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What’s a Vein Doctor?

Blog Author April 18, 2017
Blood vessels (arteries and veins) are the vascular system of the body – driven, of course by the pumping action of the heart. Vascular conditions can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious and even painful conditions. Family doctors may treat minor vascular problems, but many of these conditions require more specialized expertise. Enter the vein doctor and a treatment center like the Kimmel Institute of Boca Raton, Florida.

The Vein Doctor and Vascular Disease

Vascular disease can include conditions like heart disease, but one of the more common problems for many people is vein disease. Varicose veins, for example, occur when the tiny flaps of tissue in the veins stop working. This allows blood to pool in the blood vessel, causing it to become distended and twisted. Spider veins are also varicose veins, but are much smaller and may occur in paces like the face as well as the legs. Vein doctors can treat both of these conditions.

Is a Vein Doctor a Specialist?

The term vein doctor is a sort of catch-all, because it is not a recognized specialty. A vein doctor is initially trained in a specialty such as internal medicine, radiology or surgery. Each of these specialists must complete four years of medical school and several years of residency in their chosen specialty. Afterward, they go on for an extended period of training called a fellowship that lasts two or three years. Internists train in interventional cardiology, radiologists train in interventional radiology and surgeons train in vascular surgery. Most choose to become board certified, either in their original specialty, the advanced specialty, or both.

What Can Vein Doctors Do?

A vein doctor is authorized to perform certain tasks within his or her specialty. For example, although internists, radiologists and surgeons can all practice medical management of vein disease, only a vascular surgeon can practice surgery. All three groups, however, may perform minimally invasive vein treatments like sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy or endovenous laser ablation – all of which are used to treat vein disease. Many perform these treatments in their own offices or in specialized vein centers, as well as in outpatient surgery centers and hospitals.

Do I Need a Vein Doctor Who is a Surgeon?

Not necessarily, although a vein doctor who is trained in surgery as well as medical management brings a unique perspective to the care of vein disease. When it comes to something like varicose veins, you’ll need a surgeon to perform the surgery called a vein stripping. For the more common minimally invasive treatments, however, any of the three kinds of specialists mentioned above can treat vein disease. Dr. Kimmel is trained in both vascular surgery and minimally invasive vein treatments. If you have vein problems and are considering treatment, please contact the Kimmel Institute. We can answer any questions you may have or schedule a consultation. We serve Boca Raton and the south Florida area, and accept most insurances. In many cases, your insurance will pay all or part of the treatment costs.