Southern Ohio Foot and Ankle Associates, Inc. (SOFAA)
1. Will your physician treat me on my first visit, or will it just be a consult?
Many problems can be treated upon your initial visit. Return treatments are scheduled only when necessary.
2. Can you take x-rays in your office?
Yes, however we are unable to copy them.
3. Do you treat children?
Yes, we treat patients of all ages.
4. Does Dr. Boyle make house calls?
No.
5. Can your doctor treat leg or knee pain?
No, generally we only treat the ankle and below.
6. If I have short-disability papers, FMLA, or other types of disability papers, will your office complete them for me?
Yes, but there is a fee for completion.
7. Can I get a copy of my medical records?
Yes. You are entitled to one copy of your medical records free of charge. You must sign a "Release of Information" form to obtain them, or have them faxed to an authorized third party.
8. Do many people have foot problems?
Yes, 75% of all people in the United States will suffer a foot condition at one time.
9. How many bones are in the foot?
Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and several tendons that hold the foot structure together and allow the foot to move in a variety of ways.
10. How many podiatrists practice in the United States?
There are currently over 13,000 podiatrists practicing in the United States
11. Who has more foot problems, women or men?
Women are estimated to have 4 times as many foot ailments as men. This is most likely due to their type of shoe wear.
1. I am scared of needles, surgery and pain! Is the procedure painful?
Our physicians will make every effort to make the procedure as painless as possible. In most cases, your nail will not be as sore after surgery as it was before. We will numb the area before performing the surgery.
2. Will I be able to return to work/school after removal of an ingrown nail?
Yes, in most cases you may return to work/school after the procedure. The toe will remain numb for a few hours after surgery is performed.
3. What kind of drainage is normal after removal of an ingrown nail?
Clear or pinkish drainage with some blood is normal. Greenish or yellowish drainage is not normal. You should call our office if you notice this type of drainage.
4. How long will it take to heal after surgery?
Normally it will be healed anywhere from 5 to 14 days after surgery.
5. Can I get another ingrown nail in the same place even after I have had surgery?
Yes, unfortunately ingrown nails can return. There are many reasons, including but not limited to:
Injury or trauma to the area, toenail has been clipped too short, or shoes are too tight in the toe box.
1. How should I trim my toe nails?
Nails should be trimmed straight across
with no rounded corners. The length of your toenail should extend past
your skin, and the top of each nail should form a straight line across,
level with the top of your toe.
2. What are corns and callouses?
They are both very much alike because they form from pressure on the skin. Most callouses form on the outside of the foot and most corns form between or under toes.
3) What is the best exercise for your feet?
Walking is not only the best exercise for your feet, but also promotes all-around good health.
4. Why do my feet sweat?
Feet excrete as much as 8 ounces of moisture a day. This is due to the fact there are 250,000 sweat glands in both feet.
5. I've heard you should shop for shoes in the evening. Is this true?
Yes, because your feet tend to swell during the day, shopping for shoes in the evening will insure a better fit.
1. Will SOFAA file claims with my primary and secondary insurance(s)?
Yes, as a courtesy to our patients we will file with all insurance carriers you may have.
2. Will SOFAA contact my doctor to get a referral if my insurance requires one?
No. If a referral is required from the insurance carrier it will be the responsibility of the patient to obtain one.
3. What if my insurance denies payment?
We will make every effort to obtain payment from your insurance carrier, however if payment is still denied after all due process is complete, you will be responsible for any remaining balance.
4. If my insurance requires pre-certification on prescriptions, medical equipment, testing, or surgery, will SOFAA pre-certify it for me?
Yes, we will pre-certify items ordered by our doctors if required to by your insurance carrier.
5. If I need orthotics, will my insurance cover them?
Some insurance companies do cover the entire cost of orthotics, but most only pay a portion of the cost with the balance belonging to the patient. SOFAA will contact your insurance carrier to verify coverage and meet any necessary requirements, i.e.; letters of medical necessity, office notes, etc…
6. Does Medicare have a deductible every year?
Yes, Medicare has a $135.00 deductible every calendar year. Some secondary insurance policies will cover this deductible, but not all. After your deductible is met, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of covered benefits.