Visiting Your Podiatrist

A visit to your podiatrist is easy! Although a podiatrist is a specialist, setting up an appointment is just as easy as with your family doctor. And as a staff, we pride ourselves in offering you courteous help in setting up appointments and answering your questions. Here are some of the common questions we are asked about setting up appointments:

Q: Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
A: This depends on your insurance. Our office does not require a referral but your insurance plan might, especially if you have an HMO plan. The best way to check this is to contact your insurance company and inquire if a referral would be necessary.

Q: Do I need to fill out paperwork?
A: As with all offices, we will need you to fill out paperwork so that we can accurately treat your medical condition based on your symptoms and medical history. And we also gather correct contact information so that we can keep you updated on your health concerns. This paperwork is available online at www.vailfoot.com so that you can fill it out before your appointment at your convenience.

Q: Will the doctor treat me the day of my appointment?
A: Unless you schedule an appointment to only be a consultation, then Dr. Vail will begin treatment at your initial appointment. He will discuss treatment options with you and together you can begin to follow a treatment plan which will get you back to health as soon as possible.

Q: Can children see a podiatrist?
A: Podiatrists, including Dr. Vail, are trained to see patients of all ages, so yes, he can see your child. There are many foot and ankle problems that are unique to children and teens, like Sever's disease, and many ailments like warts are more likely to affect children and teens, especially active ones. If your child is complaining of recurring pain or you notice them limping, you should bring them in to see the podiatrist.

If you have any questions or are interested in making an appointment, do not hesitate to contact us. The new patient section of our website has forms as well as information on how to reach our office and things to think about before your appointment. It also has lots of educational information about ailments that might be affecting you. Visit at www.vailfoot.com. You can also call the office at 419-423-1888 or email us at vailmedassist@sbcglobal.net.