"The Know" is an informational resource concerning vein treatment options. It contains valuable information for prospective patients, physicians as well as those in the vein treatment industry. We will be regularly posting educational articles, video logs and other pertinent information. We encourage your feedback and welcome any suggestions that you feel may improve the blog.
May 2011 Blog Archive
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Venous Health Systems Receives FDA Clearance to Commercialize Fully Portable Pneumatic Compression System
Venous Health Systems, Inc., a developer of solutions for treating vascular insufficiency by enhancing blood circulation, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the Food & Drug Administration to market the Vasculaire™ Compression System in the United States.
The Vasculaire Compression System is a portable pneumatic device for treating vascular insufficiency. It features an innovative platform technology comprised of a fully-portable pneumatic controller attached to a patented multi-cell compression sleeve. When the compression sleeve is placed on the patient’s calf and foot and the controller is activated, the cells promote circulation with a sequential rapid inflation wave-like motion. The increase in venous velocity achieved using the Vasculaire Compression System tests well within the range of values reported by the market-leading sequential pneumatic compression system. Without air lines or power cords, the Vasculaire Compression System represents a long-awaited solution for the hospital, extended care facility, and home markets.
“The Vasculaire Compression System is unique because it delivers performance in a palm-sized unit directly attached to the patient’s calf sleeve,” says Richard A. Lotti, President and CEO of Venous Health Systems. “Unlike other pneumatic compression devices which can weigh up to 12 lbs, the Vasculaire Compression System weighs less than 1 lb, thereby enabling patient mobility and potentially leading to increased patient compliance.”
The Vasculaire Compression System is used as a prophylactic therapy to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a vascular disease that may lead to a pulmonary embolism (PE). The System is also indicated for enhancing blood circulation; reducing edema; diminishing post-operative pain and swelling; reducing wound healing time; the treatment of stasis dermatitis, venous stasis ulcers, and arterial and diabetic leg ulcers; and the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Please call 650-851-0091 or email info@venoushealth.com for more information.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Fort Myers Based Electronic Medical Records Company Achieves Government Certification
EMRgence LLC. announced today that its VeinSpec EMR, version 1.9.1, is 2011/2012 compliant and was certified as a modular EHR on January 27, 2011 by INFOGARD. INFOGARD is a testing center authorized by ONC-ATCB, in accordance with the applicable ELIGIBLE PROVIDER certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The 2011/2012 criteria support the Stage 1 meaningful use measures required to qualify eligible providers and hospitals for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"With ONC-ATCB certification, we are well positioned to capitalize on anticipated momentum in the EMR market," said EMRgence CTO Kevin Park. "VeinSpec EMR clients are assured that they have an ambulatory EHR solution that meets or exceeds the government's 'Meaningful Use' requirements for the first stage of the stimulus incentive program. Further, we believe this certification provides a level of confidence that the VeinSpec EMR solution is on a pathway toward compliance for future stages of Meaningful Use."
The ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification program tests and certifies that EHRs meet all of the 2011/2012 criteria and EHR Modules meet one or more – but not all – of the criteria approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for either eligible provider or hospital technology.
“We are pleased to be among the first IT laboratories to be authorized by ONC to certify EHRs” said Maclynn Brinton, President of INFOGARD Laboratories. INFOGARD is certifying products so that companies are now able to offer these products to providers who wish to purchase and implement certified EHR technology and achieve meaningful use in time for the 2011-2012 incentives.
VeinSpec EMR, version 1.9.1, certification number is IG-2420-11-0004. ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification conferred by INFOGARD does not represent an endorsement of the certified EHR technology by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services nor does it guarantee the receipt of incentive payments. For more information, please call 866-890-6383
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
VeinliteLEDX – TransLite introduces a new portable vein imager optimized for Sclerotherapy
TransLite’s newest Veinlite is the most powerful, portable LED transilluminator yet. Appropriately named Veinlite LEDX, it has 32 dual color LEDs arranged around a 30mm diameter ring with an 18mm opening for access. In addition to having a larger ring, wider opening and 50% more LEDs than the original Veinlite LED, the colors of the lights in the LEDX model are optimized for sclerotherapy. The LEDX model has 24 patented orange LEDs with the perfect wavelength of light for highlighting superficial veins. The 8 red LEDs emit light with a longer wavelength which penetrates deeper, allowing visualization of feeder veins.
Vascular surgeon Dr. Rüdiger Damisch writes, ‘this new device LEDX is perfect doing sclerotherapy on veins with better contrast than any other device.’
Veinlite LEDX is powered by a rechargeable battery and costs $599. It comes in a kit with disposable plastic covers to prevent cross contamination between patients, adapters and a medical grade charger with a long power cord also allowing the device to be used plugged into a power outlet. For more information on the Veinlite LEDX or any Veinlite model, call 281-240-3111, or e-mail info@veinlite.com.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Varicose Vein Consulting Presents at IVC 2011, Announces Spring Lecture Schedule
Varicose Vein Consulting is dedicated to helping vein practices produce profitability and superior results for the physician, nurses, staff and most importantly their patients. VVC founder, Kandy Hammond offers medical professionals and practitioners an opportunity to enhance their medical services to the public through her integrated clinical and business system. Her enthusiastic approach to patient care combined with a results-oriented curriculum creating a seamless business model within the clinical environment, highlights her VVC 2-day training programs. In addition to her success-oriented collaborations, she also provides ongoing clinical updates and supportive follow-up after the completion of the initial VVC training program.
Kandy is currently Vice President and Clinical Director with Midwest Vein and Laser Center. Collaborating with and assisting internationally esteemed surgeon and innovative specialist Dr. Ronald Bush, makes her a desirable consultant to others in the growing field of vein treatment and laser surgery. Since 2006 she has been President of Varicose Vein Consulting and Clinical Director of Vein Affiliates, an organization of over 75 surgeons specializing in the treatment of venous disease. As a national consultant and educator she has also provided training for Dornier Med Tech and Sciton; training physicians and nurses in laser therapy and pulsed light therapy.
Kandy will be speaking for the 8th straight year at the International Vein Congress in Miami, FL on May 12th-14th, at the Fontainebleau Hotel. VVC will hold its next lecture in Houston, TX on May 21st at the Sheraton Suites near the Galleria. This lecture will be held from 9AM-2PM and is free of charge to qualified attendees. Topics discussed include treating varicose and spider veins, making a successful vein practice and billing & coding of a vein practice. Please contact Jeff Williams at jwilliams@dornier.com or Kandy Hammond at kandyh@vvcllc.com to register. For more information or to see the full lecture schedule, please call 937-524-7464.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Total Vein Expands Its ThermaLite Line of Laser Systems
Total Vein Systems™ has recently expanded its ThermaLite™ line of laser systems with a series of multi-specialty, maintenance free diode laser systems. ThermaLite™ lasers have a multitude of applications: spider & facial veins, cutaneous skin lesions, numerous general and vascular surgical applications and the very popular laser lipolysis.
“I have been performing laser assisted lipolysis for over five years and have utilized all other systems on the market. I now own four ThermaLite™ units, two 14W and two 30W, and find the ThermaLite™ to achieve superior results with skin contraction and contouring when treating the face, abdomen, chest, flanks, thighs, buttocks and back,” stated Boris Bergus, MD of B&B Cosmetic Surgery Centers in Southborough, Mass.
“Over the past year we have received numerous calls from physicians interested in getting the advanced 1470 technology in various configurations. We are pleased to offer the ThermaLite™ 1470 with either 14 or 30 watts and the ThermaLite™ II dual wavelength system; combining the 1470 wavelength with either a 532 or 940 diode. Both ThermaLite™ II systems come complete with a set of three hand pieces in 0.5, 1 and 3 mm diameter spot sizes. In addition, we now have the ThermaLite™ Nano, making 1470 technology more affordable and portable. The Nano is a 7 watt unit that weighs less than 10 pounds,” stated General Manager, David Centanni. For more information, call Total Vein™ at 888-868-8346.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Terason Makes it Easy for MSK Ultrasound to get FIT
Terason is transforming the way Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is performed with the new Terason t3200™ Ultrasound System – the first fully-functional, portable ultrasound system designed specifically for the MSK professional.
The t3200 MSK Series is the first in a family of Terason systems with a new wave of advancements in ground-breaking technology. FIT, exclusively from Terason, provides Flexible Imaging Technology using innovative new features to produce high quality images and simplify the ultrasound exam. All new X-Site™ Probes and DDR™ provide top-notch image quality in both superficial and deeper targets to further enhance clinical confidence. A re-designed intuitive interface, with simplified anatomy-specific exam measurements and annotations, will increase productivity and patient throughput.
Terason is proud to ship the first t3200 MSK Ultrasound System to Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, FL, a world-class institute for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. “We selected the Terason t3200 MSK Series Ultrasound System for the excellent image quality, the ease of use, and the support from the company. The image quality is uniform resulting in great images from the near to far field. Additionally, the system is reasonably priced, providing the ability to affordably utilize ultrasound to improve patient care,” said Dr. Joshua G Hackel, Director Primary Care Sports Medicine and Team Physician University of West Florida, Andrews Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center. “There are many reasons I’m passionate about the t3200 – image quality, comfortable broad-band transducers, easy-to-reach controls, intuitive open architecture, and easy image handling and report capabilities. These make scanning a joy, and generating appropriate documentation painless,” said MSK expert Dr. Steven Skurow, Medical Director at Terason.
Terason will also be the featured ultrasound system at the International Vein Congress in Miami, May 12-14, 2011. Dr. Almeida has chosen the Terason t3000 Ultrasound system to showcase at the general session on Thursday, in addition to a live case feed from Dr. Almeida’s office on Friday. Terason will be at booth 218 at the IVC. For more information, please call 866-837-2766.
About Terason
Headquartered near Boston, Massachusetts, Terason, a division of Teratech Corporation, is a diagnostic ultrasound technology company setting new standards for image quality, ease of use, size and cost. Using breakthrough system integration technologies, Terason helps improve patient care by enabling compact equipment to generate diagnostic images previously possible only using large, expensive machines. The leading manufacturer of high performance laptop ultrasound imaging systems, Terason was established in 1994 as a spin-off of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory. Since Terason introduced its first product in 2001, thousands of ultrasound systems have been shipped to clinicians and to partners worldwide. The company’s unique Teratech™ Architecture and new FIT Technology enable exceptional performance and value.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Vascular Solutions Introduces Disposable Vein Hook
Vascular Solutions, Inc. announces the availability of its new Disposable Vein Hook, providing a safe, quick and easy way to perform a phlebectomy procedure using completely disposable components.
The Disposable Vein Hook consists of a plastic handle with a blade and safety guard on one end, and a hook on the opposite end, allowing a physician to quickly perform a phlebectomy procedure by making the incision with the blade end and then turning the device around and using the hook end to remove the varicosity.
The Disposable Vein Hook has an ergonomic, comfortable and familiar tactile feel, and is intended for single patient use for the treatment of superficial varicose veins and varicosities associated with superficial reflux and incompetence of the great saphenous vein in the lower extremities. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with an endovenous laser therapy treatment or as a standalone procedure.
The sterile, single-use Disposable Vein Hook is available in the United States exclusively through Vascular Solutions’ direct sales force, and is offered along with a Disposable Hemostat Pack and Phlebectomy Procedure pack, thereby eliminating the need and expense of an autoclave system. The Disposable Vein Hook is manufactured by AM Phleb Device, LLC, a subsidiary of Vascular Device Partners, LLC, and a physician-owned medical device company dedicated to bringing new innovative products to the endovascular market. For more information, please call 763-656-4300.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Handyscope by FotoFinder – The first and original digital dermatoscope for the iPhone
FotoFinder Systems, the world-wide leading manufacturer of digital imaging systems, has released handyscope, the first digital dermatoscope for the iPhone.
handyscope brings skin cancer detection to a new level. Doctors can easily evaluate moles on-screen and send the photos securely to their computer or to a colleague. This is the first time doctors of different specialties are able to team up to fight skin cancer. The affordable price and the ease of use make it a perfect addition for every doctor’s office and a major improvement in the early detection of skin cancer. For more information, please call FotoFinder Systems, Inc. at 888-501-0805
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Dr. Lowell Kabnick Completes Medical Mission Trip to Vietnam
World-renowned surgeon-teacher visits Vietnam providing clinical treatment to patients in need of venous intervention. Dr. Lowell S. Kabnick, MD, FACS, FACPh, an internationally recognized leader in the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease, recently traveled to Vietnam on a medical mission trip to provide vitally needed care to patients with vein disease.
While a strong emphasis of the trip was in providing patient care, Dr. Kabnick was also excited to offer an educational opportunity to the knowledgeable, but financially under-supported local health care professionals. In addition to providing care during his trip, Dr. Kabnick presented a lecture entitled "What We Know about Endothermal Ablation of the Saphenous Trunk," in Hanoi, which was translated in advance for Vietnamese physicians.
Having grown up in the area, and possessing strong ties to the history and culture of Vietnam, Dr. Kabnick stressed what a valuable and personally touching experience this trip was. Kabnick stated, "You almost do not even realize how much something like this means. The Vietnamese people were warm and hospitable."
Very much aware of the fact that a short term medical mission will not address the largest health care needs in Vietnam, Dr. Kabnick's hope is that his efforts will contribute toward alleviating some of these needs.
About Lowell S. Kabnick, MD, FACS
Lowell S. Kabnick, M.D., FACS, FACPh, Director of NYU Vein Center, is a world-renowned surgeon-teacher whose patient-centered approach to vein care has enabled the creation and improvement of many of today's most advanced noninvasive vascular surgery techniques. Recognized by his peers as an international authority on the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease, Dr. Kabnick was the first vascular surgeon in the United States to perform the VNUS Closure™ (radiofrequency) procedure and the VenaCure EVLT™ (laser) procedure--two FDA approved breakthrough technologies for treating the underlying causes of many varicose vein problems. Because of Dr. Kabnick's achievements, and his reputation as a personable and scholarly caregiver, he not only attracts patients locally, but also nationally and internationally.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
JUXTA-LITE: CODED, COVERED, & PUBLISHED FEE SCHEDULE HCPCS Code: A6545 - Gradient compression wrap, non-elastic, below knee 30-50 mmHg, each
As of September 1, 2010 CircAid Medical’s Juxta-Lite product was code verified by the Medicare PDAC under the HCPCS code A6545. This code is a part of the Surgical Dressing Medicare Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and related policy article. It is covered by Medicare Part B (DMEPOS) when used for the treatment of an open venous ulcer.
Effective January 1, 2010, the published fee schedule for HCPCS code A6545 when billed with the AW modifier is $89.36 for all states. The fee schedule can be found on the PDAC website.
Summary of Billing Instructions from the Article for Surgical Dressings
Policy Article – January 2010
When the compression wrap code A6545 is used for an open venous stasis ulcer, the code must be billed with the AW modifier (but not an A1-A9 modifier). The RT (right) and/or LT (left) modifiers must be used with code A6545. When the same code for bilateral items (left and right) is billed on the same date of service, bill both items on the same claim line using RTLT modifiers and 2 units of service. Claims billed without modifiers RT and/or LT will be rejected as incorrect coding.
Coverage of compression wrap (A6545) is limited to one compression wrap per six months per leg. If you have any questions related to reimbursement, you may contact CircAid Medical with any questions at 1-800-247-2243 or email to info@circaid.com.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
DVT Prevention Advocate SIGVARIS Launches Sheerest Medical Compression Stockings
The fashionable EverSheer product line from SIGVARIS is now available in a medically measured 15-20mmHg compression level to meet the demands of women that want a sheer look year-round.
EverSheer delivers consistent sheerness from ankle to thigh and is available in several easy-to-wear styles including knee-highs, thigh-highs and pantyhose. Select shades are also available in open-toe styles for fashionable wear with spring and summer shoes.
“The EverSheer product has been one of the most popular premium products SIGVARIS has ever launched,” says Jonas Thelin, marketing director for SIGVARIS North America. “Now, women who need a lighter strength of compression will be able to experience all the benefits of wearing a medically measured garment.”
SIGVARIS EverSheer offers a stylish hosiery option for women’s every day wear and may be used as a maintenance therapy option after recovery from a vein procedure. EverSheer combines all-day softness with comfort leaving women with a soft fabric against their skin. The EverSheer line is available in Nightshade, Natural, Suntan, Black, Dark Navy and Mocha shades.
EverSheer provides excellent breathability and moisture management, making it the perfect product to wear year-round for work, dress-up or travel. For style savvy women, SIGVARIS EverSheer Compression Hosiery is the most fashionable hosiery of its kind available.
SIGVARIS is a committed DVT prevention advocate. In addition to medical products, SIGVARIS also manufactures lifestyle and sports products based on its expertise in graduated compression therapy.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Portable Medical Devices, LLC Announces the CO2mmander Medical-Grade Portable CO2 Delivery System Release and Availability
Portable Medical Devices, LLC, announces availability of the “CO2mmander®” Portable Medical-Grade CO2 Delivery System, enabling physicians to take advantage of the safety and efficacy of medical-grade CO2 and CO2/O2 with total portability.
The CO2mmander® device is a convenient, reliable and cost-effective electronic, hand-held system that delivers medical-grade gas from disposable cartridges at the touch of a finger. The CO2mmander® device provides safe delivery of CO2 or CO2/O2 for general medical use. It is intended to be used by health care professionals in hospital or medical office settings.
The device uses disposable, medical-grade gas cartridges (sold separately). It requires no external power and is totally self-contained. This eliminates the need for large tank refills and delivery of potentially dangerous oversized tanks.
The availability of the CO2mmander® and diminished complication of the use of carbon dioxide in numerous medical procedures has spurred PMDA to further drive the CO2mmander® distribution. Medical grade CO2 is now available to medical offices. For more information, please call 239-731-6200 or email info@co2mmander.com.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
CareCredit’s Convenient Patient Payment Plans Help Manage Higher Out-Of-Pocket Costs
With trends in reimbursement widening the gap between insurance coverage and the cost of care, patients seeking treatment today are facing higher out-of-pocket costs from co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles. In fact, a recent Employer Health Benefits Survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed a thirty percent increase in the average family deductible for PPO plans within just two years.
To help patients manage self-pay portions, many practices are expanding their payment options to include CareCredit® Patient Payment Plans. With CareCredit, practices can provide patients with a full range of convenient payment plans that fit their monthly budget including popular No Interest* Payment Plans (If paid within the promotional period. Minimum monthly payments required).
In addition to increasing treatment acceptance, offering CareCredit helps improve compliance
and retention by giving patients a revolving line of credit that they can use for follow-up treatment
or additional care. Practices offering CareCredit receive immediate payment within two business days, reducing their billing and A/R costs while improving cash flow.
A GE Money Company, and the nation’s leading provider of patient financing, CareCredit has helped more than 7 million patients get care and is offered in over 140,000 healthcare practices nationwide. For more information on how to increase treatment acceptance and patient retention with CareCredit, call 800-300-3046, ext. 4519
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
BioMedix Relocates Corporate Headquarters to Downtown Saint Paul
BioMedix™, the leader in providing integrated medical diagnostic hardware, Health Information Technology (HIT) software and advanced web-based services, has announced that it is relocating its corporate headquarters. The company is moving to 178 East Ninth Street, a 24,000-square-foot, three-story building near Wacouta Commons in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota.
BioMedix™ currently has over 150 employees, almost half of which are sales representatives stationed across the United States. The move brings BioMedix™ home office operations to a more spacious downtown location. Charlie Lazor, nationally recognized designer and founder of FlatPak and Blu Dot, has developed an innovative new work environment for BioMedix™. The space is designed to mix and move people and their ideas at top speed. The decision to move was made in 2010, when company leadership recognized that the current office space in White Bear Lake, Minnesota could no longer accommodate the exciting level of growth BioMedix™ has seen and expects to continue throughout 2011.
BioMedix™ has seen great successes across all of its product categories, including medical hardware and Health Information Technology software solutions. The company’s need to support a growing client base has been a contributing factor; since the addition of TRAKnet™ DPM in 2009, BioMedix™ Customer Service and Implementations departments have expanded out of necessity to support the flourishing product. The BioMedix™ PADnet™ vascular testing device continues to thrive, with over 375,000 patient tests completed to date. The BioMedix™ vascular program solution for hospitals, PADnet™ DMS 2.0, has been newly updated and is also presenting exciting growth.
“We are looking forward to expanding into our new space, as it will help us to support our customers with the best service,” Meg Heim, VP of Marketing for BioMedix™ said, “We are excited about the energy and the atmosphere that downtown St. Paul offers. The move will also bring us closer to our state capitol, a significant location in terms of healthcare legislation and reform action.”
About BioMedix™
BioMedix™ provides the only integrated suite of hardware, software and online services designed to cost-effectively detect Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Vascular specialists, primary care providers, hospitals and health systems use our products to identify these patients. Our devices, Health Information Technology (HIT) software, Electronic Health Records, advanced practice management and web-based solutions reduce mistakes, provide data for sound analysis, build practice revenue and streamline reimbursement while providing a platform that supports the continuum of care and increased quality outcomes. For more information about BioMedix™ products, call 877-854-0014
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
AngioJet SolentTM Proxi Thrombectomy Catheter from MEDRAD
MEDRAD Interventional announces the availability of the Solent Proxi thrombectomy catheter, designed for large, difficult-to-remove thrombus like that found in DVT. The Solent Proxi joins the growing portfolio of specialized thrombectomy devices available in the AngioJet Ultra System. In response to requests from interventionalists, the Solent Proxi catheter offers the highest clot-removing power in the AngioJet range and is the first to allow swapping of guide-wires from the proximal end during the procedure. A second access port with stop cock has been added to the catheter’s hub to facilitate in situ contrast injection. The Solent Proxi catheter is also constructed with a flexible, polymer-clad spiral shaft and hydrophilic coating on the distal section to improve handling compared to earlier designs.
The Solent Proxi catheter is enabled for Power-Pulse Delivery, allowing it to be used to power-infuse lytic into the thrombus. And like all AngioJet thrombectomy catheters, the Solent Proxi catheter is based on the AngioJet Cross-stream® technology—utilizing high-speed saline jets contained inside the catheter tip to create a powerful low-pressure zone that entrains and removes clot.
For more information, please contact MEDRAD at 800-633-7231, or email info@medrad.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Soothing, Stylish Man’Support Cotton Support Sock Available From Gloria Med USA
Gloria Med Group has released its Man’Support Cotton Men’s Trouser Sock, available through Gloria Med USA. Man’Support socks are available in 15-20 mmHg compression in black, white, blue, brown, dark grey and bordeaux.
This high quality men’s sock is composed of cotton, polymide and elastin, which makes it breathable, comfortable and durable enough to wear from a work day into the night. Man’Support is conveniently sized by American and European shoe size.
Gloria Med Group has been manufacturing premium quality compression stockings since 1926 and is celebrating its 85th Birthday! For more information, contact Gloria Med USA at 877-390-5347 by phone, 626-398-5347 by fax or email info@gloriamedusa.com.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The American Board of Phlebology Announces Exam Dates for 2012
The American Board of Phlebology will open their 5th phlebology exam cycle beginning in the fall of 2011. Applications will be processed starting in October, 2011, and all are to be submitted online at http://www.abph.net/application/default.asp. Prior to this date, applications will be accepted but will not be reviewed or processed until the start of the application review period. The application submission deadline is February 10, 2012.
The computer-based exam will be given electronically between April 14 and April 28, 2012. Previously, the exam was only available during a one-week window. In response to comments from applicants, the timeframe has been expanded to allow more physicians to fit this important exam into their schedules. Those who successfully pass the exam next April will be recognized as official ABPh diplomates and will join the group of 500 physicians who have already achieved certification during the first four exam cycles.
To become an ABPh diplomate, an applicant must complete the requisite training or experience qualifications, meet the continuing medical education requisites, and pass a stringent certification examination. Certification periods are ten years and maintenance is dependent upon the ability of the Diplomate to display competency in four areas of assessment: evidence of professional standing, evidence of commitment to lifelong-learning and periodic self-assessment, evidence of cognitive expertise, and evaluation of performance in practice.
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The American Board of Phlebology (ABPh) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 2007 for the purpose of certifying physicians who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of phlebology. The American Board of Phlebology (ABPh) was established to;
1. Improve the standards of medical practitioners and the quality of patient care related to the treatment of venous disorders and all aspects of venous disease
2. Serve the public and the medical profession by establishing initial and continuing qualifications for certification and maintenance of certification as physician specialists in the practice of phlebology
3. Examine physician candidates for certification and maintenance of certification in the practice of phlebology
4. Establish educational standards for teaching and training programs in phlebology
5. Maintain a registry of individuals who hold certificates issued by the Board
For more information, call (703) 234-4077
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Nominations Wanted for Vascular Disease Foundation President’s Awards
Lakewood, CO, May 24, 2011 – The Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) is seeking nominations for the 2011 President’s Awards. The deadline for nominations is Monday, July 27, 2011.
The President’s Awards are to recognize those individuals who have made a difference in the lives of those living with vascular disease or have assisted the Foundation in accomplishing its mission in various categories. These awards are to show our appreciation for the extraordinary measures individuals have taken to support the Foundation’s efforts to increase awareness of vascular disease and enhance the lives of those living with vascular disease.
There are four President’s award categories:
1) Inspiration: An award to recognize those individuals who provide hope or inspiration to individuals and their families living with vascular disease.
2) Leadership: Recognizing those volunteers who demonstrate leadership, initiative, creativity and dedication to VDF’s mission.
3) Partnership: Recognizing those organizations who work collaboratively with VDF to support our mission of reducing death and disability from vascular disease.
4) Vision: Recognizing those individuals committed to supporting the advancement of vascular disease awareness, research or education.
The nomination criteria for these awards consist of completing a nomination form, which requires a description of 450 words or less of why someone should be considered for a particular award. The nomination committee may select an award different from the one selected.
For more information please call 888.VDF.4INFO.
The Vascular Disease Foundation is the only national organization with the sole purpose of educating the public about vascular diseases. It is the most trusted source of credible, scientific and non-biased information on vascular diseases. For more information, call 888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463)
Monday, May 09, 2011
Robert B. McLafferty, MD Named President, Vascular Disease Foundation
Lakewood, CO, May 3, 2011 – Dr. Robert McLafferty was elected president of the Vascular Disease Foundation (VDF) board of directors at their meeting held on March 25th in Chicago, IL. Robert B. McLafferty, MD serves as a Professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Dr. McLafferty has been a member of VDF’s board of directors since April 2005 and previously served on the Venous Disease Coalition’s steering committee as treasurer. In his new role as president, Dr. McLafferty will continue to lead efforts to increase awareness of vascular disease which affects over 40 million Americans.
“Dr. McLafferty’s commitment and dedication to improving the health care of those affected by vascular disease has been important,” said Sheryl Benjamin VDF executive director. “In his new role as president, he will lead VDF to become the leading resource of vascular disease information. He has a passion to bring vascular disease to the forefront of the national health dialogue. We are honored to have him serve as our new president.”
Dr. McLafferty's research interests are in the natural history of peripheral arterial and venous diseases; vascular disease treatment outcomes, education, economics, and epidemiology. He has numerous publications in peer reviewed journals and textbooks. He has special interest in the endovascular and surgical treatments of lower extremity occlusive disease, complex aortic aneurysm disease, carotid disease, and venous disease.
About the Vascular Disease Foundation
The Vascular Disease Foundation is a national, nonprofit, public education organization dedicated to increasing awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and management of vascular disease. Its outstanding board of directors includes physicians, nurses, vascular technologists, rehabilitation professionals, and clinical researchers who have been on the forefront of fighting vascular diseases for many years. For more information call 888.VDF.4INFO (888.833.4463).
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