In today’s medical world, it’s easy to feel like just another number in the system—rushed appointments, long wait times, and surprise bills seem to be the norm. Foot care specialist, Dr. Joel Foster is changing the game when it comes to foot and ankle care. He’s made it his mission to bring back the personal touch to medicine, putting patients first instead of insurance companies.
“I feel that there are many things that set us apart, including the fact that we are the only direct care foot and ankle clinic in the region,” says Dr. Foster. “We have eliminated all of the insurance headaches. We have up-front costs, so patients know exactly what procedures will cost before we do them, allowing them to make informed decisions. We offer the best of both worlds, whether you have insurance or not.”
In a traditional medical setting, insurance companies dictate much of the process. At Dr. Foster's office, the focus is solely on the patient.
“When dealing with third-party insurance companies, doctors and patients are no longer in control of the process. They are forced into rushed appointments, mandated treatment plans, long wait times for approval, and unbelievably complex fee schedules. We believe patient care should be between the patient and their doctor—no one else.”
This direct care model means patients know exactly what they’re paying before they receive treatment.
“Our current model is very simple. You call the office if you have a foot or ankle issue. We can usually see you within 48 hours and many times the same day that you call. We listen to your concerns and together come up with a treatment plan that is specific to you. All of this with upfront, transparent and low cost pricing. A very comprehensive price list is available on our website. No treatment is ever rendered until the patient understands the charges and agrees to proceed, unlike dealing with insurance where you get treated, have no idea what anything costs, and then wait for bills to start rolling in months later. Urgent care costs 20 times more. We can see patients right away, and they’ll never receive a surprise bill from us.”
Dr. Foster’s office offers an impressive range of advanced treatments from calibrated custom foot orthotics, to regenerative medicine, to minimally invasive foot surgery.
“We have complete 3D foot and ankle imaging, weight-bearing foot and ankle CT, ultrasound, a complete therapy room with Aquaroll treatment, sound wave treatment, and a robotic multi-wave locked dual wavelength laser. We even have an in-office surgical suite where we perform many of our minimally invasive surgical procedures, including a unique approach for flat foot repair.”
For athletes, from high school students to professionals, the clinic offers innovative non-invasive therapies designed to get them back on their feet.
"All of these therapies are essential for athletes, as they seek to accelerate the recovery process throughout the season. We can get them in quickly because we’re a small family practice, not a corporation.”
Dr. Foster’s expertise in foot and ankle care is unmatched with 24 years of private practice experience, 19 of those in Lee’s Summit. He is double board certified by both the ABFAS and ABMSP and is the only doctor in the Kansas City metro area board certified in minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. He’s also an associate with the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.
“I have the best staff that cares about every patient that calls or comes in the door. That’s why people travel across the country to come to our Lee’s Summit office for their care. We have been fortunate to treat patients from Alabama, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Iowa, New Mexico, and Canada.”
Beyond his extensive medical background, Dr. Foster has a personal connection to the challenges his patients face. As a marathon runner, he understands the toll that foot and ankle injuries can take, and as someone who has battled cancer, he knows the importance of compassionate, attentive healthcare. He founded his direct care clinic because he truly cares not just about treating conditions, but about the people behind them.
“I grew up in the Kansas City area and have lived here the majority of my life. I wanted to go into a field of medicine that allowed me to treat patients of all ages, had both a clinical approach as well as surgical approach, and allowed me to work with and treat athletes as I have been involved in sports my entire life. This made podiatry the perfect fit.
“We focus on patients rather than on insurance. We ask how can we help you? What is your issue? How can we help you get better? People want someone to listen to them. Most doctors are lucky to have five minutes—we don’t work like that. We take our time and listen.”
Dr. Foster's office is located at 6 NW Sycamore Street Suite A in Lee's Summit. For more information, visit joelfosterdpm.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Lee's Summit City Lifestyle