest-rated podiatry practice. Here is what makes us different.
Doctors Who Listen
No 5-minute rushed visits. Every patient gets a complete exam, a clear diagnosis, and time to ask every question.
Same-Week Appointments
Most new patients are seen within the same week. Many same-day slots for acute foot or ankle pain.
Conservative-First Care
Surgery is the last resort, not the first option. Most patients get relief with non-surgical treatment.
Triple Board-Certified
All three doctors are board-certified podiatric surgeons. 3,000+ surgeries performed across our team.
Insurance Verified Free
We verify your benefits at no charge before your visit. No surprise bills — you know your cost upfront.
Educational Approach
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s 950K+ YouTube subscribers learn from him. You get that same teaching at every appointment.
Meet Your Care Team
Three Specialists. One Practice.
Every doctor at Balance Foot & Ankle is fellowship-trained or board-certified in podiatric surgery — and each one brings a different superpower to your care.
Michigan’s most-watched podiatrist with 950K+ YouTube subscribers and 156M+ views. Lapiplasty-certified bunion surgeon. Patients fly from across the U.S. for his revision surgeries.
Learn about Dr. Tom →
Takes the cases other surgeons refer. Specializes in complex reconstructive foot and ankle procedures including revision surgeries, flatfoot correction, and difficult ankle arthritis.
Learn about Dr. Jay →
Known for the gentlest hands in Michigan — anxious patients specifically request her. Bilingual (English & Russian). Special focus on women’s foot health, pediatric conditions, and minimally invasive care.
Learn about Dr. Gutkin →Patient Reviews
4.9 Stars from 1,123+ Patients
Real reviews from real patients across our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Read all 1,123 reviews on Google →
“After years of being dismissed by other doctors, Dr. Tom finally listened. The treatment plan he created actually worked — I’m walking pain-free for the first time in 5 years.”
“Dr. Gutkin is incredibly gentle and explained everything. I’ve been terrified of podiatrists my whole life and she made me actually comfortable. Best medical experience I’ve ever had.”
“Got me in same week for a bunion that two other surgeons told me to live with. Dr. Jay did a beautiful Lapiplasty correction. I walked out the same day and was back to normal in weeks.”
What to Expect
Your First Visit, Step by Step
From booking to walking out with a treatment plan — here is exactly what happens at your first appointment.
Submit the form above or call (810) 206-1402. Most patients book within 60 seconds.
Our team verifies your benefits and confirms your appointment within 1 business hour. No surprise bills.
Your podiatrist takes a complete history, examines your feet, and uses digital X-ray on site if needed.
You leave with a clear, written treatment plan. Many issues resolve in a single visit.
Before Your Visit
What to Bring
Simple checklist to make your first visit smooth and efficient. None of these are required — we can verify everything for you on the spot.
Two Convenient Offices
Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Both offices offer the same three board-certified doctors, same-week availability, and free parking.
Howell, MI 48843 ☎ (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 8 AM – 5 PM · Free parking on site.
Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302 ☎ (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 8 AM – 5 PM · Free parking on site.
Insurance
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
We verify your benefits at no charge before your visit. If we’re out of network, we’ll tell you upfront. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific plan.
New Patient FAQ
Common Questions
How quickly can I be seen?
Most new patients are seen within the same week. Many same-day appointments are available for acute issues like ingrown toenails, severe heel pain, or sudden ankle injuries.
Do I need a referral?
Most insurance plans in Michigan do not require a referral to see a podiatrist. HMO plans like Priority Health HMO or BCN HMO may require a PCP referral — we’ll verify and help coordinate when you call.
How much does a new patient visit cost?
Most visits are covered by insurance — you pay only your normal co-pay. Self-pay new patient visits typically range $150–$250. We verify your benefits at no charge before your appointment.
Can I bring my child?
Yes — we treat patients of all ages. Dr. Daria Gutkin has special expertise in pediatric foot conditions including flat feet, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and warts.
What if I’m anxious about the visit?
Dr. Daria Gutkin is specifically requested by anxious patients for her gentle, patient-centered approach. Let us know your concerns when you call and we’ll match you with the right doctor.
What if I need surgery?
Our doctors have performed 3,000+ surgeries. We never recommend surgery first — conservative care comes first. If surgery becomes necessary, you’ll have time to research, ask questions, and decide.