Richard Eby, DPM in Chattanooga: Foot and Ankle Care with Direct Pricing
Richard Eby, DPM operates a solo podiatry practice focused on foot and ankle problems, from routine care to surgical intervention, serving Chattanooga patients who need specialist evaluation outside a hospital setting.
What Richard Eby, DPM Actually Is
A podiatrist with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree provides diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. Eby's practice handles both conservative management (orthotics, padding, medication) and surgical procedures, meaning patients do not automatically need a referral to a hospital system for many issues. A solo practice differs from podiatrists embedded in larger medical groups or hospitals: hours and scheduling are controlled by the practice alone, not layered into a larger system's calendar, and the provider relationship is direct.
Services and Pricing
Podiatry practices typically charge initial consultations between $100 and $200 in the Southeast; follow-up visits run $75 to $150 depending on the procedure. Common services include treatment of bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, diabetic foot care, ingrown toenails, wart removal, and custom orthotics. Custom orthotics (shoe inserts made to your foot shape) cost $300 to $600 per pair in most practices. Surgical procedures such as bunion repair or hammertoe correction range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity and whether local or general anesthesia is used.
Contact Eby's office directly to confirm current pricing, as podiatry fees shift based on insurance contracts and procedure complexity.
How It Compares to Other Chattanooga Podiatrists
Chattanooga has several podiatry options. Solo practitioners like Eby often provide more continuity of care: the same doctor sees you at each visit. Podiatrists within larger groups, such as those affiliated with Erlanger Health System or CHI Memorial, offer integrated medical records and easier referral to orthopedic or vascular specialists if complications arise, but appointments may take longer to schedule and pricing is set by the system's fee schedule. If you need foot care coordinated with management of diabetes, heart disease, or vascular issues, a group practice can reduce fragmentation. If you value simplicity, direct access, and a consistent provider relationship without system overhead, a solo practice works better. First-time patients should confirm whether the practice is in-network with their insurance to avoid balance billing.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not Suit
Eby's practice suits patients with straightforward foot and ankle problems, those who prefer seeing the same doctor consistently, and people who want podiatry without navigating a large medical system's bureaucracy. It also suits patients seeking custom orthotics or routine diabetic foot care. The practice does not suit patients who need same-day walk-in care for acute injuries; podiatry offices are scheduled by appointment. Patients with complex foot complications tied to severe diabetes, vascular disease, or neuropathy may benefit from group practices that coordinate with endocrinologists or vascular surgeons.
What the First Visit Involves
Expect a consultation lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The podiatrist will take a history of foot and ankle problems, examine your feet and gait, and may order X-rays. If the issue is straightforward (bunion, heel pain, ingrown toenail), treatment options and a plan will be discussed on the first visit. If surgery is being considered, the podiatrist will explain the procedure, recovery timeline, and risks. Insurance information and payment terms should be confirmed before leaving.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Confirm office hours and parking directly with Eby's practice, as hours vary by season and schedule availability shifts. Most solo podiatry practices operate weekday business hours only. Street or lot parking is typical for independent offices; call ahead to confirm accessibility if you have mobility limitations.
Richard Eby, DPM fills a practical gap in Chattanooga's foot care landscape by offering direct, unrushed podiatry without the wait times and administrative layers of group practices.
