How to Evaluate Podiatrist Doctors
Things You'll Need
- Internet access
Instructions
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Evaluate a podiatrist's education and training credentials. Search the website of the hospital a podiatrist is affiliated with. You should find a brief biography of the podiatrist that includes education, residency, fellowships and other affiliations. Podiatrists need an undergraduate education, followed by attendance at a podiatric medical program, completion of residency program and passing scores on state examinations.
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Check to see if a podiatrist is board certified. Check with the American Board of Podiatric Surgeons or the American Board of Podiatric Orthopaedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. Board certifications indicate that a podiatrist has demonstrated a interest and above average achievement in a particular area of podiatry -- for example trauma or diabetic care.
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Visit a rate a doctor website. Websites -- including RateMDs.com -- allow patients to rate their doctors and leave comments. You can rate podiatrists and read reviews based on professionalism, timeliness, wait time and bedside manners.
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Receive a referral. Talk to your primary care doctor about a referral. Your primary care doctor is likely to have podiatrists they typically refer patients to.
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Ask friends and family. If you know of individuals who have visited with podiatrists, ask for their opinion.
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