Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
Refer a Patient to Balance Foot & Ankle — Michiga relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Refer a Patient to Balance Foot & Ankle — Michigan Physician Referral Portal
Thank you for considering Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists for your podiatric referrals. We are committed to coordinated care, prompt communication, and exceptional outcomes for your shared patients.
📞 Refer Today: (810) 206-1402
Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
Same-day availability for urgent referrals | Fax: [Practice Fax Number]
Why Refer to Balance Foot & Ankle?
- Board-certified podiatric surgeons: Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM, Dr. Carl Jay DPM, Dr. Daria Gutkin DPM — not general “foot care providers”
- Advanced technology not available elsewhere in Livingston County: MLS dual-wavelength laser, EPAT shockwave therapy, EMTT magnetotransduction, 3D-scanned custom orthotics, in-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Two locations: Howell (Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills (Oakland County)
- Same-day and next-day availability for urgent referrals
- Home visits for homebound and nursing home patients
- Coordinated care model: We send progress notes to your office after every visit
- Established partnerships: Vassallo Medical Group (Howell), Grunberger Diabetes Institute (Bloomfield Hills)
- 5,000+ patients/year, 1,200+ five-star reviews
Our Howell office coordinates with Vassallo Medical Group (same road — Grand River Ave) for patients with diabetes, vascular disease, and systemic conditions. Coordinated care for Livingston County patients.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell, MI
What Happens After You Refer
- We contact the patient within 1 business day of receiving the referral
- We schedule based on urgency — same-day available for urgent cases
- After the visit, we send a consultation note directly to your office
- We coordinate ongoing care and keep you informed of treatment plan changes
- We never “take over” the patient relationship — we work alongside you
Referral Criteria Quick Reference
How to Refer
Call our office directly at (810) 206-1402 and ask for our referral coordinator. We make the process as seamless as possible for your office.
For urgent cases: call directly and we will work your patient in same-day.
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ Magnetotransduction (EMTT) — Deep electromagnetic healing
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
✅ Diabetic Shoe Program — Medicare-covered
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Clinical Foot Care Beyond Products: Michigan’s Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients using foot care products — wound care supplies, topical treatments, foot supplements, compression garments, orthotics, or stretching devices — as part of their foot health routine benefit from occasional clinical evaluation to ensure the products they are using are appropriate for their specific condition and that no developing pathology requires professional intervention. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our clinical evaluation confirms the diagnosis, assesses whether current product-based management is adequate, and identifies cases where professional treatment would produce better outcomes than continued self-management.
For Michigan patients managing chronic conditions — diabetic foot care, neuropathy management, post-surgical recovery, or persistent tendinopathy — regular podiatric check-ins at appropriate intervals ensure that small changes are caught before they become significant complications. The right interval varies by condition and risk level: high-risk diabetic patients benefit from quarterly visits; stable patients using products for minor chronic conditions may need only annual check-ins. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we help patients identify the appropriate visit frequency for their specific situation. Livingston and Oakland County patients can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Medical References & Sources
- American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Ready to Refer a Patient?
We accept referrals from all healthcare providers. Same-week availability for urgent cases, detailed reports sent back to referring physicians, and seamless coordination of care.
Clinical References
- Boulton AJ, et al. Comprehensive foot examination and risk assessment. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(8):1679-1685.
- Rao S, et al. Musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle: assessments and treatment options. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2012;26(3):345-368.
- Thomas JL, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: a clinical practice guideline. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010;49(3 Suppl):S1-S19.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Twp. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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 Hills 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 (248) 337-5500 or request an appointment online. Our team responds within 1 business hour during clinic days.
Dr. 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.