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

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

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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.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

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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

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.

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

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.