Meet our team, part 2

In our last post we introduced you to Manny and Brad, our Technical Director and  Vascular Ultrasound Technician, respectively.

We'd like to introduce you to some people you are also likely to encounter as a patient of the Vein Healthcare Center.

Throughout your time at VHC, our receptionist Mallory Parlin may be the first person You'll talk to-- and the last! She schedules new patients and assists them with paperwork, as well as answers questions about insurance or compression. Mallory's goal is to make sure that patients leave her desk without any worries.

Our medical assistants are Meghan Lanci and Hayley Quirion. Both Meghan and Hayley prepare patients for their appointments, assist with procedures, and provide administrative support. And both strive to make patients feel comfortable and welcome.

The Vein Healthcare Center runs smoothly, thanks in large part to Sarah Tremblay, VHC's Office Manager. Her role is to plan the schedule, handle insurance authorizations, and answer any questions patients may have about their coverage. Before becoming Office Manager a year ago, Sarah was Dr. Asbjornsen's medical assistant for four years. She says that after working at VHC for more than five years now, she's seen many patients improve their overall health.  

If you'd like to learn more about your venous health, click here. And if you'd like to learn more about our staff, click here. We're looking forward to working with you toward better health!

Sclerotherapy Q&A with Alison Scheib, PA-C – Part 3

In our two previous posts we spoke with Alison Scheib, PA-C and sclerotherapy specialist at the Vein Healthcare Center, about post-treatment issues with sclerotherapy. In our final installment, we ask her some of the most popular questions that arise about this procedure. 

What are the most common side effects after treatment?

The most common side effects are bruising and tenderness of the treated veins. The bruising is usually fully resolved within two weeks and the tenderness responds well to heat and elevation. I do want to add that patients who follow the post-procedure guidelines for care will help promote the most effective healing. After each sclerotherapy session, compression stockings should be worn for 10 days, in most cases.

How much does sclerotherapy cost and does insurance cover it?

Costs vary, but it’s usually about $300-$500 per session based on how the vein is visualized (light-assisted vs. ultrasound). Insurers describe sclerotherapy as an “adjunct” procedure and will cover it in part or in full if a bigger procedure has been done in the past, such as radiofrequency or laser ablation, or if there is an open ulcer. Patients should work with their treatment provider to understand their health insurance coverage.

What is the one question that patients ask you the most?

“Will it hurt?” Everyone’s experience is different, but most people describe it as very tolerable. It is always possible to stop the procedure or take a break if someone does find it very uncomfortable, but most patients say there is only minor discomfort. The medicine is pH balanced and vein access is with a 27-32g (very small) needle so it’s really just a very small perceivable pinch.

If you have any questions about sclerotherapy, or what to expect before, during or afterwards, feel free to contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center: email connect@veinhealthcare.com, or call (207) 221-7799.