When it comes to taking care of your feet, choosing the right foot doctor is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your overall foot health and quality of life. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a specific foot condition, managing chronic foot pain, or simply looking for preventive care, finding a skilled and compassionate foot doctor is key.
With a myriad of options available, the process may seem daunting, but fear not! In this article, we will guide you through essential factors to consider, unique methods to explore, and valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to finding the right foot doctor who can provide the care, expertise, and support you need for happy and healthy feet.
Choose a Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Foot Doctor
It is widely known that if you want a qualified practitioner, you should choose a board-certified podiatric physician or Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). However, fellowship training is a more advanced level of training for foot doctors. Fellowship training is a specialized program that provides doctors with additional training and expertise in podiatry after the completion of a residency.
Fellowship-trained podiatrists study and work under the direct guidance of some of the best foot and ankle surgeons in the country, which gives them in-depth knowledge and allows them to offer a wider range of treatment options, including the latest advancements in foot and ankle medicine.
Check With Your Insurance Provider
To find a foot doctor, you can start by reviewing your insurance policy or reaching out to your provider. Many insurance companies maintain a provider directory or online search tool where you can search for podiatrists who are in-network and covered by your insurance plan. You should be able to contact the podiatry office directly and book an appointment online.
Check if the Doctor is Accepting New Patients
If a foot and ankle specialist’s schedule is consistently full or if they have reached their capacity to effectively manage their current patient load, they may decide to stop accepting new patients in order to maintain the quality of care for their existing patients. If such a case, look for a podiatrist who has the ability to take on new patients.
Is the Foot Doctor Accessible?
Another thing to consider is whether or not it is easy to schedule an appointment with the podiatrist. If you have a foot problem, you want it examined as soon as possible. Some doctors are always booked up and can rarely accommodate emergency or urgent patient need. If you have to wait weeks or months for an appointment, it won’t suit your needs well. The last thing you want is a foot doctor who is difficult to reach in case of emergencies or urgent foot issues. Go with a doctor who can see patients in a timely manner, especially in cases of emergency.
Ask Local Fitness Facilities or Sports Professionals
Reach out to local fitness trainers, sports coaches, or athletes in your community and inquire about foot and ankle surgeons they recommend. These professionals often work closely with podiatrists and can provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations. Since foot health is particularly important in sports and fitness activities, these individuals are much more likely to have firsthand knowledge of skilled and specialized foot doctors who have worked with athletes with sports-related injuries.
Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Foot Doctor in Naples, FL
Dr. Cody Togher is our Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), or podiatric surgeon, at the Joint Replacement Institute. Dr. Togher received his fellowship training at the prestigious Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Columbus and is a well-recognized name in foot and ankle care in Naples. Our facility offers many on-site services, from diagnostics and pain management to physical therapy, so you can achieve relief from your painful foot symptoms.
We make it easy to make an appointment with our highly skilled foot and ankle surgeon. Call our office today at (239) 261-2663, or use our online form to schedule your visit.
