Seeking A Second Opinion
Second opinions perform a valuable function in the field of medicine. They can help eliminate medical errors and contribute to better patient care. In the field of vein health, second opinions are an essential part of effective diagnosis and treatment, and they can assist patients in taking control of their own health.
Patients often choose not to seek a second opinion for fear of offending their doctor. However, seeking a second opinion is an acceptable and encouraged practice, and most doctors support their patients in this effort.
Why a second opinion for veins?
Vein or venous disease is one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S. The development of new, non-invasive technologies has led to more and more people seeking treatment and being treated for their symptoms.
Second opinions fulfill an important role in the effective management of venous disease in light of the growing accessibility of these new therapies. These are just some of the most common reasons related to vein care and venous disease:
• Patients may receive recommendations of surgical procedures or “vein stripping” to treat vein conditions and eliminate varicose veins. These once viable procedures have been replaced by new, non-invasive procedures. If a doctor has not provided a patient with information about non-surgical options, including sclerotherapy and EVLA, patients should consider seeking a second opinion.
• It is often important to get a second opinion to ensure recommendation of the best treatment option for the individual. Treatment for venous conditions can include ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, light-assisted sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), for example. The type of treatment depends on vein size and the source of insufficiency, among other factors.
• Patients should seek a second opinion if they feel their doctor has not presented all available options for managing their symptoms. In addition to today’s new treatments, there is a wealth of conservative treatments including compression therapy, which can serve as excellent options for patients.
• Treating visible veins without proper diagnosis of the source of venous insufficiency can be both ineffective and unsafe. Venous disease must always be treated at the source of the insufficiency. If a doctor has recommended treatment without a complete physical screening, patients should consider seeking a second opinion from a certified phlebologist.
The importance of board certification
It is important to see a skilled, board-certified vein specialist or phlebologist who is professionally trained and who understands the effect of venous health on overall health.
Because of the growing accessibility of laser treatment in treating venous symptoms, some doctors may only provide laser treatments and not other procedures. In addition, doctors who perform laser procedures may not always have extensive clinical training and experience in performing laser procedures or an understanding of the physics of lasers. Seeking a second opinion from a skilled, clinically-trained phlebologist is highly recommended when laser procedures are involved.
Patients should always be certain they have been provided with all the necessary information about their diagnosis. Any recommended procedure should be fully and openly explained to the patient’s satisfaction. If patients are ever confused about a diagnosis, if they don’t understand a vein treatment procedure, or if they feel uneasy about the level of communication they are experiencing with their doctor, they should consider seeking a second opinion.
If you are considering a second opinion, first discuss it with your doctor. Many physicians will be pleased to refer you to an objective source outside of their practice. You can also find a doctor who will provide a second opinion through your insurer, by looking online, by asking other patients, or by using the “Find a Physician” service at the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine website (www.abvlm.org).
Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is the founder of the Vein Healthcare Center in South Portland, Maine. Dr. Asbjornsen is a nationally recognized vein specialist, a Fellow of the American College of Phlebology, and certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She cares for all levels of venous disease, including spider veins, varicose veins and venous ulcers. You can contact Dr. Asbjornsen at 207-221-7799 or info@veinhealthcare.com.
ELM™ | Maine
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