If you are having foot or ankle trouble, your doctor may have recommended you visit a podiatrist in Chicago. Once you have chosen someone, it is important that you are as prepared as possible, which includes before, during and after the appointment.
Before
Before your appointment, you’ll want to ensure you have all the materials and notes you will need. The first thing to do is make sure you have your referral, if necessary and insurance information, which is usually in the form of a card.
For those that will see podiatrists because of an injury, make sure you have those shoes in a safe place so the doctor can assess the reason for the injury.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a list of all your supplements, vitamins, medications and medical allergies. Many people prefer to place all of their medicine into a bag and take them along so they don’t worry about misspelling or forgetting something. You’ll also need to have your medical history, which includes hospitalizations and surgeries, along with a list of symptoms and questions.
There is no need to shave your legs, paint or cut your toenails or have a pedicure. In fact, podiatrists prefer that you do none of those things before your appointment.
During
On the day of your appointment, try to wear the shoes you typically wear. This could include tennis shoes or dress shoes, depending on whether you are usually working or not. Make sure you have all of your information from above and get to your appointment at least 15 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork and provide proof of insurance.
Listen to the podiatrist in Chicago and make sure you understand everything they say. You may want to have a pencil and paper handy to write down questions or remember them until the end of the appointment so you can ask them. Many times, podiatry appointments include standing, sitting and walking as part of the exam, so be ready to do whatever is asked.
After
The doctor will likely tell you what the problem is, if known, and prescribe a treatment plan. However, other tests may be necessary to determine the problem. Make sure you follow through on any lab work or x-rays that are needed, keep additional appointments and do whatever the doctor says.
