Podiatrist Bay City MI 2026 | Balance Foot & Ankle
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI Last reviewed: May 2026
MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT
Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions across Southeast Michigan — but the most important factor in outcomes isn’t getting seen quickly. Our podiatrists explain what to do in the first 24-48 hours before your appointment that most patients skip entirely. Call (810) 206-1402 — expert podiatric care across Michigan.
Podiatrist Bay City Michigan Bay County Balance Foot Ankle treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8opvH3qxkW4
Dr. Tom Biernacki welcomes Bay City Michigan and Bay County patients to Balance Foot & Ankle for comprehensive foot and ankle care.
Podiatric Care for Bay City, Michigan Residents
Bay City is one of Michigan’s great historic communities — a Great Lakes port city with a proud industrial heritage and an active, multigenerational population. Balance Foot & Ankle with Dr. Tom Biernacki provides comprehensive foot and ankle care to patients from Bay City, Essexville, Monitor Township, Bangor Township, and surrounding Bay County communities. Our southeast Michigan practice delivers specialist-level podiatric care with the personal attention that distinguishes us from large hospital outpatient clinics.
Foot Conditions Treated for Bay County Patients
Bay County patients come to Dr. Biernacki with the full range of podiatric conditions. Plantar fasciitis and heel pain lead the list, along with bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot complications, ingrown toenails, fungal nails, ankle instability, flat feet, and sports injuries. Bay City’s aging population and significant diabetic community drive a meaningful volume of diabetic foot care, wound management, and lower extremity vascular assessment needs.
Diabetic Foot Care — A Priority for Bay County
Diabetes is prevalent in Bay County, and preventive podiatric care is the most effective tool available to diabetic patients for preventing foot ulcers, deep infections, and amputation. Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations, callus and nail care, prescription therapeutic footwear (covered by Medicare for qualifying patients), and wound care services. Consistent preventive visits — even between problems — are the single most impactful thing a diabetic patient can do for their long-term foot health.
Access and Insurance for Bay City Patients
Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major commercial Michigan insurance plans — making our care accessible to Bay City’s diverse community. Bay County patients drive south on I-75 to reach our southeast Michigan office. We offer early morning appointments to minimize the impact of travel on working patients’ schedules.
Schedule Your Bay City Appointment
Call (734) 479-0710 or book online. Bay County patients are always welcome at Balance Foot & Ankle. Same-week appointments are frequently available for urgent concerns. Don’t let distance be a barrier to getting the foot care you need — Dr. Biernacki’s team makes every visit worthwhile.
Dr. Tom's Product Recommendations
Dr. Comfort Wing Diabetic Shoe
⭐ Highly Rated
Medicare-approved extra-depth therapeutic shoe with seamless interior and removable insole — ideal for Bay City diabetic patients who qualify for prescription footwear benefits.
Dr. Tom says:“”My podiatrist got my Medicare diabetic shoes approved — these have eliminated the pressure sores I was getting in regular shoes.” — Bay City patient”
✅ Best for Bay City diabetic patients with Medicare or qualifying insurance needing therapeutic extra-depth footwear
⚠️ Not ideal for Non-diabetic patients who do not qualify for Medicare prescription footwear
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Powerstep Pinnacle Maxx Insoles
⭐ Highly Rated
Maximum support OTC orthotic with motion control shell — a strong first-line recommendation for Bay City patients with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or general heel pain.
Dr. Tom says:“”Dr. Biernacki recommended Powerstep as a starting point — my heel pain improved significantly in the first two weeks.” — Bay County patient”
✅ Best for Bay City patients with plantar fasciitis or flat feet wanting immediate OTC arch support
⚠️ Not ideal for Patients with significant deformity or diabetes requiring custom prescription orthotics
Disclosure: We earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ Pros / Benefits
Serving Bay City and all of Bay County
Medicare and Medicaid accepted
Priority diabetic foot care and Medicare footwear program
Accessible via I-75 from Bay City
❌ Cons / Risks
50–65 minute drive from Bay City via I-75
Some complex elective procedures require advance scheduling
Dr
Dr. Tom Biernacki’s Recommendation
Bay City patients drive a long way to see us and I never take that for granted. When a Bay County patient makes that trip, they get my full attention and a thorough evaluation — not a rushed appointment. The diabetic foot care I provide for Bay City patients is some of the most important work I do. If you’re a Bay County resident who needs foot care, make the drive — we’ll make it worth your while.
— Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Balance Foot & Ankle from Bay City, MI?
Bay City is approximately 50–65 minutes from our southeast Michigan office via I-75 southbound. We understand the drive is significant and make every effort to see Bay County patients efficiently while never rushing appointments.
Does Dr. Biernacki accept Medicare for Bay City patients?
Yes — we accept Medicare and Medicaid along with most major commercial Michigan insurance plans. Medicare diabetic footwear, diabetic foot care visits, and wound care are all covered for qualifying Bay City patients.
Can Bay City diabetic patients get Medicare shoes through Balance Foot & Ankle?
Yes — we provide comprehensive diabetic footwear services including Medicare-covered extra-depth therapeutic shoes and custom insoles for qualifying Bay County diabetic patients. Our staff handles all documentation and prior authorization requirements.
Does Balance Foot & Ankle see urgent patients from Bay County?
Yes — urgent foot concerns are prioritized regardless of patient location. Wounds, infections, acute fractures, and severe acute ankle injuries from Bay City can typically be seen same-day or next-day. Call our office directly for urgent concerns.
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.
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.
No referral is needed to see our podiatrist near Bay City. You can call or book online directly. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Blue Cross, Medicare, Aetna, Priority Health, and United Healthcare. We treat the full range of foot and ankle conditions including plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care, neuropathy, and sports injuries. Our board-certified DPM provides both conservative and surgical care. Same-week and urgent appointments are available for residents of the Bay City area.
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.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.