What to Expect When Undergoing Foot Surgery

Last updated 1 year ago

While your podiatrist can provide a number of treatment options for foot and ankle problems, certain conditions can only be treated surgically. Before you contact your local foot doctor, learn a little more about what to expect when undergoing foot surgery.

Before the Surgery: Your podiatrist will start by asking the facility’s surgical coordinator to arrange an available procedure date. During this time, your surgical coordinator will also contact you to discuss your available insurance benefits, deductible, and expected co-pay.

You will also have a pre-operative visit with your foot doctor to discuss the procedural steps, recovery guidelines, and items you’ll need to bring with you on the day of surgery. It is important to follow your podiatrist’s preoperative guidelines and arrange for another person to drive you to and from the facility on the day of the procedure.

During the Procedure: The surgery itself may take place at a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center depending on the type of procedure being performed, facility availability, and whether or not the facility is contracted with your insurance provider. However, surgeons only tend to utilize ambulatory surgical centers for outpatient procedures involving the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

After the Surgery: Your post-surgical follow-up will not take place at the surgical center but rather with your foot doctor at a later date. These visits will be scheduled by your foot surgeon’s office according to your recovery guidelines to ensure that the procedure was successful and that no complications have arisen following the surgery. While your follow-up visits will be predetermined by your foot doctor and his or her staff members, you will also be given instructions on how to reach a doctor on a 24/7 basis in the event of an urgent medical complication.

Whether you require bunion surgery, hammertoe surgery, or laser nail treatment, Village Podiatry is your number-one resource for foot and ankle treatments. Learn more about our services by contacting our office at (678) 372-1835. You can also visit our website for a listing of our Macon, Warner Robins, and metro Atlanta locations.