Board Certified Podiatrists | Expert Foot & Ankle Care
(810) 206-1402 Patient Portal

4.9★ · 1,123+ PATIENT REVIEWS · BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRIC SURGEONS · SAME-WEEK APPOINTMENTS

Schedule Your First Appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle

See a board-certified foot and ankle specialist at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office. Most major insurance accepted. Same-week availability for new patients in Livingston and Oakland County.

Prefer to book online? Fill out the form below ↓

✓ Board Certified · ABFAS & ABPS ✓ 3,000+ Surgeries Performed ✓ 4.9★ · 1,123 Google Reviews ✓ Same-Week Appointments ✓ Most Insurance Accepted ✓ Two Convenient Locations

Your First Visit — Simple as 3 Steps

We’ve designed our new patient process to be fast, clear, and stress-free. Most patients are seen within the same week.

01
Call or Book Online

Call (810) 206-1402 or fill out the form below. Our team will confirm your appointment — usually within the same week — at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

02
Brief Intake & Exam

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of current medications. We’ll review your history and examine your foot or ankle. No rushed visits — we’ll actually listen to your concerns.

03
Same-Day Diagnosis & Plan

In most cases, you’ll leave with a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan on the same visit — whether that’s conservative care, orthotics, or a surgical referral if needed.

Request Your Appointment

Fill out the form below and our team will contact you within one business day to confirm. Prefer to call? Reach us at (810) 206-1402. We serve patients throughout Livingston County (Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton) and Oakland County (Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills).

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Having these items ready helps us make the most of your appointment time.

📄 Insurance card and a valid photo ID
💊 List of current medications and dosages
📋 Any prior X-rays, MRI reports, or imaging
🖂 Shoes you wear most often (athletic, work, dress)
🤣 Referral form if required by your insurance plan
💰 Co-pay (check, cash, or card — all accepted)

Insurance We Accept

We accept most major insurance plans. Call us at (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific coverage before your visit.

Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
United Healthcare
Cigna
Medicare
Medicaid / Meridian
Priority Health
HAP (Health Alliance Plan)
Blue Care Network
McLaren Health
Humana
TriCare / Veterans

Don’t see your plan? Call us — we likely accept it. Call (810) 206-1402

Two Convenient Michigan Locations

Choose the office closest to you. Both locations offer same-week appointments for new patients.

Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Serving: Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, South Lyon, Livingston County
📍 Get Directions 📞 (810) 206-1402
Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Serving: Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, Oakland County
📍 Get Directions 📞 (810) 206-1402

Meet Your Care Team

Three board-certified podiatric surgeons, each with a distinct specialty — so you get the right doctor for your specific problem.

Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM FACFAS - Podiatrist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills Michigan
Dr. Tom Biernacki
DPM, FACFAS · Founder

Left a busy hospital system to build a patient-first practice. 943K YouTube subscribers. 3,000+ surgeries. Known for taking the cases other doctors avoid.

Meet Dr. Tom →
Dr. Carl Jay DPM - Podiatric Surgeon in Howell and Bloomfield Hills Michigan
Dr. Carl Jay
DPM · Fellowship-Trained Surgeon

Fellowship-trained in reconstructive surgery. Handles the cases other surgeons refer out — revision surgery, complex deformities, and ankle reconstruction.

Meet Dr. Jay →
Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM - Podiatrist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills Michigan
Dr. Daria Gutkin
DPM · Foot & Ankle Specialist

Known as the most reassuring physician in the practice. Patients who fear procedures specifically request Dr. Gutkin for her gentle, thorough approach.

Meet Dr. Gutkin →

What New Patients Say

4.9 ★★★★★ from 1,123+ Google Reviews
★★★★★

“I had been dismissed by two other doctors for my heel pain. Dr. Biernacki was the first one who actually took X-rays, explained exactly what was happening, and gave me a real treatment plan. I walked out with answers for the first time in two years.”

— Sarah M., Brighton, MI
★★★★★

“Dr. Gutkin was incredibly patient with me. I was terrified of the procedure but she walked me through every step and I felt zero pain. The staff got me in within 3 days. I wish I’d found this practice sooner.”

— Robert T., Troy, MI
★★★★★

“Dr. Jay fixed my ankle that another surgeon said was ‘inoperable.’ His fellowship training is evident. I’m back to running after three years of not being able to walk without pain. Can’t recommend this team enough.”

— Jennifer K., West Bloomfield, MI

READY TO GET YOUR LIFE BACK?

Same-Week Appointments Available

Our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices are accepting new patients. Call now or book online.

Balance Foot & Ankle • (810) 206-1402 • Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI

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