Footnotes
Important Questions (and their answers) for new patients
Do I need a referral to see you?
Generally, no, you don’t need a referral but I recommend checking with your insurance provider first. Most likely that information will be in the handbook that you receive when you sign up for the specific plan, but talking to a representative is always prudent as well.
You do not need to have some major problem or injury for us to see you!
Do I need to have a major foot issue to see you? What if I just want a general checkup?
You do not need to have some major problem or injury for us to see you! I have had numerous patients throughout the years who have come in simply to make sure that their feet are in good shape and healthy. In fact, I encourage these types of visits for people with diabetes since one of the first places that we see the effects of diabetes is in the feet. That way we can keep a close eye and ensure we catch anything as early as possible to keep our treatment options open and dynamic.
I am embarrassed of my feet though, am I going to have to remove my shoes and socks?
I’ve seen a few feet! The last place in the world to feel embarrassed about your feet is in my clinic! In my clinic, we do everything we can to ensure our patients feel welcome and relaxed. And I can pretty much guarantee that regardless of how bad you think your feet are, I have likely seen (or smelled) worse. So, kick off those shoes and socks with confidence and let’s take care of YOU!
What types of problems does a podiatrist see and treat in Alaska?
I think this is such an important question since it seems that far too many people don’t realize that podiatrists can do much more than just treat toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, warts and callouses. Podiatrists are also surgeons. In Alaska podiatrists can treat all manner of foot and ankle pathologies. This does include the previously mentioned toenail problems, warts and callouses, as well as surgical management of everything from bunion and hammertoe deformities to major reconstructive foot and ankle procedures, foot and ankle trauma such as fractures and dislocations, Achilles tendon ruptures, foot infections, and diabetic limb salvage. In Alaska, podiatrists can even treat minor soft tissue problems in the hands such as ingrown or damaged fingernails, warts, and ganglion cysts.
In my clinic, we do everything we can to ensure our patients feel welcome and relaxed.
If I see a podiatrist and they find something wrong with my foot, do I have to have surgery?
Absolutely not! (At least not in my clinic.) While there are foot problems that are structural and can only really be resolved with surgery (for example, bunions), it is always prudent to start with non-surgical treatment options such as orthotics or better shoes or special pads and toe spacers. And no matter how bad the bunion or other foot deformity is, if it is not painful it does not need to be surgically managed.
How do I know if you are in my network?
While I can only speak for our clinic, Anchorage Foot & Ankle Clinic is most likely in network for you. We are preferred providers for Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. In fact, about the only insurances that we do not accept are Workers Compensation and Medicaid over the age of 21. (Medicaid state law for podiatrists in Alaska. We can and do see Medicaid patients under 21 years old.) To double check, I would always recommend checking in with your specific provider to verify insurance coverage prior to your appointment. We do not verify your coverage for you.
I have had numerous patients throughout the years who have come in simply to make sure that their feet are in good shape and healthy.
Is there paperwork that I need to fill out?
Yes! We have an online patient portal where all our new patient paperwork is available. When you schedule an appointment with us, our receptionist will send you an invitation to the portal via e-mail. Please fill out the paperwork prior to your appointment with us!! If you do not have a computer at home, the portal is also available on our mobile website. And if you don’t have a smartphone either, we are more than happy to mail you the paperwork.
When it comes to the paperwork, particularly the health history portion, it is important that you are upfront and detailed about your medical history and fill out all sections. It is particularly important that you list all medications that you take including dosages as well as any allergies to medications. I hear so often from patients that they do not understand why I need to know about their heart attack from five years ago, or their knee replacement, or the medications they take for their asthma. To this I say: “Your foot is part of your body.” Meaning that if you have a history of clogged arteries or diabetes or take any medications, your feet will be affected too. And, if I need to prescribe a medication, I need to know if it will interact with something you are taking or if you are allergic to it.
The last place in the world to feel embarrassed about your feet is in my clinic!
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
The most important things are your ID and your insurance cards. After that, we ask that if you have any copies of x-rays or other radiographic studies (MRI, CT scan, Ultrasound exam), reports, lab results, chart notes (which we like to have ahead of your appointment if possible), or anything else that will assist us in obtaining a good medical history about you. If you have orthotics or specific shoes that you want looked at, bring those too. And, of course, bring any paperwork that you may have filled out at home.
More Footnotes
Fall Foot Tips
Summer Foot Tips
Plantar Fasciitis
