Don Pelto, DPM - Podiatry Practice Mastery

In this Friday recap, I break down the systems behind a smoother, more profitable clinic day. You’ll hear how we batch routine care into a single half day per provider, which treatment sheets actually get used (and why they boost case acceptance), and what’s working in Facebook ads right now (plus the exact creator I learned from). I also share two recent second/third-opinion wins—why patients cho...

When I look back at some of the biggest “profit levers” in my practice, they usually weren’t flashy new surgeries — they were decisions around EMR billing, device investments, and how we packaged everyday care. In this episode, I answer questions from colleagues about EMRs (ModMed vs. Athena), shockwave machines, and a creative way to package ingrown toenail procedures for cash-pay patients. Each...

Some treatments in podiatry look profitable on paper but carry hidden challenges. In this episode, I break down real-world lessons on KeryFlex nail restoration, Qutenza for neuropathy, and Swift therapy for warts—including costs, coding, patient communication, and clinical pearls. We’ll also dive into my current strategy for Google Business dominance using Swell to multiply reviews across multiple...

Could a $4,000/month virtual assistant team from the Philippines outperform a $30,000 U.S. hire? And how do you track ROI when scaling ads and online marketing in podiatry? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, Dr. Don Pelto shares: • How he uses a virtual assistant (VA) to run websites, blogs, YouTube, email, SEO, and referral tracking inside ModMed • Why he’s investing in ads + proactive...

Should you be billing non-operative fracture management — or just sticking with office visits + X-rays? And what’s the real story when switching EMRs like Athena to ModMed? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, Dr. Don Pelto shares: ​ Why his practice delayed using the non-operative fracture management code (and the pros/cons once they adopted it) ​ Practical insights on handling the 90-da...

When patients start shockwave, they often expect to be pain-free in six weeks — but that’s not reality. In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, Dr. Don Pelto shares how he sets patient expectations, handles difficult cases, and uses treatment sheets to keep patients engaged and compliant. You’ll also hear: • How to manage insertional tendinopathies with shockwave • Why clear treatment sheets...

How can podiatrists make urgent care work in their practice — and is a virtual scribe really worth it? In this episode, Dr. Don Pelto shares practical strategies for filling schedules, streamlining documentation, and growing toward the million-dollar mark in personal production. ⸻ 📝 Show Notes with Timestamps • [00:00] Intro – Why podiatry urgent care and virtual scribes are on podiatrists’ minds...

Ever wonder if a podiatry-specific urgent care can really work? In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, Dr. Don Pelto breaks down how he set up an urgent care system inside his practice — and the marketing strategies that are helping fill schedules, especially for newer doctors. You’ll hear: • Why podiatry urgent care works differently than general urgent care clinics • How to structure onli...

The funny thing about practice is how our kids often see it differently than we do. My son recently told my wife he thinks I’m a YouTuber—because all he hears about are the videos and shorts I create. Truth is, I still love the clinic, but the videos bring variety and joy. Beyond family humor, today’s episode dives into a practical question from a colleague: Which shockwave machine should you buy?...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share how I balance old-school scribes with new-school AI tools like ChatGPT. You’ll hear how I: ​ Use ChatGPT to optimize Google Business profiles and ads ​ Leverage urgent care as a unique selling proposition ​ Build systems around speed — because patients value quick access as much as quality care If you’ve ever wondered how to practically use AI...

This episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery explores the role of a medical scribe in my clinic, the fears AI is creating in the workplace, and why I see scribes as one of the best investments in efficiency and patient care. You’ll learn: • Why a scribe is more than just a note-taker. • How buying back your time can transform your practice and life. • The hidden risks of replacing people with AI too...

Post 1 – Expanding Shockwave Beyond Heel Pain When I first started with shockwave therapy, I only used it for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and a few forefoot conditions. Over time, I expanded: • Fractures – especially stubborn metatarsal stress fractures • Nerve pain – like neuromas and dorsal cutaneous nerve entrapments Key adjustments for nerve applications: • Low energy settings (aro...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share my most recent Pocket Coach session — a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m structuring my time using Free Days, Focus Days, and Buffer Days based on my time in Strategic Coach. You’ll hear: • Why Free Days (bike rides, family weekends, screen-free time) are critical for renewal • How Focus Days help me maximize revenue with high-value treatments...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, Dr. Don Pelto shares a behind-the-scenes look at his clinic day. From trying out Alleviate, a self-Graston-style tool for plantar fasciitis, to discussing shockwave therapy, OnyFix, and Charcot foot management, you’ll hear practical strategies, workflow pearls, and candid reflections on patient care. Topics covered include: ​ Using Alleviate as a home-...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I break down my workflow for in-office skin and nail biopsies. Most doctors avoid them because they seem time-consuming, but with the right system they can be quick, efficient, and stress-free. You’ll learn: • How I stock every room for instant readiness • The simple staff cue that makes the process seamless • Why I numb first, then get consent • How m...

Today’s clinic day had a theme: lessons learned from cantharidin, shockwave, and the unexpected. After switching to a fresh batch of cantharidin, I was reminded that even small changes in potency can turn into weekend phone calls and hospital admits. It pushed me to rethink aftercare instructions. On the other end, shockwave patients reminded me how important it is to pair short-term pain relief w...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share how adding a nail technician to my clinic has transformed patient care, boosted efficiency, and even improved patient satisfaction, all while giving me more time to focus on higher-value treatments. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by routine care appointments or struggled to balance patient volume with quality care, this episode is packed with...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I answer a common question I get from other doctors: “How do you hit the million-dollar mark in your practice?” I break down the systems, strategies, and optimizations that have helped me consistently grow beyond $1M in collections, without working more hours or burning out. From demand management to profit optimization, I share the exact steps I’ve us...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share insights from a recent coaching call with a doctor who already has a profitable seven-figure clinic but wants to fill open appointment slots and attract more new patients. I break down the three strategies I recommended to help him optimize his marketing, maximize patient flow, and strengthen his online presence, and actionable tips you can app...

Ever had a patient ask for a refund after a treatment didn’t work? It finally happened to me, my first-ever shockwave refund in years of practice. In this episode, I unpack the full story, from the patient’s experience to the decision-making process, and share how I handled it without damaging trust or goodwill. Along the way, I dive into real patient cases, from plantar fasciitis and neuromas to...

Ever wondered how patients actually find you online? In this episode, I share how YouTube videos, Google reviews, and a simple content system bring patients into my clinic every single week, without me spending hours on marketing. I break down the exact strategies I use, from automating online reviews to creating YouTube shorts and reusing those same videos for ads that convert. Plus, I talk about...

Do you struggle to completely switch off from work when you’re on vacation? In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to fully disconnect from my podiatry practice, why rest and rejuvenation are critical for long-term growth, and how I keep my content and marketing running even while I’m away. I also talk about the simple systems I use to automate my workflow, how I repurpose content so it continu...

Did you know that a simple hands-on demonstration can instantly increase patient trust and improve treatment compliance? In this episode, I share how I use dynamic demonstrations in my clinic to educate patients, build credibility, and boost buy-in, especially when treating conditions like plantar fasciitis. I break down my process step by step, from showing patients real-time results with foam ro...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share one of my most valuable patient cases, a 70-year-old female with bilateral plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain. I walk through how I used night splints, foam rolling, and six sessions of bilateral shockwave therapy to create an effective, step-by-step treatment plan. I also dive into real patient scenarios throughout the day, highlighting pract...

In this episode of Podiatry Practice Mastery, I share one of my most valuable patient cases, a 70-year-old female with bilateral plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain. I walk through how I used night splints, foam rolling, and six sessions of bilateral shockwave therapy to create an effective, step-by-step treatment plan. I also dive into real patient scenarios throughout the day, highlighting pract...