Houston has dozens of podiatrists – but not a single one offers the exact kind of service as the other. Each podiatrist in Houston has a unique proposition that either makes them a desired or undesired option.
A podiatrist is a foot and ankle doctor. They are also commonly referred to as doctors of podiatric medicine or DPM. A podiatrist treats problems with the ankle, foot, as well as connecting parts of the leg. Similar to other kinds of surgeons and doctors, podiatrists do another four years of study and training in podiatric medical school and an additional three or more years of residency training in clinics and hospitals.
Once they pass all the examinations, the American Board of Podiatric Medicine provides the doctor with his/her license to practice. Some podiatrists also go through specialized fellowship training to specialize in a specific area.
As you may realize, podiatrists are doctors who are highly specialized in a matter of the foot and ankle. But still, it is hard to find the right doctor that offers the exact kind of care and service you need. They all differ based on a range of reasons, including experience, customer service, reputation, cost, location, technology use, and so on. So, knowing this, the question now becomes, what makes a good podiatrist?
To answer the above question, we shall highlight some of the top qualities that a good podiatrist in Houston must-have. This is only a guide – you will also need to use your best judgment when matching the different available options, because, in the end, it is your comfort that’s paramount.
A good podiatrist offers highly customized solutions
One of the best qualities of a good podiatrist in Houston is their ability to personalize the care to suit their patients’ needs. Patients are not created equal – even when they suffer from the same kind of condition. There are plenty of things that differentiate one patient to the other. So what works for one patient may not work for the other. That’s why a good podiatrist won’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they take time to understand the patient as well as their needs, to come up with a very customized solution around one’s needs and preferences. So basically, a good podiatrist won’t automatically recommend an expensive treatment like surgery when a patient explains their problem. They will offer a range of options to select from based on the severity and nature of the patient’s problem.
A good podiatrist listens to their patients
Although a podiatrist is highly trained to offer quality foot and ankle treatments, it doesn’t mean that they are all-knowing. And even if they are, they won’t understand the patient’s problems in its entirety, unless they listen. That aside, a patient is bound to feel more comfortable and understood when the podiatrist listens to them than when he or she dismisses their opinions. The best podiatrists in Houston will be willing to spend time listening to the patient’s concerns and address any questions about the process, complications, and any other matter of interest around the treatment. They do not make a patient feel rushed in an appointment and should be keen on building trust by offering understandable answers to all relevant questions.
A good podiatrist has many satisfied patients
It’s easy to tell how good a podiatrist is by looking at their testimonials and customer reviews. Happy clients won’t hesitate to speak highly of the podiatrist and recommend their services to other people. The disgruntled ones, on the other hand, will also be quick to warn others from working with the podiatrist in question. Take time to go through the podiatrist’s website to see what their clients are saying. While at it, don’t just focus on the positive comments. Read the negative ones to understand why other clients were displeased. Online reviews will also give a good picture of what industry experts think of the podiatrist. With these insights, it will be easier to know what to expect.
A good podiatrist is certified and a member of a professional association
As stated earlier, a podiatrist needs to go through four years of study and training, three years of residency and pass the exam to be certified. But surprisingly, some podiatrists will pose as specialists, yet they haven’t gone through this process. It’s, therefore, essential for one to ensure that the podiatrist in question is certified and up to the task. The best way to verify qualification is by looking at their background, credentials, and education. On top of training and experience, a good podiatrist should be board-certified by a recognized body and should be a member of at least one professional association. Often, these associations require that all its members adhere to high standards and remain in good standing to retain their membership.