Podiatrist Testimonials & Reviews

Quick answer: Need a podiatrist’s opinion on this? Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointments in Howell or Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O93-_JHC5YQ

Podiatrist Testimonials

What Michigan Patients Say About Balance Foot & Ankle

At Balance Foot & Ankle, we measure our success by the outcomes our Michigan patients achieve and the experiences they share. Patients from across Livingston County, Oakland County, and greater Southeast Michigan consistently highlight the same qualities when describing their care at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices: thorough evaluations that identify the actual cause of their foot problem rather than treating generic symptoms; treatment plans explained clearly with realistic expectations; and follow-through that resolves foot problems rather than managing them indefinitely.

Michigan patients who came to Balance Foot & Ankle after trying other providers frequently note that our approach to diagnosis — using weight-bearing X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and a detailed physical examination — identified what was actually causing their pain after years of empirical treatment that had not worked. Patients with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, bunions, hammertoes, ankle instability, neuropathy, and diabetic foot complications have found both conservative and surgical solutions at our practice that matched their specific needs.

Michigan patients who would like to experience the Balance Foot & Ankle approach to podiatric care are welcome to call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell office (4330 E Grand River, serving Livingston County) or our Bloomfield Township office (43494 Woodward Ave #208, serving Oakland County). Same-week new patient appointments are available. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans.

Scheduling Michigan Podiatric Care: Same-Week Appointments at Balance Foot & Ankle

Michigan patients with new or ongoing foot and ankle concerns can access expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle with same-week new patient appointments at both our Howell location (4330 E Grand River, serving Livingston County patients) and our Bloomfield Township location (43494 Woodward Ave #208, serving Oakland County and northern Metro Detroit). Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons bring deep clinical and surgical expertise to a patient population ranging from young athletes with sports injuries to elderly patients requiring diabetic foot surveillance and wound care. We provide in-office digital X-ray at both locations for same-visit imaging, musculoskeletal ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation, and the full range of conservative and surgical treatment options for foot and ankle conditions. Michigan patients who have questions about whether their foot problem requires podiatric care are welcome to call (810) 206-1402 — our team will help determine whether an appointment is appropriate and schedule at the most convenient location.

Michigan Foot Care Coverage: Insurance and Medicare at Balance Foot & Ankle

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients can receive podiatric care covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Our insurance verification team confirms benefits before every new patient appointment, providing clear information about anticipated copays, deductible responsibility, and any prior authorization requirements. For Medicare patients, we provide coverage for medically necessary foot care services including diabetic foot examinations, treatment of foot conditions related to systemic disease, nail debridement when self-care is contraindicated by systemic disease, custom orthotics when medically indicated, and the Therapeutic Shoe Benefit for qualifying diabetic patients. Michigan patients with questions about insurance coverage for specific foot care services can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to speak with our insurance verification team before scheduling.

Balance Foot & Ankle: Michigan’s Podiatric Care Resource for Complex Foot and Ankle Problems

---

Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
• Bunion Treatment

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients with complex, chronic, or previously unresolved foot and ankle problems find the combination of thorough diagnosis and comprehensive treatment that gets results. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons have the clinical depth to manage cases ranging from simple nail care and orthotics to complex reconstructive surgery, Charcot foot reconstruction, and diabetic limb salvage. We use diagnostic imaging — weight-bearing digital X-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and MRI coordination — to establish accurate diagnoses rather than treating symptom patterns empirically. Our Michigan patients include self-pay patients, Medicare beneficiaries, patients with commercial insurance, and patients referred by primary care, endocrinology, vascular surgery, and orthopedics practices throughout Southeast Michigan. Both our Howell office (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township office (43494 Woodward Ave #208) offer accessible parking, modern facilities, and a patient-centered practice environment. Michigan patients ready to address their foot or ankle condition definitively can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a new patient appointment.

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

Clinical References

1. Manary MP, Boulding W, Staelin R, Glickman SW. The patient experience and health outcomes. N Engl J Med. 2013;368(3):201-203.
2. Tsai TC, Orav EJ, Jha AK. Patient satisfaction and quality of surgical care in US hospitals. Ann Surg. 2015;261(1):2-8.
3. Doyle C, Lennox L, Bell D. A systematic review of evidence on the links between patient experience and clinical safety and effectiveness. BMJ Open. 2013;3(1):e001570.

Podiatrist-Recommended Products

🏆 Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Top recommendation for reducing foot pain and inflammation naturally.

PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles — Physician-grade arch support in an OTC package.

CURREX Support Insoles — Dynamic arch support in multiple profiles.

Get Expert Help at Balance Foot & Ankle

If this condition is affecting your daily activities or hasn’t improved with home treatment, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tom Biernacki. We offer same-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township locations and accept most insurance including Medicare. Most patients are walking comfortably within 4-6 weeks of starting our protocol — conservative care first, surgery only when needed.

Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Our team responds within 1 business hour during clinic days.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. 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.

More questions patients ask

What should patients expect from their first visit to a podiatrist?

At your first visit to Balance Foot & Ankle, you can expect: a thorough intake review of your medical history, current medications, and chief complaints; comprehensive foot and ankle examination including skin, nails, vascular assessment (pulses), neurological screening (sensation testing), biomechanical evaluation (foot structure, gait), and range of motion; digital X-rays when clinically indicated (taken in-office for immediate results); a clear diagnosis with explanation in plain language; a treatment plan with options and honest discussion of expected outcomes; and time for your questions — the physicians don't rush through appointments. Most patients leave with a diagnosis and a treatment plan on the first visit. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208), Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM provide comprehensive podiatric care — call (810) 206-1402.

Why do patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle for podiatric care?

Patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle for several reasons: comprehensive expertise — treating the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions from routine nail care to complex reconstructive surgery; advanced diagnostics in-office (digital X-ray, ultrasound); both conservative and surgical treatment options without referral delays; convenient locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) serving patients from across southeast Michigan; a patient-first approach — taking time to explain conditions and treatment options clearly; accept most major insurances including Medicare and Medicaid; experienced team — Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, and Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM bring extensive training and ongoing education to their practice. Call (810) 206-1402.

What conditions do patients at Balance Foot & Ankle most commonly get treated for?

The most common conditions treated at Balance Foot & Ankle include: plantar fasciitis and heel pain (the most common foot complaint), diabetic foot care and wound management, toenail conditions (onychomycosis, ingrown toenails, nail deformities), ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendon conditions, bunions and hammertoes, custom orthotics for flat feet, overpronation, and sports injuries, peripheral neuropathy evaluation and management, warts and skin conditions of the foot, metatarsalgia and Morton's neuroma, and post-surgical follow-up and rehabilitation. The practice sees patients of all ages from children with developmental foot concerns to seniors with complex diabetic foot needs. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208) — call (810) 206-1402.

Does Balance Foot & Ankle offer same-day appointments?

Yes — Balance Foot & Ankle prioritizes same-day and next-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle conditions: diabetic foot wounds or infections (any break in skin integrity in a diabetic deserves same-day evaluation), suspected fractures, severe ankle sprains, acute ingrown toenail infections, significant new foot pain limiting walking, post-surgical concerns, and any foot emergency. To access same-day care: call (810) 206-1402 as early in the morning as possible when urgent slots are most available, clearly describe your symptoms and any urgent factors (diabetes, active infection, inability to walk). For true emergencies (potential fracture-dislocation, open wound, severe infection), proceed to an urgent care or emergency department if the office cannot accommodate immediately. Routine appointments (nail care, orthotics, non-urgent evaluations) are typically available within 1–2 weeks.

What insurance does Balance Foot & Ankle accept?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans to ensure broad patient access: Medicare Parts A and B (for qualifying podiatric services including diabetic foot care), Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (all plans), Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Priority Health, HAP (Health Alliance Plan), Blue Care Network, and many others. Self-pay options are available for patients without insurance. HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) are accepted for qualifying foot care services and custom orthotics. Insurance coverage for specific services (orthotics, nail care, injections) varies by plan — the office verifies benefits before appointments and informs patients of expected out-of-pocket costs. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your coverage at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208).

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.