Sam Bazrafshan, DPM in Chattanooga: Lower-Limb Specialist Accepting Walk-Ins
Sam Bazrafshan is a podiatrist who practices within Upperline Health, a multi-specialty medical group with locations across the Chattanooga area. His practice handles both routine foot care and surgical correction of structural problems, and unlike many podiatrists in the region, his office accepts same-day walk-in appointments alongside scheduled visits.
What Bazrafshan actually treats
Bazrafshan manages the full range of podiatric conditions: diabetic foot care, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions and hammertoes, nail disorders, fungal infections, and sports injuries. He performs in-office procedures including nail removal, callus and corn treatment, and steroid injections, and conducts surgical corrections for bunions, hammertoes, and other structural deformities in an operating setting. His scope is diagnostic as well; he orders imaging when needed and coordinates with other providers at Upperline Health if a patient's foot problem signals a broader medical issue, such as neuropathy tied to diabetes or circulatory disease.
Services and cost
Bazrafshan accepts Medicare, most major commercial insurance plans, and Medicaid. Uninsured patients can ask Upperline Health's front desk for self-pay fees, which vary by service but typically range from $100 to $200 for an office visit and $150 to $400 for minor procedures depending on complexity. Surgical procedures are billed separately through the facility where surgery takes place and require a pre-operative cost estimate. Verify current insurance contracts and procedure costs directly; insurance networks change annually.
How Bazrafshan compares to Chattanooga podiatrists
Chattanooga has multiple podiatric practices, including independent solo practitioners and those affiliated with Parkridge Health System or CHI Memorial. Bazrafshan's main distinguishing feature is Upperline Health's walk-in acceptance; most other practices in the area require scheduled appointments and book out one to three weeks. Upperline Health has multiple locations (typically downtown Chattanooga and surrounding areas), making urgent foot problems more accessible than with a single-location practice. However, practitioners in larger health systems or independent pain-management clinics sometimes offer faster scheduling for complex cases; if you need specialized care for diabetic ulcers or post-surgical trauma, those settings may coordinate imaging and vascular assessment in-house rather than through referral.
Who suits this practice; who does not
Bazrafshan works well for patients with common foot problems who can benefit from quick access (ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, bunion assessment), established patients comfortable with a routine provider, and those in Upperline Health's insurance networks. He is not a good fit if you require immediate emergency care for a severe infection or fracture (emergency rooms are appropriate for those) or if you need a podiatrist exclusively within a specific health system not affiliated with Upperline.
What the first visit involves
A new patient should expect a 15 to 20-minute appointment for walk-in care or 30 to 45 minutes if scheduled. Bazrafshan takes a history of foot pain, footwear, activity level, and any relevant medical conditions (diabetes, arthritis, prior surgery). He performs a physical exam, palpating the foot and ankle and often requesting X-rays in-office if structural concerns are present. He will discuss findings, explain treatment options (conservative vs. procedural), and either start treatment that day or schedule a follow-up. Bring your insurance card and photo ID.
Hours, location, and logistics
Upperline Health locations and Bazrafshan's schedule vary; call ahead to confirm he is available and whether walk-ins are being accepted on the day you plan to visit, as capacity does change. Parking is typically available at Upperline Health facilities; downtown Chattanooga locations may have limited lot space during peak hours. Most locations are accessible from Chattanooga's main corridors and close to public transit.
Bazrafshan fills a practical gap for Chattanooga patients who need foot care without the two-to-three-week wait typical of many regional practices and who value the convenience of a multi-specialty affiliation.
