What to expect at your varicose vein consultation

If you suspect you have varicose veins and are unsure of when to see a doctor, or what to expect at your first appointment, our team of experts at VeinSolutions can help guide you.

When you notice abnormally large, bulging, and discolored veins, and your legs are also painful or swollen, it is time to see a vein specialist. Or, if you have open wounds on your legs or ankles that won’t heal, you should also get evaluated.

Once you’ve scheduled your appointment with one of our vein specialists, here’s what you can expect at your first varicose vein consultation:

• A thorough health history evaluation including any family history of varicose veins or other circulatory diseases and medications or supplements you are taking.
• A physical exam and discussion of your symptoms
• Most patients will also have an ultrasound exam (venous duplex imaging) to take a closer look at the veins underneath the skin to help determine the cause of the problem.

Ultrasounds can pinpoint exactly where the vein pooling or malfunction is occurring and reveal if there are any other internal issues. Also, most insurance companies require an ultrasound prior to approving any form of varicose vein treatment.

What is the best treatment for varicose veins?

After reviewing your ultrasound results and the severity of your varicose vein symptoms, your provider will determine the most effective course of treatment to help restore leg health and enhance the appearance of affected areas.

Most insurance carriers require patients to undergo conservative treatment options for a designated period of time before they will provide coverage varicose vein procedures. Our board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists will recommend the following measures as a first step to help alleviate varicose vein symptoms:

• Wearing compression stockings that work by applying pressure to the veins to improve blood flow and reduce swelling
• Making dietary and exercise changes to encourage better circulation
• Elevating your legs several times a day to encourage better blood flow towards the heart

If your varicose veins are still painful, and noticeable, after the conservative treatment period, we may recommend minimally invasive vein treatment options. Some of the most common treatments that we perform conveniently in our vein treatments centers include:

• Endovenous ablation: non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure administered by a thin catheter emitting radiofrequency energy, or heat, to seal off blood flow to the damaged veins
• Minimally invasive vein surgery: surgical removal of troublesome veins through small, barely visible, puncture sites on the skin

Will insurance cover my varicose vein treatments?

Once you and our specialists determine the right course of treatment, our team will always help assess your insurance coverage and/or out-of-pocket costs before proceeding. We know that the financial element can be a factor in choosing which treatment is right for you, so we will always work with you to help achieve the most successful outcome with the most comprehensive coverage.

VeinSolutions accepts most major health insurance plans, including Medicare; however, we strongly encourage our patients to carefully research the specific provisions of their health insurance coverage to avoid unpleasant and expensive surprises.

To schedule a varicose vein appointment in Austin, please call 512.452.VEIN (8346), or call 512.501.4287 for our clinic in Georgetown.

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