How to Find the Right Podiatrist For You 

If you have been having problems walking or running due to foot pain, then it is time to see a Podiatrist. Podiatrists are specialty doctor that solely deal with feet. They have the expertise to help you. This includes diagnosis, treatment processes, and surgery on a variety of foot related issues. Most people have never actually visited a Podiatrist because they are such a specialized form of a doctor. So you may be confused on the best ways to find one that works for you. This article will help you do just that.

How to Start 

When you are looking for a podiatric sports medicine elmhurst il, or anywhere there are some great resources to start with. First, consider asking your doctor for a specialist referral. Often times your doctor will know the best people in the area and can help you navigate your search. You can also use online resources to find lists of Podiatrists in your area. This way you can see what is all out there. Your insurance company is another great resource. Sometimes an insurance carrier will only work with a list of doctors. It is important to know if your insurance can cover your doctors visit.

Questions to Ask A Podiatrist

If you have found a new Podiatrist, its time to ask the questions you need to know before you make your appointment. Here is a list of questions to ask.

1. Is Your Office Accepting New Patients?
   Sometimes doctors have more potential patients than they have open appointments. Before you go any further with a potential Podiatrist, you should know if they could even help you. If they can’t accept new patients, they will most likely be able to give you a referral.
   2. Where Are You Located?
   Many times people would like their doctor to be located close to where they spend their day such as their school. work, or their home.
   3. What Are Your Hours of Operation?
   It is important to know if your doctor’s office will be open during convenient times on your schedule. Sometimes offices will work with your schedule by opening late, early, or on weekends,
   4. Are Emergencies Handled In Your Office?
   Accidents happen, so knowing whether you can seek emergency services from a Podiatrist is very important.

   After Your First Appointment

Make sure to evaluate your experience after your appointment. Ask yourself if your doctor listened to your concerns and treated you fairly. It doesn’t matter that you had one appointment. You are not obligated to keep going back if you were unhappy with your experience. The most important thing to always remember with any type of doctor is that you must develop a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. If you do not have both of those elements in your doctor-patient relationship, then you should seek a doctor that gives you that and makes you comfortable.

Also, take note of the overall experience. Where you greeted with kind professionalism from the administrative staff? Did someone explain the process of your appointment to you? Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a huge difference when it comes to choosing a doctor for the long term.