Going to a vein clinic? What to expect on your initial visit
You probably noticed some visible veins on your legs; perhaps for months or years. Some veins may appear to be tiny, bluish and superficial known as spider veins. Other veins may appear somewhat larger and perhaps bulgy, twisty and ropey forming ‘bumps’ scattered in various areas of your legs. Typically veins that are 5mm or larger, sticking out of the surface are varicose veins. One of the biggest step to getting your legs treated is deciding on what vein clinic to go to.
You made your first step in booking your appointment. Now what?
Take your first step towards healthy legs
Most clinics offer a complimentary vein screening appointment. The initial visit is a time for having all your questions addressed, understanding your risk factors and the reasons for developing visible leg veins. During this appointment, you will have a chance to ask questions regarding your leg veins and share any symptoms associated with the veins such as achy legs, tiredness, throbbing, ankle swelling, skin discoloration etc. Very commonly, a brief questionnaire will be given to you. The physician will then glance at your legs and quickly evaluate the stage of your venous disease. A simple visual inspection is often accompanied by touching the skin overlying larger veins to look for any raised areas (known as varicose veins).
Typically, two arms of treatment are offered; a medical and/or a cosmetic arm. If you have symptoms of venous disease, you will likely be labelled as ‘symptomatic’. For symptomatic vein patients, an ultrasound and a full consultation is recommended. An ultrasound of the legs should be performed by a Registered Vascular Technologist who will scan your legs in the standing up position and the laying down position. Detailed information regarding the health, anatomy and size of your veins can be obtained and documented. A full vascular consultation includes a history and a physical examination with special emphasis on the vascular system (venous and arterial). The vascular examination includes feeling for your pulses of the upper and lower extremities, feeling for the aorta in the abdomen, listening to any abnormal arterial sounds using a stethoscope in the neck and abdomen, obtaining pressure index of arms and legs in addition to a more general examination.
In brief, you may begin with a complimentary vein screening and progress to a full consultation and an ultrasound if found to be symptomatic. If you are symptomatic you may be able to use your medical insurance for preauthorization of any treatment and follow up. For those without symptoms, a cosmetic route is chosen. The office Staff will verify your insurance benefits and have a detailed account ready for you upon check in.
Please email OC VeinCare or call (949) 364-0080 today for a complimentary screening. Dr. Maraya Altuwaijri is board certified Vascular Surgeon who specializes exclusively in the office based treatment of vein disease.