I have a few visible varicose veins, and general heaviness. I think I may need a Venous Reflux Exam. Can they be performed at a general practitioner's office, or should I go to a vein specialist or a hospital?
You should go to a vein specialist. Most of the time it is done in their office.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It would be better to seek a consultation with a board certified vascular trained surgeon and allow him/her to arrange the ultrasound examination. I am an ultrasound technologist also and perform my own exams. It allows me to see directly without relying on a report and also to use it as a teaching tool for my patients.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can get venous reflux examination on the request of your physician at any Vascular Lab, affiliated with a hospital or independent. Most vein specialists have vascular lab and perform venous reflux examinations.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should go to a vein specialist for multiple reasons-they are looking for not only DVT, but mainly reflux, the ultrasound for reflux is done in a specific way and not routinely by everyone and,most importantly, the vein specialist can formulate a treatment plan.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend going to a vein specialist. Make sure that the ultrasound looking for reflux is performed while standing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to see a vein specialist. Many ultrasound studies which are not done to the specifications of the vein specialist are done poorly with inadequate testing for venous reflux. Additionally, the clinical exam by a vein specialist is important to make appropriate recommendations to you. The ultrasound technologist in hospital usually just look at the deep veins and do not do the test while the patient is standing. If the test is not done with the patient standing superficial venous insufficiency will be missed and often the problems will be incorrectly diagnosed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to see a vein specialist. Many ultrasound studies which are not done to the specifications of the vein specialist are done poorly with inadequate testing for venous reflux. Additionally, the clinical exam by a vein specialist is important to make appropriate recommendations to you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Since your concern is the presence of spiders and varicosities, would be ideal for you to have the test done by a vein specialist. He/She would be more focus on the diagnosis and will be able to tailor your treatment to your own situation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
They can be performed anywhere that utilizes ultrasound. But the test needs to be completed by someone with vascular experience that knows exactly what they are looking for. If you can go to a specialist you have a better chance of getting an accurate result.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
All CVD centers have duplex ultrasound which is needed to confirm reflux.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Have your vein specialist refer you to a location, most likely his/her office. In my opinion, the venous reflux exam is the most important test prior to treatment and the treating physician should have confidence in the way that exam was performed and reported. On many occasions, I am in the room reviewing the exam and asking the vascular ultrasound technologist to look for other sources of reflux based on the patient's symptoms and physical exam.
Published on Jul 11, 2012