The end of the year is approaching quickly, which means many different things, like making plans for your New Year’s resolutions or preparing taxes if you own a business. It also means you will lose the money in your flexible spending account (FSA) if you don’t use it!

An FSA is an account you might have wherein you make contributions out of every paycheck. The money goes into the account before it is taxed, so this can be a nice way to save money. During the year, if you need to pay for approved expenses, you can simply use the money saved up in your account. For many FSA plans, you can even withdraw the money you haven’t placed into the account yet (which is helpful if you get hurt in the middle of January!).

The one downside to having an FSA is the fact that you will lose any money you have in the account if you do not use it by the end of the year. Now, with a health savings account (HSA), this is not the case. An HSA allows you to save up money (to a certain amount) every year, and then carry over the account’s balance.

So what does this all mean? Well, if you have a flexible spending account with money in it, you should really consider using it between now and the end of the year.

One consideration you might want to make with regard to your FSA money is to schedule a procedure you need, but haven’t gotten around to having performed. Another suggestion for using FSA funds is to replace an old pair of orthotics or get your first pair.

Orthotic devices are versatile medical tools that can be used to treat and prevent a wide range of foot and ankle problems. We can take a look at your unique foot structure and gait, and then determine if you might benefit from a pair of custom orthotics. The “custom” part is important because these devices are created to work specifically with your unique feet.

For more suggestions on how to use your flexible spending account money before it disappears, or to find out if anything you want is approved, simply give us a call at (510) 647-3744. You can also contact our Berkeley, CA office online today!

Trying something new can be nerve-wracking. Think back to the first time you learned to ride a bike, or rode your first roller coaster. You were probably excited, but you may have been a little nervous, too, because you weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Other new experiences—like visiting a new doctor—can be even more nerve-wracking, though, as you deal with your foot pain. Preparing ahead of time for your first podiatry visit can help you cut back your nervousness and feel confident and calm as you go to your appointment.

As you get closer to your first appointment, preparing the things you need to bring with you will help avoid last-minute scrambling. Many offices, including ours in Berkeley, CA, have new patient forms that can be printed off. Filling out these forms beforehand means you won’t have to take extra time doing them on the spot at the front desk. Instead you can simply hand them to the front desk staff, along with your ID and insurance cards.

Preparation can make the post-check in time easier, too. By writing down your medications, relevant medical history, and any questions you may have, you ensure you won’t forget that information when you’re talking to the doctor.

Once you’re actually at your first appointment, you’ll spend some time talking about your symptoms and what brought you in that day. Then your feet will be evaluated. This definitely means looking at and feeling your lower limbs, but you might also be asked to stand up, walk around, or perform certain movements, depending on your complaints. Some injuries might even require diagnostic imaging.

Through all of this, our team is happy to answer your questions. We want to make sure you understand what is going on and what will come next. Once we have a clearer picture of a diagnosis, we’ll go over treatment options with you. These will be different depending on what’s up with your feet as well as your unique needs.

Your first podiatry visit doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. After all, it’s your first step toward healthier feet. Preparation and knowing what’s coming can help you get the most out of your appointment. If you have any questions about what to expect or what to bring to our office, please let us know! Simply contact Yuko Miyazaki, DPM through the website or by calling (510) 647-3744.

Using Flexible Spending Funds Before the New Year

What to Expect at Your First Podiatry Visit

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