Varicose veins are thought to affect an estimated 15% to 25% of the adult population in the United States. They affect women more commonly than men, although both sexes are affected. Spider veins are also a nuisance, but these do not cause pain and are not considered a medical concern. Where treatment once consisted of surgery and stripping procedures, non- or minimally-invasive treatments are now available at vein clinics across the country. Choosing the right vein specialist is an important step in finding relief.
The specialist should be qualified to offer medical advice regarding varicose veins and should be licensed and certified to perform procedures to relieve venous conditions. These professionals often specialize in different treatments and some may not offer a full range of treatment options, making available treatments something patients should consider.
For example, foam sclerotherapy is offered at a lot of clinics and is used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation is another common minimally-invasive treatment and is used to treat large varicose veins, but does not treat spider veins, small varicose veins or veins in the lower legs. There are many other venous treatment options also available, and patients should consider their condition and the available treatments at each clinic before choosing a specialist to ensure that they will be equipped to provide relief. VeinDirectory.org offers profiles of different clinics and doctors, and provides an outline of each facility's available treatments. Interested patients should call the clinic or set up an appointment for more information about available treatments.
Choosing a vein specialist that is right for you is not rocket science. The most important things to consider are their qualifications, the treatments they offer and whether you feel comfortable with the specialist. Communication is key in doctor/patient relationships, so make sure that you choose a specialist with whom you can easily communicate. If you do not feel comfortable with a certain specialist it does not necessarily mean they are a bad doctor, but you'll want to ensure that you establish a good relationship.
Check with your state's Medical Licensing Board for information regarding doctor qualifications, certifications and licensing. If you have a friend or a family member who has seen a particular doctor before, ask them for a quick review or recommendation. A lot of clinics and doctors offer before and after pictures that may give you an idea as to what you can expect from their services.
Also consider pricing. The cost of treatment may vary from one clinic to another, but if one seems unusually high or low, inquire as to why their prices are not in line with other clinics. If financing interests you, also ask if this is an option.
These are just some of the resources you can use to determine which specialist is right for you. Set up a consultation with a doctor and discuss your condition and treatment options. Make sure that you feel comfortable with them and confident that they will provide you with satisfactory results.
