I'm interested in having the procedure done. What should I look for in a specialist? What kind of training and/or degrees are required to be qualified to perform vein procedures?
Unfortunately anyone with an MD can perform vein procedures with just a little training, often by the company which sells the equipment. We recommend finding a vascular trained, board certified (American Board of Medical Specialties) who specializes in varicose vein procedures, ask about their experience and perhaps talk with one of their patients etc. Online reviews also are useful.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many physicians who perform endovenous ablations from many types of specialties. There is a specific vein specialty with board certification called the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Those physicians with this specialty board certification are fully qualified to treat all kinds of vein problems. Having said that, there are also many physicians such as general and vascular surgeons who can treat veins without having this certification.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should look for a specialist who is devoted to treating veins full-time who is Board Certified in Phlebology. Many subspecialties are involved in treating varicose veins. The endovenous laser ablation technique was pioneered by an interventional radiologist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You want someone who is, in fact, a vein specialist. That they have specific background, education and training, in both venous disease and that they are board certified in venous disease,or Phlebology. You also want someone who is devoted to treating venous disease only, and is doing this every day as the sole focus of their practice, not practicing their another specialty 4 days a week, and treating veins on Friday afternoons. Finally, make sure their office offers the full spectrum of treatments for both varicose and spider veins, so that you can be sure you are getting the most appropriate treatment for your specific case. If they only offer one or two treatments, then everybody gets treated the same way. Also make sure that everything you will need for evaluation, diagnosis and management can be done in one location, so you won't be sent all over the place.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are several different specialists that perform venous ablation procedures. They include Interventional Radiologists, Vascular Surgeons, Dermatologists, and OB/Gyns. I would suggest choosing a board certified specialist who has performed at least 100 venous ablations and who has proficiency using ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
An MD is required little else. You should look for someone who particularly treats vascular disease or specifically varicose veins and has much experience with these procedures. Ask questions like how much of your time is spent treating varicose veins and how many times have you done this procedure?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many physicians who treat vein disease.? Experience with current treatment standards is important.? Physicians that may be very good at treating varicose vein disease range from vascular surgeons, to radiologists and even ER physicians and family practitioners.? I personally know a former pediatrician that is one of the best Phlebologists around.? The key is that a physician has had training and exposure to the latest treatment techniques.? Also, although certainly not an absolute requirement, there is certification in the field of Phlebology that demonstrates that a particular physician has met the standards for education in this field?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are so many doctors and other practitioners who claim to be experts, that you are very smart to seek the appropriate specialist. It is my opinion that the most qualified person is a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon with extensive experience in all aspects of vascular surgery, endovascular procedures and management of venous disease. Avoid anyone who claims to do this as a small part of their practice, or who's specialty is not in a
surgical field.
Published on Jul 11, 2012