How to find the right specialist

Joseph G. Magnant, MD, FACS, RVPI

Today, it is important for patients to take an active role in researching their medical care. Fortunately, the internet is a great resource that provides patients with information to research health care providers along with the currently available treatment options.

In this day of advances in medical treatments, patients have almost unlimited access to health-related information through print, media, television and Internet, however, because of this plethora of information, patients can find themselves lost in the maze of provider choices.”

Primary care physician recommendations may be useful in choosing the right specialist and references from physicians other than your own, such as a friend’s primary care physician, may prove helpful. Primary care physicians have a broad exposure to patient problems and are probably the best source for specialist referrals and should be included in the process if possible so they can stay informed about the patients ongoing health related issues.

Another good starting place when researching specialty providers is the practice’s website. The depth of content and the completeness of each physician’s training record are important aspects to review. From a practice website, patients should be able to determine what percentage of the practice is dedicated to the physician’s area of specialty training and whether that area is applicable to the patient’s own health issues.

Perhaps the most important piece of homework patients can do on their own is to take advantage of any free in-office screenings when they are offered. This enables patients to meet the doctor and their staff, gather information regarding the treatments offered and any literature regarding the physician’s practice and training. Any other information gathered regarding their specific condition and treatment options should be considered a bonus. Screenings generally are very brief encounters and are not meant to take the place of a consult.

As a board certified Vascular Surgeon focusing 100% of my attention on vein evaluation and modern treatments for common vein problems, I can take the time I need to take a more detailed venous history from my patients.  Many of our patients have a family history of venous insufficiency or varicose veins.  Pregnancies, occupations which involve standing for long periods of time are also contributing factors to venous insufficiency. Many of these patients were once considered untreatable since the stripping procedure was so invasive and “dangerous”.  Since stripping is no longer performed, and the techniques we have to offer can be performed in the office under local anesthesia with minimal downtime, many of these patients once thought to be too sick, too old, too obese, or too young for the antiquated stripping technique are great candidates for Endovenous Closure as the definitive cure for their vein problems.

If would like to know more about Vein Specialists or venous insufficiency as a medical disease worth investigating, please visit our website www.weknowveins.com and take advantage of our online eveinscreening clearly marked at the top of the home page.  You may also take advantage of our other website www.EveinScreening.com, where you can read about a variety of conditions associated with venous insufficiency. We have two convenient locations in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. You can call our office to make an appointment at (239) 694-VEIN (8346).

schematic of vein valves