Curbside consults?
No problem. Venous disease and complications of venous stasis are rather complex at times. We will return emails or call you back typically within 24 hours. You may send digital images if you believe these will help us answer any questions. This is a service we provide to our referring physicians and physicians in need of advice pertaining to a venous concern.
curbside@lafayetteveincenter.com
Feedback to primary care physicians after evaluation?
We strive to provide real-time feedback after consultation as well as following the initiation of treatment and first follow up ultrasound demonstrating improvement in symptoms and freedom from complications.
Our diagnostic venous maps report findings of the deep venous system and the saphenous system and provide a template to guide our therapy, while providing you with a better understanding to the extent of disease deep to the surface of the skin. We send color copies of our detailed venous maps to keep with your patient’s chart.
How may I refer a patient to Dr. Schul and the Lafayette Regional Vein Center?
All it takes is a short email, fax or phone call, its that simple.
Toll Free: 866-413-VEIN or 765-807-2770
FAX: 765-807-0348
Email: Curbside@lafayetteveincenter.com
Again, we wish to make this process as simple and easy as possible. If there is any other method in which you would like to refer a patient please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to work with you.
When is a venous evaluation indicated?
As outlined in the CME presentation, the best indicators for the need of a venous evaluation are the following:
- Presence of Advanced Disease
- Hemorrhage
- Phlebitis/Clotting
- Stasis Dermatitis/Stasis Ulcers
- Skin Changes - pigmentation, LDS, Atrophie blanche
- Quality of Life Impairment
- Symptoms with failed conservative measures
- Patients with cosmetic concerns
- Unexplained Leg Pain +/- swelling
Patients may not have a vein related cause of their problem, and it is still a service we provide to rule out venous pathology as a cause of leg pain when there is no other apparent cause. We are happy to provide that service.
What about insurance companies and payment policies?
We are in-network with the majority of major carriers, including Medicare. I consult for two insurers and have tremendous success in helping patients acquire benefits their benefits when medical necessity is met.
If there is no insurance or purely cosmetic concerns and no insurance benefits are expected, we have financing options available to those who qualify. These options may additionally be used to finance deductibles and co-pays when needed.
Whether our patients have insurance or no insurance, we strive to be very open about expected costs and strive to avoid ANY financial surprises. It is our experience in this field that allows us to manage this with an exceedingly high degree of certainty.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are gnarled, bulging and enlarged veins. They are larger than spider veins, typically 3mm or more in diameter and are deeper than spider veins. Contributing factors causing varicose veins include heredity, age, obesity, prolonged standing and pregnancy.
What treatments are available for varicose veins?
Various procedures are available to eliminate varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy, phlebectomy and vein stripping. While these treatments typically provide immediate cosmetic relief, they do not address the source of the varicosity. They have a higher rate of recurrence and often require hospitalization and longer recovery periods. In recent years, endovenous laser treatments have gained popularity as a fast and comfortable procedure, delivered under local anesthesia, with no downtime and little to no discomfort, bruising or swelling post procedure.
