What to Expect at Your First Visit to CFFAI – A New Patient Guide

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 learn.floridafai.com. Our staff will help you schedule at a time that works for your schedule. We have five convenient locations throughout Central Florida: Downtown Orlando Altamonte Springs Longwood Lake Mary Sanford 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 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 podiat