Quick answer: New Patient Podiatry Michigan What To Know is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — Board-certified podiatrist & foot surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle | Last updated: May 2026
Your first podiatry visit at Balance Foot & Ankle takes 30–45 minutes. Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and wear or bring the shoes you wear most often. You’ll receive a complete foot and gait evaluation, a clear diagnosis, and a specific treatment plan — often including same-day treatment. No referral is needed for most insurances.
What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Visit
Many patients come to us having never seen a podiatrist before, or having seen one years ago and unsure what a modern podiatry appointment looks like. Here’s what the visit actually involves — and how to get the most out of it.
What to Bring: New Patient Checklist
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Insurance card & photo ID | We verify coverage on-site — most plans accepted |
| List of current medications | Blood thinners, steroids, and diabetic meds affect treatment options |
| Shoes you wear most | Wear pattern and shoe type are key diagnostic clues |
| Prior imaging if available | X-rays, MRI reports — saves time and repeat costs |
| Health history summary | Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and circulation issues change foot care significantly |
| Completed new patient forms | Available online — complete in advance to use your appointment time for evaluation |
What Happens During the Appointment
A first visit at Balance Foot & Ankle follows a structured sequence designed to reach an accurate diagnosis as efficiently as possible:
- Health history review — Dr. Tom will ask about onset, severity, what makes symptoms better or worse, previous treatments, and relevant medical conditions
- Gait analysis — how you walk reveals biomechanical problems that static examination misses; we assess foot strike, arch collapse, ankle stability, and hip compensation patterns
- Structural examination — range of motion, joint stability, soft tissue palpation, and skin/nail assessment
- In-office X-rays if needed — digital X-ray is available at both locations; no separate radiology appointment required
- Diagnosis and treatment plan — you’ll leave knowing exactly what’s wrong and what we recommend, with a clear explanation of why
Common Conditions Treated at a First Visit
Most patients arrive with one of these presentations — all of which can be addressed at the first appointment:
- Heel pain (plantar fasciitis or Achilles) — the most common podiatry complaint; typically responds well to conservative care initiated same-day
- Ingrown toenails — can be treated with a simple in-office procedure under local anesthetic; most patients walk out pain-free
- Diabetic foot evaluation — annual screening recommended for all diabetics; includes monofilament test, circulation check, and wound inspection
- Bunions and hammertoes — evaluated for severity, functional impact, and surgical vs. conservative candidacy
- Sports injuries — ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendon pain; X-ray and functional assessment determine the treatment path
- Toenail fungus — examined and cultured if needed; treatment options include prescription topicals, oral antifungals, and laser
Watch: How Custom Orthotics & Foot Care Work at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the tools and treatments available at your first visit — including custom orthotics, in-office procedures, and what makes a podiatry evaluation different from a general practitioner assessment:
The most common mistake new patients make is describing symptoms vaguely — “my foot hurts” — without bringing their shoes or noting when the pain started. The more specific you can be, the faster we can diagnose accurately. Write down your symptoms before the visit: when it started, what makes it worse, what you’ve already tried, and how it’s affecting your daily activities. Patients who come prepared get more out of their appointment and typically need fewer follow-ups to reach resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist in Michigan?
Most insurance plans in Michigan — including BCBS, United Healthcare, Priority Health, HAP, and Medicare — do not require a referral to see a podiatrist for most conditions. HMO plans may require a primary care referral for non-urgent visits. If you’re unsure, call your insurance directly or contact our office at (810) 206-1402 and we’ll help verify your coverage before you arrive.
How long does a first podiatry appointment take?
Plan for 30–45 minutes for a first visit at Balance Foot & Ankle. If X-rays are needed, add 10–15 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically 15–20 minutes. If you have multiple foot or ankle concerns, let us know when scheduling so we can allocate enough time to address everything properly.
Will I need to come back for multiple visits?
Many conditions are treated definitively at the first appointment — ingrown toenail procedures, injections, and orthotic casting are all done in a single visit. Conditions requiring physical therapy, custom orthotics (which need fabrication time), or surgical consultation will involve follow-up. Dr. Tom will be specific about the expected visit count and timeline at your first appointment so you can plan accordingly.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Balance Foot & Ankle offers self-pay pricing for uninsured patients. Costs vary by service — a basic evaluation with X-rays is significantly less expensive than an ER or urgent care visit for the same complaint. Call (810) 206-1402 to ask about current self-pay rates before scheduling. We believe everyone deserves access to quality foot care regardless of insurance status.
Can I bring a family member to my appointment?
Yes — you’re welcome to bring a family member or caregiver to your appointment. For patients with diabetes, neuropathy, or complex health conditions, having a second person present to help remember the treatment plan and follow-up instructions is often beneficial. Please let us know at check-in so we can prepare adequate seating in the exam room.
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?
Same-day appointments at Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM — 4.9 stars, 1,123 reviews, 3,000+ procedures. Most insurances accepted. No referral needed for most plans.
Book a Same-Day Visit (810) 206-1402Related Articles
- When to See a Podiatrist: Signs Your Foot Problem Needs Care
- Custom Orthotics in Michigan
- Plantar Fasciitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Diabetic Foot Care: What Every Patient Needs to Know
- Ingrown Toenail Treatment & Prevention
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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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.
APMA: Preparing for Your First Podiatry Appointment
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.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.