Podiatry Care Plus in Baltimore: A DPM Practice for Routine Foot Surgery and Diabetic Complications
Podiatry Care Plus is a single-provider foot surgery practice run by Aree Saed, a podiatric physician and surgeon (DPM) who handles bunions, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot complications, and routine foot pain in Baltimore. The practice operates from a single location and offers both office-based care and surgical procedures, making it a full-scope podiatry option rather than a referral-only surgical center.
What podiatric surgery and routine foot care entail
A DPM is a licensed foot surgeon with a distinct credential from an MD or DO. In Maryland, DPMs complete a four-year podiatric medical school followed by a surgical residency, and many states (including Maryland) permit DPMs to perform foot surgery and prescribe medication. The scope varies: some podiatrists manage bunions and nail conditions only; others handle more complex cases including foot fractures, ulcer care for diabetes, and tendon repair. Aree Saed's practice advertises both surgical and non-surgical treatment, meaning you can start with conservative care (custom orthotics, taping, or injections) before considering surgery if needed.
This differs from a primary-care doctor's scope. Your family medicine physician can spot-check a foot problem and refer you out; a podiatrist can diagnose, image, and often treat from start to finish without leaving the office.
Services and pricing
Podiatry Care Plus handles routine conditions: heel pain, ball-of-foot pain, plantar fasciitis, corns, calluses, warts, and fungal nails. More complex cases include diabetic foot exams (critical for patients on insulin or with neuropathy), bunion surgery, ingrown-nail removal, and foot fractures.
Pricing for podiatric care varies widely by procedure and insurance. A routine office visit with exam typically costs $100 to $200 out-of-pocket if uninsured; many insurance plans cover podiatry at 80 percent after a copay or deductible. Surgical procedures (bunion repair, nail removal) range from $2,000 to $8,000 depending on complexity and whether it is performed in the office or at an outside surgery center. Diabetic foot exams are often covered as a preventive benefit by Medicare and many commercial plans. Contact the practice directly to confirm current fees and insurance contracts; these change yearly.
How Podiatry Care Plus compares to other Baltimore podiatrists
Baltimore has several podiatric options: larger group practices like the foot and ankle division at Mercy Medical Center, independent DPMs throughout the city, and sports-medicine clinics that include foot care. A key difference is scale. Mercy's foot and ankle program includes multiple surgeons and can accommodate complex reconstructive cases and same-day imaging; Podiatry Care Plus is a single practitioner, which means shorter wait times for routine visits but potential scheduling constraints for urgent cases. For simple bunion removal or toenail care, a solo practice often means faster access to surgery once you decide to proceed; for a severe diabetic foot ulcer requiring hospitalization or multi-specialist coordination, a hospital-affiliated podiatry department is safer.
The University of Maryland Medical Center also employs podiatrists, and they accept most insurances. University-affiliated providers typically have longer appointment waits (2 to 6 weeks for routine), whereas independent practices often book sooner.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Podiatry Care Plus is a good fit for patients with stable, non-urgent foot problems: chronic heel pain, bunions causing pain during daily life, recurrent ingrown nails, or diabetes-related foot concerns that have not yet involved hospitalization. Patients with commercial insurance, Medicare, or those willing to pay out-of-pocket benefit from direct access without a referral wait.
It is not the right choice if you need emergent care (severe crush injury, sudden loss of foot sensation in diabetes, or suspicion of osteomyelitis). Those situations require an ER or hospital-based podiatry service. It is also less suitable for foot reconstruction after major trauma or complex tendon injuries, which many solo practices do not handle.
What to expect on the first visit
A first appointment includes a foot exam, usually basic X-rays taken in-office, and a discussion of symptoms. The visit typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The podiatrist will ask about pain location and triggers, look for deformity, perform range-of-motion tests, and palpate the foot. If surgery is being considered, he will explain options and risks. Many patients leave with a treatment plan that includes shoe recommendations, stretching, or over-the-counter orthotics before scheduling a procedure.
Bring any prior imaging (X-rays or MRI) if you have had foot imaging elsewhere. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to remove your shoe and sock.
Hours, location, and parking
Podiatry Care Plus operates by appointment. Verify current hours by calling ahead, as solo practices sometimes adjust scheduling seasonally. Parking in Baltimore varies by neighborhood; confirm location details and street access when you book. Most independent practices do not charge separately for parking.
Why this practice matters in Baltimore
A solo DPM offers direct access to foot surgery without referral delays, and Aree Saed's comprehensive scope means many foot problems can be managed in one place. For Baltimoreans with stable foot conditions and active insurance coverage, that efficiency and continuity of care is a practical advantage over larger hospital systems where foot care may be a smaller specialty within orthopedics or general surgery.
