NEW PATIENTS… If you would like to save time you can print this form and simply bring it to your initial consultation. Click Here (.pdf)
New medical technologies can often be confusing for patients, and unfortunately that confusion can sometimes lead to health hazards. We have seen numerous patients come into our office with inadequate diagnostic workups and bad results from prior procedures. By doing a little bit of research you can learn what to look for in a vein specialist and how to find safe, comprehensive vein treatment. Elite Vein Specialists has been performing advanced vein treatment procedures, including endovenous laser ablation and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, since 2001, so we understand that safe vein care is vital. Don’t be afraid to ask your physician plenty of questions to determine their experience and skill level. Comprehensive vein treatment is complex and your physician should be able to help guide you along the way. The following points are meant to help you assess prospective vein care specialists and choose the one that is right for you.
Experience is essential. Finding a doctor who specializes in vein disorder medicine is imperative. This field is complex and requires training and knowledge in more than just procedural treatment. Physicians must understand how to properly diagnose vein diseases, and they should be able to answer your questions regarding the following: issues with DVT; incompetent perforators; dual greater saphenous veins; varicose vein recurrence and neovascularization after stripping and ligation; vein therapy during pregnancy; RF Closure vs. EVLT; foam sclerotherapy with or without ultrasound guidance; and contraindications to vein treatment.Ask prospective vein specialists how long they have been performing a particular procedure and how many patients they have treated in the past year. Speaking to a previous patient about their experiences with this physician and their ultimate results can help you better judge the physician’s capability. Reputable vein specialists will typically offer follow-up ultrasound exams to confirm the success of your procedure 6-12 months after your vein treatment.The importance of modern equipment. Access to cutting-edge equipment, like Duplex Color-flow ultrasound and Veinlites, will provide the physician with the tools necessary to properly diagnose your vein disease. Modern equipment can also help vein specialists discern the appropriate course of treatment, and whether or not you are a candidate for certain vein treatment procedures. It is also beneficial if the clinic has, or is associated with, a certified vascular ultrasound technologist to assist with workups and treatments.Check for Board Certification. Your prospective doctor should be a member in good standing, and a board certified diplomate, with the American Board of Phlebology. Also be sure to find out if your prospective doctor is a member of the American College of Phlebology, or another similar organization. These qualifications are trustworthy indicators of a physician’s knowledge and training in vein disorder medicine. None of this will mean anything, though, if the doctor is not the one treating you, so ask if the physician will be performing your vein treatment or if ancillary staff will be handling things as well.
Trust your judgment. If your prospective physician is unable to discuss your procedure at length with you, answering all of your questions, you may want to reconsider. Physicians labeling themselves as procedurists” can be suspect, as this implies that they have simply learned a new procedure but may not be fully trained in the proper indications and alternatives when utilizing the new technology.
Excellent vein specialists will be able to formulate a custom treatment plan for your vein disease; they will not just push you to accept the most expensive treatment. An experienced physician will evaluate your condition based on your medical history, ultrasound exams, and other diagnostic tests. If a doctor tells you that you are a candidate for endovenous laser ablation over the phone, without evaluating your health or conducting tests, this should be an immediate red flag.
Elite Vein Specialists wishes you luck in your search for a safe, experienced vein care specialist.
S.B., Lafayette, CA
My large ugly varicose veins were gone with one treatment of foam sclerotherapy. I cried because I was so happy that my legs look normal again. I called Dr. Hyde because I was so excited with my results. He and his staff have been just lovely.
