What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Visit | Balance Foot & Ankle

Quick answer: What To Expect First Podiatry Visit New Patient Guide is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Book online, or call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

If you’ve been putting off seeing a podiatrist because you’re unsure what the appointment involves, you’re not alone. Many patients delay foot and ankle care because they don’t know what to expect or worry the visit will be more involved than necessary. In reality, most new patient podiatry appointments are straightforward, thorough, and often include imaging and the beginning of treatment — all at the first visit. Here’s exactly what to expect when you see Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle.

Before Your Appointment: What to Bring

Arriving prepared helps Dr. Biernacki provide the most accurate assessment at your first visit. We recommend bringing:

• Insurance card and photo ID — Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid
• List of current medications — including any supplements or over-the-counter medications, especially NSAIDs or blood thinners
• Your typical footwear — the shoes you most commonly wear, including athletic shoes and work shoes; worn soles reveal a great deal about gait patterns
• Previous imaging records — any prior X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound reports related to your foot or ankle condition
• Notes about your symptoms — when they started, what makes them better or worse, what treatments you’ve already tried
• Completed new patient forms — available on our website to fill out before your visit to save time

The New Patient Consultation: Step by Step

1. Medical History Review

Dr. Biernacki or his clinical staff will review your completed health history form and ask focused questions about your chief complaint — when the pain started, how it’s progressed, and what activities it affects. Relevant medical history including diabetes, vascular disease, prior foot surgeries, and family history of foot conditions will also be reviewed.

2. Physical Examination

A comprehensive podiatric examination includes:

• Gait analysis — observing how you walk identifies biomechanical contributors to your condition
• Structural assessment — evaluation of foot arch type, toe alignment, joint range of motion, and presence of deformities (bunions, hammertoes, flatfoot)
• Palpation — systematic examination of the foot and ankle identifies the precise location and quality of tenderness
• Vascular and neurological screen — pulse evaluation, capillary refill, and basic sensory testing when indicated
• Footwear inspection — examining your shoes for abnormal wear patterns, inadequate depth, and pressure points

3. On-Site Imaging — At the First Visit

One of the most significant advantages of Balance Foot & Ankle is that digital X-ray and diagnostic ultrasound are available on-site at your first appointment. This means you receive an accurate diagnosis at the first visit — not after waiting days for a separate imaging appointment and then returning for results. For most musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions, ultrasound provides immediate, real-time visualization of soft tissue structures including tendons, ligaments, and fluid collections.

4. Diagnosis and Treatment Discussion

After examination and imaging, Dr. Biernacki will explain your diagnosis clearly, describe what is happening structurally in your foot, and outline the treatment options — from most conservative to most aggressive — with expected timelines and outcomes for each approach. You will never be pressured into a treatment you’re not comfortable with, and questions are encouraged at every step.

5. Beginning Treatment

For most conditions, treatment can begin the same day. This may include:

• Custom orthotic impressions or 3D digital scanning
• Cortisone or PRP injection under ultrasound guidance
• Toenail or skin procedures (ingrown nail removal, wart treatment)
• Application of a walking boot or strapping
• Prescription medications sent directly to your pharmacy
• Referral for MRI or physical therapy when indicated

How Long Is the First Visit?

New patient appointments at Balance Foot & Ankle are scheduled for 45–60 minutes to allow adequate time for history, examination, imaging, and treatment initiation. Follow-up appointments are typically 15–30 minutes depending on the condition and treatment plan.

What Does a Podiatrist Treat?

Podiatrists are physicians specializing in the medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. Common conditions treated at Balance Foot & Ankle include plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, ankle sprains and instability, Achilles tendon problems, diabetic foot care, foot and ankle fractures, sports injuries, and custom orthotics for biomechanical conditions.

Insurance and Payment

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our front desk team will verify your benefits before or at the time of your appointment. Self-pay rates are available — call (810) 206-1402 for details.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

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.