Medicare Open Enrollment – The Basics
October 15th through December 7th each year is the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period. Making a mistake in choosing the best plan for you could impact your healthcare and its cost for the rest of your life!
Do you think you might have a DVT? Call our DVT & LEG HEALTH HOTLINE 833-687-6887
By Dr. Samuel P. Martin
Last month, we discussed who you should choose to treat your vein issues. This week, we’re showing you the three best ways to spot that perfect specialist.
1. Identify their Training
Training is key when looking for a vein specialist, but it’s very difficult for most patients to identify high-quality physicians and to competitively shop for their care. This is especially true today with vein care. Prior to the early 2000's, when vein care was done in the hospital, doctors were scrutinized and credentialed by the hospital. That evaluation looked at recommendations from physicians that had trained them, whether they passed a certifying board in their area of specialty and had sufficient cases to justify approval to treat certain problems and diseases. The only specialties that were authorized to treat veins were general surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons. Today, that has changed.
2. Determine their Specialization
With the advent of new technology like laser and radio frequency ablation therapy, vein care moved to the office setting and the hospital credentialing process was lost. People with no residency or fellowship training soon began treating veins. This includes specialties like family practice, interventional radiology, cardiology, dermatology and other professionals in unrelated medical fields. Those of us with extensive training have been distressed by the quality of some of the treatment we have seen. Procedures are being performed without the appreciation for and experience with disease processes.
3. Find their Staff Experience and Facility Certifications
Staff experience and office quality also play a big role in determining the right vein specialist. Patients at Vascular Vein Centers can feel comfortable knowing that their providers have had residency training, are board certified and have years of experience. Our ultrasound technologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants have had extensive training and are carefully supervised. Our vascular laboratory has been certified by IAC, the highest acknowledgement of proficiency with stringent standards.
Our team at VVC features the training, qualifications and experience to give you the best care available. You deserve the best and you can rely on our doctors to give you the care you need, period!
