What Makes a Good Podiatrist?

This article will offer some points that patients should consider when choosing, evaluating, or recommending a podiatrist. The article will include several factors that are tell-tale signs of a ‘good’ podiatrist, including:

Are you considering going to a podiatrist, but you’re not sure how to decide which podiatrist is best for you? Like choosing any other type of physician, selecting a podiatrist is not an easy undertaking. You could ask friends and relatives for a recommendation, but how can you be sure that their opinion is the same as yours would be? Advertisements and commercials aren’t reliable either.

So how do you know if the podiatrist you’re interested in or the one you’re currently seeing is worth his or her salt? The following guidelines that can help you save time and effort in choosing or evaluating a podiatrist.

If you don’t already have a list of podiatrists you’re interested in, start by gathering recommendations from others, or researching online or in the local phone book to make a list of podiatrists in your area. Next, make an appointment with one of the podiatrists on your list. The purpose of the appointment is for you to have a chance to evaluate the podiatrist via your personal interaction. During your visit, you’ll be able to tell if your chosen podiatrist is a good one if he fits the following criteria:

Provides personalized treatment options, not ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions

When you tell the podiatrist about the foot problems you’re experiencing, does he or she automatically recommend surgery or another expensive treatment? A good podiatrist will provide you with a range of options to choose from, depending on the nature and severity of your specific problem.

Listens to patients

A good podiatrist will be willing to spend time listening to your concerns and questions as a new patient about any issues or complications you have with your feet. Your podiatrist should not make you feel rushed during your appointment and should build trust with you as a patient by providing clear and understandable answers to your questions.

Board certified, and/or member of a professional association

Check your podiatrist’s credentials, background, and education to verify his or her qualifications. A good podiatrist should not only be well-trained and experienced, he or she should be Board-certified by a credible authority and should also be a member of at least one professional association, such as the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Professional associations set high standards of behavior that all members must follow to remain in good standing.

Satisfied patients

A good podiatrist should be able to provide testimonials or references from other patients. If these aren’t readily available on the podiatrist’s website or in the office, don’t be afraid to ask for them. If possible, ask for permission to contact 2 or 3 patients so you can understand what their experiences with this podiatrist were like.

If you’re looking for a highly-qualified, experienced and Board-certified Austin podiatrist, make an appointment with Dr. Lamour. With over 15 years in business in Austin, Dr. Lamour has a proven track record of providing stellar service to his patients.