Dennis L Bizzoco, DPM in Chattanooga: Foot and Ankle Surgery with a Specialist Focus

Dennis L Bizzoco, DPM operates a podiatry practice centered on surgical correction of foot and ankle problems, serving patients who need more than routine care and often arrive by referral from other physicians or after conservative treatment has stalled.

What Bizzoco actually does

A podiatrist with Doctor of Podiatric Medicine credentials works within the scope of foot and ankle medicine and surgery. Bizzoco's practice leans heavily toward surgical solutions: bunion correction, hammertoe repair, heel pain procedures, and ankle arthroscopy represent the core of what he offers. This makes his practice distinct from many Chattanooga podiatrists who emphasize diabetic foot care, fungal nail treatment, or routine nail and skin management. Surgical practices require a different expectation from patients about recovery time, cost, and the commitment involved.

Services and surgical focus

Bunion surgery (including minimally invasive techniques) and hammertoe reconstruction form the largest portion of patient volume. Heel pain interventions include both conservative physical therapy and surgical plantar fascia release when indicated. Ankle arthroscopy for cartilage damage and instability repair rounds out the surgical menu.

Specific pricing for surgical procedures is not standardized and depends on whether your insurance covers the procedure, which surgeon you choose, and facility fees at the surgical center where the work happens. A bunion surgery with Bizzoco may run $3,000 to $6,000 out of pocket before insurance, but your actual responsibility depends entirely on your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your plan considers the procedure in-network. Call the office to verify current costs and your coverage; this figure is genuinely volatile based on plan changes and facility agreements.

Diagnostic ultrasound, X-ray, and gait analysis are usually included in consultation and follow-up visits and are covered by most major insurance plans. Routine preventive or palliative care (nail trimming, corn removal, orthotics fitting) is available but is not the emphasis.

How Bizzoco compares to other Chattanooga podiatrists

Chattanooga has a broad range of podiatric practices. Some, like those marketing diabetic foot care and wound management, focus on prevention and maintenance for patients with neuropathy or poor circulation. Others emphasize sports medicine and orthotic fitting for running injuries. Bizzoco's emphasis on surgical reconstruction appeals to patients with structural deformities or chronic pain who have tried non-operative measures or whose anatomy demands operative correction.

For routine foot care, fungal nails, or sports-related injuries, a general podiatrist may be faster to see and less expensive. If you have a bunion that limits your activity or hammertoes that are getting worse, Bizzoco's surgical expertise and surgical experience make him the logical choice. If your insurance requires a referral or in-network provider, verify his status with your plan before scheduling.

Who suits this practice and who does not

Bizzoco suits patients with chronic foot or ankle pain that has not resolved with shoe changes, over-the-counter orthotics, or injections; people with visible deformities like bunions or hammertoes considering correction; and athletes or workers whose foot problems threaten their ability to do their job. He also suits patients whose primary care doctor or orthopedist has referred them specifically for foot surgery evaluation.

This practice is not ideal for someone seeking quick relief from an acute blister, fungal nail, or ingrown toenail without surgery. It is also not the starting point if you have not yet tried physical therapy or conservative orthotics; Bizzoco will offer those, but they are not his focus.

What the first visit involves

The initial appointment includes a detailed history of your foot or ankle problem, when it started, what makes it worse or better, and what you have already tried. Physical examination of both feet, range of motion testing, and gait assessment follow. X-rays or ultrasound are often taken the same day to clarify the underlying anatomy. If surgery is appropriate, Bizzoco will explain the procedure, recovery timeline, and risks. If conservative treatment makes sense first, he will prescribe it and set a follow-up timeline. Most patients complete the first visit in 45 to 60 minutes.

Hours, location, and logistics

Bizzoco's office location in Chattanooga and specific hours require confirmation with the practice directly; podiatry office hours often accommodate working patients and may include early morning or evening slots. Parking is typically available in or near the office building. If you require surgical consultation, plan for a follow-up visit at the surgical facility to discuss anesthesia and logistical details before the procedure.

Bizzoco's reputation in Chattanooga rests on delivering surgical outcomes that let patients return to the activities that matter to them, with the skill set and focus that routine podiatry does not always provide.