Board certification: what it is and why it’s important

People have various motivations for seeking vein treatment, including aesthetic reasons, but it’s important to remember that treatments for spider veins or varicose veins — as minimally invasive as they may be — are still medical procedures. That’s why it’s important to be informed and to go to a provider who is certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM).

The ABVLM, formerly the American Board of Phlebology, was established in 2007 to improve the standards of medical practitioners and the quality of patient care related to the treatment of venous disorders and all aspects of venous disease.

The ABVLM also offers a Board Certification Exam, which ensures that physicians who specialize in phlebology (vein care) have met rigorous standards of education, experience, and evaluation. In addition to passing the exam, diplomates must demonstrate their experience and continuing medical education in the field. To that end, the ABVLM has also established educational standards for teaching and training programs in phlebology.

The ABVLM and the establishment of a Board Certification Exam brings recognition to both the field of phlebology and those providers in the field who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality care to phlebology patients. While many practice in the field of phlebology in Maine, there are just six Board certified phlebologists in the state who meet this high standard.

In addition to being a Board certified vein specialist, Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen is also the only doctor in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Asbjornsen, please contact us at Vein Healthcare Center. We look forward to meeting you!

What is phlebology?

Veins are not a new invention. But phlebology – the study and treatment of veins and venous disease – is a relatively recent field of medicine. Once a sideline of vascular surgeons (whose focus was and is mainly arteries), phlebology is a burgeoning discipline that continues to add skilled specialists to its ranks.

Dr. Raymond Tournay first coined the term phlebology in 1947: “phlebo” meaning “vein,” and “ology,” meaning any science or branch of knowledge. Tournay and his colleagues founded the French Society of Phlebology (SFP), also in 1947, and he was its General Secretary for many years.

The American College of Phlebology (ACP) was founded in 1985 by Dr. Anton Butie, though its original name was the North American Society of Phlebology. Its purpose was to bring together physicians and surgeons from diverse specialties who shared an interest in venous disease. The Society started with just fourteen members. Today, the ACP has over 2,000 physicians and allied health professional members, including physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and ultrasound specialists and technologists.  

In 2005, phlebology was approved for inclusion in the list of self-designated medical specialties sanctioned by the American Medical Association (AMA). The decision by the AMA meant that physicians who diagnose and treat venous disorders, including varicose veins, could select phlebology as their primary or secondary area of practice.

Dr. Helane Fronek, editor of The Fundamentals of Phlebology: Venous Disease for Clinicians and a pioneer in the field, called the recognition “tremendous.” 

In 2007, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) followed the AMA’s lead and officially recognized phlebology as a distinct practice discipline.

Venous disease is extraordinarily common, but historically it has been poorly understood in the medical community. However, as the awareness of vein disorders and modern treatments has grown— among healthcare professionals and the general public— history is quickly changing.

To see how phlebology can improve your health and quality of life, contact us at Vein Healthcare Center. We're happy to answer any of your vein questions.

One Patient’s Perspective

As the busy fall season kicks into high gear, we thought we'd take a minute to share a testimonial from one of our happy patients. Lucille used to do a lot of sitting because her legs felt so heavy and swollen. But now she walks at least 30 minutes every day!

"Dr. Asbjornsen is a rational, competent and caring physician. That's uncommon! From the first appointment, the doctor and her staff were very professional and continually demonstrated how much they care for their patients. Everyone was very thorough in educating me about each step of the process, from the evaluation to the follow-up—and they were pleasant too.

The group at the Vein Healthcare Center has restored my faith in the medical system. They are the cream of the crop. They're superlative!"

–      Lucille L., 69, Lewiston, ME

To read more about Lucille’s experience, check out the “One Patient’s Perspective” column in the latest issue of Vein Health News.

To see more of what our patients are saying, click here.

New alternatives in vein treatment

More and more people — doctors and the general public alike — know that so-called “vein stripping” is an antiquated treatment for varicose veins. Endovenous laser

therapy has been considered the gold standard in vein treatment for more than 20 years, but physicians in the field of phlebology are always seeking new, better techniques. The best vein specialists don’t stand still!

EVLA uses laser or radio frequency waves to create an intense localized thermal reaction in the incompetent vein. The thermal energy causes the vein to seal shut, stopping the healthy blood flow from entering the damaged vein, which keeps the blood flowing toward the heart properly.

In the latest issue of Vein Health News, we look at three non-thermal, non-tumescent vein treatments that are on the horizon. Simply put, “NTNT” modalities are newer procedures that do not require laser energy or radio waves, nor tumescent anesthesia.

To learn more about this and other current topics in vein healthcare, click here. And if you’re interested in a free subscription to Vein Health News, just click here.

Education is an important first step toward better vein health and an improved quality of life.

Leadership in the field of Phlebology

Dr. Cindy Asbjornsen, founder of the Vein Healthcare Center, is at the forefront of the emergent field of vein health. A nationally recognized phlebologist (vein specialist), Dr. Asbjornsen is the only doctor in Maine to be named a Fellow by the American College of Phlebology (ACP), a distinction held by only 56 other phlebologists in the country.

             

Since 2010, Dr. Asbjornsen has received numerous honors from the ACP, including first place recognition from the ACP’s 24th Annual Conference for her work on symptomatic middle cerebral artery embolism after foam sclerotherapy. In recent years, she has been invited to join the faculty of the ACP’s Annual Conferences as both presenter and judge.

 

In 2014, Dr. Asbjornsen was invited to help mentor the inaugural class of the ACP Leadership Academy, a program that encourages newly practicing and seasoned professionals to further the field of phlebology with a variety of projects. Dr. Asbjornsen worked with Drs. Hansen and Malvehy in their effort to educate the public about vein disease and treatment.

Click here to read more about the ACP Leadership Academy and the first class’ contributions to vein health!

How to tell if you have venous disease

Have you ever thought that the spider veins behind your knees have gotten bigger as you’ve gotten older? Or have you wondered why your legs feel so tired at the end of the day?

The American College of Phlebology (ACP) now offers a free, online vein self-assessment resource, which includes a questionnaire with eight simple questions to help determine if someone is at risk for vein issues.

Throughout the assessment, you’ll learn facts about vein issues to help you gain a better understanding of your own possible vein condition. Of course, an excellent way to find out if you do or do not have a vein disorder is to be evaluated by a Board-certified vein specialist.

To take the assessment screening, visit www.phlebology.org/VeinAssessment

Educational video about veins

We’re going to continue sharing multimedia resources for learning more about veins.

Several years ago, the American College of Phlebology (ACP), in partnership with KAET-TV in Phoenix, AZ, produced a video called "Vein Health: Discoveries, New Technologies & Breakthroughs." The hour-long program leads viewers through the basics of vein disease, and then addresses specific treatment options, misconceptions, and questions from the studio audience with two physician panels.

“Vein Health: Discoveries, New Technologies & Breakthroughs" is hosted by Dr. Helane Fronek, a true pioneer in the field of phlebology. We hope you’ll learn a lot as you watch this video. If you have any additional questions about vein disease or treatment, give us a call or send us an email at the Vein Healthcare Center.

Podcasts about vein health

Whether you’re exercising at the gym, cleaning your house, or commuting in your car, podcasts are an easy, efficient way to be informed or entertained. There are two excellent podcasts about vein health and the practice of vein care.

The “Healthy Veins, Healthy Legs” podcast is adapted from an hour-long radio show hosted by Dr. Robert Kistner of the Kistner Vein Clinic and Mike Buck. The show covers all aspects of venous disease, ailments of the legs, and the latest and most effective treatment options. The conversations are lively and were recorded in Hawaii!

“VeinCast” is a monthly podcast intended for those involved in the treatment of venous and lymphatic disease. The podcast, sponsored by the American College of Phlebology Foundation, is co-hosted by Dr. Todd Hansen of Carolina Vein Associates and Dr. Albert Malvehy of Miami Beach Vein Institute.

Last year, Drs. Hansen and Malvehy were participants in the inaugural ACP Leadership Academy. The teammates (mentored by Vein Healthcare Center’s very own Dr. Asbjornsen) share a background in Emergency Medicine and were interested in sharing information using the podcast format.

Said Dr. Hansen: “I have been a avid podcast enthusiast for many years, so I had a natural affinity for this project. Access to ‘on demand’ information suits my needs and allows me to make best use of time by listening to informative and freely available information on a wide range of topics.”  

“VeinCast” explores topics related to vein care, practice management, new technologies, and the wide range of issues that physicians face practicing phlebology. In addition to being a convenient resource for anyone interested in the practice of vein care, the podcast provides added value to current members of the American College of Phlebology (ACP). Dr. Hansen also hopes that it will drive membership by attracting new professionals to the ACP: “This podcast is one small way that we can contribute to the future of phlebology.”

Click here to listen to “Healthy Veins, Healthy Legs.”

Click here to listen to “VeinCast.”