Frequently asked questions

Yes! Call (301) 762-4636. We welcome new patients of all kinds, as well as longtime patients of Dr. Levy.

No. Your medical records transfer automatically and securely, existing appointments are honored, and our phone number is the same. Just call or book as you always have.

Please bring a photo ID and insurance card, a list of your medications and allergies, a referral if your plan requires one, any recent X-rays or records related to your feet, and the shoes you wear most often, including athletic shoes.

Please arrive about 15 minutes early, and complete your patient forms ahead of time if you can.

It depends on your insurance plan. Many plans don't require one to see a podiatrist, but some HMO plans do. Call us and we'll help you check.

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Yes. For problems like painful ingrown toenails, fractures, sprains, or new wounds, call us first. We do our best to see urgent problems as quickly as possible, and in-house digital X-ray means many patients get answers during their visit.

Call our office at (301) 762-4636 and follow the after-hours instructions. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Call (301) 762-4636. To cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 24 hours' notice.

We participate with most major insurance plans. See our Insurance & Billing section for the current list, or call us to confirm your coverage.

Our billing is handled accurately and on time. For questions about a statement, email Billing@RockvillePodiatry.com or call (301) 762-4636.

Yes, through the secure patient portal.

Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover custom orthotics, and many regenerative treatments are not covered. Our team will review costs with you before treatment begins.

All required forms are on our Patient Forms page. Bring printed copies, fax them to (301) 762-6228, or complete them through the patient portal.

Complete the Authorization for Release of Medical Information on our Patient Forms page, then email it to Records@RockvillePodiatry.com or fax it to (301) 762-6228.

View visit summaries, send messages to our office, review upcoming appointments, and pay your bill online. You can also download the MyPrivia app.

If foot pain lasts more than a few days, worsens with activity, or affects your ability to walk comfortably, it is best to see a podiatrist. Early treatment can prevent many foot conditions from becoming more serious.

Over-the-counter inserts may help mild discomfort, but custom orthotics are designed specifically for your foot structure and biomechanics. A podiatrist can determine which option is best for your condition.

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch becomes inflamed. Proper diagnosis is important because several conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Many bunions can be managed with conservative treatments such as orthotics, shoe modifications, and padding. When pain becomes severe or deformity worsens, bunion surgery may be recommended.

Yes. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for infections, ulcers, and circulation problems. Regular visits with a podiatrist help prevent serious complications and maintain foot health.

Diabetic ulcers often develop due to poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and pressure on certain areas of the foot. Small injuries may go unnoticed and develop into open wounds.

Treatment may include wound cleaning, removal of damaged tissue, specialized dressings, pressure offloading, and infection control. Early treatment greatly improves healing outcomes.

Any open sore, redness, swelling, or drainage on the foot should be evaluated by a podiatrist immediately.

Yes. With proper treatment and pressure relief, many diabetic wounds can heal successfully.

Custom orthotics are commonly used for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, arthritis, tendonitis, and chronic foot pain.

A podiatrist performs a detailed exam and takes measurements or digital scans of your feet. The orthotics are then custom manufactured to support your specific biomechanics.

Yes. Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet and provide more precise support and correction.

Most custom orthotics last several years depending on activity level and shoe wear.

Patients with diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation, arthritis, or difficulty reaching their feet benefit from professional nail and callus care.

Reduced sensation and circulation can make small cuts or injuries dangerous and increase the risk of infection.

Many patients benefit from visits every 2–3 months for routine foot care and monitoring.

Bunions develop when the big toe joint gradually shifts out of alignment. Genetics, foot structure, and tight shoes may contribute.

No. Many bunions can be treated conservatively with orthotics, shoe modifications, and padding.

Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to correct the bunion while minimizing tissue disruption.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure, but many patients return to normal activities within several weeks.

Common injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and tendon injuries.

Yes. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of pain and develop a treatment plan to safely return to activity.

Proper footwear, stretching, training adjustments, and biomechanical evaluation can reduce injury risk.

X-rays allow a podiatrist to diagnose fractures, arthritis, bunions, joint problems, and bone alignment issues.

Yes. Digital X-ray technology uses very low radiation levels and provides fast, high-quality images.

It allows for immediate diagnosis and treatment planning without needing to visit an outside imaging center.

Patients with chronic pain or injuries that haven't improved with conservative care are often good candidates. Dr. Lakner will evaluate your condition and let you know whether a regenerative option makes sense as part of your treatment plan.

Coverage varies, and many regenerative treatments are not covered by insurance. Our team will review costs with you before any treatment begins.

We're preparing to introduce these treatments soon. Call our office at (301) 762-4636 and ask to be notified when they're available.