How to Choose the Right Vein Doctor for You
The first step in treating your varicose veins is finding the right doctor. Here’s how.
Choosing the right doctor for any medical condition is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to your veins. Your vascular system keeps your heart pumping and blood flowing. So when it malfunctions — as it does when you develop varicose veins — it’s necessary to find the right physician to treat what can be a painful, debilitating disorder.
Varicose veins affect about 35 percent of adults in the U.S. Because so many people deal with the discomfort of varicose veins, clinics specializing in treating varicose veins have cropped up across the country. But with this abundance of choices, how do you know which clinic is right for you? Here are some guidelines.
Picking the Right Vein Doctor
With the internet at your fingertips, searching for a physician in any medical specialty is easier than ever. When looking for a vein specialist, ask yourself these four questions before choosing a doctor:
What are his/her credentials? Vein specialists have undergone advanced training in vascular medicine and surgery. Therefore, after several years of residencies and fellowships in vascular medicine and surgery, a vein specialist becomes board certified in those areas. Being recognized by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine is another sign the doctor has expertise in treating venous disorders. Just as important as training and qualifications are the doctor’s experience and background in treating varicose veins. How many years has he or she treated varicose vein patients? Is it a major part of their practice? A doctor may claim to be a vein specialist, but if he or she hasn’t treated many varicose vein patients, then that’s a doctor you should avoid.
What services does the clinic offer? Varicose veins can be treated with a variety of minimally invasive surgical procedures, ranging from sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation to newer innovations such as VenaSeal. A state-of-the-art vein clinic would have the latest technology to perform those procedures as well as diagnostic equipment such as an ultrasound machine. The more services and procedures a clinic offers, the more likely your doctor will customize a treatment plan for you beginning from the day of your procedure through your follow-up care and recovery.
What about the clinic staff? A vein specialist, no matter how highly trained, doesn’t operate alone. He or she is backed by a skilled staff. To provide the best possible vein care, registered vascular technicians (RVTs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) assist your doctor. In addition to the medical personnel, an efficient clinic employs staffers to help you make appointments and secure your insurance coverage if you qualify for vein treatments. Most likely you will, but the clinic staff can help you understand your benefits. Location is also important. Since you’ll need more than one treatment, a convenient location cuts down on travel time between visits. Beyond the staff, a skilled clinic follows all cleanliness protocols to ensure your safety.
What do other people say about the doctor? An essential factor in your decision is what trusted sources say about the doctor. A good place to start is by asking for recommendations from your primary care physicians or from family and friends. A clinic’s website usually trumpets patient testimonials and before-and-after photos of patients, as well. Give them a look. Physician reviews can also be found on websites like Healthgrades. Get reviews and recommendations from several sources to get a baseline assessment of the doctor before you book an appointment. Once you meet the doctor, you can assess his or her bedside manner and how well the doctor communicates your diagnosis and treatment options with you.
Time to Take Care of Your Veins
All Center for Vein Restoration branches are supervised by highly qualified vein specialists and staff members. We treat every patient as an individual and take into your account your personal needs and preferences. Visit our website to find a Center for Vein Restoration clinic near you.