1. Determine Whether the Vein Specialist Is a Vein Doctor
The term “specialist” isn’t regulated and doesn’t automatically mean “doctor.” Many vein centers aren’t actually run by vein doctors. In fact, some people who administer vein treatments aren’t board certified in any type of medicine at all. And those who are medical doctors might hold degrees in things like internal medicine or dermatology, rather than venous medicine.
The best vein centers in California have board certified vein doctors on their team. These include phlebologists, vascular surgeons, and those who are certified in vein medicine by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Veins carry blood to your heart. That’s a pretty important job! So, don’t trust your vein care to someone who hasn’t studied the vascular system. Book an appointment with our certified diplomates in California today!
2. Determine If the Vein Center Is Accredited
Accreditation is an optional process, which is why it’s so valuable to the patient. Getting accredited is an arduous endeavor that involves a thorough review of everything from the facilities to patient case studies to the doctors’ credentials. Only the best vein centers put themselves through this test, since accreditation is difficult to achieve. Our award-winning vein centers in California are among the select few to achieve accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, verifying our superior level of care.
3. Ask How Long They’ve Been Performing Vein Treatments
Some vein doctors have been in the profession so long that they’re only trained in outdated procedures. Others are too new to the field to have enough experience. Ask how long your vein specialist has been performing vein treatments, particularly the treatment they recommend for you. Some procedures are newer to the market, so look for a vein doctor with sufficient expertise in your selected modality.
4. Ask If They Treat Both Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
If you have spider veins, why does it matter if your vein doctor treats varicose veins? There are two primary reasons. First, varicose veins and spider veins are often caused by the same problem– Chronic Venous Insufficiency. If you have this common condition, it’s possible that you will develop both varicose veins and spider veins at some point, so choose a doctor who treats both.
Second, doctors who only treat spider veins might not have studied venous medicine. Some superficial spider veins can be treated with surface lasers that don’t address the underlying issue. Choose a board certified vein doctor who is trained to look beneath the surface and find the cause. Qualified doctors use endovenous treatments that target the vein’s walls, not just treatments at the surface of the skin. If the underlying cause is ignored, more spider veins and varicose veins, along with frustrating symptoms, might develop.
5. Ask Whether They Perform Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgery is rarely required for varicose veins anymore, and never required for spider veins. If you choose a center that favors surgery over minimally invasive procedures, there’s a good chance they aren’t trained in the latest techniques.
Methods like sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, vein adhesives, mechanochemical ablation, and endovenous laser treatments have largely replaced surgical tactics. Now, vascular surgery is for severe varicosities and patients with blood clots. So, always inquire about a vein center’s first lines of treatment. Visit minimally invasive vein doctors before vascular surgeons to avoid unnecessary surgery.
6. Inquire About Insurance Coverage for Your Procedure
There are two important reasons to ask about insurance coverage before scheduling vein treatment. The first and most obvious one is so you know whether you can afford it. But another reason to ask about insurance coverage is that board certified doctors in accredited vein centers typically use FDA-approved, time-tested techniques. These are the ones that insurance companies cover.
If the vein center doesn’t accept insurance, it might mean their treatments aren’t FDA-approved or even proven to work. Our California vein doctors partner with all major insurance carriers and file all paperwork on your behalf to verify coverage before your procedure.
7. Ask About the Projected Recovery Time
The latest vein treatments are done in under 30 minutes and don’t require any recovery time. Patients remain awake and can walk around immediately after the procedure. Most patients can resume their workday and even moderate exercise right after the procedure. If the vein clinic predicts a lengthy recovery time, it’s unlikely they’re trained in the newest techniques. Outdated procedures have unnecessary risks, discomfort, costs, and downtime, so choose a state-of-the-art vein center to treat varicose veins and spider veins.
8. Ask How Soon You’ll Receive Your Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vascular health deserves prompt attention. Choose a vein center with appointments that fit your schedule and locations near you. It’s best if the vein center has more than one vein doctor on staff, so you can be seen more quickly. When vein disease and damaged veins go untreated, symptoms can progress to include venous ulcerations, venous stasis dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and profuse bleeding. Vein centers that don’t prioritize your care put your well-being at stake.
So, how do you find a good vein specialist? Choose our Harvard-trained vein specialists in California! Our physicians are part of a team of award-winning doctors with two convenient locations in CA. Visit our San Diego or San Jose vein center for world-class care right when you need it! Our doctors are easily accessible, and they take the time to answer all of your questions before recommending treatment. We look forward to restoring the health of your veins!