Cycle of Care

The Vascular Vein Centers Cycle of Care

To ensure you receive the highest level of care and longest-lasting results, the medical experts at Vascular Vein Centers have established a six-step Cycle of Care that allows our providers to evaluate, understand, treat, and follow-up on your vein condition. Our comprehensive process ensures you will receive the most advanced treatments for your varicose veins, and face, hand and spider veins.

STEP 1: Initial Consultation

The Vascular Vein Centers’ initial consultation includes a thorough assessment of your vein symptoms and a physical examination of the problem-causing veins.

Based on the provider's findings, a Doppler ultrasound may be recommended for a complete evaluation of the venous system. If varicose veins are identified, and you have significant symptoms or skin changes, the Center will seek immediate authorization for treatment from your insurance company. Many insurance companies recognize medical treatment of saphenous reflux and varicose veins if there are significant symptoms, however, all insurance companies require three to six months of conservative therapy prior to treatment.

If you have no symptoms of underlying vein issues, you may schedule a cosmetic sclerotherapy treatment.

STEP 2: Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging

A Doppler study of the superficial and deep venous system is necessary to rule out superficial or deep vein clot, and to document sources of reflux (back flow of blood that causes varicose veins).

The majority of the study is performed while you are standing in order to obtain the best assessment of the varicose veins. You will be asked to discontinue use of compression stockings on the day of your test and will be required to stand for a period of time before the examination.

STEP 3: Discussion of Treatment Plan

Following the initial consultation and Doppler ultrasound scan, a treatment plan will be discussed with you. If you have varicose veins and they meet your insurance company’s criteria for treatment, a period of conservative management will be initiated, unless compression hose have been worn. Although varicose vein surgery may be appropriate, many insurance carriers require you to meet strict guidelines to be eligible for reimbursement. In most cases, this consists of three to six months of conservative treatment including wearing compression hose, pursuing a weight loss program, and taking analgesics for pain.

If your ultrasound is normal, you may schedule a cosmetic sclerotherapy treatment. If you chose not to utilize insurance benefits for payment, treatment can begin immediately.

STEP 4: Laser Vein Treatment

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is the primary procedure used by Vascular Vein Centers for the treatment of varicose veins. The 30-minute procedure is performed in one of our clinics and is extremely effective in treating varicose veins caused by reflux from the saphenous veins. EVLT patients are generally very satisfied with their results and they experience low reoccurrence rates with less post-operative discomfort when compared to traditional "vein-stripping."

STEP 5: Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Additional procedures, such as Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy may be required to complete treatment of the varicose vein branches. This 15-minute procedure is generally performed two weeks following a laser treatment and multiple sessions are typically required.

STEP 6: Post-Treatment Evaluation

During your post-treatment evaluation, your Vascular Vein Centers provider will use a Doppler ultrasound to evaluate the treated veins and determine if additional procedures are needed. Once your varicose veins have been successfully treated, you can begin treatment for your spider veins. It is important to treat the underlying varicose veins first, to ensure the most optimum results.

Veins are controlled, not cured. It is important to have periodic follow-up evaluations to maintain healthy legs!

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