Evaluation Stages
Initial Evaluation and Ultrasound of the Legs
You will be evaluated by a doctor on your first visit for all medical conditions. During this visit, a medical history and physical exam are performed. This visit takes approximately 30 minutes and helps determine if leg imaging is necessary with ultrasound.
For patients that have exclusive spider/reticular vein concerns, ultrasound mapping is usually not necessary. Once the doctor decides if an ultrasound is necessary, we will try and get you a treatment appointment the same day if there is an opening. All of our ultrasounds are performed in our office by a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVTs). This is a very simple and painless ultrasound of the legs and it helps us determine which veins in your legs are giving you problems. This ultrasound can take 45-60 minutes to complete and is performed in our office.
After your ultrasound is complete, the doctor will meet with you immeditately and give you the results of your ultrasound. From there we can determine what is causing your problems and if treatment is recommended. Ultrasounds of the legs can take up to 60 minutes due to the nature of the exam. If you are scheduled to have an ultrasound and consultation, expect to be in our office for about 90 minutes.
Treatment Plan
Once your medical exam and ultrasound are complete, Dr. Eidson will discuss with you all findings and personalized treatment options, including possible risks and benefits, as well as answer any questions you may have. For more information on the different types of treatment plans, please visit our Treatments page.
Going forward with Treatment
If required, prior authorization from your insurance company will be obtained before any treatment is performed. We will also call your insurance company and get an updated estimate of your out of pocket expenses. We don't like surprises any more than you do, so we do everything we can to get all of your insurance information upfront. Prior authorizations from your insurance for your treatment can take 3 days to 6 weeks depending on your insurance carrier. Your recommended/approved treatments are then scheduled.
Follow Up Ultrasounds
After treatment, we will schedule a 1-week and a 6-week ultrasound. These follow up ultrasounds are extremely important. This helps us ensure that you are getting the best possible results. We are ensuring that the veins we treated are closed properly and we are also checking for blood clots and more. It is very important that these two ultrasound follow up appointments are not missed.
The reason we are firm on these ultrasounds is that if there is something that is not right, we can address it sooner rather than later. Every patient gets a post-treatment instructions form to refer back to after treatment.
You will also get Dr. Eidson's direct phone number in case you feel like you have a problem that needs to be addressed immediately. We encourage people not to feel bad about calling that number, especially on weekends or at night. If you have a problem, we need to know about it as soon as possible. We want to take care of you and give you the care you deserve.
After treatment
Most people see improvement in their symptoms in a matter of weeks after their last treatment. You can resume normal activities almost immediately following treatment. However, we don't recommend highly strenuous activities like powerlifting or marathon running. You can even drive yourself home after treatment.
None of the procedures used at Atlas Vein Care will interfere with any existing medication you are taking, so you may continue your regimen as prescribed by your doctor. Curious to learn more? You can hear stories from our patients here.
What if I do nothing?
Vein problems are chronic and progressive. This means that if left unaddressed, the problems will not go away on their own and will gradually get worse. Compression socks and other conservative treatments can help relieve some of the symptoms of Venous Reflux (vein problems), but will not treat the underlying problem.
For example, if you suffer from skin darkening/discoloration on your legs and treatment is postponed, the likelihood of you eventually developing an open skin sore/wound on your leg is high. This is how the disease can progress into more serious problems if treatment is delayed.
Looking for a great vein clinic?
We’d love to speak with you and see how we can help you get back to living your life. Keep in mind, the first appointment is just a consultation. We won’t push any treatments on you and there’s no commitment. The first meeting is all about getting to know you and making a plan that’ll get you looking and feeling better as quickly as possible.