Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
Access to foot and ankle care should not depend on your insurance type. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki is committed to serving patients throughout southeast Michigan regardless of their insurance status. Our team works with multiple Michigan Medicaid plans and can verify your coverage before your first appointment — so you know exactly what’s covered before you arrive.
Michigan Medicaid and Podiatry Coverage
Michigan Medicaid (now called Healthy Michigan Plan for Medicaid expansion enrollees and Medicaid for traditional enrollees) covers medically necessary podiatric services. Coverage typically includes: evaluation and management of foot conditions; X-rays and diagnostic imaging; treatment of infections, wounds, and ulcers; surgical procedures when medically indicated; diabetic foot care for qualifying enrollees; and nail care and callus management when medically necessary (not purely cosmetic).
Medicaid managed care plans — such as those administered by Molina Healthcare, Blue Cross Complete, HAP (Health Alliance Plan), McLaren Health Plan, Meridian Health Plan, and Priority Health — each have their own specific covered benefit details and authorization requirements. Our billing team is experienced with Michigan managed Medicaid plans and verifies your specific coverage before every visit.
Common Conditions Covered Under Michigan Medicaid
Michigan Medicaid typically covers podiatric evaluation and treatment for: plantar fasciitis and heel pain; ingrown toenails causing pain or infection; foot wounds and ulcers; ankle sprains and fractures; nail infections (paronychia); diabetic foot conditions; bunion and deformity evaluation; and foot conditions limiting ambulation or causing systemic health complications.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
When scheduling under Medicaid, bring your Medicaid card (physical or on your phone through the Michigan Medicaid app), a photo ID, and any referral documentation your plan requires. Some managed Medicaid plans require a primary care physician referral for specialist visits — check your plan documents or call our office and we’ll help you determine if a referral is needed.
Schedule a Medicaid Podiatry Appointment in Michigan
Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (734) 479-6200 to verify your Michigan Medicaid coverage and schedule an appointment. Our team handles insurance verification before your visit so there are no billing surprises. Same-week appointments are available at our southeast Michigan offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan Medicaid cover ingrown toenail removal?
Yes. Ingrown toenail removal is covered by Michigan Medicaid when the nail is causing pain, infection, or functional limitation — i.e., when it is medically necessary treatment. Purely cosmetic nail procedures are not covered. Call our office to verify your specific plan’s coverage for ingrown toenail treatment.
Does Medicaid cover custom orthotics in Michigan?
Medicaid coverage for custom orthotics varies significantly by plan. Some Michigan Medicaid managed care plans cover custom orthotics when prescribed by a physician for a qualifying diagnosis. Traditional Michigan Medicaid coverage for orthotics is more limited. Our team will verify your specific plan’s orthotic benefit before pursuing custom orthotic fabrication.
Does Michigan Medicaid require a referral to see a podiatrist?
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It depends on your specific Medicaid managed care plan. Some plans allow direct specialist access without a referral; others require primary care physician authorization. Traditional fee-for-service Medicaid typically does not require a referral. Call our office at (734) 479-6200 with your plan information and we’ll determine if a referral is needed for your visit.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Michigan’s Trusted Podiatry Specialists
With years of experience treating thousands of patients, our team delivers exceptional foot and ankle care. Whether it’s your first visit or ongoing treatment, we make every appointment count.
Clinical References
- Hunt KJ, et al. “Achilles tendon disorders.” Foot Ankle Clin. 2015;20(1):xi-xii.
- Cavanagh PR, Bus SA. “Off-loading the diabetic foot for ulcer prevention and healing.” Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127(Suppl 1):248S-256S.
- Martin RL, et al. “Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments.” J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013;43(9):A1-A40.
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Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentDr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)