Our Skilled Texas Podiatrist Explains Why You Might Consider Changing to a New Foot and Ankle Doctor
There are hundreds of working podiatrists across Texas, but it’s not always easy to find one that’s right for your needs. While the majority of podiatrists are competent and have good intentions, not all of them may be a good fit when considering your specific condition or your preferences. 
With so many options, it can be difficult to find a medical professional who is covered by your insurance, lives a reasonable distance from your home, and has an appointment free in a reasonable amount of time. It can be challenging to find a doctor who listens, communicates effectively, has extensive experience, and is focused on your long-term health and well-being. The top-notch podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists want you to know you don’t have to stay with a doctor who doesn’t meet your needs. Here, we discuss why you might want to look for another foot and ankle doctor.
It may happen that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, and, after your first meeting, wonder if you’ve found the right doctor. You may be tempted to stick with the choice you’ve made, but it’s okay to look further and shop around for a medical professional who better meets your needs.
Reasons Texas Patients May Change Podiatrists
Some patients may feel they are being disloyal if they want to change doctors or podiatrists. This can be especially true after receiving a diagnosis or treatment and wanting a second opinion. But it’s always a good idea to listen to your instincts. If you feel the need for more information, further testing, or better communication, getting a second opinion or even changing doctors completely is a positive action toward ensuring you get the correct medical care. Here are some valid reasons to seek a second opinion or to look for another podiatrist:
You Aren’t Comfortable With the Recommended Treatment
One of the most common reasons that patients seek a second opinion is that they don’t feel confident in the treatment being recommended for them. Perhaps the podiatrist recommended a serious surgery when you would rather try a less invasive option first. Or perhaps the doctor shrugged off your concerns and simply recommended a lifestyle change or Tylenol when you truly think you need more help. Either way, a second opinion can help resolve the questions you have about your podiatrist’s recommendation, whether it’s the same opinion or a different one.
Your Treatment Plan Isn’t Working for You
Some patients will try their podiatrist’s treatment plan, with or without getting a second opinion, only to find that it isn’t working for them. Perhaps you still feel significant pain in your feet and/or ankles. Maybe the treatment has unwanted side effects or you’re just not getting the results your podiatrist said you could expect. While it is certainly valid to talk to your doctor about other treatments, it’s also valid to seek a second opinion.
You Just Want a Second Opinion
Even if you feel confident in your doctor and the treatment plan, it’s still acceptable, and even smart, to seek a second opinion simply to verify the diagnosis of your treatment plan, especially if treatment includes surgery. Discussing your condition with another podiatrist can give you confidence and peace of mind.
Your Podiatrist Lacks a Good Bedside Manner
There is more to being a good doctor than diagnoses and treatment plans. You also must be able to communicate with and relate to your patients. Patients who seek medical care are often worried and concerned, and sometimes their conditions are extremely sensitive and personal. A skilled and compassionate podiatrist will form a relationship with the patient and walk them through their treatment with thoughtfulness and care. If your doctor lacks a good bedside manner, you may want to look for care elsewhere.
You Have Trouble With the Podiatrist’s Office
It’s important that your podiatrist employs a staff that also works well with the patients who come there. This medical staff should be competent and kind, and it should be easy to call and schedule an appointment. The staff should respond efficiently to your call and communicate with you in a professional way. They should also be able to answer any questions you have about accessing and navigating their client portal.
Your Podiatrist Doesn’t Have a Lot of Experience With Your Condition
It’s possible that your podiatrist has little experience with your particular problem or condition. If you know there’s another podiatrist who has significantly more experience treating your condition or who is known for their work with your medical issue, you may want to switch podiatrists.
You Just Don’t Have a Good Feeling About the Office or the Doctor
You don’t have to have a definitive reason to seek a second opinion about your condition or try a second doctor. You may just have a bad feeling about the podiatrist and/or their office staff. You may not have a great connection with the people there, or you may notice something that makes you uncomfortable or uneasy. It’s okay to move on and try someone else.
How to Seek a Second Opinion
Once you’ve decided to seek a second opinion, it’s time to get to work. Especially if you’re seeking a second opinion because the first doctor wasn’t a good fit, it’s important to research many podiatrists before making your choice. Here are a few things to consider:
Look for Someone Who Fits Your Needs
You probably aren’t looking for the world’s greatest podiatrist; rather, you’re looking for a podiatrist who fits your specific needs. Perhaps you have a foot condition that this doctor has extensive experience with. Perhaps you need a doctor who takes extra time to explain medical issues or answer questions. Perhaps you need a doctor who lives very close to your home. Whatever makes a podiatrist “fit” your situation depends on your personal needs.
To find a good fit, look at the reviews and client testimonials of the podiatrist. Ask friends and family for referrals. Read podiatrist bio pages to look at a doctor’s experience and practicing philosophy.
Communicate Your Needs Clearly
It will be much easier to find what you need if you tell medical professionals what you need. You probably shouldn’t shop around for a specific diagnosis or treatment; however, you should shop around for a podiatrist who listens, who takes time with you, and who carefully makes treatment decisions with you as a partner in those decisions.
Let Your New Podiatrist Know You’re Getting a Second Opinion
You aren’t being rude by seeking a second opinion, and you don’t have to feel sneaky or awkward by doing so. Let your new podiatrist know that you’ve sought a second opinion, and be sure to share any diagnosis or treatment that you’ve had in the past. Part of this process includes getting your medical records forwarded from your last podiatrist.
Make the Switch
At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we are happy to work with patients who are seeking a second opinion or who are just looking for a change. We also fully understand when prospective patients seek second opinions elsewhere or decide another medical professional better fits their wants and needs. We strive to form long-term relationships with our patients, with the goal of getting their healthy feet for life. If that’s your goal, too, contact us today for an appointment.