Question 1

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

For your first visit to Fremont Foot and Ankle, please bring your current photo ID, and insurance card(s). It's also helpful to bring the shoes you wear most often, as these can provide important information about your foot mechanics and wear patterns.
If you've had previous imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) related to your foot condition, bringing these reports or having them sent to our office before your visit can be helpful. We also recommend arriving 15 minutes early to complete the check in process if you were unable to log in at home.

Do I need to have my physician referral paperwork with me?While we will have already received your referral electronically from your physician's office, bringing any referral paperwork you were given can be helpful as backup documentation. Our office staff works directly with referring physicians to ensure all necessary referral documentation is in place before your appointment. If there are any issues with your referral, we will contact you before your scheduled visit.

What insurance plans do you accept?Fremont Foot and Ankle accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance providers. Since insurance coverage can change frequently, we recommend contacting our office directly with your specific insurance information so we can verify your coverage before your appointment. Our staff will work with you to understand your benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Do you require a copay at the time of service?Yes, we do require copays to be paid at the time of service, as this is a requirement of most insurance contracts. Your copay amount will depend on your specific insurance plan and whether podiatry visits are considered specialty care under your policy. We accept various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. If you're unsure about your copay amount, please contact your insurance provider or our office staff can help verify this information for you before your visit.

Question 2

Do I need to prepare anything special for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Prior to your appointment at Fremont Foot and Ankle, log in to your patient portal and verify that all demographics, and medical information is complete and accurate. Also, click the check-in tile and carefully follow the steps to check in for your upcoming appointment. It's also helpful to write down any questions you have about your condition.
If you're coming for a specific injury or pain condition, try to keep track of when the pain is worst and what activities affect it in the days leading up to your appointment. This information helps Dr. Kizzar develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.

Can I fill out new patient forms before my appointment?Yes! Patients will fill out their new patient forms before making their appointment to reduce waiting time and make their visit more efficient. Patients are also asked to check in for their appointment prior to arriving to the office. Our new patient forms are available on the patient portal. Please message us here to request that an invitation to self register be sent to your email, or call our office at (719) 275-1037.
Completing these forms at home allows you to take your time and ensure all information is accurate, especially important details like your medical history and current medications. If you have any questions while filling out the forms, please don't hesitate to contact our office for clarification.  Helpful videos to answer questions about the portal can be found here.

Should I bring my current shoes to my appointment?Yes, we highly recommend bringing the shoes you wear most frequently to your appointment. The wear patterns on your shoes can provide valuable diagnostic information about your walking pattern and foot mechanics. This includes both your everyday shoes and any specialized footwear you use for activities like sports or work.
Having your shoes available allows Dr. Kizzar to evaluate how your footwear might be affecting your condition and make specific recommendations for appropriate footwear that could help alleviate your symptoms.

Should I remove nail polish before my appointment?If your visit involves concerns about your toenails or if you're scheduled for a complete foot evaluation, we recommend removing nail polish before your appointment. Clear nails allow Dr. Kizzar to properly assess nail health and detect any potential issues that might be hidden under polish.
However, if you're coming in for a specific injury or problem unrelated to your toenails, leaving nail polish on is generally acceptable. If nail examination becomes necessary during your visit, we can address this at that time.

What if I need to reschedule my referred appointment?We understand that circumstances sometimes require rescheduling. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment time. We appreciate at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations to allow us to accommodate other patients who may need urgent care.

Question 3

Where should I park when I arrive?

Accepted Answer

We offer convenient, free parking directly in front of our building. Our dedicated parking lot is level and well-maintained, with several designated accessible parking spaces located close to our entrance. The parking area is well-lit and monitored for your safety.
The short distance from parking to our front door makes it easier for patients with mobility issues or foot pain to access our facility. During winter months, we ensure our parking lot and walkways are cleared of snow and ice for your safety.

Is your facility accessible for patients with mobility issues?
Our facility at 604 S. 9th Street is fully accessible for patients with mobility challenges. We have ground-level entry with no steps, wide doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, and an accessible restroom. Our exam rooms are spacious enough to maneuver mobility devices comfortably.
If you need any special assistance during your visit, please let our staff know when scheduling your appointment, and we'll ensure you receive any additional help required. We understand that many of our patients have mobility challenges, and our entire facility is designed with your comfort and accessibility in mind.

Question 4

What if I need to reschedule my referred appointment?

Accepted Answer

We understand that circumstances sometimes require rescheduling. Please contact our office as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment time. Since you're visiting us through a physician referral, we'll ensure your new appointment date falls within your referral's valid timeframe.
When rescheduling, we'll coordinate with your referring physician if necessary and help you select a new appointment time that works with both your schedule and any referral requirements. We appreciate at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations to allow us to accommodate other patients who may need urgent care.

Question 5

Will I receive treatment during my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Many conditions can be initially treated during your first visit to Fremont Foot and Ankle. After Dr. Kizzar completes your evaluation and discusses his findings with you, he'll recommend a treatment plan that may begin immediately. This could include treatments such as injections, padding, strapping, or basic wound care.
However, some conditions may require additional testing, special ordering of supplies, or coordination with your insurance company before beginning treatment. In these cases, Dr. Kizzar will clearly explain the treatment plan and timeline, ensuring you understand the next steps in your care.

Will Dr. Kizzar need to take X-rays?
The need for X-rays depends on your specific condition and symptoms. One advantage of our practice is that we have on-site X-ray capabilities, allowing us to take any necessary images during your visit without sending you to another facility. This means faster diagnosis and more immediate treatment planning.
If X-rays are needed, our trained staff will take them right in our office, and Dr. Kizzar can review them with you during the same visit. We'll also send these images to your referring physician as part of our coordinated care approach.

Does your office provide both evaluation and treatment on the same day?
Yes, in most cases we can provide both evaluation and initial treatment during the same visit. Our fully-equipped facility includes on-site diagnostic tools and treatment capabilities, allowing Dr. Kizzar to progress from diagnosis to treatment efficiently when appropriate.
Some specialized treatments may require insurance authorization or special ordering of supplies, but we always aim to begin addressing your foot health concerns during your first visit. We'll provide immediate care for pain or discomfort when possible, even if a more comprehensive treatment plan needs to be scheduled.

Are family members allowed in the exam room?
Yes, we welcome family members or support persons in the exam room. We understand that having a trusted family member present can help with understanding treatment plans, remembering important information, and providing comfort during procedures. This is particularly helpful for our elderly patients or those who may need assistance with medical decisions.
We simply ask that you limit the number of accompanying persons to maintain adequate space in the exam room and ensure the best possible care environment. If you plan to bring several family members, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate everyone comfortably.

Question 6

What types of diagnostic testing can be done in your office?

Accepted Answer

Our office is equipped with comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, including digital X-ray imaging, ultrasound, and specialized tools for neurological and vascular testing. We can perform detailed gait analysis, pressure point mapping, and range of motion assessments right in our office.
We have state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment right in our office. This on-site capability means you won't need to travel to another facility for imaging studies. Our trained staff can take any necessary X-rays during your appointment, and Dr. Kizzar can review them with you immediately.
We also have ultrasound imaging available on-site, which is particularly useful for evaluating soft tissue conditions, monitoring healing progress, and guiding certain treatments. Having these diagnostic tools available in our office allows for faster diagnosis and more immediate treatment planning.
During your visit, we can also conduct various diagnostic tests such as circulation checks, nerve conduction studies, and detailed biomechanical evaluations. This broad range of in-house diagnostic capabilities allows us to develop precise treatment plans without the need for multiple appointments at different facilities.

Question 7

Are emergency appointments available for referred patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we understand that urgent foot and ankle problems require prompt attention. For our referred patients experiencing acute pain or sudden injury, we make every effort to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments. These emergency slots are reserved each day specifically for urgent care needs.
Contact our office as early in the day as possible if you need an emergency appointment. We'll work with your referring physician to ensure proper authorization while getting you the urgent care you need. For after-hours emergencies, we provide guidance on whether to seek immediate emergency room care or wait for an urgent office visit.

Question 8

Is translation service available for Spanish-speaking patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Dr. Kizzar is fluent in Spanish, having earned his Bachelor's degree in Spanish before his medical training. This allows him to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking patients without the need for a translator, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation during important medical discussions.
Our office staff also includes Spanish-speaking team members, making it comfortable and convenient for Spanish-speaking patients to communicate during scheduling, check-in, and follow-up care. We're committed to providing clear communication throughout your entire care experience.

Question 9

When should I contact my referring physician vs. your office?

Accepted Answer

For issues directly related to your foot and ankle care, including prescription refills, appointment scheduling, or concerns about your treatment, contact our office directly. For general health concerns or conditions unrelated to your podiatric care, reach out to your primary care physician.
If you're unsure who to contact, our office staff can help direct you to the appropriate provider. Treatment updates from your visits with us are automatically shared with your referring physician, and you can always review your visit summaries through our patient portal.

Question 10

How can I access my treatment records?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to access your treatment records is through our secure patient portal, where you can view visit summaries, prescribed medications, and treatment plans. The portal provides 24/7 access to your podiatric health information, including diagnostic imaging results and care instructions.
If you need printed copies or records sent to other healthcare providers, please contact our office directly. We're happy to help coordinate the transfer of any necessary medical information to ensure continuity of care.

Question 11

How will Dr. Kizzar communicate with my referring physician?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Kizzar maintains close communication with your referring physician throughout your care. After your initial visit, we send a detailed report to your referring doctor outlining the evaluation findings, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Any significant changes in your condition or treatment approach are also communicated to ensure coordinated care.
We also share relevant imaging studies, test results, and progress notes with your referring physician. This ongoing communication helps ensure all your healthcare providers are informed about your foot health and how it relates to your overall medical care.

Question 12

How do you handle insurance prior authorizations?

Accepted Answer

Our office staff handles all insurance prior authorizations for procedures and treatments. We work directly with your insurance company and referring physician to gather all required documentation. You can track the status of authorizations through our patient portal.
We'll contact you once we receive approval or if additional information is needed. Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible for our patients while ensuring proper coverage for your care.

Question 13

How do I obtain a refill on prescribed medications?

Accepted Answer

For medication refills, please send the request through the patient portal or contact our office during regular business hours, allowing at least 48 hours for processing. We'll need to know your pharmacy information, the medication name, and your last appointment date. Keep in mind that some medications require periodic follow-up visits before refills can be authorized.
For narcotic prescriptions or other controlled substances, you must be seen in the office before a refill can be issued, as required by law. We coordinate with your referring physician regarding any long-term medication needs to ensure appropriate management of your care.

Question 14

What payment methods / insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major credit cards, debit cards, personal checks, and cash. For your convenience, copays and other payments can also be made securely through our patient portal. We process all payment methods in compliance with current security standards to protect your financial information.
We accept the following insurance plans:

Do you offer payment plans for procedures not covered by insurance? 
Yes, we understand that some procedures may not be covered by insurance or that patients may have high deductibles to meet. We offer flexible payment plans through our partnership with medical financing companies. Our billing staff can discuss these options with you and help determine the best solution for your situation.

Will I know my out-of-pocket costs before treatment? 
Yes, we believe in transparency regarding treatment costs. After verifying your insurance coverage, we'll provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses before beginning treatment. You can review your financial statements and estimates anytime through our patient portal.

How do you handle secondary insurance? 
Our billing staff is experienced in working with both primary and secondary insurance providers. We'll submit claims to your primary insurance first, and once processed, automatically submit any remaining balance to your secondary insurance. You can monitor the status of these claims through our patient portal.

Frequently Asked Questions