What to Expect at Your First Visit to CFFAI – A New Patient Guide
Complete guide to your first visit at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute. What to expect, how to prepare, examination process, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
By Dr. Robert Hoover, DPM, FACFAS
What to Expect at Your First Visit to CFFAI – A New Patient Guide
Scheduling your first appointment at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute (CFFAI) is an important step toward healthier feet. If you're nervous about visiting a podiatrist for the first time, that's completely normal. Understanding what to expect helps ease anxiety and allows you to get the most out of your appointment. Dr. Robert Hoover and the entire CFFAI team want your first visit to be informative, comfortable, and the beginning of your journey to better foot health.
Before Your Appointment
Schedule Your Visit
Contact us at (407) 307-0006 or book online at https://floridafai.intakeq.com/booking. Our staff will help you schedule at a time that works for your schedule. We see patients in Lake Mary (Waymont and MedPlex) and Downtown Orlando / SODO. People also drive in from Sanford, Altamonte, and Longwood — we do not have offices in those towns.
Ask about your insurance coverage when scheduling so there are no surprises at your appointment.
Gather Your Information
Bring the following to your first appointment:
Insurance card and photo ID List of current medications Medical history, especially diabetes or previous foot injuries Notes about any foot pain or problems you've had Records from other podiatrists or foot specialists if available Comfortable shoes you can remove easily
Think About Your Foot Concerns
Before arriving, think about:
- When did your foot problem start?
- What activities make it worse?
- What makes it better?
- Have you tried any treatments?
- How is it affecting your daily life?
Having these details ready helps our team understand your situation quickly.
Arrival and Check-In
What Happens When You Arrive
Our friendly front desk staff will greet you when you arrive. Allow 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time for check-in. You'll complete:
- A new patient registration form (available online to complete before arrival)
- Insurance information
- Emergency contact information
- HIPAA privacy acknowledgments
If you haven't filled out the registration form online ahead of time, ask our staff—they can often start the process at check-in to save time.
Your Comfortable Waiting Area
Our waiting areas are comfortable and designed to be calming. You'll have the opportunity to review information about CFFAI and our providers while you wait.
The Medical History Discussion
Getting to Know You
A clinical staff member will bring you back and start with a detailed conversation about your foot health:
- What brings you in today?
- Describe your symptoms in detail
- When did problems start?
- Has the problem gotten better or worse?
- What makes symptoms better or worse?
- Previous foot or ankle injuries?
- Family history of foot problems?
- Your occupation and activity level?
- Relevant medical conditions like diabetes?
This thorough history helps your podiatrist understand your complete situation. Don't minimize or skip details—even small things can be important. The APMA today's-podiatrist page makes the same ask: if you have pain, an injury, or any change in how your feet or ankles feel, bring it to a foot-and-ankle specialist rather than waiting it out.
The Physical Examination
A Comprehensive Foot Assessment
Your podiatrist will examine your feet thoroughly:
Visual Inspection:
- Skin appearance and color
- Toenail condition
- Signs of swelling, redness, or deformity
- Calluses, bunions, or other structural issues
Palpation (Hands-On Examination):
- Gentle feeling of bones, joints, and soft tissues
- Assessment of temperature (indicating circulation)
- Checking for tender areas
- Testing range of motion
Special Tests:
- Gait analysis (watching how you walk)
- Ankle strength and stability assessment
- Neurological testing (checking sensation)
- Circulatory assessment (checking blood flow)
- Joint mobility evaluation
This examination is thorough but comfortable. Tell your podiatrist if anything causes pain or discomfort.
Diagnostic Testing If Needed
When Additional Testing Helps
Based on your examination, your podiatrist may recommend:
X-Rays: Simple, painless imaging shows bone structure and positioning. Useful for detecting fractures, arthritis, deformities, or alignment issues.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging helps visualize soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and tissue inflammation without radiation.
Advanced Imaging: Sometimes MRI or CT scans provide detailed imaging for complex problems. Your podiatrist will discuss whether these are necessary.
Pressure Mapping: For some conditions, we analyze exactly where pressure occurs on your feet, helping us understand pain patterns.
Diagnostic testing is never done without explanation. Your podiatrist will tell you why the test is needed and what it will show.
The Diagnosis and Explanation
Understanding Your Condition
Once the examination is complete, your podiatrist will:
- Explain what they found
- Tell you what's causing your symptoms
- Show you images or findings from tests
- Use models or diagrams if helpful
- Answer all your questions
- Make sure you understand the problem
Don't hesitate to ask questions. A good podiatrist wants you to understand your condition fully. Bring a family member if you'd like them to hear the explanation too.
Treatment Options Discussion
Collaborative Decision-Making
Your podiatrist will discuss treatment options, which might include:
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments:
- Footwear recommendations
- Activity modifications
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications
- Specialized products like orthotics or braces
- Physical therapy
In-Office Procedures:
- Corticosteroid injections for inflammation
- Removal of problematic tissue
- Other minor procedures
Surgical Options:
- When and why surgery might be recommended
- What the procedure involves
- Recovery expectations
- Success rates and risks
Your podiatrist will discuss pros and cons of each option. You're never pressured to choose a particular treatment. We work with you to find the right approach for your situation and preferences.
Creating Your Treatment Plan
Your Personalized Plan
Together, you'll develop a treatment plan that includes:
- Specific steps you'll take (exercises, modifications, etc.)
- Products or devices you might need (orthotics, braces, etc.)
- Timeline for improvement
- Follow-up appointments
- When to contact us with concerns
- Expected outcomes
You'll receive written instructions to take home. This helps you remember what to do and why.
Our Providers and Team
The CFFAI Team You'll Work With
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute is led by experienced podiatrists:
Dr. Carli Hoover, DPM Expertise in diabetic foot care, pediatric foot problems, and conservative treatment approaches.
Dr. Robert Hoover, DPM, FACFAS Board-certified in foot and ankle surgery, offering both conservative and surgical options. FACFAS credential (Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons) indicates advanced surgical training and expertise.
Our physicians are committed to listening, explaining thoroughly, and partnering with you in your foot health journey.
Billing and Payment Discussion
Transparent Cost Information
Before you leave:
- Our staff explains charges for today's visit
- Discusses insurance coverage
- Explains any patient responsibility
- Discusses payment options if there are costs
- Answers billing questions
We accept most insurance plans. If you don't have insurance, we offer fair pricing and payment plans to make care accessible.
Following Up
Your Next Steps
Before you leave, you'll know:
What your diagnosis is Your treatment plan What you need to do at home When to return for follow-up How to reach us with questions What timeline to expect for improvement
Keep your follow-up appointment. Consistent care helps ensure you get the best results from your treatment.
After Your Visit
Supporting Your Recovery
After you leave, we're still here for you:
- Follow the treatment plan discussed
- Call with any questions or concerns
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
- Report any changes in symptoms
- Don't wait until your next appointment if something feels wrong
Your Journey to Healthier Feet Starts Here
Your first visit to CFFAI is just the beginning. We're committed to understanding your foot problems, explaining your condition clearly, and working with you to achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you need conservative treatment, specialized products, procedures, or surgery, you'll have expert care and clear guidance.
Ready for your first appointment? Call (407) 307-0006 or book online at https://floridafai.intakeq.com/booking. Visit us at our Lake Mary or Downtown Orlando clinics. Dr. Robert Hoover and the entire CFFAI team look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve healthier, pain-free feet. Your journey to better foot health starts now.