What Is A Phlebologist?
If you are experiencing vein problems, you need a doctor who specializes in vein health, or a phlebologist. A phlebologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders and diseases, or venous diseases. Examples of vein issues include spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and chronic venous insufficiency. These conditions can be painful and put you at risk for serious complications. If you want an expert on vein issues and not a generalist, choose a phlebologist or vein doctor.
What is The Training of a Phlebologist?
To ensure that your doctor is indeed a qualified vein doctor, check for certification by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM), which offers certification in phlebology. You can also verify this information on The American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine website.
An ABVLM-certified vein doctor has passed the highest standards of education, experience, and evaluation by the board. In order to become certified, a phlebologist must meet the educational requirements, pass the certification examination, and undergo continuing medication education requirements to maintain their status. To become ABVLM-certified, a doctor must demonstrate extensive knowledge of venous diseases and skill in treating them.
Phlebologists study, diagnose, and treat the following venous disorders:
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Leg ulcers
They also provide the following treatments, including minimally invasive options:
- Sclerotherapy
- Compression therapy
- Ligation and stripping
- Endovenous ablation
- Microphlebectomy
Doctors usually refer patients to phlebologists or vein doctors if their condition is advanced and warrants specialized treatment. However, as a patient, you can make this decision for yourself and seek out specialized care for your condition, too.
Diagnosing Venous Disorders
A phlebologist will assess your problem by reviewing your medical history and examining your legs. A typical medical imaging tool used by vein doctors is a dopple ultrasound, which allows them to visualize leg veins and blood flow. Based on the results of the evaluation, the vein doctor will plan your treatment. Leg vein treatments are usually customized to the patient, and the vein doctor can adjust treatments based on the outcomes of the current recommendation.
When To See a Phlebologist
As mentioned earlier, venous disorders can cause pain and discomfort, and both symptoms are enough to seek help. Other symptoms include:
- Frequent leg cramps
- Vein enlargement or protrusion
- Thickening or discoloration of skin on the legs
- A feeling of fatigue and heaviness in the legs
- Leg and ankle swelling
- Itchy skin
- Slow-healing wounds or leg ulcers
Vein Disease Treatment in Kansas City & Liberty, MO
Dr. Scott Darling at Missouri Vein Specialists is a triple board-certified, ABVLM-certified phlebologist or vein doctor in Kansas City and Missouri. Dr. Darling provides comprehensive treatments, from customized conservative, non-surgical recommendations to highly advanced minimally invasive treatments for a range of venous diseases.
You will get the best in phlebology treatments in our vein clinic in Kansas City. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Darling, call our clinic today at (816) 792-3400 or use our convenient appointment request form.
