Absurd Vein Treatment
Treatment of varicose veins has become a huge market due to the potential earnings, as about 50% of the population suffers from them, which means that there is plenty of opportunity for fraudulent businesses. It is devastating to think that healthcare professionals could potentially take advantage of patients, but these types of medical business do in fact exist.
As fraudulent vein clinics are on the rise, you, as a potential patient for vein surgery, should be able to recognize these clinics.
Research the Clinic & Doctor
Plenty of clinics advertise their services, but there is a large influx of vein clinics advertising their services. Learning about the clinic and the physicians that work there is an important part of identifying fraudulent clinics. Any physician can treat varicose veins, especially in their private clinic as there are no hospital regulations monitoring the procedures that are being performed.
Vascular Surgeon Board Certification
Vascular surgeons are the only speciality of medicine that are appropriately trained for the procedures for varicose veins. These surgeons went to medical school, completed a residency that has been accredited, and have also been board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialty, also known as the ABMS. Learn more about the ABMS certification here: https://www.abms.org/board-certification/a-trusted-credential/
Just because a physician is board certified, does not mean that it is an appropriate board certification. There are boards that are considered rogue, like the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, or the ABVLM. This type of certification is obtained over a weekend course to attempt to learn the procedural techniques to treat varicose veins.
The Dangers of Unethical Vein Treatment
Seeking a vein specialist with appropriate training is the key to having successful varicose vein procedures with minimal complications. For those physicians that are not appropriately board certified in vascular surgery to perform these procedures can potentially be dangerous to your health by:
- performing unnecessary procedures
- completing procedure inappropriately leading to scarring of the legs
- improper treatment of varicose veins
Worse, several procedures may be recommended, that may not be needed, leading to excess copays, deductibles, or out of pocket costs.
Ask Questions & Get a Second Opinion if your are not Comfortable
If you have decided to seek the care of a vein specialist, take the time to look through their website and do a simple internet search to locate credentials to perform the vein procedures.
- At the initial consultation, you should have time to meet with the surgeon and discuss at length procedures, complications, and expectations.
- When in doubt, obtaining a second opinion is appropriate to educate yourself on the right procedure and physician that makes you comfortable in having the procedure completed.
Meet ABMS Board Certified Surgeon, Dr. Mackay
Contact the office of Dr. Edward Mackay, a board certified vascular surgeon providing services to patients in the Tampa area.