| Choosing a podiatrist is similar to choosing physician. | | | | and treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and |
| After all, the foot is a really important part of the body | | | | sometimes knee, leg and hip. The profession has its |
| and it requires all the attention that can get. | | | | origin in early Egypt. In the United States, podiatrists are |
| It is best to take time and do some research on the | | | | licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.). |
| podiatrist available in your city. A listing of podiatrists | | | | Education consists of a doctoral level four-year |
| should be available in the phone directory and on the | | | | program followed by a two- or three-year residency |
| Internet. You could also ask you doctor or the nurse in | | | | program. |
| the hospital if he or she could refer you to a podiatrist. | | | | Podiatric physicians may independently diagnose, treat |
| While choosing a podiatrist it is always good idea to | | | | and prescribe medicine and perform surgery for |
| check with he or she is a member of the American | | | | disorders of the foot, ankle or leg. They also treat |
| Podiatric Medical Association or the American Board | | | | common disorders such as bunions; heal spurs, |
| of Podiatric Surgery. You could also call the podiatrists | | | | ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses. |
| office and ask for any patient referrals. Sometimes, | | | | Just as you take time to decide on your physician so |
| there are a few patients who do not mind their name | | | | should you be careful in choosing your podiatrist. Most |
| being passed on to others for referrals. | | | | times making an appointment with the doctor and |
| When you are trying to choose a Podiatrist you will | | | | seeing how you feel is the best way to go about it. |
| find that it is much like choosing any kind of Doctor. | | | | After the initial appointment you should be able to |
| You will have to take your time and check out the | | | | determine whether or not you can feel good about |
| possibilities with care to ensure that you are getting the | | | | using this doctor right away. Your instincts are the best |
| right specialist for you. It is always a good idea to | | | | source of judgment. |
| choose one that has a membership in the American | | | | Before visiting a podiatrist it is also a good idea to |
| Podiatric Medical Association or the American Board | | | | check if your insurance will cover a visit to the |
| of Podiatric Surgery. You can do many things to find | | | | podiatrist. If not you may want to find out if the |
| the correct Doctor for you. | | | | Podiatrist accepts credit cards or has some kind of |
| Podiatry is a field of healthcare devoted to the study | | | | payment plan. |