Our Foot & Ankle Care FAQ

Our Dedicated Foot and Ankle Doctors Discuss Choosing the Right Texas Podiatrist for Your Specific Needs

Podiatry, also called podiatric medicine and surgery, is a branch of medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, injuries, deformities, and diseases. Because there are over 300 foot conditions that any one person can develop in their lifetime, choosing a podiatrist is especially important to help keep you moving on healthy feet. 

When you have a problem with your feet or ankles, you want to find the right podiatrist for your specific needs, as well as someone you relate to. The skilled and knowledgeable podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists understand that you may be meeting a podiatrist for the first time, feel nervous, and/or are in a lot of pain and need immediate help. You may not yet know if we will be the right fit for you. Here, we discuss the characteristics to look for in a podiatrist so you receive the best possible diagnosis and treatment. 

Has Experience

The first quality you should look for in a podiatrist is experience. Your doctor should have extensive knowledge of foot and ankle anatomy, diseases, deformities, and conditions and be able to treat them. The more experience your podiatrist has, the more likely they are to have seen and treated your condition before.

The podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists welcome your questions about our background, credentials, and certifications because we know you want someone who is a qualified doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) and has the experience necessary to accurately diagnose your condition and get your feet and ankles moving in the right direction.

Has Positive Communication Skills

Any good podiatrist should provide you with a clear diagnosis of your foot or ankle condition and an explanation of your treatment options. You shouldn’t be left wondering why you’re in pain or if your doctor knows how to help you. When any medical professional is communicating with you, their approach should be respectful and collaborative. They should value the information you can share with them and work with you to create an individualized plan of care that will work for you. They should make time during appointments to answer your questions and also provide you with resources that you can reference later, such as:

• FAQs
• Articles
• Videos
• Blog posts

Follows up With Patients

Your doctor should be scheduling regular follow-up appointments, especially if you have an on-going condition. They should also encourage you to come back if an issue that seems to be resolved recurs in the future. Regardless of your specific issues, a good podiatrist will regularly follow up with their patients to check on their progress. It’s also important that they listen to any concerns you have and spend time discussing adjustments to your treatment if needed.

Shows Humility

A good doctor recognizes that their patients can feel confused and uncertain about a diagnosis and sometimes want a second opinion. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we can provide you with a second opinion after you have seen a different doctor. If you would like to talk to another doctor to confirm the diagnoses and advice we have given you, we encourage you to do so.

Puts You at Ease With a Positive Bedside Manner

Talking about health issues can be scary and sometimes embarrassing. Your podiatrist should put you at ease so you aren’t afraid to talk about your specific foot or ankle condition and ask as many questions as necessary. We have numerous people available on staff, including Dr. Chica, who speak Spanish and are ready to assist patients who are more comfortable conversing in Spanish.

Makes Scheduling an Appointment Convenient

Your doctor should make it easy for you to get an appointment, offering online scheduling and telemedicine whenever appropriate. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, we offer these options and do whatever else we can to make your experience easier.

Instills Confidence

When you talk to your doctor, their responses to your concerns and the information they provide should make you feel confident that they know how to help you with your health needs. This may be demonstrated by their range of knowledge, which should include traditional approaches to treating your medical issue, and their willingness to use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. Your podiatrist should demonstrate a passion for being a knowledgeable practitioner. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, our doctors seek out opportunities to expand their expertise.

Dr. Thomajan is:

• Board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery
• Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine
• A Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
• A Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons

These credentials mean that not only does Dr. Thomajan meet the state criteria of being licensed to practice, but he has also undergone rigorous testing and peer evaluation and is considered especially knowledgeable.

Dr. Chica has extensive experience in sports medicine, previously worked in a pediatric trauma center managing pediatric foot needs, and has completed comprehensive and advanced training for reconstructive surgery and trauma of the foot and ankle with nationally renowned foot and ankle specialists.

Has a Positive Reputation

When you ask other people in the community about providers, you want to select one who has been recognized for providing excellent care to their patients. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists is the recipient of numerous awards, including the following:

• Austin Business Hall of Fame, after earning Best Overall Foot and Ankle Surgeons for ten consecutive years.
• Small Business Excellence Award
• Austin Monthly’s Top Doctors in 2022, 2023, and 2024
• Dr. Thomajan was selected as the best podiatrist in the Senior Resource Guide’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Additionally, we were featured in the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Austin Monthly, and Foot & Ankle Specialist publications.

We are also highly rated by our customers on Yelp.

Dr. Thomajan is faxing or calling in my first prescription; when can I pick it up?

All prescriptions and refill requests will be filled by the end of the business day. If you are seen for a 9 am appointment time your prescription will be available no later than 5:30 pm with your chosen pharmacy. Dr. Thomajan is always as accommodating as possible and most times prescriptions are sent right away. Please call ahead to your pharmacy to see if the prescription has arrived prior to visiting.

Dr. Thomajan wrote me a pain prescription; how do I get a refill?

Please have your pharmacy fax a prescription refill request to (512) 328-8903. We do not call in prescription refills. A total of 3 pain prescriptions will be filled (one initial prescription and up to two additional refills). If you are still experiencing pain after we have prescribed three rounds of pain prescriptions you are required to schedule a follow-up visit to assess for any changes in your diagnosis. At this time consideration will be taken to find you a pain management specialist should there be no significant changes to your diagnosis.

Can I drive while on pain medication?

No, we recommend that you have a responsible adult drive you while you are taking pain medication(s). You should never attempt to operate any machinery while on pain medication. If you should ever have any questions regarding your prescription please contact our office at (512) 328-8900 or consult your pharmacist.

Can my surgeon call in my prescription for surgery?

Should Dr. Thomajan prescribe pain medication he will write the prescription on the day of your surgery and this will be in the possession of the post-operative nurse at the facility that will be charged with your care. You will receive a paper copy of your prescription to deliver to any pharmacy of your choice. We do not call in or prescribe any medications prior to your surgical procedure.

When do I take my medication? How do I take my medication?

Dr. Thomajan will touch upon this on your visit. However, we do recommend upon receipt of your prescription from the pharmacy that you speak to your pharmacist regarding any additional questions. Please speak with your pharmacist regarding how often to take your medication and how you should take your medication. Your pharmacist has a plethora of information and their purpose is to supply you with as much information regarding your specific prescription. As well, medication directions are always printed on the medication bottle. Should you require any additional information please contact our office at (512) 328-8900.

Do I stop taking my other medications?

Please contact your prescribing physician or PCP to check if you should stop any other medications. As always, we welcome any additional questions you might have as well (512) 328-8900.

You prescribed a medication a friend of mine has; can I just take that?

Unfortunately, no. We are not in the practice of sharing medications. Please fill the prescription that Dr. Thomajan has prescribed for you as this quantity, dosage, and shelf-life were specifically formulated for you. Should you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Dr. Thomajan prescribed me a medication a year ago; can I refill it?

Please contact our office at (512) 328-8900 to schedule an appointment. We do not refill prescriptions over 60 days without another consultation to facilitate any changes in your diagnosis.

Is my prescription covered by insurance?

We make every effort to supply you with as much coverage information as possible regarding your specific insurance plan. However, we do not have access to coverage in terms of prescription drug plans. Please contact customer service with your insurance company to check for coverage of your specific prescription.

Dr. Thomajan referred me to pain management; what is this?

Pain management is a branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with pain. We will refer you to a preferred pain management specialist that is in-network with your insurance company. We will provide you with their contact information and provide all of your medical records as a courtesy.
 

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Doctor in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

What is an MRI?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used to identify and treat various medical conditions. These exams provide unparalleled views of internal body structures including the organs, soft tissues, and bone, which cannot be seen using conventional X-rays or CT scans.

How does an MRI work?

MRI technology uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the human body. As the radio waves pass through the body, images are created on a computer screen for radiologists to analyze. These precise images allow radiologists to view soft tissue (muscles, fat, internal organs, blood vessels, and tendons) and bones without the use of X-rays or surgery.

Is an MRI safe?

The MRI imaging technique does not involve exposure to radiation.  However, women should always inform their technologist if there is a chance they could be pregnant. Medical and electronic devices may interfere with MRI exams and pose a potential risk. Patients with any kind of metallic implant should not have an MRI unless their physician is aware of the device and has approved the procedure. Patients with pacemakers should not undergo an MRI.

Can children receive an MRI?

Yes, children can receive an MRI. Typically, the facility will have a specialty radiologist perform the procedure.  

Who do I contact to schedule my MRI?

Dr. Thomajan will select the facility that is best required for your MRI. You will leave with your MRI prescription order; all orders have the contact information provided. We utilize the following:

• River Ranch Radiology: (512) 454-9597
• Austin Radiological Association: (512) 453-6100
• Austin Health Imaging: (512) 451-8595

I do not live in Austin; can I go anywhere else to receive my MRI?

Although we prefer to use whom Dr. Thomajan has referred you to you do have the right to visit any facility for your MRI procedure. You can always take the referral we have already written to any facility or please just contact our office to write a generic MRI referral.

When should I arrive for my MRI?

Patients typically are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment. This allows time to complete any necessary paperwork, answer any medical history questions, change clothes for the scan if necessary and ask any questions for the technologist.

What do I bring with me to my MRI?

Please bring your insurance card, identification card, and your MRI order.

How should I dress for my MRI?

Patients should dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing (i.e. sweatshirt and pants without metal snaps or zippers). All valuables will be removed so we recommend leaving them at home. We also recommend not wearing cosmetics as many brands contain metal.

What happens during my MRI?

When you are ready for your scan, a technologist will bring you into the MRI scan room and help you get comfortable on the padded examination table. The table will then move slowly into the opening of a large cylinder-shaped tube that houses the MRI magnet. You will hear a continual knocking noise while the machine takes pictures. Earplugs are provided and significantly reduce the amount of noise during the scan. It is important to lie completely still while the images are being taken because motion will affect the sharpness of the image. The technologist will talk with you throughout your scan and keep you informed of what you can expect. You can expect your MRI to last somewhere between 20-60 minutes.

What happens after my MRI?

Patients may leave immediately following their MRI scan and go about normal activities. If you have requested the use of a mild sedative you will be required to have a responsible adult drive you home.

When can I expect my results?

Results are usually available and submitted to our office within 24-48 hours. Our staff will contact you as soon as they are available and interpreted by Dr. Thomajan. You will be required to schedule an office visit to receive your results. An office visit is required to discuss findings and develop a plan of action for your recovery.

I scheduled my results visit; do I have to pay a copay?

Yes, all visits are considered with your contract with your insurance company as an office visit. Any time you are seen and treated by Dr. Thomajan and his staff your insurance is billed. Part of your billed service is your copay; which is due on each date of service. 

Do I need to bring my results or copies of the MRI to my visit?

We do not require that you provide results. We will have access to your results. Should we require to see the physical scans we can access River Ranch Radiology and Austin Radiological Association online. Any other facility that does not provide scans online we will request the hard copy as a courtesy.
 

Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.