Preparing for Your Appointment
Learn what to bring, when to arrive, and how to prepare for your first podiatry visit.
PATIENT RESOURCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about your first appointment, insurance, foot and ankle conditions, treatment options or office policies? Find helpful answers from Lakeland Foot & Ankle in Lakeland, Florida.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful Answers for Our Patients
Whether you're preparing for your first visit or researching a foot or ankle concern, these answers can help you understand the practice, what to expect and where to find additional information.
Insurance & Payment
Understand insurance verification, copays, deductibles and the practice's published payment policy.
Foot & Ankle Treatments
Explore information about heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, orthotics, toenail conditions and more.
Appointment Policies
Review cancellation notice requirements, missed-appointment fees and other important office policies.
CATEGORY 01 — APPOINTMENTS
First Visit & Appointment Questions
Simple answers to help you prepare for an appointment with Dr. Wong.
Who is the podiatrist at Lakeland Foot & Ankle?
Dr. William S. Wong, DPM, is the podiatrist at Lakeland Foot & Ankle. He graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
How do I request an appointment?
You can contact Lakeland Foot & Ankle at (863) 686-1081 or visit the appointment page to find available contact options.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a valid photo ID, current insurance cards and information about medications, allergies, medical conditions and previous surgeries. These details help the office prepare your medical record.
Should I arrive early for my appointment?
Yes. The practice's published new-patient instructions ask patients to arrive approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment to complete paperwork.
Will I need X-rays during my first visit?
The practice's original appointment instructions refer to X-rays as part of the initial visit. If you have questions about whether imaging is necessary or appropriate for you, please contact the office before your appointment.
What happens during a podiatry examination?
The evaluation depends on your symptoms. It may include a discussion of your medical history, an examination of the affected foot or ankle, assessment of movement and tenderness, and additional testing when appropriate.
CATEGORY 02 — INSURANCE & BILLING
Insurance, Coverage & Payment Questions
Insurance benefits and out-of-pocket expenses vary between patients and plans.
Does Lakeland Foot & Ankle accept insurance?
The practice's published policy states that it participates in many insurance plans. Participation may change, so contact the office and verify current network status with your insurer.
How can I check whether my insurance covers podiatry?
Contact your insurance provider and ask whether Dr. William S. Wong and the practice are in network, whether the planned service is covered, and whether referrals, authorizations, copays or deductibles apply.
Does Medicare cover podiatry visits?
Medicare may cover certain medically necessary foot and ankle services, subject to its coverage requirements. Not all routine foot care is covered. Confirm your specific benefits and the practice's current participation before your appointment.
When are copays and deductibles due?
According to the practice's published payment policy, applicable copayments, deductibles and charges for non-covered services are payable when services are provided.
What payment methods are accepted?
The existing office payment policy lists cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Please verify current payment options with the office if needed.
Why did I receive a separate laboratory or hospital bill?
Some tests or services are performed by independent laboratories, radiology providers or hospitals. Those organizations may bill separately from Lakeland Foot & Ankle.
CATEGORY 03 — FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS
Common Foot & Ankle Health Questions
Many foot problems have similar symptoms. A proper examination helps determine the cause and suitable treatment options.
What causes heel pain when I first get out of bed?
Pain during the first steps after waking can occur with plantar fasciitis, but other conditions may cause similar symptoms. Persistent heel pain deserves evaluation to identify the cause.
Can bunions be treated without surgery?
Nonsurgical care may improve bunion discomfort through footwear changes, pressure reduction and other measures. However, conservative treatment generally does not permanently correct the underlying toe alignment.
What is the difference between a bunion and a hammertoe?
A bunion involves misalignment near the base of the big toe, while a hammertoe involves an abnormal bend in one of the smaller toes. The conditions can occur together, but they are not the same.
How do I know whether I have toenail fungus?
Fungal infections may cause thickened, discolored or brittle nails. Nail injuries, psoriasis and other conditions can look similar, so testing may be recommended before selecting treatment.
When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
Seek care for persistent pain, recurring irritation, swelling or drainage. People with diabetes, reduced sensation or poor circulation should seek prompt evaluation rather than attempting to remove an embedded nail at home.
What are common signs of foot arthritis?
Arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty with movement. Symptoms vary by the affected joint and underlying type of arthritis.
CATEGORY 04 — PREVENTIVE & SUPPORTIVE CARE
Diabetes, Orthotics & Family Foot Care
Foot health often involves more than treating pain. Prevention, appropriate support and monitoring can matter too.
Why is regular foot care important for people with diabetes?
Diabetes can affect sensation, circulation and healing. Foot problems may develop without significant pain, making inspection and appropriate clinical evaluation especially important.
How often should a person with diabetes have their feet checked?
The appropriate schedule depends on individual risk, including neuropathy, circulation, deformities and any history of foot wounds. A clinician can recommend the right examination frequency for your situation.
What are custom orthotics used for?
Orthotics are devices placed inside footwear to provide support, influence pressure distribution or improve comfort. They may be recommended for selected foot and ankle conditions.
Are custom orthotics better than store-bought inserts?
Not for every patient. Prefabricated inserts may provide sufficient support for some concerns, while custom devices may be appropriate for particular structural or medical needs. The decision depends on an evaluation.
Are flat feet normal in children?
Flexible flat feet are common during childhood. When painless and not limiting activity, they frequently require no treatment. Painful, rigid or unusual foot alignment deserves assessment.
Does a child need treatment for in-toeing?
Many developmental causes of in-toeing improve naturally. Treatment is not automatically necessary, but pain, persistent limping, significant asymmetry or unusual stiffness should be evaluated.
CATEGORY 05 — INJURIES & TREATMENT
Injuries, Surgery & Recovery Questions
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and individual health needs.
How can I tell if my ankle is sprained or broken?
Sprains and fractures can both cause swelling, bruising and significant pain. A medical examination and sometimes imaging are needed to distinguish them. Difficulty bearing weight or noticeable deformity warrants prompt evaluation.
How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?
Healing time varies considerably. Mild injuries may improve relatively quickly, while more severe ligament injuries can require a longer recovery and rehabilitation period.
Does every foot condition require surgery?
No. Many foot and ankle conditions can be managed with nonsurgical approaches. Surgery may be considered for selected problems when symptoms, structural changes or other clinical factors justify it.
What happens before a decision about foot surgery?
Surgical planning generally begins with a medical history, examination, consideration of nonsurgical options and any necessary imaging. Procedure selection, benefits and risks must be discussed for the individual case.
Where can I find instructions after nail surgery?
Lakeland Foot & Ankle has published nail surgery aftercare instructions covering bandage care, wound cleaning and symptoms that require attention. Your individualized discharge instructions take precedence.
When should I seek urgent care for a foot problem?
Seek urgent medical attention for a suspected serious fracture, significant deformity, rapidly spreading infection, a cold or numb foot, or severe unexplained pain. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
CATEGORY 06 — PRACTICE POLICIES
Office Policies & Patient Communication
Please review the practice's published policies when planning an appointment or contacting the office.
How much notice is required to cancel an appointment?
The practice's published cancellation policy requests at least 24 hours' notice before a scheduled appointment.
Is there a fee for missing an appointment?
Under the existing published policy, cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice and missed appointments are subject to a $10 fee. The fee must be paid before the next appointment.
Can I discuss private medical concerns by ordinary email?
The practice's online interaction policy discourages ordinary email for personal medical matters. Patients should follow the practice's current approved method for secure communication.
Can online messages replace an office visit?
Not always. Some concerns require a physical examination, diagnostic testing or direct consultation. Online messages should never be used for medical emergencies.
CATEGORY 07 — VISITING OUR OFFICE
Location & Contact Information
Lakeland Foot & Ankle serves patients from its office in Lakeland, Florida.
01
Where is Lakeland Foot & Ankle located?
The office is located at 927 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803.
02
What is the office phone number?
Call (863) 686-1081 for appointment and general office questions.
03
How can I check the office's current hours?
Please contact the practice directly to confirm current office hours, availability and appointment scheduling.
04
What if I have a question not answered here?
Contact the office directly. The staff can help clarify practice policies and direct questions about medical concerns to the appropriate healthcare professional.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help you find the information you need. For questions about appointments, patient policies or foot and ankle care, contact Lakeland Foot & Ankle at (863) 686-1081 . You can also review our first appointment checklist before visiting the office.