5 Questions to Ask Your Vein Specialist
Veins are a vital part of our overall health. So if you are struggling with varicose veins or other vein disease issues, you want to address these problems as soon as possible.
Finding a qualified, capable, and knowledgeable vein specialist is the first step in protecting the future of your vein health. This is a crucial step that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Like any medical specialists, when choosing your vein specialist it is important to do your research and ask questions. Here are 5 questions to ask the doctor in your initial consultation:
1. What certifications do you have in vein care and where did you receive your training?
Though the advances in technology have made vein treatment easier and more successful, it has also made it easier for underqualified and poorly trained doctors to join the field.
The first step you want to take in finding a vein doctor is to make sure his/her credentials are legitimate. Here are a few to look for:
Member of American College of Phlebology and/or certified by the American College of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
Complete requisite training
Meet Continuing Medical Education (MCE) requirements
Passing score on the certification exam
2. What percentage of your practice do you devote to vein disease?
The answer to this question should be 100%. Venous disease carries serious health risks, so why seek treatment from anyone other than a doctor that specializes in vein treatment?
3. What treatment options do I have?
Once your vein specialist has performed an initial consultation, they will know what vein problem you have, and what treatment will work best to fix it. If you have common issues such as varicose or spider veins, your doctor will be able to provide a minimally invasive treatment approach. These treatments require no hospitalization, typically take less than an hour, and require minimal recovery time.
4. Will I suffer any pain or side effects?
The answer to this question will vary depending upon your current condition and the treatment required. But with current vein treatment technology, the pain and side effects will likely be very minimal. Most patients are able to get back to normal life with little to no downtime.
5. Will insurance cover my vein treatments?
While technically more a question for the office staff than the doctor, it’s still an important one to ask. Many patients are reluctant to see a doctor for their varicose veins because they assume varicose veins are a “cosmetic” problem, so their health insurance plan won’t pay for treatment.
Most patients that seek varicose vein treatment will find that the procedure is covered by their insurance plan. Insurance companies recognize that vein disease is real, not just cosmetic, and can lead to major health complications if left untreated.
Our friendly office staff are happy to answer all of these questions at your visit and make sure you have answers about insurance coverage before undergoing treatment.
Why Choose Elmore Medical?
Dr. Mario Gonzalez and his team at Elmore Medical are the premier vein specialty medical practice in Fresno and in the entire Central Valley of California. No other vein center can offer you the years of experience, the courteous professionalism, and the medical expertise that is available at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.