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What is podiatry?
The doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) or podiatrist is the specialist concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of foot disorders by medical and surgical means. These disorders include conditions involving the skin, nail, tendon, nerve, soft tissue, bones and joints. Both adults and children are treated by a podiatrist.
It requires eight years minimum of higher education to become a podiatrist. Most students entering colleges of podiatric medicine today have four years of undergraduate study and a baccalaureate degree. An additional four years of study is required at a college of podiatric medicine. On completing academic, clinical and other requirements, the graduate is awarded the doctor's degree. This is followed by and additional period of residency and postgraduate training.
Which insurances do you take?
Our Physicians are participating providers with Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Alabama and are members of most insurance plans. Should you have a question regarding your particular plan, please phone the office at 251-343-5971.
Will I have to pay anything the day of my visit?
It is the objective of our office to provide our patients with the best care available and facilities at the most reasonable cost. In an effort to elimate the expense of sending billing statements, we request that you pay for services as they are rendered. However, should larger fees, such as those for surgery, impose a burden on the financial resources of your family, our manager will be happy to assist you in arranging an individual payment plan to avoid creating a financial hardship for you and your family.
How long will my appointment take?
Appointment times vary with the patient. New patient appointments generally require more time than established patients. The collection of patient information, medical history, and other pertinent information to help us diagnose and treat your ailment can be time consuming. Please bring all your medications and a list of previous surgeries to your appointment with you. Your patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
What is your prescription policy?
Patients should monitor their prescription supply carefully. Refills may take at least 24 hours to be processed. If you should require a refill over the weekend, it is at the discretion of the doctor who is on call.
What if I need a doctor after hours?
If you find it necessary to contact the doctors after normal office hours, the answering service will forward all messages to the doctor on call. Your call will be returned at the earliest opportunity.
Do you have emergency care?
We recognize that you can have an emergency situation arise and we will do our best to respond to your problem promptly. If you do have such a problem please call the office as early in the day as possible. If the problem arises when the office is close, the answering service will forward your message to the doctors.
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