Finding local care¶

"Nearby" is only one input — match the clinical capability first, then filter by geography and insurance. The closest surgeon may not be the right one for complex adult post-clubfoot reconstruction; travel to a capable program is often the better choice.

How to use professional finders¶

Start with the capability you need (see How to choose a specialist):
Complex deformity / revision → orthopaedic foot & ankle, fellowship-trained, high revision volume.
Limb threat / osteomyelitis → a multidisciplinary limb-salvage program.
Chronic wounds → a wound center with off-loading, biologics, HBOT when indicated.
Search within your region, then widen the radius if the right capability isn't there:
AOFAS Find-a-Surgeon — fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot & ankle MDs.
ACFAS — DPM foot & ankle surgeons.
FootCareMD.org — AOFAS consumer guides + directory.
Screen each candidate by the verification checklist (fellowship, volume, multidisciplinary access, adult acceptance, insurance, current contact).
Verify current details before calling — directories go stale, and last-verified dates matter.

Don't default to "the local flagship"¶

A major regional hospital is not automatically the right fit for adult revision clubfoot. Confirm the specific surgeon's fellowship and volume, and that adult (not just pediatric) reconstruction is in scope.

Insurance & travel¶

Confirm network status and prior-authorization requirements early.
Some national programs (e.g., HSS, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic) may be out-of-network; weigh out-of-network authorization or travel benefits against staying local.
Travel to a program that can assemble the full multidisciplinary team often outweighs convenience if the local option cannot.