Giving thanks

'Tis the season to give thanks for all of our wonderful patients who trust us to give them the highest level of care possible.

We also appreciate the patients that take the time to appreciate us! Like Shaye R. in Portland, Maine. Here's what Shaye said:

“It is hard to express the level of appreciation that I have for the treatment and care that Dr. Asbjornsen and the staff at the Vein Healthcare Center provided me."

To read more endorsements from satisfied Vein Healthcare Center patients, click here.

Do you wonder if your quality of life could be improved by vein care by a Board-certified specialist? Making an appointment for an evaluation is the next step. Let us help give you more reasons to give thanks!

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.

Celebrating women's health

The 19th annual National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 13! Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women’s Health, it's a chance for women to consider their own health and take steps toward being healthier.

At the Vein Healthcare Center, we encourage all women to pay attention to what their bodies are telling them, including their legs -- especially if venous disease seems to run in the family. 

To celebrate women's health, this week and every week, we'd like to offer you our eArticle called "Women and Vein Treatments." You can learn about the three potential high-risk times that women are vulnerable to venous disease, how pregnancy impacts veins, and what kind of vein treatments are available today.

With the right information, women have the ability to reduce their risk of developing venous disease or decrease its severity. If you'd like to find out more about your vein health and schedule an evaluation, don't hesitate to contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center. 

It’s almost shorts season

"I just wanted to be able to look at my legs and not feel awful. For the first summer in 25 years, I wore shorts and did not feel embarrassed." - Shaye R. 

"I wore a skirt for the first time in decades." - Jane S.

"Even though I'm only 30, I gave up caring what my legs looked like, but now you can see the shape of my legs again!” - Lisa F.

For these former patients of the Vein Healthcare Center, their main goal was to make their legs feel better. But after vein treatment, they were delighted to find that their legs also look better.

As summer approaches -- shorts and skirts weather -- it can be emotionally difficult for those with visible vein disease to enjoy their time out and about. At the Vein Healthcare Center, our philosophy is that patients who want to treat their problematic veins aren't being vain, they want to improve their health and quality of life. Being comfortable with their legs in public is part of that quality of life.

To hear more about patient experiences at the Vein Healthcare Center before and after venous treatment, check out Perspectives, a resource you can download and share.

Education is an important first step toward better vein health. The next step is to receive a complete evaluation. To schedule a new patient visit, call us at (207) 221-7799 or request an appointment online. 

Are varicose veins a cosmetic issue or a medical issue?

This is a question we get at the Vein Healthcare Center all the time. Most healthcare providers would agree that if a patient is having pain and is unable to perform his or her work due to varicose veins, then it is medically necessary.

But all factors must be weighed when drawing a line between medical and “simply cosmetic,” not the least of which is restoring patients’ confidence and overall well-being. Even if a patient isn’t experiencing physical pain – but won’t swim in a pool or wear shorts to the beach because she’s ashamed of varicose veins – her quality of life is markedly diminished.

Additionally, it is common for venous disorders to be undiagnosed or undertreated. It’s important to remember that varicose veins are a symptom of early stage venous disease, and if left untreated could lead to larger medical issues.

From the perspective of insurance companies the difference between “cosmetic” and “medical” may be whether or not a vein has a connection to the deep system; if it does and the connection is leaking, then they consider treatment medical necessary. That said, there are many vein procedures that are covered by insurance, and one should not assume that treatment won’t be covered. Feel free to contact us at the Vein Healthcare Center to discuss the details of your coverage.

At the Vein Healthcare Center, our basic philosophy is that treating problematic veins isn’t about vanity – it’s about health and quality of life.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have vein disease, click here to find out more, or schedule an appointment for a full evaluation of your vein health.

Are varicose veins a cosmetic issue or a medical issue?

This is a question we get at the Vein Healthcare Center all the time.  Most healthcare providers would agree that if a patient is having pain and is unable to perform his or her work due to varicose veins, then it is medically necessary.

But all factors must be weighed when drawing a line between medical and “simply cosmetic,” not the least of which is restoring patients’ confidence and overall well-being. Even if a patient isn’t experiencing physical pain – but won’t swim in a pool or wear shorts to the beach because he’s ashamed of varicose veins – her quality of life is markedly diminished.

Additionally, it is common for venous disorders to be undiagnosed or undertreated. It’s important to remember that varicose veins are a symptom of early stage venous disease, and if left untreated could lead to larger medical issues.

From the perspective of insurance companies the difference between “cosmetic” and “medical” may be whether or not a vein has a connection to the deep system; if it does and the connection is leaking, then they consider treatment medical necessary. That said, there are many vein procedures that are covered by insurance, and one should not assume that treatment won’t be covered. Feel free to contact us at VHC to discuss the details of your coverage.

At VHC, our basic philosophy is that treating problematic veins isn’t about vanity – it’s about health and quality of life.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have vein disease, click here to find out more.