FAQ's
What is a SuperSpecialist?
A doctor who focuses on a particular area of podiatric medicine and also seeks out new information in that area during his or her career.
How do you educate your patients?
Teaching is a top priority at KFAC. Dr. Kim has been conducting educational seminars for our patients and surrounding communities for many years.
What is the annual KFAC shoe drive?
Since 1997 KFAC has been collecting shoes and donating them to local charities and to Mexico. We collect used unwanted, wearable shoes for people that do not have any.
How do you serve your patients?
KFAC thrives on the “going the extra mile” service mentality. We always try to do more than expected and always anticipate their foot care needs. We have a large stock of durable medical equipment. We also maintain the Kim Foot Store an in-office retail area that sells all our doctor recommended products. If there is anything we do not carry we also have an online store which carries hundreds of supplies that patients can order right from home.
Our staff also makes additional appointments for our patients. If you are in need of a service we do not provide such as MRI, CT, nerve testing, vascular testing, or need another consulting doctor, we make the appointment for you.
We are also open Saturdays to accommodate those who cannot take time off work during the week.
What are some valuable services you provide?
Our offices provide many services in addition to basic foot care. Since 1995, KFAC has been helping patients with personal and work related injuries. All of our doctors are qualified medical evaluators, or QME’s. We are well versed in the legal ramifications of work-related injuries and specialize in getting the work force back on the job as soon as possible after an injury. In addition all of our doctors are EDD evaluators for the state of California.
What is the most common condition you treat?
By far heel pain, frequently called plantar fasciitis.
What causes heel pain?
Structural misalignment in the feet is the number one cause of heel pain, and either a flat foot or highly arched foot can bring on heel pain.
How do you treat heel pain?
KFAC has begun using cutting edge technology, APC for the treatment of heel pain. We also can supplement treatment with cortisone injections, immobilization and physical therapy.
How can I prevent heel pain?
Orthotics are a very effective way of preventing recurrent heel pain in the future. Another preventative measure is stretching and strengthening.
Can we get medications from your office?
Our doctors will give prescriptions for any medications necessary.
Can we eat before surgery?
You cannot eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgery.
What do I wear the day of surgery?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
What do I do before my surgery?
You need to be at the hospital or surgery center 1- 2 hours prior to surgery.
How long before full recovery from my surgery?
It all depends on the type of surgery you will be having,
Hammertoe surgery: 4 - 6 weeks
Bunion Surgery: 6 - 8 weeks
Heel Spur Surgery: 4 - 6 weeks
Ankle Surgery: 6 - 8 weeks
What is Pre-op?
Pre-op is what you need to get done before your surgery. You will need to come see a Kim Foot and Ankle doctor 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. You will also need to see your Primary Doctor for a history and physical, labs, and EKG.
What type of payments do you accept and do you finance?
We accept cash, credit card, debit card, check and care credit.
You can sign up for care credit in our office.
What types of insurances do you take?
All PPO' except UFCW and Medicare are accepted at our office.
What HMO' do you currently take?
We currently belong to HealthCare Partners Long Beach, Regal Medical, St. Mary Medical, and Avante Best Care.
How much is an office visit?
Initial cash office visits are $105 (does not include x-rays). Initial insurance office visits are $120 (does not include x-rays).
Do you do x-rays in your office?
Yes we do.
What days can I schedule Physical Therapy?
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Are you open Saturdays?
We are open the first and third Saturday of each month.
What is an APC?
APC+ injection is used to treat symptomatic chronic plantar fasciosis/tendinosis (heel/arch pain) by initiating the wound healing process. The procedure begins be drawing blood from the patient. The blood is then placed in a sterile container containing an anti-coagulant. Next, the blood is centrifuged so that there is separation of the blood components (i.e. plasma, red blood cells, and platelets). After processing, approximately 2 to 3 ml of APC+ is isolated and placed in a sterile syringe. The region of the foot or ankle that is to be treated is anesthetized with a local anesthetic. Injection of APC+ into the affected area is then performed. The patient' foot and ankle is immobilized and he or she is instructed to minimize weight bearing for the next 48 hours. The patient is seen for follow up after one week. Subsequent APC+ injections may be given every 4 weeks if indicated.
Because APC+ is autologous, which means it comes from your own body, side effects are minimal to none. Some patients have reported discomfort at the site of the injection. However, the discomfort typically lessens within the first 48 hours.
What causes ingrown toenails?
Tight shoes or cutting your toenails the wrong way can cause your toenail to become ingrown.
How do you know when you have fungus?
Come into our office so that our doctors can take a sample and send it to our laboratory for testing.
Are your doctors board certified?
All of our doctors are board certified.
Do you perform treatment on a patient' first visit?
Yes, we perform treatments on the first visit.
What types of problems do you treat?
We treat anything that has to do with the foot and/or ankle.