A step above the rest Clients, especially diabetics, rejuvenate at Elite Podiatry
At Elite Podiatry, owner Tiffany Hice’s goal is to go “a step above the rest.”
Hice paid for college by working in spas and earned a manicurist license as a teenager. She wanted to combine a spa’s relaxation with a physician’s professionalism. Elite Podiatry offers complete medical podiatry care, pedicures, reflexology, manicures, gel nails, eyelash extensions and facials.
This hybrid company offers options for everyone in need of foot care. “Elite Podiatry is the first in the area to offer a local clinic with a medical-grade nail spa, as well as providing mobile podiatry care to elders in assisted living space and nursing homes,” Hice said.
Their hybrid approach blends medical care with spa practices. Like a spa, patients relax in a welcoming environment with choice of beverage while waiting for the doctor. The staff wraps warm, steam towels around patients’ feet and applies complimentary lotion with a massage.
“Our mobile care has not previously been offered,” Hice said. Patients and facilities are assured entirely sterile instruments, either packaged individually for one-time use or sterilized in an autoclave. Exceeding state board and OSHA requirements, instruments are so sterile they could be used in surgery, Hice said.
Most mobile podiatrists’ current practice of “cold sterile” technique with 15-minute submersion allows for error, Hice said. “With our pre-packaged instruments, the facility can see we have one for each patient. The patient receives peace of mind knowing it’s sterile when we open packets in front of them.”
When helping clients with diabetes, Hice said Elite Podiatry realizes these individuals are at a higher risk. “Diabetics have many complications related to their feet: diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease and infected ulcers. People with diabetes are 50 times more likely to develop a foot ulcer,” Hice said. Diabetes-related foot problems are a leading cause of hospital admissions, and diabetes is the No. 1 cause of medical amputations, which cost $80,000, including surgery, wound care, prosthetic fitting and follow-up treatment, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Early medical interventions and vigilant monitoring are especially important for diabetics,” Hice said. “Insurance companies recognize this important need and cover visits, especially for diabetics.”
Elite Podiatry’s patients most commonly experience fungus treatment, diabetic foot and wound care, ingrown nail removal, fracture stabilization (X-rays), corns, calluses, pressure ulcers, plantar fasciitis, orthotics and plantar warts.
Dr. Narin Singer serves as podiatrist. “My sister, Heather Brandt, has helped me since I started the practice – from painting to setting up everything,” Hice said. Brandt now also serves as medical assistant.
“My philosophy is that everything is a business,” Hice said. She said she believes a business must do one of two options for success: offer something no one else is offering or offer the same service but in a better way.
With her degree in business management, Hice has “an entrepreneur’s mind. I’m always thinking of ways businesses could improve.”
“I was blessed to work for a podiatry practice that offered me flexibility and time with my kids while I went through my divorce,” she said. “I’ve always loved the elderly, which was about 90 percent of our patient base. One day, I’ll be old and need these services. I wanted to elevate the standards in podiatry and offer the level of service I would want provided to my family members or myself.”
Elite Podiatry’s address is 102 Essex Court, Suite D in Madison. For information, visit elitepodiatrygroup.com.
