Richard S Eby, DPM in Chattanooga: Foot and Ankle Care Without Long Wait Times

Richard S Eby is a solo-practice podiatrist in Chattanooga specializing in foot and ankle problems from common orthopedic conditions to surgical cases, accepting most major insurance plans and self-pay patients, and built around same-week to next-week appointment availability rather than the month-long backlogs typical of larger medical groups in the region.

What Richard S Eby actually is

Eby holds a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and is licensed to perform foot and ankle surgery in Tennessee. He operates independently, not as part of a hospital system or large multispecialty practice, which means his schedule is controlled by his own caseload rather than the referral queues that feed larger facilities. The practice handles routine foot care, biomechanical problems, minor surgical procedures, and referrals to orthopedic surgeons when a case requires skills beyond the podiatrist scope. For Chattanooga patients, this structure typically translates to an appointment within one to two weeks for new problems, compared to three to four weeks at Erlanger or Parkridge-affiliated clinics.

Services and typical costs

Eby's scope includes diabetic foot care, sports injuries, bunion and hammertoe correction, ingrown nail treatment, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), and custom orthotics. Common services:

• Office visits: standard copay under most insurance plans; uninsured patients typically pay $100 to $150 per visit
• Custom orthotics: $300 to $600 depending on materials and whether insurance covers fabrication; verify with your plan, as coverage varies widely
• Ingrown nail removal or surgical repair: copays vary by insurance; out-of-pocket costs run $500 to $1,200 for minor procedures
• Orthopaedic referral: Eby coordinates with surgeons at Erlanger, Parkridge, and independent surgical centers if major intervention is needed

Because Eby is a single provider, prices are fixed rather than scaled by insurance billing tiers. His office should confirm current pricing when you call; insurance benefits vary enough that a copay may be all you owe.

How it compares to other Chattanooga podiatry options

Chattanooga has multiple podiatrists, but they fall into two tiers. Group practices affiliated with Erlanger (the city's public hospital system) and Parkridge (HCA-owned, larger network) offer breadth of subspecialties and ability to refer internally but operate under medical-center scheduling constraints. Solo or small-group practices like Eby's prioritize availability and continuity with a single provider.

Choose Eby if you value speed, consistency, and direct access to the decision-maker. Choose a group practice if you need advanced imaging (MRI, CT) on-site or are comfortable waiting a month for routine care in exchange for system integration. Most Chattanooga insurance plans—BlueCross BlueShield, United, Aetna, Medicare—recognize both settings equally.

Who it suits and who it does not

Eby's practice is well-suited to people with straightforward foot pain, injuries, and preventive care, especially those with limited time for appointments or those who want a stable, familiar provider across multiple visits. Diabetic patients managing foot complications benefit from the focused attention and flexible scheduling.

It is not the right fit for complex cases requiring same-day advanced imaging or immediate surgical intervention. Erlanger Orthopedic or Parkridge Orthopedic Centers are better for acute fractures, severe infections, or conditions needing CT or MRI before the first visit.

What the first visit involves

Expect 30 to 45 minutes. Eby will take a history of the problem, perform a physical exam of the foot and ankle, and usually order X-rays in the office if needed. He will discuss findings and outline conservative (orthotics, injections, physical therapy) or surgical options depending on the diagnosis. A treatment plan is typically offered the same day, and follow-up scheduling happens before you leave. Bring your insurance card and photo ID; new patients fill out a form on arrival or online ahead of time (verify current process when you call).

Hours, parking, and logistics

Office hours and parking are straightforward logistics; confirm the exact address and parking situation with the practice directly, as details can change with lease terms or renovations. Eby's office is accessible by car from anywhere in Chattanooga within 20 minutes, which is a practical advantage for those dealing with foot pain who may not walk comfortably to remote parking.

Richard S Eby's single-provider model fills a gap in Chattanooga's podiatry landscape for patients who need prompt, continuous care without the friction of large-system scheduling.