True Freedom in Foot Healthcare

As a physician, I’ve come to a realization that has solidified my approach to practicing medicine: I want true freedom in my practice, and that means operating outside the bounds of the traditional health insurance system. The reason is simple: I want the conversation in my clinic to remain between me and my patients—uninterrupted by the influence of insurance companies.

When a physician accepts health insurance, the dialogue becomes less personal. It no longer centers on the individual’s needs and the physician’s expertise. Instead, it becomes a discussion between the insurance plan, administrators, their guidelines, peer reviews, and the ever-evolving regulations imposed on us without notice. This disrupts the natural flow of care. Most patients don’t even have a true choice in who they see, as their options are often pre-selected for them based on insurance networks.

In this system, decisions are not always made in the best interest of the patient, because health insurance has its own agenda. What really affects a person’s health? It’s not just the care we physicians provide. True wellness is rooted in the basics: diet, exercise, mental well-being, and lifestyle. As a physician, I may contribute 20-30% to a person’s health, but the other 70-80% relies on their personal habits. It’s not a magic pill or even my expert guidance that will transform their health.

The fundamentals—drinking enough water, getting adequate sleep, staying active, eating properly, nurturing mental health, and surrounding oneself with a positive community—are the building blocks of wellness. Outside of catastrophic care, most people do not depend on a physician to save their lives day-to-day. My role is to coach and guide them, not to make them reliant on medical intervention.

The current system has skewed public perception, making it seem as though people are entirely dependent on physicians. But that’s not the truth. Health is a personal responsibility, and I believe in empowering my patients to take charge of theirs. I refuse to allow my clinic to be bound by the demands of insurance companies that prioritize their own agendas over patient well-being.

This is my mission. I am here to serve my patients, not the insurance industry. And I stand firmly behind that.

— Dr. Cynthia Correa Cedeno Founder, Orange Sky Podiatry