Choosing A Vein Specialist

Choosing A Vein Specialist – Would you see a dermatologist or podiatrist for a blocked artery? Of course, you wouldn’t. When seeking vascular treatment, you should choose a vein practice that is dedicated ONLY to the treatment of veins. It can make all the difference using a vein specialist.

Many physicians and practices advertise themselves as vein specialist or centers, but advertising can be misleading. Many of those so-called “specialist” physicians practice in an unrelated specialty with no formal training in vascular disease. Often, these physicians’ primary practice is in another specialty altogether, such as podiatry, cardiology, dermatology or general surgery. These “centers” operate part-time and only provide “vein treatment” a day or even half a day each week.

A true vein specialist or dedicated vein center should have thorough, formal specialty training and advanced experience in venous disease.

Nationally Accredited Vein Center in Northeast Florida and One of Only A FEW in Florida

St. Johns Vein Center is accredited by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) as a provider of Vascular Testing. As one of only a few accredited centers in Florida, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to our patients.

Completed Fellowship with Advanced Training

Make sure your physician or vein specialist has completed a fellowship in a specialty that provided advanced training in venous disorders as recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The only two types of certified specialists who meet these requirements are interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons.

Direct Treatment

Your vein specialist should be the only person to provide direct medical treatment to you during vein procedures. An ultrasound technologist should not be treating you. Many of the part-time centers pay a technologist to come to their practice and provide the evaluations and treatments without proper medical training and knowledge.

Latest Technology

Your vein specialist should use the latest technology. Ultrasound is critical to both the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. Many so-called vein practices only use a laptop with limited capabilities or outdated or even used equipment. You should seek a vein specialist who uses a state-of-the-art, full-size vascular ultrasound machine.

Certified Sonographer

Your vein specialist should employ a dedicated, full-time certified vascular sonographer who has extensive experience evaluating venous insufficiency. Many vein practices merely pay a sonographer as needed for a day or half a day each week. These sonographers are not part of the physician’s practice. They have limited or no experience with the physician’s equipment and are not necessarily experienced in evaluating venous insufficiency or varicose veins.

Comprehensive Evaluation & Treatment Plan

Your vein specialist should provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. Many “vein centers” only are able to treat the main abnormal vein with a laser and do not provide comprehensive treatment, which often requires treatment of abnormal small veins using other techniques such as RF ablation, foam sclerotherapy, liquid sclerotherapy and phlebectomy in order to achieve optimal medical and cosmetic results.

Choose your vein specialist wisely. A little homework can mean dramatically better treatment — and, most of all, peace of mind.