Dr. Dawn M. Gretz in Baltimore: Foot and Ankle Care with a Focus on Surgical and Conservative Treatment
Dr. Dawn M. Gretz is a podiatrist practicing in Baltimore who treats the full range of foot and ankle conditions, from routine care to surgical intervention. Her practice serves patients across the city who need evaluation and management for everything from bunions and plantar fasciitis to diabetic foot complications and fractures. She is one of many podiatrists available in Baltimore, but her model and scope make her a specific choice for patients deciding between in-office conservative care and surgical options.
What Dr. Gretz's practice offers
Dr. Gretz practices podiatry, a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders. Podiatrists in Maryland are licensed independently and can perform both conservative treatment (physical therapy, custom orthotics, medication) and surgical procedures (bunion removal, hammertoe correction, joint reconstruction). Dr. Gretz's practice combines both approaches, meaning patients can often receive initial assessment, conservative treatment attempts, and, if needed, referral or surgical care within a single provider relationship rather than being sent elsewhere at the outset.
Her practice does not appear to be part of a larger health system or hospital network, which means she operates as an independent practice and may have different scheduling and insurance acceptance patterns than podiatrists embedded in multi-location networks. For Baltimore patients, this can mean shorter appointment lead times for established patients but potentially fewer evening or weekend slots than a hospital-affiliated option might offer.
Services and pricing
Dr. Gretz addresses common foot and ankle problems including bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, and warts. The practice handles both office-based treatment (physical examination, injection therapy, orthotics fitting) and surgical procedures, which would typically be performed in an ambulatory surgical center.
Specific pricing for services is not publicly listed and will vary by insurance coverage and by the complexity of the case. Patients should expect an initial consultation fee (which depends on whether insurance is in-network) and then separate charges for any procedures, imaging (X-rays or ultrasound), or custom orthotics. Like all medical practices, Dr. Gretz's office accepts multiple insurance plans; confirm coverage directly with the practice, as insurance acceptance can change and may vary by plan type within the same insurer.
How this practice compares to other Baltimore podiatrists
Baltimore has multiple independent podiatrists and podiatrists within hospital networks, including practices at UM Baltimore and Johns Hopkins. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize the convenience of a large network (which typically means more locations, extended hours, and easier specialist referral if you need imaging or related orthopedic care) or the continuity of seeing the same independent provider in a smaller practice setting.
Dr. Gretz's independent model is best suited to patients who have an established relationship with her or who want to build one with a single provider over time; those who need evening or Saturday appointments, or who live in a neighborhood far from her location, may find a larger network more practical. Conversely, patients who value having the same podiatrist perform their initial consultation, develop a treatment plan, and potentially carry out surgery themselves often prefer an independent practice.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Dr. Gretz's practice is appropriate for adults and older adults with foot or ankle pain, structural problems, or complications from diabetes or circulatory disease. The practice is less suitable for patients who require immediate same-day care (urgent care or a hospital emergency department is the right setting) or for those who need coordination with other specialists on an ongoing basis and would benefit from being in the same health system.
Patients with complex foot problems resulting from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or peripheral vascular disease may also want to confirm that Dr. Gretz works closely with their primary care doctor or endocrinologist, as coordinated care improves outcomes for these conditions.
What to expect on a first visit
A first appointment typically includes a detailed history of the problem (when it started, what makes it better or worse, any prior treatments), a physical examination of the foot and ankle, and possibly X-rays or other imaging. The visit culminates in a diagnosis and a discussion of treatment options, which might range from supportive shoes and physical therapy to custom orthotics, injections, or a surgical plan. Bring your insurance card and a list of current medications, as with any medical visit.
Hours, location, and parking
Dr. Gretz's practice is located in Baltimore. Specific street address, hours of operation, and parking information should be confirmed directly with the office, as podiatry practices often adjust schedules seasonally or due to the doctor's surgical schedule. Call ahead to confirm whether the practice offers online scheduling or whether appointments must be booked by phone.
Dr. Gretz's independent practice offers the continuity and direct provider access that many Baltimore patients seek in foot care, particularly those pursuing conservative treatment or elective surgery for common problems like bunions.
