Dr. Mark S. Davis Footcare Services    What is an orthotic? An orthotic is a custom molded arch support that accurately matches the contour of the bottom of the foot. This is traditionally accomplished by fabricating plaster molds of the patient's feet. The mold is used to create a model of the foot against which a thermoplastic device is molded. The arch support is usually finished off with custom cushioning material and top covers. The important points to remember concering an orthotic is that the foot needs help to support the body. By balancing the orthotic we can relieve the stress and strain placed on the foot by the weight of the body. What are the common foot deformities for which you perform surgical treatment? Bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, warts, ingrown toenails, neuromas, soft tissue lesions. How many years have you practiced? Dr. Davis has been in private practice in Staten Island for 14 years. What are the chances of recurrence when I agree to undergo foot and ankle surgery? There is always the chance of recurrenc of deformity following foot surgery. NO DOCTOR should ever guarantee to the contrary. Dr. Davis does guarantee to perform all surgeries to the highest standard set by him as well the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons of which he has been a member for 10 years. The chance of reccurrence is minimized by careful selection of procedure combined with the use of proper surgical techniques. How long will I have to wait for an appointment? All appointments are made with 24 hours of your phone call or email to our office. This may add some waiting time in our "waiting" room, but we tend to think that we are "worth" the wait. Average waiting room time has been reduced to within 1/2 hour. Are payment plans accepted for patient's without insurance coverage? We frequently treat patients that are not insured. We will attempt to arrange a fair payment plan for all patients. Will you accept my insurance plan towards payment? We are affiliated with most major insurance carriers including Medicare, United Healthcare, Health Plus,Aetna-USHC, Oxford, Healthnet, Smartchoice, HIP, many local unions such as Magnacare, 1181 ATU and Guardian. We also accept payment from other plans that allow the members to go out of network. Patients are responsible for procuring referrals, if necessary, and for paying copayments and deductibles as per plan guidelines. We utilize a computer based accounting and record keeping program to submit all claims online and to maintain compliance with managed plan rules such as referrals and prior approval. Do you have evening appointments and are you open on Saturdays? Yes, evening appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays @ Staten Island office and Tuesdays and Thursdays @ Toms River. In addition the Staten Island office is open every other Saturday 9-4PM. What services are provided in the office? X-rays are taken and physical therapy is provided. General podiatric care such as whirlpool treatments, nail cutting and callus trimming are quite common. Fluoroscopy or mobile x-rays are used when necessary. Radiosurgical cauterization and electrical cauterization are used to remove warts. Weekly wart treatments are also available for smaller sized warts. Custom orthoses are made on premises. Ingrown toenail surgery is quite common and could be performed on the first visit if necessary. Most podiatric surgical procedures are performed in our office operatory. This makes for more patient conveinience and lower medical costs incurred. Local anesthesia as well as Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) are available for mild sedation. How painful is foot surgery? While each person's response to pain is different most patients report that the level of pain was less than what they anticipated prior to surgery. We like to prescribe a potent combination of non-narcotic (motrin) and narcotic substances (coedine, vicodin) tailored to each individual patient's needs. Most patient's stop using narcotic meds within 48 hours of foot bone surgery. The most important point to remember concerning post-operative pain is that gravity could be friend or foe. To make it your friend you need to elevate the foot above the level of your heart.