If you’re considering having your varicose veins treated, it’s crucial that you choose the right doctor to perform the treatment. Choosing the wrong doctor could lead to painful recovery from unnecessarily invasive surgery and ineffective, expensive treatment. When considering having your varicose veins treated, consider these tips for making sure your treatment is performed by a qualified physician.

Find a Specialist

While a number of doctors may be able to perform varicose vein treatments, you’ll see the best results if you have your treatment performed by a phlebologist. A phlebologist is a vein specialist who undergoes several years of study after earning a medical degree in order to fully understand venous disease and learn the best methods for treating vein diseases. A phlebologist is the most qualified specialist for treating varicose veins, and you’ll be more likely to see positive results from treatment when it’s performed by a vascular specialist.

Get an Ultrasound

Without an ultrasound, your doctor will not be able to completely identify the extent of your venous disorder. While visible veins may be treated, varicose veins may return if underlying issues remain unresolved, and underlying issues generally require an ultrasound to be identified. If your doctor performs or suggests performing any treatment without first conducting an ultrasound of your veins, it’s time to consult with a new doctor.

Avoid Vein Stripping

While some doctors still suggest and use vein stripping procedures for removing varicose veins, this procedure is generally considered by modern phlebologists to be outdated, ineffective, and much too invasive. In many cases, varicose veins return after vein stripping surgery, and recovery from the procedure can take weeks.

Newer treatment options like laser treatment and sclerotherapy:

• Are much more effective at completely eradicating varicose veins.
• They’re non-invasive procedures that don’t require surgery and can be performed in your doctor’s office.
• They require very little recovery time—some people have the procedure performed during their lunch break and go right back to work after treatment.

If your doctor recommends vein stripping, it’s time to get a second opinion.

Consider Insurance Coverage

If your quality of life is suffering because of your varicose veins or if you’ve experienced vein ulceration or bleeding, you may be eligible for health insurance coverage of your treatment. Your doctor should discuss the options for insurance coverage with you and submit a prequalification to your insurance company to determine whether or not you’re eligible.

In some cases, your insurance company may require you to try to alleviate your issues with methods that are alternatives to treatment. For example, some insurance companies require you to wear compression stockings for several months to determine if compression therapy alleviates your symptoms. Your doctor should discuss these requirements with you in a way that you understand what you need to do to be eligible for coverage.

Find a Qualified Doctor

If you’re unsatisfied with your current doctor and want a second opinion, use our doctor finder tool to find a new varicose vein doctor near you.