What to Expect
During your first visit a comprehensive venous assessment will be
done by a physician. This assessment includes a carefully focused venous
history, with particular attention to your symptoms and concerns along with
your past medical history.
You will then undergo a detailed venous physical exam mapping out the
location and types of veins involved. Part of the examination is done using
Doppler ultrasound imaging. This helps assess the venous anatomy, vein valve
function and direction of flow. The ultrasound examination will include the
deep venous and superficial venous systems to determine if the veins are
open and to localize any venous reflux.
Based
on the findings from the history, physical exam and Doppler ultrasound (<--
shown here on the left) , an individualized treatment plan will be
formulated and outlined to you. If this plan includes a procedure, such as
endovenous laser therapy, this will be scheduled at the time of the initial
appointment.
Conservative therapy may be recommended to include a medical grade
compression stocking. If so, our staff may measure you for a compression
stocking, or a prescription will be given and you will be referred for a
custom fitting. You will be given printed information about the therapy
options and plan.
You will be advised that you may experience some mild discomfort during your
procedure. A prescription for EMLA cream can help reduce any discomfort you
may experience. The cream will be placed on your skin the day if the
procedure.
Click here for instructions on how to use EMLA cream
Pre-Visit Reminders
Patient Registration Forms
Save time the day of your visit. Download and complete one of the following
forms:
New Britain Patient Registration Form
Madison Patient Registration Form
For Endovenous Laser Ablation
Please remember to bring your compression stocking and arrange for someone
else to drive you home. You can start driving again the day after the
procedure. The procedure will be explained to you, including the risks and
benefits of the procedure, and you will be asked to sign an informed consent
form.
After changing into disposable shorts we will get you in a comfortable
position on the examination table. Your leg will be prepped for the
procedure and the local anesthetic will be administered. After the treatment
we will help you put on your compression stocking. You’re ready to walk out
of the office!
Click
here for detailed instructions on Endovenous Laser Ablation
For Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Please remember to bring your compression stocking with you and arrange for
someone to drive you home you can start driving again the next day. The
procedure will be explained to you, including the risks and benefits of the
procedure, and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form.
After changing in disposable shorts we will get you in a comfortable
position on the examination table, your leg will be prepped for the
procedure and the local anesthetic will be administered. After the treatment
we will help you put on your compression stocking. You’re ready to go home.
Click
here for detailed instructions on Ambulatory Phlebectomy
For Sclerotherapy
Please remember to bring your compression stocking with you (at your
consultation we will provide you with a prescription for the compression
stocking and a list of providers). The procedure will be explained to you,
including the risks and benefits of the procedure, and you will be asked to
sign an informed consent form.
After changing into disposable shorts we will get you in a comfortable
position on the examination table. The sclerotherapy injections will be
administered and afterwards one of the staff will help you to put on the
compression stocking. You’re ready to go home!
Click
here for detailed instructions on Sclerotherapy
Follow-up Visit
For endovenous laser and ambulatory phlebectomy procedures, follow up visits
will be scheduled for the next day, one week and one month after the
procedure(s). For all other procedures, follow up visits will be scheduled
for one week and one month after the procedure(s).
During the follow up, if necessary, another ultrasound examination will be
done to make sure the treated vein(s) has (have) closed completely. At the
same time we will check your healing process and answer any new questions
that you may have.
Please make sure you wear your compression stocking for the full period
advised by your physician. This is crucial for a successful outcome of your
treatment.
Insurance
Many insurance companies cover the treatment of vein disease that is
associated with substantial pain and other complications. However,
individual insurance companies may limit the types of therapy that are
covered.
Most insurance companies require a certain period of conservative treatment,
such as the use of medical-grade compression stockings, exercise and the use
of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This treatment can be
effective in alleviating the debilitating symptoms caused by varicose veins.
If this treatment fails, then therapy such as
endovenous laser and/or
phlebotomy can be considered. As there are so many insurance plans with
different criteria for payment, we invite you to discuss your coverage with
our well-trained office staff.
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