How do you choose a podiatrist?

Base your choice of a podiatrist on the medical problem you have because the field of podiatry has various specializations. Research online to find a list of podiatrists available in a preferred location on a physician directory such as Healthgrades. Request a referral from a general physician, or ask other patients about their experiences with a podiatrist. Ensure the podiatrist has board certification, and schedule an initial appointment to determine whether he is compatible with you.

You can find the insurers that a podiatrist accepts, the procedures he performs and conditions he treats on Healthgrades. Compare the selected podiatrists’ credentials on the site to find a doctor who fits your needs. You can also view the profile of a selected podiatrist on the site and check customer reviews. However, The Podiatry Center cautions against relying entirely on patient reviews while selecting a podiatrist because some patients only review physicians when they have negative experiences, which skews search results.

Inquire about a podiatrist’s hospital affiliation to determine the quality of care you can expect. Look for a board-certified podiatrist by requesting a recommendation from the American Podiatric Medical Association or your state’s Department of Health. Consider your compatibility with the doctor by evaluating the way he addresses your concerns, listens to you, and explains treatment and diagnosis.