Frequently asked questions
How is vein disease diagnosed?
Vein disease is diagnosed through a physical examination and a venous ultrasound test. The ultrasound test will determine if there are any blood clots in the deep, superficial and perforator veins. Registered Vascular Technologists (RVTs) then use the ultrasound to evaluate the blood flow within the vein. They are able to see the direction of blood flow within the vein, which allows them to identify reflux. The Vein Guys have an in-office vascular lab with certified RVTs who conduct all of our venous ultrasound tests.
If I just have spider veins should I still have an ultrasound venous reflux test?
Yes. Thirty million Americans have vein disease and a large percentage of these people don’t know it. The Vein Guys see many patients who believe their vein problems are only cosmetic but soon realize they have a larger, underlying vein problem. Spider veins may be just the beginning symptom of vein disease.
The Vein Guys have an in-office vascular lab with certified registered vascular technologists to perform venous ultrasound tests. If venous reflux disease is causing your spider veins, treatment is available.
Which type of doctor should I see to evaluate and treat my vein problems?
Board certified vascular and plastic surgeons and general surgeons who specialize in veins are the most qualified to treat vein problems. They are the only doctors with extensive training in vascular surgery. Vascular and plastic surgeons are trained general surgeons who have completed fellowships in vascular surgery and micro-vascular surgery respectively.
What should I look for when selecting a vein care center?
The most important thing to look for in a vein care center is qualified medical staff – board certified vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, general surgeons with a vascular specialty, and certified ultrasonographers and/or certified registered vascular technologists (RVT). Vascular and plastic surgeons are general surgeons who have completed additional fellowships in vascular surgery and micro-vascular surgery respectively, making them the most qualified to treat medically necessary and cosmetic vein problems.
Next, look for a vein care center with experience and commitment to quality – a practice that focuses on the treatment of venous reflux disease, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and spider veins. Surgeons who focus solely on vein disease will have more experience with the newest and most effective procedures available, including the Venefit™ Procedure (formerly called the VNUS Closure™ procedure) which is considered the gold standard for the removal of varicose veins. Make sure that the practice doesn’t use reprocessed catheters, but uses new catheters for each procedure.
Finally, ask for referrals to find out what patients are saying about the effectiveness and quality of care they have received. At The Vein Guys, our surgeons perform all of our vein procedures, and we have certified registered vascular technicians performing scans every day. The Vein Guys’ surgeons focus only on treating vein related issues and have completed more than 38,000 vein procedures over the years. The Vein Guys have a 98% success rate and very high patient satisfaction.
Why should I come to The Vein Guys for my vein procedures?
The Vein Guys have performed thousands of vein procedures, yet we treat each patient as an individual. We offer the most recent advancements for treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, and leg pain in addition to treatment for therapeutic and cosmetic vein problems. Our board certified surgeons are nationally recognized vein specialists that perform all of our procedures, and are highly experienced with the Venefit™ procedure (formerly called the VNUS Closure™ procedure). After thorough discussion and a complete diagnostic evaluation, we will offer a comprehensive treatment plan to meet your needs. The Vein Guys are committed to providing you with the best treatment options and highest quality, individualized patient care.
What type of patients and vein issues do you treat at The Vein Guys?
There are seven different types of patients and vein issues that we typically see and treat:
- Patients with bulging, ropey or rope-like veins on their legs (varicose veins)
- Patients with severe leg pain or swelling and a few outwardly noticeable spider veins
- Patients with open non-healing wounds/ulcers on their lower legs and ankles
- Patients who have experienced some form of trauma to their legs which caused the venous system to become diseased
- Patients with skin discoloration of the legs and/or ankles
- Patients with cramping or RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) who cannot sleep at night because of this condition. Most of these patients also experience varying degrees of aching, throbbing, itchy, numb, burning, swollen, cramping, tired, fatigued or heavy legs and/or feet
- Patients with strictly cosmetic veins on their legs, body or face who want a cosmetically trained surgeon to diagnose and treat their veins
What does a “comprehensive vein clinic” mean at The Vein Guys?
The Vein Guys is a medical vein practice that offers the most comprehensive vein treatment options, unlike some practices that have a limited variety of vein care services. Venous reflux disease, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins and spider veins are issues commonly remedied at The Vein Guys. The Vein Guys operate offices across Georgia & Tennessee, and offer the most recent advancements for treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, leg pain and leg veins in addition to treatment for therapeutic and cosmetic vein problems.
Why did you decide to form this unique vein practice?
Dr. Roth felt each community as a whole would benefit from the FDA approved leg vein removal procedure, Venefit™ (formerly called the VNUS Closure™ procedure). 30 million Americans have vein disease and suffer unnecessarily each day with painful symptoms that affect their quality of life. The Vein Guys treat vein disease, eliminate leg pain and enable patients to return to the active lifestyles they desire.
What happens during my initial consultation with The Vein Guys?
During the initial consultation, you and the doctor will review your medical history and current health, and discuss your concerns and expectations. The doctor will ask about symptoms you may be experiencing, but may not actually examine your legs at this time. Only about 40% of patients with vein disease have visible veins, so it is more important for the doctor to understand the other symptoms you are experiencing. The next step is a comprehensive ultrasound test conducted by one of our Registered Vascular Technologists. The doctor will discuss the results of the test with you at a follow-up appointment and will then develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you.
Will insurance cover treatment of my varicose veins?
Most insurance companies and Medicare recognize vein disease as a legitimate, covered medical expense and will cover the cost of vein treatment after a period of conservative management. If you are experiencing any symptoms of vein disease it is worth finding out if your insurance provider will cover the cost of treatment.
The Vein Guys will provide a consultation and an in-office venous ultrasound test. If you test positive for vein disease, Medicare and most insurance companies will cover the cost of the consultation, venous reflux test and varicose vein treatments. However, most insurance companies require a 6-week to 3-month period of “conservative management” before the Venefit™ Procedure (formerly called the VNUS Closure™ procedure) can be scheduled. We will work with you to develop a conservative management plan which may include elevating your legs, minimizing prolonged periods of standing or sitting and wearing compression stockings.
The Vein Guys accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are large, bulging, blue, rope-like veins in the legs. They can occur when the valves in the leg veins become weak or diseased and no longer function properly, causing blood to pool in the legs. Varicose veins are the most obvious and visual symptom of vein disease, but you do not have to have visible veins to have vein disease.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are close to the skins surface and may look thin and wispy like spider webs or thick and squiggly like branches. They are similar to varicose veins, only thinner. Although we tend to think of spider veins as a cosmetic problem, many times there is an underlying medical cause that has created the spider veins. If you have spider veins along with any other symptom of vein disease (stinging, throbbing, aching, numbness, etc.) then you may have an underlying issue. An evaluation and an ultrasound test can establish if spider veins are cosmetic in nature or a result of venous insufficiency.