Question 1

In which areas do you provide house-calls?

Accepted Answer

We can travel to most areas within Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Please call our office to confirm availability in your area.

Question 2

What are the limitations of telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth is not intended for use during a medical urgency or emergency. Please go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room if you are needing immediate assistance.

Some foot conditions may require direct in-person examination to make an accurate diagnosis. In such cases, telehealth visits may be limited to initial assessments or follow-up consultations, and may require an in-person appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.

Technical difficulties or connectivity issues can hinder communication and affect the quality of the consultation.

Despite these limitations, telehealth visits remain a valuable option for many individuals seeking foot care. By understanding the potential limitations, clients can make an informed decision about the most appropriate approach for their needs.

Question 3

What are some common concerns that can be assessed via telehealth?

Accepted Answer

What is this spot on my toenail?
How is toenail fungus treated?
How do I treat Athlete’s foot at home?
What are the best exercises for heel pain?
What foods should I eat or avoid if I have chronic foot pain?
What other treatment options are there for foot or ankle pain?
Is surgery really necessary for my foot pain?
Am I experiencing neuropathy or something else?
I’ve seen several doctors but what does it all mean?
I have diabetes and I’m scared. What can I do to protect my feet?
What should I do if I sprained my ankle?
What can I do for plantar fasciitis?
Why does my heel hurt so much first thing in the morning?
What to do for ingrown toenails?
How can I get rid of a corn?
How can I get rid of my bunions?

Question 4

Should I get a steroid injection?

Accepted Answer

Steroid injections offer temporary relief for some acute inflammatory conditions, but is not ideal for the Achilles tendon or joints. Many studies have shown it can further degenerate joint cartilage and weaken tendons.

Question 5

What are regenerative injections used for?

Accepted Answer

Regenerative injections can include amniotic fluid or regenerative cells. We often use these for fat pad regeneration in the ball of the foot or other high-pressure areas; amniotic injections are typically used to induce healing to chronically disease tendons, joints, or fascia.

Question 6

How does laser work and what does it treat?

Accepted Answer

Laser therapy can be used to treat toenail fungus, pain from tendonitis/arthritis/fasciitis, neuropathy, neuroma, scars, inflammation after surgery, and warts. The Class IV laser promotes the relaxation of muscle spasms, promotes vasodilation, increases local circulation, decreases inflammation, decreases pain, stimulates tissue repair, and accelerates nerve regeneration.

Question 7

What is KeryFlex Toenail Restoration?

Accepted Answer

This is a painless, sterile in-office application that immediately remodels the appearance of a natural-looking nail. The composite resin creates a lightweight and flexible, durable, medical-grade gel which allows for sculpting and contouring. The remaining natural nail grows underneath. It is unaffected by acetone, nail polishes or detergents.

It should not be used on individuals with peripheral vascular disease, arterial insufficiency, peripheral neuropathy, suspicious pigmented lesions on the nail, or in-grown toenails. Should be avoided in patients who are pregnant, nursing or known to be sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients.

Can be used during antifungal treatments. Typically lasts 6-8 weeks, then can be removed/reapplied.

Question 8

I have diabetes. Do I need to see a podiatrist?

Accepted Answer

It is very important to have a podiatrist regularly check your feet if you have diabetes. This is because uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve, vessel, and joint damage. Many people with diabetes will start to lose feeling in their feet, leading to open wounds that do not heal because of decreased blood flow to the injured area.
Loss of sensation in the feet can also lead to joint breakdown and severe neuropathic pain. 
Check your feet regularly if you are diabetic- including the bottoms of your feet, tips of the toes, and in between your toes. Check for color changes, bad odor, drainage, thick calluses. 
If you are diabetic, avoid walking barefoot in order to protect yourself from developing wounds. Wear white socks to better see blood or drainage.

Question 9

How do I pay for surgery?

Accepted Answer

If you have insurance, you may use it to cover facility and anesthesia fees, as allowed by your policy. You will pay the surgeon fee separately.
If you do not have insurance- you will be quoted a bundled price depending on the procedure.
Pricing is kept at fair market value, which is set by the Surgery Center of Oklahoma.

Options for payment:
You may apply for financial assistance through our office, to receive a 10% discount.
We accept CareCredit, which you may be eligible for promotional interest deferment, subject to approval.

Question 10

What is minimally-invasive surgery?

Accepted Answer

Minimally-invasive surgery means that you are having a procedure performed via very small incisions. I perform minimally-invasive procedures for deformed toenails, hammertoes, bunions, corn removal. Many of these can be performed during your office visit.

The recovery time for MIS is typically much shorter than for traditional surgery.

Question 11

What does functional medicine mean?

Accepted Answer

We emphasize functional podiatric medicine, which seeks to find the root cause of your symptoms. We do this through comprehensive analysis including dietary habits, genetic predispositions, movement assessment, and personal medical history review. We can then guide you toward natural healing without pain medication, additional prescriptions, or even surgery.

Question 12

Why pay out-of-pocket?

Accepted Answer

We offer alternative and holistic treatment options to optimize your foot health. Most of our therapies are not considered covered services by health insurance plans. We aim to deliver fair market pricing for quality podiatric solutions. In this model, I can spend much more time personally with the patient to get to the root cause of the problem and offer effective treatments. Not sure if we are the right options for you? Give us a call at 908-671-1671 to talk directly with Dr. Oakman about our services.

Dr. Joy Oakman, DPM DABPM

Functional Podiatrist | 7501 Wiles Rd, Ste 102A, Coral Springs FL | 908-671-1671

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