We get these questions a lot. Here are our best answers...
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) who specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of conditions related to the feet or ankles. They can administer prescription drugs and are capable of performing minor or complex surgical procedures on patients.
Podiatrists are commonly refered to as foot & ankle doctors, or simply foot doctors.
Generally speaking, any pain experienced below the knee can be treated by a podiatrist. These include, but are not limited to:
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Toenail Fungus
- Heel Spurs
- Shin Splints
- Broken Toes
- Broken Ankle
- Foot Gout
- Flat Foot
- Foot Warts & Corns
- Ingrown Toenails
- Bunions
- Orthotics
A podiatrist is a specialist who only see patients suffering with foot or ankle diseases and deformities. Because podiatry is so narrowly focused on the feet, practitioners must be board certified by either the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) or the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
In contrast, an orthopedic doctor (also know as an orthopedist) deals with multiple joints, limbs, and muscles in the body. Because of their broad scope, orthopedists are not considered specialists in the area of foot and ankle medicine, but do receive training to handle certian types of fractures and medical conditions in the feet.
If you are experiencing any pain in your feet or ankles, a podiatrist should be the first point of contact. As a specialist, podiatrists can more easily, quickly, and effectively treat foot related diseases and conditions.
However, when necessary, a podiatrist will provide patients with a referral to see an orthopedist, rehab specialist, chiropractor, or massage therapist if their diagnoses requires those additional services.
A referal is not required to see Dr. Flippin. However, we do require patients to schedule an appointment and do not accept walk-ins.
Urban Foot Care Center is a member of VI Equicare and accepts insurance from the following providers:
- APWU – American Postal Workers Union
- AI – Aetna International
- CCL – Carnival Cruise Lines
- CIG – Cigna
- ESI – Elan Solutions, Inc.
- MAP – Mapfre Life
- NCL – Norwegian Cruise Lines
- PCL – Princess Cruises
- ROC – Royal Caribbean
- SSS – TRIPLE S
- UHC – United Healthcare
- UHC – VACCN
- UBH – United Behavioral Health
- WFC – Wells Fargo Company
At this time, we do not currently accept MAP or Medicaid.
“I always heard bunion surgery was very painful and many of my friends and family advised me not to have any foot surgery. Dr. Flippin took the time to explain the procedure in detail and my expected recovery period. She was able to perform Minimal Incision Bunion Surgery and I had very little to no pain after the first day of surgery. In addition, I was back at work and in my regular shoes in 2 weeks. I am amazed. The very small incision is not even visible. I love and appreciate Dr. Flippin for bringing her skills to our island.” – C.L.
This success story is just one of many that our patients experience who have undergone surgery with Urban Foot Care Center. Our facility is the only Joint Commission Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) in the VI that utilizes Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) on foot and ankle patients.
The result?
- Faster Recovery
- Less Pain
- Minimal Scarring
Athough results may vary based on the condition, we are confident that our MIS treatments will lead to quicker healing than traditional surgical procedures offer.
