Foot and ankle surgery is often a treatment for many foot issues and conditions. Understanding the process will make it easier for you and your family, so check out the answers to some frequently asked foot surgery questions.
Contents
- When Will My Surgery Take Place?
- How Long Will I Be Unable To Work?
- Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
- How Will My Surgery Be Paid For?
- Are custom orthotics available?
- Can X-RAYS be taken in the office?
- Do you treat pediatric foot problems?
- Do you accept worker’s compensation patients?
- Do you treat sports injuries?
- Do you have payment plans for patients without insurance plans?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- How are bunions formed and what can be done to prevent their formation?
- How long do orthotics last and will they continue to help me in the future?
- How do orthotics help correct foot problems?
- How much is the initial office visit?
- How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
- Is there a possibility of recurronce after foot surgery?
- Is full payment required at time of visit?
- What is an ingrown toenail and what can be done to prevent them?
- Who is responsible for getting referrals?
When Will My Surgery Take Place?
The date of your foot surgery will be determined by both you and your physician. The factors for choosing this date include your condition, the availability of the surgeon and surgical facility and sometimes your own scheduling preferences as well. In general, you will be given seven to ten business days’ notice to prepare for foot surgery.
How Long Will I Be Unable To Work?
The amount of time you will need to rest after foot or ankle surgery depends on your condition and the type of surgery. If you have concerns about missing work or other events, talk to your podiatrist to get a better idea of your specific situation and whether you will need to make arrangements with your employer.
Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
The location of your foot surgery will be determined by the type of surgery required and your podiatric surgeon’s availability. Talk to your physician to find out what options are available to you regarding the surgery and where it can be performed.
How Will My Surgery Be Paid For?
The type of insurance you carry will determine the benefits you receive with regard to ankle or foot surgery. When your surgery is scheduled, your doctor and surgery coordinator will discuss payment, including surgeon’s fees, so you will not be caught unaware. Generally, the surgeon’s fees are due before your procedure, while the anesthesiologist and surgical facility fees are due afterward.
Are custom orthotics available?
Yes, they are. You can have custom molds taken of your feet for orthoses right in the office.
Can X-RAYS be taken in the office?
Yes, they can. All of our offices are equipped with x-ray equipment.
Do you treat pediatric foot problems?
We treat pediatric foot and ankle conditions varying from warts to flat feet. For a more complete listing of treatments and services we provide visit the services section.
Do you accept worker’s compensation patients?
Yes, we will treat worker’s compensation patients.
Do you treat sports injuries?
Yes, we do treat sports injuries.
Do you have payment plans for patients without insurance plans?
We try to accommodate all of our patients. If you do not have health care insurance we will try and arrange for a payment plan.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept American Express, Mastercard and Visa for payment at the time of visit.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Most likely we are affiliated with your healthcare carrier. For a complete listing please see the offices section and check with the office nearest you.
How are bunions formed and what can be done to prevent their formation?
Bunions form due to abnormal alignment of the 1st metatarsal. The use of custom orthoses can slow down the progression of a bunion deformity, but little can be done to prevent the formation of a bunion.
How long do orthotics last and will they continue to help me in the future?
This is dependent upon the type of material used to fabricate the orthotic. Polypropylene orthoses usually lasts approximately 3-5 years. Graphite orthoses usually last greater than 5 years, and leather orthoses last about 3 years.
How do orthotics help correct foot problems?
They help by stabilizing the foot and prevent improper motion. They allow the muscle and other soft tissue structures to function properly.
How much is the initial office visit?
An initial office visit, excluding any treatment or x-rays, will cost $150.00. However, we are offering our new patients who visit the website a FREE visit and consultation.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
Most appointments can usually be made within that same week. If there is an emergency we can usually see the patient immediately provided the office is open.
Is there a possibility of recurronce after foot surgery?
There is a chance of recurrence after foot surgery, but the recurrent rate is very low. The recurrence rate varies significantly from procedure to procedure.
Is full payment required at time of visit?
We do require that payment be made in full at the time of the visit.
What is an ingrown toenail and what can be done to prevent them?
An ingrown toenail is due to improper growth of the nail into the flesh surrounding the nail. Wearing wider width shoes and trying to cut your nails straight across can sometimes prevent them. Most ingrown nails have to be removed with a minor in office procedure.
Who is responsible for getting referrals?
The patient is always responsible for getting their own referrals if one is required by your health care insurance.