First visit to a podiatrist? Here’s what you need to know to prepare you for your appointment and help make the most of your time with your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).

Before Your Appointment: 

• Make a list of your questions and concerns before your podiatrist’s visit. Go to your visit prepared with a written list of health problems and questions/concerns.
• Check with your insurance provider to see if a referral is needed.
• Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your visit. This can help you and your podiatrist talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your podiatrist keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.
• Call before your visit to tell the office if you have special needs.
• Bring a friend or family member if you think it will be helpful.
• If your problem involves walking and/or exercise, bring your walking/exercise shoes with you to the appointment.

During Your Visit: 

• Discuss your symptoms and any recent changes you may have noticed.
• Go over your list of questions.
• Tell your podiatrist if you are pregnant or if you are trying to get pregnant.
• Let your podiatrist know if other doctors are treating you.
• Make sure your podiatrist knows about any allergies and/or adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.
• When your podiatrist writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it and understand how to take it and its side effects.
• Be clear that you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. 

After Your Visit: 

• Prepare for any tests your podiatrist orders. 
• Ask about what you need to do to get ready, possible side effects, and when you can expect results. 
• Ask when and how the test results will be made available to you.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment (if necessary) before you leave your podiatrist's office.
• Call your podiatrist's office and ask for your test results if you do not hear from the office when you are supposed to.