Actually, you paid for the doctor to interpret your X-rays.  The actual X-rays belong to the doctor and are part of you records in the office. You can request a copy of your X-rays and most offices will gladly accommodate you (there may be a fee to offset the costs to duplicate the X-ray).

It should also be noted that recent X-rays are best to interpret current conditions, and often doctors have an angle (or view) they my prefer to make their diagnosis.

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Frequently, the doctors willingness to make house calls is regulated by the availability of time away from their other duties and responsibilities. This often changes and therefore we recommend that you contact the doctors office directly and ask. Certainly it is best to contact offices close to your location, as travel time is a factor.

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Education in the medical profession is an ongoing process that most doctors are involved in regularly. Most offices proudly display their credentials and will gladly discuss them with you.

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Most accept Medicare & private non-PPO or HMO policies. Your insurance company is the best source for information about the physicians on their plan, and the information should be available to you either in your insurance book, by phone from the insurance company, or on their website. Each office is aware of the plan in which their doctors participate. This information changes frequently.

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Length of time in practice may not be the best indicator of quality of care. Again, a conversation with the individual doctors office is usually best to find out how well they can communicate with you and if they are in a position to fulfill your needs.

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The HCPMA is a professional organization for the purpose of communication and education; it is not within our scope to rate our members. It is also worthwhile to consider that each patient’s needs differ and the same doctor will not be best for everyone. The recommendation of your friends and others you trust is often useful in finding the best doctor for you.

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It is not a requirement to join the associations in order to practice podiatry. Some doctors choose not to use them as a method of interacting with their peers and keeping up with what is happening in the profession.

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Due to recent chances in state and federal privacy laws there are strict regulations on how records may be obtained and who can obtain them. It may be necessary to fill out forms or  prove it is you who is requesting your records. The office may also be entitled to a fee to recover their costs for duplicating the records (typically $1.00 per copy for the first 10 copies and $.25 per additional page).

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The HCPMA maintains an ethics committee to investigate allegations of impropriety. Please submit to us a detailed explanation of your complaint in writing (be as specific as possible) to:

HCPMA
6336 Fort King Road
Zephyrhills, Florida   33542

We will investigate your concern.

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Medicare does pays for injuries, surgery, and diseases of the foot and leg. Most patients with Medicare will get coverage for their first visit if treatment options are discussed. HOWEVER, Medicare does not pay for routine foot care (corn, callus, or nail care), unless the patient has a combination of systemic problems such as diabetes or poor circulation, and evidence of circulation or nerve problems in the foot. Patients on certain drugs, and patients with severe nail problems may also be covered.

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Tricare (not Tricare for Life) frequently does require a referral; however most others do not. Please check with your doctors office when you make your appointment.

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The podiatric physician (doctor of podiatric medicine, or DPM) is the health care professional trained in the care of your feet. He or she receives conventional medical training, plus special training on the foot, ankle, and lower leg. After college and podiatric medical school, podiatrists normally complete 1 to 4 years of specialized residency training. A few podiatrists further their training with specialized fellowships. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico require that they pass rigorous board examinations before they are licensed, and most (including Florida) require continuing education programs for regular license renewal.

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Podiatric physicians are best suited for foot care and are the major providers of foot care services.

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All major hospitals in Hillsborough county have podiatrists on staff.

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In the afternoon, your feet tend to swell a little, and therefore it's best time to fit shoes. Have your feet measured every time you purchase shoes, and do it while you're standing. When you try on shoes, try them on both feet; many people have one foot larger than the other, and it's best to fit the larger one.

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Women are four times more likely to have foot problems as men; high heels are often the culprit.

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Your feet mirror your general health. Such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet -- foot ailments often are first signs of more serious medical problems.

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Athlete's foot is a generic term for fungal infections of the foot. Fungi and yeasts thrive outside the body in warm, moist conditions such as showers or changing room floors. Like verrucae (warts), fungus infections are highly contagious and can present symptoms such as irritated patches of skin between the toes and other areas of the foot, which crack, itch, and peel. These may appear soggy and smell unpleasant, hence the reference to the foot of an athlete. Discolored nails and or scaling and itching skin are common symptoms. Good foot hygiene including drying, powdering, and shoe change improves skin texture and many of the symptoms will disappear. In the event of an identified fungi or yeast, prescribed medicines are usually very effective.

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Corns and calluses are caused by friction and pressure from skin rubbing against bony areas. If the first signs of soreness are ignored, corns and calluses rise up as nature's way of protecting sensitive areas.

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Plantar warts are caused by a virus which may invade the sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. Walking barefoot on can expose feet to this sometimes painful skin infection. Warts can spread if not treated, your podiatrist can offer multiple methods of treatment.

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