When you’re looking for a podiatrist, there are a few resources you should tap into. You might start with your primary care physician or family doctor, who is usually ripe with specialist recommendations. Other resources include family and friends, especially the ones who work in healthcare, coworkers, and, of course, the Internet. Two fantastic online resources include The American Board of Pediatric Medicine and the American Podiatric Medical Association. Both have tools that can help you find a podiatrist in your area.
Another extremely helpful resource to consider is your insurance company. Depending on your insurance, you may have to see certain podiatrists that participate with your plan. Your insurance company should be able to provide a list of podiatrists to choose from. If you choose to see a podiatrist that is outside of your insurance plan, you’ll probably have to pay out of pocket for it.
The last thing you want is a surprise bill in the mail. Check with your insurance company first to avoid a snafu.
Just because you’ve had one appointment with a new podiatrist doesn’t mean you have to stay with the practice if you don’t feel comfortable there. There absolutely needs to be mutual respect and trust between you and all of your doctors, not just your podiatrist.
If you want to find a new podiatrist, call the closest teaching hospital’s podiatry department and ask if any past podiatric chief residents practice in the area.
Chief residents are selected by faculty and fellow residents, so they usually have excellent clinical and interpersonal skills.