Transparent pricing for direct care podiatry
Honest answers about direct care. No insurance games. No surprise bills.
What is direct care, exactly?
Direct care is a simple concept: you pay directly for your medical care, and your doctor answers only to you—not to an insurance company.
In the traditional model, the average doctor spends just 7 minutes with each patient. The rest of their time is consumed fighting with insurance companies—prior authorizations, denied claims, coding restrictions, reimbursement cuts. None of that happens here.
At Pathways Foot & Ankle, Dr. Clifford spends his time where it belongs: with you. Longer, unhurried appointments, more thorough evaluations, and treatment plans designed for your unique needs—not a one-size-fits-all insurance protocol.
Pricing for Standard Visit Types and Common Services
Comprehensive exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan
- For acute and chronic pain, injuries, painful neuropathy, or second opinions
- Includes diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound)
Focused exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan (no x-rays or ultrasound)
- For toenail fungus, warts, diabetic exams, wounds, or other skin and nail problems
- Fungus: Includes KOH testing to confirm fungal diagnosis and first laser treatment
- Warts: Includes first laser treatment
Prescription devices made specifically for your feet
- Includes exam and biomechanical analysis
- Custom casting and fitting appointment
- One pair of custom made orthotics
Safe in‑office procedure, same‑day visit often available
- Includes exam and diagnosis
- In‑office procedure with local anesthesia
- Includes one post‑op visit to ensure proper healing
Note: Listed prices are self-pay rates and do not reflect insurance reimbursement. Reimbursement, if any, is solely the responsibility of the patient and their insurance carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you accept insurance?
Many of our patients have insurance but choose direct care because they're tired of long waits, surprise bills, and rushed appointments. Furthermore, many advanced treatment options simply aren't available under the traditional insurance model. If you'd like to try to get insurance reimbursement, we'll provide a superbill with all the codes you need to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed—it depends entirely on your specific plan's out-of-network benefits.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Absolutely! We accept HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards. Most patients use these tax-advantaged accounts to pay for their care.
Will this cost more than using my insurance?
For many patients, direct care is comparable to or cheaper than using insurance when you factor in copays, deductibles, and surprise bills. Plus, you receive longer, more thorough appointments — and you never need a referral, so there are no extra appointments or delays just to get permission for care.
Will the fees count towards my deductible or out-of-pocket maximum?
It depends. The fees you pay us don't automatically apply to your deductible since we don't bill your insurance. If you submit for out-of-network reimbursement, whether those payments count toward your deductible depends entirely on your specific plan.
Will I ever receive a surprise bill?
Never. You will know exactly what you pay before you receive any service. We believe in complete transparency—no hidden fees, no bills arriving weeks later.
Do I need a referral?
No referral needed. You can schedule directly with Dr. Clifford—same-day and next-day appointments are usually available.
Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
Pathways Foot & Ankle is a direct care practice and does not bill any insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Patients pay directly for services at the time of care.
Ready to experience the difference?
No waiting rooms full of people. No rushed 7-minute appointments. No insurance company telling you what treatments you can have.
Schedule Your Visit Today →Or call Dr. Clifford directly: (971) 359-5299