|
How to Find a Podiatrist (DPM = Doctor of Podiatric Medicine)
Choose several Podiatrists from the local
Quick Search by City and State or Zip Code. Click their
name to see detailed information about their Podiatry Practice:
Services and Business Description. Pick a few and call the
listed office number. Let them know you are interested in
their services and would like to schedule a meeting to ask
some questions.
A meeting allows you to visit the doctor in
person, see how you feel about him or her. During this meeting
you can ask questions about their podiatry experience, training,
background and scope of practice. Ask for some patient referrals.
Take the time during this meeting to ask the Podiatrist
all your questions. In fact, write your questions down before
your visit so you won't forget something important you wanted
to ask.
Why ask questions? Some patients don't
bother asking questions and that's a mistake. You want to
feel comfortable with the Podiatrist or Podiatry Clinic
doctor you choose. You should be able to meet with the Podiatrist
... get a feel for their style AND choose the right doctor
for you only after you feel comfortable adding them to your
medical team. You are entrusting them with your health and
well being - check them out!
When you've narrowed your search down
to a couple you feel comfortable with, check references
and ask around. You need to feel good about your licensed
Podiatrists credentials and their reputation. Follow these
suggestions and you'll quickly find the right Podiatrist.
Note: Within the field of podiatry, practitioners
can focus on many different specialty areas including surgery,
sports medicine, biomechanics, geriatrics, pediatrics, orthopedics
or primary care. For example, The American Board of Multiple
Specialities in Podiatry promotes certification among podiatrists
in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds
and in Diabetic Footwear. TownHub.com Quick Search Directory
can help you match the speciality area you need.
Resources: The American Podiatric Medical
Association APMA website has best practices and standards.
The American Board of Podiatric Surgery may also be able
to help guide you as to what you should expect from your
Podiatrist. Several other organizations have board certified
criteria including The American Board of Podiatric Surgery
(Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery)and The
American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric
Medicine.
|