We have compiled some general tips and requests for your first visit with Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. The hope is to make your transition and visit well worth your time and enjoyable!
Requests
- We have posted our patient intake form on the website. The link in your "Welcome Email" will direct you to this intake form. Filling this form out prior to your appointment not only saves you time in the office but it also helps us to make sure you are on time for your appointment.
- We require that your present your intake form with your insurance card and identification card (typically patients present their state-issued ID and or a passport).
- If you haven't already included your current medications and full medical history on your intake form it best serves your medical record to provide a list upon your first visit. In addition, any time you add or subtract a medication or medical service please provide this to our front office coordinators so that we can keep a detailed and accurate accounting of your continuing care.
- In addition, we request that you bring any pertinent medical records for your first visit. The doctors essentially capture a snapshot of your medical care with the utilization of your medical records. Pertinent records include notes, x-rays, MRI or CT results/scans, and or any physical therapy notes you might have. When in doubt you are always free to call us to see if it will be required but as a general rule we are more than happy to house your records.
- If you have a complaint of general foot pain that is not related to an accident or injury we ask that you bring the shoes that you wear most commonly to work, while you exercise and/or just casually. This gives us a better idea of where to start on your footgear.
- We ask that you arrive on time for your appointment. We promise to hold the same expectation. We also understand that things happen; traffic, sickness, and or any other life event. Please call us 24 hours in advance to cancel an appointment.
- Our promise is to hold to as close to your appointment time as possible. We are a full-service foot and ankle clinic that often treat medical emergencies. At times patients are added to the schedule out of dire need. We try our best and pride ourselves on being on time and punctual for your needs. However, in the event that we are running a tad bit late, we generally ask that you allow at least 1 hour for your initial appointment with Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. We will do our best to honor and respect your time and it is not typical to run late with our schedule.
What to Expect
- You can look forward to visiting our specially prepared reception area fully equipped with a large screen television that showcases many Podiatric common occurrences.
- Our front office staff will provide a warm and inviting greeting because we are very thankful that you have chosen Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists for your foot and ankle needs.
- We will collect some pertinent medical information from you (as stated above), collect your ID and insurance card.
- We will also provide one additional print-out for you to fill out. The additional form is a Medicare Questionnaire. "I don't have Medicare." You might not! Essentially we collect a set of data, you have a choice to participate, for "Meaningful Use." Meaningful Use is a set of criteria we as a provider must follow to show that we are using our EHR (electronic health record) system in an effective and "meaningful" way. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, it is our best foot forward to show Medicare that we are in fact utilizing all of our resources possible to ensure you, the patient, are well known and cared for by us.
- You will then be roomed by one of Clinical Coordinators and or a Podiatric Medical Assistant.
- A Podiatric Medical Assistant is certified by the ASPMA to work directly under our Podiatric license. They are trained to perform every procedure (except surgery) in the facility.
- A Podiatric Medical Assistant will meet with you first to gather all of your history as it relates to visiting us.
- Any and all pain complaints that are not suspected to be soft tissue are routinely provided per protocol to have x-rays performed.
- Our medical assistants are certified by the state of Texas to perform your x-rays. In addition, so are other members of our team in the event that one should need to step in.
- After your initial meet and greet with our medical assistants you can expect to meet your podiatrist shortly thereafter.
- After your initial evaluation, you will check out with our Clinical Coordinators. They will provide you with all the information you will need to feel better prepared with your treatment plan.
As always, you are more than welcome to call before or after your appointment with any questions, suggestions, or issues that you might experience during your visit with us. Thank you again for choosing Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists. We are very excited to set you on your journey!
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.