1. Do I need a doctor's referral to be seen at the Alaska Vein Clinic?
No. You do not need a referral to be seen at the Alaska Vein Clinic. Many people who suffer from varicose veins are otherwise healthy and do not regularly see a physician. Patients who believe they have a vein problem can call our clinic directly and make an appointment.
2. What can I expect during my first visit to the Alaska Vein Clinic?
Your first visit will consist of a detailed ultrasound vein study to determine the cause of your varicose veins and leg discomfort. After the ultrasound study, you will meet with Dr. Artwohl, who will explain basic venous anatomy, the results of your ultrasound study, and the best treatment for your vein problem. The Alaska Vein Clinic schedules plenty of time for you to ask questions and you will never feel rushed. When you leave our clinic, you will have a good understanding of your vein problem and the rationale behind the recommended treatment.
3. Will my insurance company pay for my vein procedure(s)?
Almost every insurance company will provide benefit for the initial evaluation visit. Insurance companies provide benefits for vein procedures that are done to relieve symptoms. They will not provide benefits for procedures done only to improve appearance. Many insurance companies require that a patient try conservative measures, such as wearing support hose for six weeks to three months before authorizing a procedure. Providing benefit does not necessarily equate to paying for the entire procedure. Your out of pocket expense will depend on your company, plan, co-insurance, and deductible.
4. Will my vein problem be treated during my first visit?
The first visit will consist of diagnosing the cause of your varicose vein problems and detailing a treatment plan. Because the treatment of varicose veins is highly individualized, and in most cases, we need to obtain insurance approval for procedures, it is not practical to schedule a procedure at the time of your first visit. Whatever procedure you need will be scheduled after your insurance company confirms they will provide benefit for the intended procedure. This usually takes around one or two weeks. This waiting period also gives you time to think about the procedure, do your own research, and ask further questions.
5. What if I need a varicose vein procedure and I do not have health insurance?
We offer Care Credit. This is a private credit company that specializes in providing credit for medical, dental, and veterinarian procedures. You make the credit application to them directly. Depending on your credit limit you establish with them, they can pay for all or part of the procedures, and you can make affordable low interest payments to them. If you do not qualify for their program, our office can usually work out a payment plan.
6. Where will my vein procedure be performed?
Almost all of our vein procedures are done in the office, and take about one to two hours. For Venacure (laser) or Closure (radiofrequency) vein ablations, most patients are mildly sedated with oral diazepam (Valium). While this relaxes you, you are not "knocked out," and you are able to converse with the staff during the procedure. After the procedure, we will observe you for about 30 minutes to an hour, then you are able to walk out under your own power. Obviously, if you are sedated for the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. Although we recommend sedation, it is not absolutely required, and we would be happy to discuss this option with you.
7. Are the procedures painful?
Most of our procedures are about as painful as getting blood drawn. We use sedation and local anesthesia which mitigates the discomfort. The overwhelming comments we hear after the procedure are usually something like, "If I had known it was this easy, I would have done it years ago.", or "This was a lot less painful than I imagined it would be.'' After the procedure, most discomfort is very mild, occasionally requiring only a nonprescription pain reliever like Tylenol or ibuprofen. We do not routinely prescribe post operative prescription pain medications, as there is almost never a need for them.
8. What is the "downtime" after the Venacure (laser) or Closure (radiofrequency) procedure?
There is little or no downtime and most people are able to return to work the next day. After most procedures, we ask you to wear support stockings continously for four days, then for two weeks during the day only. During that time, we ask you to refrain from heavy lifting, straining, squatting, or other activity that may lead to a valsalva (bearing down) type maneuver. You may, however, immediately engage in aerobic activity.
9. What are the potential complications of the Venacure (laser) or Closure (radiogfrequency) procedure?
Fortunately, post-procedure complications are extremely uncommon. Potential complications include, failure of the vein to close, deep vein blood clot, superficial thrombophlebitis, infection, and bleeding. At the Alaska Vein Clinic, these complications have occurred in less than 1% of cases.
10. What is the difference between the Venacure (laser) or Closure (radiofrequency) procedure?
The two procedures are identical in concept and intended result. Both are minimally invasive catheter procedures that use heat to ablate (close down) the main vein or veins contributing to your varicose vein problem. The Venacure uses light energy while the Closure procedure uses radiofrequency energy. Whatever procedure is best for your particular problem will be discussed at the time of your initial visit.
11. What is the follow-up like?
Your follow-up care will be specifically written out at the time of your treatment. Most procedures require a follow up at 6 weeks. This allows us to evaluate the effects of the treatment on your symptoms and veins, and make further recommendations. This usually involves an ultrasound study for which there is no charge. At any time after the procedure, we ask you to call us with any questions or problems. Our usual response is to have you come to the office and obtain an ultrasound study, which almost always shows a minor problem that requires no specific treatment. There is no charge for any post-treatment ultrasound or office visit in the six week post-operative period.
