What You Should Look For in a Vein Doctor

Is your doctor a member of the American College of Phlebology? This organization is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders, especially cosmetic problems. The cosmetic vein field is changing surprisingly quickly and it is important to keep up with the latest advances. Physicians from many specialties can treat vein conditions successfully. Make sure you check out the credentials of the doctor you plan to visit.

For Large Vein Problems:

If you have varicose veins, be sure your doctor does a Duplex (color flow) ultrasound examination to determine the source of the problem. Do not undergo any procedure on large veins if an ultrasound is not done. It's best if the doctor personally does your ultrasound test and explains what the screen shows. It's next best if a technologist does the test with the doctor present. It's not ideal if you are sent to a separate laboratory, because a paper report provides limited information and can misdirect the treating doctor.

Most minimally invasive treatments for large vein problems can be done under local anesthesia. Does your doctor offer this option?

If you are having an endovenous procedure (ELAS, EVLT, ELVeS, or VNUS), where will the procedure take place? Offices are nice, but may have issues of cleanliness and safety not always evident to you. Hospitals are busy and impersonal, and they usually insist that you have an anesthesiologist. A certified, state licensed ambulatory surgicenter (ASC) combines the best features of both.

For Small Vein Problems:

If you have spider veins, does the doctor look for the source of the veins with special lights? If the source is not treated, the spider veins will soon return.

Lasers are seldom as effective as injections (sclerotherapy) for spider veins. Lasers simply cannot destroy the source of the spider veins. If your doctor offers only laser therapy, be prepared for mediocre results.

Who does the injections or the laser treatment of spider veins? Physician treatment is the best, specially trained nurses with certification are second best. Do not allow non-physician treatment unless a doctor is on the premises. Some facilities list the name of a medical director, but the physician may not be present when you receive your treatments.

Find a Vein Specialist Near You

If you are not from the Beverly Hills or Los Angeles area and would like to find a vein specialist near you, please click on VEINSonline.com.

Here is another source of good vein doctors: veindirectory.org