Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your insurance plan. Big Sky Foot & Ankle accepts self-referrals, so many patients can call our office directly or submit an online appointment request to get started. However, some plans — including Medicaid, Humana HMO, and VA — require a referral from your primary care provider before your visit. Please check with your insurance carrier to confirm your plan's requirements, and bring any referral paperwork with you to your appointment.

Please bring the following to your first visit:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Insurance card(s)
• A complete list of current medications, including vitamins and supplements
• Any prior imaging — X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound reports related to your condition
• Comfortable shoes and socks that are easy to remove
• Payment method for co-pays or deductibles

See our New Patients page for complete details.

If you're experiencing severe pain, a suspected fracture, a rapidly worsening wound, or another urgent foot or ankle concern, please call our office directly rather than waiting for an online response. We do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments for urgent situations.

Butte & Anaconda: (406) 782-2278
Bozeman & Ennis: (406) 587-8478

For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Yes. Our offices are open on Fridays from 8:00 AM to Noon. Appointments are available on Friday mornings at our primary locations. Call your preferred location to check Friday availability.

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans. Because coverage varies by plan, we strongly recommend calling our office to verify your specific benefits before your appointment. Our billing staff can help clarify what's covered and what out-of-pocket costs to expect.

Self-pay options are available for patients without insurance. Please ask about pricing when scheduling.

To request a copy of your medical records, please contact our office directly by phone or in person. A records release form is required. Allow several business days for processing. Records may be sent to you or transferred to another provider at your request.

Butte & Anaconda: (406) 782-2278
Bozeman & Ennis: (406) 587-8478

Our patient portal is hosted at bsfa.ema.md. You can log in or create an account there to complete intake forms, view visit summaries, review your records, and send secure messages to our team.

For help registering, portal login issues, or any questions about your portal account — including your login credentials or which email address is on file — please call our office. Our staff will walk you through it directly.

Butte & Anaconda: (406) 782-2278
Bozeman & Ennis: (406) 587-8478

Yes. Our providers treat patients of all ages, including children and adolescents. Common pediatric conditions we treat include flat feet, in-toeing, growing pains, warts, and sports-related injuries. A parent or guardian must be present for minors at the time of the appointment.

Browse our full list of services to see the conditions we treat.

Yes. Our board-certified podiatric surgeons perform a range of foot and ankle surgical procedures, including bunion correction, hammertoe repair, fracture fixation, heel spur surgery, and more. Surgery is always considered after conservative treatments have been explored when appropriate. Your provider will discuss all options with you and help you make an informed decision.

Learn more about our podiatric services or meet our providers.

We welcome patients seeking a second opinion on a foot or ankle diagnosis or treatment plan. Simply schedule an appointment with us and bring any relevant records, imaging, and notes from your previous provider. Our team will conduct an independent evaluation and share our findings with you honestly and thoroughly.

Yes. We offer custom-fabricated orthotics for a wide range of conditions including plantar fasciitis and heel pain, flat feet, diabetic foot concerns, and biomechanical issues affecting gait. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are molded specifically to your foot and designed to address the underlying cause of your condition. Ask your provider if custom orthotics are appropriate for you.

A DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) is a physician who has completed a four-year podiatric medical school program — equivalent in rigor to traditional medical school — followed by a surgical residency training in foot and ankle medicine and surgery. DPMs are licensed in all 50 states to diagnose, treat, and surgically correct conditions of the foot and ankle.

An MD (Doctor of Medicine) is a general medical physician who may refer patients with foot and ankle conditions to a DPM specialist. For foot and ankle concerns specifically, a DPM has the deepest, most focused training available.

Meet our providers to learn more about Dr. Judd, Dr. Brower, Dr. Larsen, and Dr. Storm.