Everything you need to prepare.

Preparing for your appointment

• What should I bring to my first appointment?

  Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications (including supplements), and any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI) you may already have. If you have prior records from another provider, those are helpful but not required for your first visit.

• What type of shoes should I wear?

  Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes. Avoid lace-up boots or anything that takes significant time to remove. If you're being seen for a specific condition, wear the shoes you typically wear when the pain occurs — this helps Dr. Cranford assess your gait and footwear fit.

• How long will my first appointment take?

  Plan for approximately 45–60 minutes for a new patient visit. This includes a thorough history review, physical examination, and time to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Cranford does not rush consultations.

• Do I need a referral to see Dr. Cranford?

  In most cases, no referral is required. However, some insurance plans do require a referral from your primary care provider. We recommend checking with your insurance carrier before your visit. Our office can also help verify your benefits.

Insurance and payment

• What insurance plans do you accept?

  We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and others. Please call our office at 903-651-5023 to verify your specific plan before your appointment.

• What if I don't have insurance?

  We offer self-pay rates and can discuss payment arrangements. Please call our office to discuss your situation — we want to make sure cost is not a barrier to getting the care you need.

• Will I owe anything at my first visit?

  Copays and deductibles are collected at the time of service. We will verify your benefits before your appointment and let you know what to expect. If you have questions about your out-of-pocket costs, our billing team is happy to help.

Pre-operative instructions

• How do I prepare for foot or ankle surgery?

  You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions specific to your procedure. In general: do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery, arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night, and fill any prescribed medications in advance so they are ready when you return home.

• Should I stop any medications before surgery?

  Yes — certain medications must be stopped before surgery. Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), and some supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, garlic) can increase bleeding risk. Dr. Cranford's team will give you a specific list based on your medications. Never stop a prescribed medication without guidance from your prescribing physician.

• Can I smoke before surgery?

  Smoking significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of surgical complications. We strongly recommend stopping smoking at least two weeks before surgery and throughout the recovery period. If you need support quitting, ask our team for resources.

• What should I arrange at home before surgery?

  Set up a comfortable recovery area on the ground floor if possible. Have ice packs, a waterproof cast cover for showering, and any assistive devices (crutches, knee scooter) ready before your surgery date. Prepare meals in advance and arrange for help with daily tasks for the first few days.

Post-operative recovery

• When can I bear weight after surgery?

  Weight-bearing restrictions vary significantly by procedure. Some patients are walking in a surgical boot within days; others require non-weight-bearing for 6–8 weeks. Dr. Cranford will give you specific instructions for your procedure. Follow these carefully — bearing weight too early is one of the most common causes of complications.

• How do I care for my incision?

  Keep the incision clean and dry until your first post-operative visit. Do not submerge the foot in water (no baths, pools, or hot tubs). Use a waterproof cover when showering. Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever above 101°F. Call our office immediately if any of these occur.

• How do I manage pain after surgery?

  Pain is typically managed with a combination of prescription pain medication (for the first few days), over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, and ice. Elevate your foot above heart level as much as possible during the first 48–72 hours — this is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and swelling. Take medications as prescribed and do not wait until pain is severe before taking them.

• When will I return to normal activities?

  Recovery timelines vary by procedure. Minor procedures may allow return to light activity within 2–4 weeks. Complex reconstructions may require 3–6 months before full return to sport or strenuous work. Dr. Cranford will give you a realistic timeline at your pre-operative consultation and update it based on your progress at follow-up visits.

General practice questions

• Does Dr. Cranford perform surgery at a local hospital?

  Yes. Dr. Cranford has privileges at Texoma Medical Center and Baylor Scott & White in the Denison area. Most outpatient procedures are performed at a local ambulatory surgery center for convenience and efficiency.

• How do I get a copy of my medical records?

  Contact our office directly to request your records. We will provide a records release form. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days. There may be a nominal fee for copying and handling.

• What if I have an urgent concern after hours?

  For urgent post-operative concerns — signs of infection, severe uncontrolled pain, or a wound that has opened — call our office and follow the after-hours instructions on the voicemail. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Our office is happy to help — call us or send a message through the contact page.