Make the Most of Your Next Podiatrist Appointment

Have you ever left a doctor’s office and thought, “Oh, I forgot to ask about…”? At NY Foot Health, we want to help patients have the most productive appointments possible with their podiatrists. If you’re experiencing pain or have noticed unusual sensations or symptoms in your feet, the first step is to make an appointment with your podiatrist without delay. If you don’t currently see a podiatrist, you can locate one near you through our online directory.  Once you’ve made an appointment, here are some tips to help ensure your visit is as helpful as possible.

Pre-Appointment Prep

  • Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is needed for your visit.

  • Write down a list of questions you have regarding your symptoms or condition.

  • If your foot pain is worse when walking or exercising, bring the shoes you use for those activities with you to the office.

  • Make a list of all medications and supplements that you are currently taking—an up to date medical history is an important tool in evaluating your feet and diagnosing podiatric conditions.

  • Call ahead to the office to let them know if you have any special needs or if you would like to bring a family member or friend to your appointment to help you.

At the Podiatrist Office

  • If your appointment is to address a new foot or ankle problem, be prepared to show the podiatrist exactly where the pain or discomfort is. The foot doctor will likely ask you questions regarding when you first noticed the symptoms, how intense they are, and what seems to make them better or worse.

  • For ongoing podiatric conditions you are being treated for, the foot doctor will want to know if you noticed any changes in your symptoms.

  • If the doctor’s diagnosis or treatment plan is unclear to you, ask questions until you understand.

  • Be sure you understand any instructions the podiatrist has given you including the correct way to take any medication and possible side effects you should be on the lookout for.

  • Let your doctor know important information. such as if you are being treated by another physician, are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, and if you’re allergic to any type of medication.

Once You’re Home

  • Fill prescriptions the podiatrist gave you and make appointments for any additional testing or therapy recommended.

  • Contact the office to schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.

  • If you find you have additional questions after you get home or about how your treatment or symptoms are progressing, get back in touch with the podiatrist by phone or through a patient portal.

Learn more about all that your podiatrist can do for you by contacting us and subscribing to our free e-newsletter.

Blog, Feet, Podiatrist, Podiatrist AppointmentNYSPMA