Patient Education

Frequently Asked Questions

• General Podiatry Questions:

  • What is Podiatry?

    Podiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs. It covers everything from injuries and skin issues to bone and joint problems, as well as foot care related to chronic health conditions like diabetes.

  • What does a podiatrist treat?

    A podiatrist treats conditions that affect the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This includes issues like foot pain, heel pain, ingrown toenails, bunions, sprains, fractures, infections, warts and problems related to diabetes or arthritis. They can also help with foot-related concerns caused by how you walk or stand.

  • When should I see a podiatrist instead of a general doctor?

    You should see a podiatrist if you have ongoing foot, ankle, or lower leg pain, or if you notice issues like swelling, numbness, wounds that do not heal, or changes in the way you walk. While a general doctor can treat many health concerns, a podiatrist has specialized training to diagnose and treat problems specifically related to the feet and ankles. They are the best choice for expert care in those areas.

  • What types of treatments do podiatrists offer?

    Podiatrists provide a variety of treatments for foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions. These include managing injuries like sprains and fractures, treating infections and wounds, prescribing medications, providing custom orthotics or shoe inserts, and performing surgical procedures when necessary. They also help with skin and nail conditions and offer care for chronic issues like diabetic foot problems and arthritis.

• Appointment Related Questions:

  • What should I bring to my appointment?

    Please bring your insurance card, a valid ID, and any relevant imaging or reports to your appointment to ensure a smooth check-in process. If your insurance requires a referral, be sure to bring a copy from your primary care provider.

  • What should I wear to my podiatry appointment?

    We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to remove for your appointment.

  • What questions should I ask during the appointment?

    Here are a few questions you may find helpful to consider before your visit:

    • What is causing my foot or ankle pain?
    • What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend?
    • Are there any lifestyle changes or exercises I should be doing to improve my condition?
    • What can I do to prevent this issue from coming back?
    • Do I need any special footwear or orthotics?
    • Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with the treatment or medications?
    • How long will it take for me to recover?
    • Will this condition affect my ability to walk or be active in the future?
    • Are there any surgical options, and when would surgery be necessary?
    • How can I manage my condition if I have diabetes or another underlying health issue?
    • Is there anything I can do at home to relieve pain or discomfort?

  • Will my appointment involve X-rays or other tests?

    The type of exams recommended or required to diagnose the underlying issue will vary depending on your ailment and the provider’s concerns. X-rays help to visualize bones or other hard objects, while other tests may be required for soft tissue ailments.

• Insurance and Costs:

  • Does insurance cover podiatry visits?

    In many cases, insurance does cover podiatry visits, especially if they are medically necessary. However, coverage can vary depending on your insurance plan. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any requirements, such as referrals or pre-authorizations, before scheduling your appointment.

  • If I don’t have insurance, can I still see a doctor?

    Yes, you can still see a doctor. Our visit and procedure rates for all patients are based on publicly available Medicare pricing, so even without insurance, we strive to make care accessible and affordable, with as much transparency as possible. Please call your preferred location if you are seeking more details on the cost of your visit. Visit our locations page for more details.

  • How much will my visit cost if I don’t have insurance?

    The cost of your visit without insurance can vary depending on the type of appointment and treatment needed. We recommend contacting your preferred location directly to get an estimate based on your specific situation. We also offer payment plans and can discuss potential options to make your care more affordable. Visit our locations page for more details.

  • What is a copay?

    A healthcare copay (or copayment) is a fixed amount you pay for a covered medical service at the time of receiving care. For example, you might pay a $20 copay for a doctor’s visit or a $10 copay for a prescription. The rest of the cost is typically covered by your health insurance. Copays can vary depending on the type of service (e.g., doctor visit, specialist visit, emergency care) and the specifics of your insurance plan.

    Podiatrists are considered specialists, so visits fall under the “specialist visit” category of your plan. We recommend reviewing your insurance policy to better understand your copay amounts and coverage for specialist care.

  • What is coinsurance?

    Healthcare coinsurance is a type of cost-sharing between you and your insurance provider. After you’ve met your deductible, coinsurance is the percentage of medical costs that you pay for covered healthcare services, while your insurance pays the rest. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you would pay 20% of the cost of a medical service, and your insurer would pay the remaining 80%. This helps reduce the insurer’s risk and encourages the insured to be mindful of their healthcare spending.

  • What is a deductible?

    A healthcare deductible is the amount of money you need to pay out-of-pocket for medical services before your health insurance begins to cover the costs. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you must pay the first $1,000 of your medical bills. After that, your insurance will pay a larger portion of your medical costs, and you may only need to pay copayments or coinsurance.

  • Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist?

    Whether or not you need a referral will be based on your insurance plan and coverage. We recommend that you contact your insurance plan if you are unsure. If your plan requires a referral, you will need to contact your primary care provider and provide the referral either prior to your visit or at the time of check-in. For any questions leading up to your scheduled visit, or to confirm receipt please do not hesitate to call the office.

  • My insurance quoted a price that’s currently beyond my budget. Are there any alternative options available?

    While our office does offer payment plans, we strongly encourage exploring public assistance programs that may be available to you.

    For PA:

    https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-medicaid-benefits.html

    https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/

    For NJ:

    https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmahs/clients/medicaid/

  • What is a non-covered service?

    A non-covered service refers to a medical service or treatment that is not included under your insurance plan’s benefits. This means you may be responsible for the full cost of the service. To learn more about specific non-covered services, it’s best to check with your insurance provider or contact your preferred location for clarification based on your plan. Visit our locations page for more details.

  • What if I need more information about my insurance?

    For the most accurate details about your coverage or benefits, please call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.

• Billing:

  • How do I read my bill?

    Medical bills can be confusing, but we are here to help. Below, you will find a simple PDF guide that walks you through each part of your bill, making it easier to understand what you are being charged for and why.

    

  • Why am I getting a bill?

    Your patient balance is determined based on information provided by your insurance company. Balances may occur if your plan includes a copay, deductible, or coinsurance—these are considered your responsibility according to your insurance policy.

    While we do our best to provide an estimate at the time of your visit, the final amount is determined by your insurance provider once the claim has been processed. If you have any questions about your bill, please contact your preferred location directly. We also recommend speaking with the office after your appointment to review and clarify any billing details. Visit our locations page for more details.

  • My doctor’s appointment was last year, why am I getting a bill so late?

    There are many reasons a bill could be delayed – insurance companies may request additional information from us before making a determination on the final payment, or if you have multiple coverages it will take longer to process between the different insurance companies. While we will try our best to send bills in as timely a fashion as possible, it can sometimes take over a year for full insurance adjudication of claims. If you have any questions, please reach out to the phone number on your statement.

• Specialized Concerns:

  • Do you treat diabetic foot problems?

    Yes, at Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists, we offer specialized wound care for foot and ankle injuries, including those related to diabetes and other chronic conditions. Our team provides comprehensive treatment to promote healing and prevent complications. Call your preferred location to find out if they provide wound care services and to schedule an appointment. Visit our locations page for more details.

  • Do you handle sports-related injuries?

    Yes, at Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists, we provide comprehensive care for sports-related injuries. Our podiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle injuries, including sprains, fractures, strains, and overuse injuries. We focus on getting athletes back to their activities safely and quickly, with personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. Call your preferred location to find out if they provide wound care services and to schedule an appointment. Visit our locations page for more details.

  • Can children see a podiatrist?

    Yes, children can see a podiatrist. Podiatrists are trained to care for patients of all ages, including infants, children, and adolescents. Whether it is flat feet, toe-walking, foot pain, or sports-related injuries, a podiatrist can evaluate and treat a wide range of foot and ankle concerns to support healthy growth and development. Children are required to be accompanied by an adult during visits to our offices.