Kelly Thorpe, APRN Kelly Thorpe, APRN

With more and more doctors dabbling in vein treatments it is important that you do your homework on selecting the right healthcare provider. There are a few easy steps you can take when making this selection:

  • Ask other people who suffer from the same condition as you for advice. Chances are you know someone who has sought treatment for their varicose veins. Friends and family will be able to tell you of their experiences on a more personal, relatable level. Find out which doctors they respect and why.
  • Ask your primary care physician for recommendations and direction. Although primary care physicians are not always fully aware of the treatments available for vein disease, they may have suggestions as to where to start. Varicose vein treatments have come a long ways from ten years ago. It is difficult for physicians to stay up-to-date on all the new developments; therefore, do not be surprised if your primary care physician is not encouraging. You may need to take the lead on creating a two-way conversation with your physician regarding treatment.
  • Research online. The internet is a massive location for information. Many vein specialists can be found through web searches. A word of caution: There are quite of number of doctors attempting to add vein treatments to their practices. Doctors who dabble, or half commit, to vein medicine can do a disservice to their patients. The best place to seek treatment is with a vein specialist who has been treating vein problems on a full-time basis, for at least two years.
  • Ask for a free screening. Most vein specialists offer a free varicose vein screening. Take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the office and staff. Ask them questions about the disease and treatment options at the time. Test their knowledge. It is important that you feel completely comfortable with the environment and specialists before starting treatment.

Armed with this information, you are well on your way to finding the best practice for you to start your road to treatment of varicose veins.

Kelly Thorpe, APRN

Kelly Thorpe, APRN

Nurse Practitioner

About the author:

Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Utah and completed a Master’s of Science degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. He is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Phlebology.