FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We are in the Advanced Health Center building, located behind the GCI building on Abbot, and next to the Credit Union 1 building. Get directions to our location by clicking on the map below. 1917 Abbott Road, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99507
Have you received an email with the subject “Patient Portal Account Notification from Jared Kern, DPM” from noreply@advancedmd.com in your preferred email account?
IF No: Call the office. Ask a staff member to check your preferred email address on file, and ask them to resend the Patient Portal Invitation.
IF Yes: Open the email, select, and click the green box that says, “Create Your Account”. After redirection to the patient portal, you will be:
1. Asked to input your date of birth verifying you as a patient of the clinic.
2. You will be prompted to create a secure password. Passwords must be 8+ characters in length and include at least one each of the following: UPPER- and lower-case characters, numbers, and symbols. Passwords may not contain more than 3 repeated characters in succession (e.g AAA).
1. Log into the patient portal 2. Click on the Profile Icon 3. Select “Msg. Pref.” in the purple bar 4. Click on your preferred selection(s)
Welcome!
• First appointment visits allow extra time in order to document your current medical conditions, assess concerns, and formulate a tailored treatment plan.
• If you have not already completed your new patient forms, please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment time in order to complete the intake process. Forms are securely emailed / messaged to you in order to streamline the intake process. Please complete all necessary forms prior to your appointment.
• Our forms are very thorough and gather the information necessary to formulate a treatment plan for your care.
• Please reach out to us anytime with any questions, concerns or help with completing the intake forms..
Before Your Visit:
• Bring your government approved ID, and insurance card(s).
• Check with your insurance provider to see if a referral is needed.
• Call before your visit to tell the office if you have special needs.
• Bring a friend or family member if you think it will be helpful.
• Make and bring with you a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you take, any allergies you have and their reaction, and any previous surgeries you have undergone.
• Gather and bring important medical records and laboratory test reports from other doctors or hospitals (including X-rays reports and images, MRIs, CTs, pathology reports, and lab results).
• Make a list of your symptoms and questions.
• If your problem involves walking and/or exercise, bring your walking/exercise shoes with you to the appointment.
• If you wear orthotics, bring them your appointment.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting pants that can be rolled up to your knees. Alternatively you may choose to wear shorts.
• If you are being seen for toenail issues, make sure any nail polish or artificial nails are removed before your visit.
During Your Visit:
• You should expect to complete paperwork and medical history forms about your health and current symptoms.
• You should expect to discuss your medical history and symptoms and receive a thorough physical examination of your feet and lower legs.
• You will be asked to remove your footwear and socks on both feet for the exam.
• You may be asked to walk and stand barefoot for a short time, in order to observe and assess your posture and gait.
• Weight bearing X-rays may be necessary and are taken onsite.
• You should then expect to discuss the diagnosis and potential treatment options. Treatment options may include exercises, orthotics, medication, injections, procedures, or surgery.
We accept ALL insurance plans.
We are a preferred provider contracted with Aetna, FCHN, Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA.
Cash discount offered for payment in full.
Medicaid in the state of Alaska only covers podiatry services for patients up until the age of 21, unless as a secondary to Medicare.
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Custom Orthotic Information
Orthotics are custom made supports for your feet. We make 3D digital scans of your feet which are used to generate their shape and contour. The shape, support, and functions of your orthotics are then prescribed to treat your needs and anatomy, helping to improve alignment of the feet and legs and abnormal foot function.
During the first few weeks after beginning to wear orthotics your body will gradually become accustomed to this new and proper alignment. Each human body is different, so the exact period of adjustment is difficult to determine. It generally takes 1-2 weeks, but can take up to 4-6 weeks, particularly if they are not being used regularly. During this adjustment and break-in period you may experience mild discomfort in other parts of the body, such as the knees, hips, or back. This discomfort is transient and should disappear as the orthotics enable the feet to realign, achieve the correct posture, and function more efficiently.
Instructions
1. If your orthotics come with a full-length top cover, remove the factory insole, if possible, prior to placing the insert into your shoes. This can help prevent the shoe from being too tight around the toes. You may need to trim the top cover on your new custom orthotics in order to accommodate the length and width of your shoes without bunching or folding of the material.
2. If your orthotics do not come with a full-length top cover you may place them beneath the factory insole to help prevent the inserts from sliding around when donning your shoes. Alternatively, you may place the custom orthotics on top of the factory insole to make switching them from shoe to shoe easier.
3. Wear your orthotics for one-two (1-2) hours the first couple of days, three-four (3-4) hours the next few days, etc. You may wear them more if comfortable, or less, if necessary.
4. It is common to have some discomfort in your feet and calves up through the first couple of weeks. At the end of three (3) weeks, if you are still having discomfort, you need to call the office and make an appointment to see your doctor for potential adjustment – make sure to indicate the appointment is in regard to your orthotics.
5. Wear stockings or socks with your orthotics to minimize the possibility of skin irritation.
6. Shoe construction will affect the fit and function of your orthotics. Custom orthotics function most effectively in closed shoes rather than open backed or slip on shoes. When purchasing new shoes bring your orthotics with you to ensure proper fit.
7. Occasionally the orthotics may squeak in your shoes. This can be eliminated by lightly dusting baby powder into the shoes, or rubbing candle wax or paraffin on the bottom of the orthotic shell.
8. Care and cleaning: wipe with soap and lukewarm water (never hot); do not use oil or Vaseline on leather-covered orthotics. Avoid soaking. Allow 24 hours before re-using, if wet.
9. Should the material on the bottom of your orthotics appear to be worn, or should the devices break, return them to our office. Do not attempt to correct or modify them yourself.
10. If you have any questions about your treatment, please feel free to discuss them with us. Your problem cannot be corrected if the doctor remains unaware of it. Most difficulties can be corrected quickly and easily.
Custom-made orthotics are designed for durability and typically last longer than over-the-counter inserts. You should replace your orthotics every 1 to 5 years, but the exact timing depends on factors like your activity level, the type and materials of the orthotics, and your lifestyle. High-impact users need them more frequently (closer to one year), while others with moderate use may get two or three years from a pair.
The top cover often wears out before the orthotic shell and may be refurbished for cheaper than the cost of a new pair of orthotics.
Signs it is time for a replacement:
• Listen to your body for signs of pain. If the orthotics are no longer as helpful in alleviating pain, or are no longer as comfortable as they once were, this is an indication a new prescription is generally in order.
• The structure of your foot has changed, such as from surgery, injury, pregnancy, or deformity progression a new prescription is recommended.
• The orthotic shell is showing visible signs of mechanical wear and damage, such as thinning, cracks, or pieces broken off a new prescription is recommended.
• Pediatric orthotics should generally be replaced every year, or whenever the child’s foot has increased by two full sizes. Outgrowing an insert can be due to growth spurts and high activity levels. An annual exam until the child reaches skeletal maturity and stops growing is recommended. During this annual exam a podiatrist is able to assess the fit of the devices and determine if modifications or replacements are necessary.
• If there are any doubts about whether your orthotics need adjustment, repair, or replacement bring them into the office with your feet for evaluation.
No, not all podiatrists are board certified; board certification is a voluntary process for podiatric physicians and surgeons to demonstrate expertise beyond their initial education and residency. Not all states and hospitals require board-certification in order to perform surgery. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) is the most recognized and respected board in the field of podiatric medicine. It sets strict and rigorous standards that must be met for a podiatric surgeon to achieve a board-certification. Only a select number of foot surgeons complete this process and attain certification. Even fewer obtain separate surgical ankle certification. Achieving board certification requires passing rigorous examinations and demonstrating a high level of skill, knowledge, and clinical experience in specific areas of podiatric medicine. A podiatrist choosing to pursue board certification shows commitment and expertise. Dr. Kern is proud to be double board certified in both Foot Surgery and also Reconstructive Rearfoot / Ankle Surgery.
A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a physician and surgeon who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.
Many people put off seeing the doctor about problems with their feet or ankles because they are unsure of where to go for treatment, or they think that continuous foot discomfort is normal. It is not normal to have constant foot pain.
Feet are complex anatomical structures, all-in-one stabilizers, shock absorbers, and propulsion engines that are instrumental to overall health and well-being. They require expert care.
If you have any issues that involve the foot and or ankle—a sports injury, arthritis/joint pain, skin problems, etc.—a visit to the podiatrist is your best bet. A podiatrist is a specialist who manages and treats almost all symptoms that involve the ankle and/or the foot. Treatment options may include exercises, specific shoes, orthotics, braces, medication, shots, or even surgery. Be sure you are seeing the most qualified health-care professional to treat your feet
You should see a podiatrist if you have any of the following symptoms in your foot or ankle:
• Pain.
• Discoloration or redness.
• Swelling.
• A feeling of heat or warmth.
• New growths or bumps (on or under your skin).
• Changes in foot shape or function: Noticeable changes in the shape or function of your feet, such as arch collapse or pronation.
• Difficulty walking: Pain or instability that makes it difficult to walk or participate in physical activity.
Podiatrists treat foot and ankle injuries, including:
• Sports injuries.
• Foot or ankle sprains and high ankle sprains.
• Heel bursitis.
• Plantar fasciitis.
• Tendon ruptures, including the Achilles, Peroneal, and Posterior Tibial tendons.
• Fractures, including Fifth metatarsal fractures, Jones fractures, toe fractures/ dislocations, Lisfranc fractures, navicular fractures, ankle fractures
• Tendon injuries (tendinopathies and tendonitis)
Podiatrists also treat many foot and ankle condition, including:
• Ingrown toenails.
• Deformities, such as bunions, bunionettes (tailors bunions), and hammer toes
• Heel pain.
• Joint pain in the foot or ankle.
• Foot and ankle arthritis.
• Skin conditions affecting your feet and toenails.
• Plantar warts.
Diabetes
People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at a much higher risk for foot problems like poor circulation, nerve damage, ulcers, infection, and amputation. If you are a diabetic, you should see a podiatrist at least once a year for a foot exam to help prevent these potentially dangerous problems.