Verified Company
After years of suffering from pain in the ball of my foot, resulting in various ambulatory issues, and visiting a handful of specialists, I decided to visit Dr. Baldwin at the Achilles Foot & Ankle Center. His knowledgeable expertise immediately isolated the actual problem, which was confirmed via X-ray. He and all of the staff were incredibly knowledgeable, excellent communicators, helpful and gregarious. I am so thankful and will not hesitate to return if any new issues arise. I highly recommend the crew at Achilles Foot & Ankle Center.
I reached out to Achilles Foot and Ankle after months of pain that I had been experiencing since my Achilles surgery back in July. I met with Dr Baldwin and explained what was going on and he immediately had a diagnosis for me. He was able to explain clearly what was going on and had a solution. I was put on 2 different meds for inflammation and pain and I can honestly say, after a few days I started feeling much needed relief. I’ve finally been able to sleep at night after months of discomfort. And Dr Baldwin is super nice too which is a huge plus. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients. I am so thankful I called because I know I would still be in pain if I hadn’t!
Dr. Baldwin is an amazing podiatrist. I have had the pleasure of having him as my doctor for a few years. What is truly amazing about Dr. Baldwin is I have been remission for about 5 years and he did not miss a beat when I had to come back. He always has a great treatment plan and Dr. Baldwin’s knowledge of my different medical diagnoses is absolutely incredible. If you are looking for a podiatrist that is knowledgeable, professional, dedicated to helping his patients, and has a great bedside manner….Dr. Baldwin and the staff at Achilles Foot and Ankle is the perfect place for you. I wouldn’t go anywhere else! Thank you Dr. Baldwin and staff!
An absolutely amazing experience with Dr. James Baldwin! The welcoming staff and clean office atmosphere set a high standard from the start. What truly stood out was Dr. Baldwin's commitment to thoroughly explaining my condition and all available treatment options. Plus, my appointments were always on time! For anyone seeking top-tier podiatric care, look no further than Dr. Baldwin.
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.10.29
Thank you, Paulo! We're thrilled to hear about your amazing experience with Dr. Baldwin and our team. Providing thorough care in a welcoming environment is our priority. Your recommendation means a lot to us! 😊
🌟 🌟 Highly Recommend! 🌟
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and genuine care. The team is professional, kind, and truly committed to making every visit comfortable. 🙌💙
👣 Dr. Baldwin and his staff are fantastic — compassionate, attentive, and clearly passionate about helping their patients. You feel supported from start to finish. ✨
If you’re looking for outstanding podiatry care, this practice is absolutely worth trying! 👏 👏👏
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.08.11
Thank you so much, Nurse Joy! We’re thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Dr. Baldwin and our team. Your kind words mean a lot, and we’re grateful to have earned your recommendation!
Absolutely ridiculous service.
They take unnecessary x-rays which is essentially insurance FRAUD. When you ask them why they need to take MORE x-rays, they get stuck with a dull look on their faces as if they’ve been caught. No real answer.
They do tons of unnecessary tests so that they can charge you or your insurance company. Abhorrent behavior from a place that really needs to be shut down.
And apparently they don’t have a bathroom? Or they choose to deny it to specific people. What doctor’s office doesn’t have a bathroom? Who denies people access to a rest
I am disgusted that this place is allowed to be operate. Someone needs to do something about this place.
EDITING TO RESPOND:
First, if you have bathrooms, why do you tell patients that you don’t? Because your staff 100% said you did not have a bathroom for patients to use. Again, disgusting behavior.
Now, the FRAUD: way to nitpick at my words. When someone returns to get the results from the test that were obviously sent to a lab, you go on and do even more x/rays! Why? That is the definition of fraud. Doing unnecessary x-rays when the patients already had them done a week prior is fraud. There was no reason for them whatsoever. I’ve already notified my insurance.
Everyone needs to look at the other reviews. It’s a pattern and I will be filing a complaint with The Department of Health as well.
Fraud is fraud and the cherry on top denying a patient the use of a bathroom and then telling me here that you do, in fact have a restroom. Proves the point that horrible folk are here.
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.12.09
Hi Naomi, thank you for sharing your input. However, I believe you are confused as to services we offer.
Our practice performs radiographs to examine patient deformities and prior to certain procedures. Fraud would be considered if an xray was charged to your insurance company but an X-ray was never performed. Fraud does not exist if a provider is performing a thorough exam and requires new radiographic images. We also believe that you are incorrect regarding our staff's reactions to questions as our staff provides complete answers to the best of their ability to all patients in regards to their treatment plan. However, an X-ray technician is not able to fully inform a patient of why an X-ray is being taken as they are not the licensed medical provider and if your question was addressed to one our of medical providers, we can assure you that your question would have been answered to your liking.
Regarding "tests", we do not perform testing in our facilities. The only diagnostic test we currently perform in our facilities are radiographs (X-rays). Our laboratory testing is referred out to LabCorp and Quest. Our vascular testing is referred out to Board Certified Vascular Surgeons. Our neurological tests are referred out to Board Certified Neurologists. Our MRI, CT, and Diagnostic Ultrasounds are referred to local imaging facilities and interpreted by Board Certified Radiologists. Therefore, we are not sure what testing you are referring to in your review.
Regarding restrooms, both locations have ADA accessible restrooms. Our Mechanicsville location has a patient restroom accessible off of the patient waiting room. Our West End location has a patient restroom accessible directly outside our waiting room. We do have employee only restrooms at each of our locations.
We hope that in the future you provide fair and balanced review instead of false statements.
We wish you the best in your future care!
-
Response to Edit: Out of 1,113 reviews, 90% of our reviews are 5 and 4 stars. We have approximately 10% of 1, 2, and 3 star reviews which are often a result of some type of financial concern due to the patient not understanding their insurance benefits. We take extreme pride that 90% of our patients understand that we offer top notch services. In addition, the restrooms at the location you visited were in the public hallway directly outside our office. As of your fraud concerns, you are simply not educated to what is defined as healthcare fraud. Healthcare fraud is an intentional billing for services that were never performed; ultimately, it is up to the provider to determine if they want to take additional imaging at anytime if pathology continues to exist. You are simply publishing false claims as a result of your financial responsibility. Our exceptional team cares deeply for our patients but we also understand that we cannot please every single patient.
Our practice performs radiographs to examine patient deformities and prior to certain procedures. Fraud would be considered if an xray was charged to your insurance company but an X-ray was never performed. Fraud does not exist if a provider is performing a thorough exam and requires new radiographic images. We also believe that you are incorrect regarding our staff's reactions to questions as our staff provides complete answers to the best of their ability to all patients in regards to their treatment plan. However, an X-ray technician is not able to fully inform a patient of why an X-ray is being taken as they are not the licensed medical provider and if your question was addressed to one our of medical providers, we can assure you that your question would have been answered to your liking.
Regarding "tests", we do not perform testing in our facilities. The only diagnostic test we currently perform in our facilities are radiographs (X-rays). Our laboratory testing is referred out to LabCorp and Quest. Our vascular testing is referred out to Board Certified Vascular Surgeons. Our neurological tests are referred out to Board Certified Neurologists. Our MRI, CT, and Diagnostic Ultrasounds are referred to local imaging facilities and interpreted by Board Certified Radiologists. Therefore, we are not sure what testing you are referring to in your review.
Regarding restrooms, both locations have ADA accessible restrooms. Our Mechanicsville location has a patient restroom accessible off of the patient waiting room. Our West End location has a patient restroom accessible directly outside our waiting room. We do have employee only restrooms at each of our locations.
We hope that in the future you provide fair and balanced review instead of false statements.
We wish you the best in your future care!
-
Response to Edit: Out of 1,113 reviews, 90% of our reviews are 5 and 4 stars. We have approximately 10% of 1, 2, and 3 star reviews which are often a result of some type of financial concern due to the patient not understanding their insurance benefits. We take extreme pride that 90% of our patients understand that we offer top notch services. In addition, the restrooms at the location you visited were in the public hallway directly outside our office. As of your fraud concerns, you are simply not educated to what is defined as healthcare fraud. Healthcare fraud is an intentional billing for services that were never performed; ultimately, it is up to the provider to determine if they want to take additional imaging at anytime if pathology continues to exist. You are simply publishing false claims as a result of your financial responsibility. Our exceptional team cares deeply for our patients but we also understand that we cannot please every single patient.
I'm happy seeing Dr. Baldwin again. He is one of the nicest doctors I've met. He is very accomodating, very nice and good looking. He is the best! And also the front desk associate was very nice & friendly.
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.11.26
Thank you, Michele! We're delighted to hear about your great experience with Dr. Baldwin and our front desk team. We truly appreciate your kind words and are glad to have been able to make you feel so welcome! 😊
First time patient with Dr Baldwin. He was very thorough and explained treatment and next steps. I appreciated his expertise and how we would get to the root cause and not just bandage the pain.
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.11.26
Thank you, Patricia! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Dr. Baldwin. It's great to know you felt supported and confident in the comprehensive care provided. Your feedback means a lot to us! 😊
Dr. Baldwin , did an amazing job. He did more to help me in the first 15 minutes of my visit than my previous Dr. did in 3 visits. He diagnosed me and immediately started on fixing my issues. After 2 days I feel the difference already. Thank you sir.
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.11.26
Thank you, Tamara! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Dr. Baldwin and the progress you've already made. Your kind words mean a lot, and we’re glad he could help you so efficiently! 😊
You guys have NO respect for your patients! I am a caregiver and the woman I take care of is too nice to complain but I am NOT. Her last appointment she had to wait MONTHS for and you rescheduled her not once but TWICE with LONG wait times I’m talking over a month wait times. We go there and it is PACKED nowhere to sit TINY waiting room full of wheelchairs and walkers people were hot and complaining and a couple even walked out. So I guess you just pack the waiting room full when you schedule people? Next time I am calling the fire Marshall! Never seen anything like that in my life. So we got another appointment and you have called not once but TWICE to reschedule AND NOW SHE HAS TO WAIT UNTIL FEBRUARY!? Yall should be ashamed for real you should see her toe nails! Shame on you!!
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.11.26
Ahna, we deeply apologize for the frustration and inconvenience caused. Scheduling delays and overcrowding should never compromise anyone’s care. Please reach out to our customer service team so we can address this matter and assist in finding a better solution. Thank you for highlighting these concerns.
✨ From the moment you walk in, you can genuinely feel the difference. Everyone here is warm, friendly, and down-to-earth. They take the time to listen, make you feel comfortable, and treat you like a real person—not just another appointment on the schedule. 💛👣
🩺 And Dr. Baldwin? He’s truly something special. He’s the kind of doctor who talks with you, not at you. He’s caring, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable, and you can tell he really loves what he does. Whether you need something simple or something more involved, you feel completely supported every step of the way. 🙌👏
If you’re looking for a place where you’ll feel welcomed, cared for, and genuinely understood, this clinic is worth visiting. You’ll walk out feeling confident you made the right choice. 🌟
💙 Honestly, only Achilles Foot and Ankle touches my feet! 👣💯
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.04.17
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our team, and we're grateful for your trust in us.
Dr. James Baldwin was fantastic. They took the time to listen to my concerns, explain my condition in a way that was easy to understand, and walk me through the treatment plan. I never felt rushed, and they were very patient in answering all of my questions.
I can't say enough good things about the team at Achilles Foot and Ankle Center! From the moment I walked in, I felt completely at ease. The front desk staff was incredibly welcoming and efficient, and the waiting area was clean and comfortable.
The treatment itself was a huge success. After just a few visits, my issues with my foot pain and ingrown toenails. is completely resolved. The care I received was professional and effective.
I highly recommend this practice to anyone in need of a podiatrist. They are a wonderful, caring team, and I am so grateful for the excellent service they provided.
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.09.14
Thank you, Enrico, for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Dr. Baldwin and our team. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your recommendation!
I am updating my review to share the full experience clearly, because it is important for other parents to be aware of how this clinic handles cost transparency and product dispensing.
I took my 10-year-old daughter here for flat-foot concerns. The clinical exam itself was fine, but the business practice was very concerning.
1. The braces were put on my daughter without any cost disclosure or consent.
The staff opened boxes and placed the braces on her feet while I was in the room. I assumed they were demonstrating how braces work. No one told me there would be any charge, let alone a $230 charge.
2. This was a cash-pay situation — no insurance discussion ever took place.
I did not ask to use insurance, and no one asked me.
There was no mention of:
• deductible costs
• coinsurance
• a $40 cash-pay option
Nothing was explained before the braces were put on her.
3. I was put in an awkward position in front of my daughter and felt pressured to pay.
After putting the braces on my child, the staff brought a card machine into the treatment room and simply said, “This is the cost.”
When your child is standing there wearing something the staff just put on her, removing it becomes uncomfortable and awkward. That is not a real choice.
4. The exact same braces retail for about $30 each at CVS/Walmart.
I purchased the identical pair the same day for around $30 each. It is only $20 on Amazon
Charging $230 without prior disclosure is extremely unreasonable.
5. I returned first thing the next morning with the braces — completely unused by us.
To my surprise, I was told:
• I could exchange one brace,
• but not both,
• and still no refund.
There was no logical explanation for why only one brace could be exchanged.
6. When I said I don’t need any braces, the staff agreed to keep the unopened, sealed boxes — but still refused to refund me.
They were comfortable taking back unopened braces (meaning they can resell them), yet they would not return the money.
This is inconsistent and does not align with their claim that they “cannot” accept returns.
Owner can check their video footage, clearly showing their staff took new unopened braces!
7. The explanation that the high fee includes ‘education and dispensing’ does not add up.
Teaching a patient how to use a brace is already part of the consultation.
Consultation fees exist because providers charge for their medical expertise, time, and guidance.
If the clinic is now saying they charge a consultation fee and also build additional, undisclosed charges into the product cost for the same “education,” it feels like charging through hidden pricing.
Even if they want to charge extra for dispensing, transparency is the minimum expectation.
And even then, the markup here is not small — it is extremely high compared to the $30 retail price for the exact same brace.
8. The owner’s public response includes several statements that did not occur in my visit.
For example:
• There was no insurance discussion.
• No options were provided for cash-pay vs. insurance.
• No mention of a $40 brace option.
• They took the unopened braces I brought without refund ( check video footage)
• I did not express satisfaction; I was simply polite in front of my daughter.
9. My review is not about the doctor’s medical expertise — it is about the business practice.
I am not questioning the diagnosis, the provider’s education, or medical training.
It is strictly about your unethical practice to make extra $$$
Reply from Achilles Foot & Ankle
2025.11.25
Thank you for sharing your experience. However, we need to make all patients aware of how our processes actually work in our clinic.
First, the provider examines and provides a treatment plan for the patient. Some treatment plans involve bracing or splinting. The nursing staff instructs the patient on the proper use of the devices if received, WITH PARENTS PRESENT.
During checkout, which occurs in the private setting of the treatment room, patients are clearly presented with their deductibles, coinsurances, and out of pocket expenses according to their insurance plan. If a patient elects to use their insurance for a brace or splint, we are bound by the insurance contract to collect towards any remaining deductible or coinsurance what the insurance plan pays our practice for the decision to dispense a brace, education about the brace, and the physical dispensing of the brace. The fees do not just ‘pay for a brace’ as this patient may believe.
If a patient has a high deductible or out of pocket expense, they are welcome to elect not to receive their prescribe bracing. The patient can remove the device(s) in the treatment room and no charges would be collected. In addition, we also offer cash pay items for those patients who cannot afford equipment that they need for their treatment plan. The cash pay price for this particular brace is $40, which is based off the retail price on Amazon. We want our patients to receive the tools they need for a successful outcome.
Again, we do not surprise bill a patient as all payments are collected at the time of service which is also when any bracing would be dispensed. The patient had the choice to elect to use their insurance which would go towards their deductible which did have a high cost due to our contract with the insurance company. The patient had the option to use the cash pay option and not their insurance. The patient had the choice to remove the bracing after the total cost was provided and pay nothing.
Lastly, we can accept exchanges for any device that is dispensed but malfunctions or breaks with reasonable use. However, we cannot accept a return once the device has been used. We do not think another patient would want to wear a brace after worn by another patient. We did not inform the patient that he could not exchange the devices. We also did not take back any device from this patient. It is also not true that we informed the patient that the payment could be used for "other services" in the practice. If a patient has a true overpayment as indicated by their insurance company after the claim has processed, the patient receives a physical check mailed directly to their home from our practice; if a patient indicates they wish to leave a credit on their account, we honor their choice.
We hope this clearly explains the picture as Dr. Baldwin and his team respects all patients and offers effective tools to solve a patient’s foot and ankle pain. We do not force patients to receive any item that may have a cost to the patient. We collect contractual payments in the treatment room as to allow the patient to feel comfortable talking about the sensitive subject of money.
We would also note that this reviewer was extremely happy and satisfied after the visit; he even stated that he was going to make an appointment to get his feet checked out.
If the reviewer knew the treatment that their child needed, why did he need to consult with a physician? Why did the reviewer not order the brace from Walmart prior to the consultation? The simple answer is that patients need the education, hands on skills, and treatment options to fix their ailments -- those skills are not provided for free in the United States. Patients should realize that physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners spend many years of their life receiving education to help treat their patients. These providers dedicate their life to helping others, not just to receive a fee as this reviewer seems to believe.
First, the provider examines and provides a treatment plan for the patient. Some treatment plans involve bracing or splinting. The nursing staff instructs the patient on the proper use of the devices if received, WITH PARENTS PRESENT.
During checkout, which occurs in the private setting of the treatment room, patients are clearly presented with their deductibles, coinsurances, and out of pocket expenses according to their insurance plan. If a patient elects to use their insurance for a brace or splint, we are bound by the insurance contract to collect towards any remaining deductible or coinsurance what the insurance plan pays our practice for the decision to dispense a brace, education about the brace, and the physical dispensing of the brace. The fees do not just ‘pay for a brace’ as this patient may believe.
If a patient has a high deductible or out of pocket expense, they are welcome to elect not to receive their prescribe bracing. The patient can remove the device(s) in the treatment room and no charges would be collected. In addition, we also offer cash pay items for those patients who cannot afford equipment that they need for their treatment plan. The cash pay price for this particular brace is $40, which is based off the retail price on Amazon. We want our patients to receive the tools they need for a successful outcome.
Again, we do not surprise bill a patient as all payments are collected at the time of service which is also when any bracing would be dispensed. The patient had the choice to elect to use their insurance which would go towards their deductible which did have a high cost due to our contract with the insurance company. The patient had the option to use the cash pay option and not their insurance. The patient had the choice to remove the bracing after the total cost was provided and pay nothing.
Lastly, we can accept exchanges for any device that is dispensed but malfunctions or breaks with reasonable use. However, we cannot accept a return once the device has been used. We do not think another patient would want to wear a brace after worn by another patient. We did not inform the patient that he could not exchange the devices. We also did not take back any device from this patient. It is also not true that we informed the patient that the payment could be used for "other services" in the practice. If a patient has a true overpayment as indicated by their insurance company after the claim has processed, the patient receives a physical check mailed directly to their home from our practice; if a patient indicates they wish to leave a credit on their account, we honor their choice.
We hope this clearly explains the picture as Dr. Baldwin and his team respects all patients and offers effective tools to solve a patient’s foot and ankle pain. We do not force patients to receive any item that may have a cost to the patient. We collect contractual payments in the treatment room as to allow the patient to feel comfortable talking about the sensitive subject of money.
We would also note that this reviewer was extremely happy and satisfied after the visit; he even stated that he was going to make an appointment to get his feet checked out.
If the reviewer knew the treatment that their child needed, why did he need to consult with a physician? Why did the reviewer not order the brace from Walmart prior to the consultation? The simple answer is that patients need the education, hands on skills, and treatment options to fix their ailments -- those skills are not provided for free in the United States. Patients should realize that physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners spend many years of their life receiving education to help treat their patients. These providers dedicate their life to helping others, not just to receive a fee as this reviewer seems to believe.