How are varicose veins diagnosed?
At your initial consultation you will meet your doctor who will discuss your symptoms and undertake a physical examination of your legs while you are standing. You will then have a special ultrasound, called a Doppler scan, to image and assess the veins under your skin that cause varicose veins. The Doppler scan checks the blood flow in you leg veins that run just under the skin’s surface, or superficial veins. When required it can also check the blood flow in the deeper veins of your legs. This scan will provide your doctor with a map of your leg veins and identify (diagnose) where your vein disease is and its severity. This map will also allow your doctor to confirm the best treatment options for you.
Do all Varicose Veins need treatment?
The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Since not all Varicose and Spider Veins require interventional treatment, the goal of treatment may be simply to improve the appearance of the affected areas, slow the progression of your vein disease and provide you with symptom relief.
Non-procedural (conservative) treatment can include:
- Vein Tonic tablets may be useful in early vein disease to improve symptoms and slow progression of your vein disease. If your doctor recommends this treatment they will monitor your progress and symptoms over time
- Properly fitting support hose or Compression Stockings may be recommended for some patients, in particular those with symptomatic disease to help manage leg swelling, improve leg circulation and slow down progress of your vein disease. If this is the recommended treatment your doctor will organise the appropriate size and compression strength. These garments are not available in stores and pharmacies.
Other conservative treatment approaches include:
- Practising good skin hygiene
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Exercising regularly (especially walking)
- Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Elevating your legs while sitting and sleeping.
When you need to stand for long periods of time, take frequent breaks to sit down and elevate your feet. If conservative treatment does not achieve satisfactory relief of symptoms, or if the appearance of the veins is bothersome, other treatments may be offered, depending on your overall medical condition.
How much does the treatment cost?
At your first visit there will be a consultation fee of $240 (the full Medicare rebate is $78.05 and your out-of-pocket cost will be $161.95). At your first visit you will also require ultrasound mapping of each leg that may require treatment. Mapping of one leg costs $270 (full Medicare rebate is $149.95, your out-of-pocket cost is $120.05) and mapping of both legs costs $490 (full Medicare rebate is $239.95, your out-of-pocket cost is $250.05). The Medicare rebates and resulting out of pocket costs are dependent on your Medicare threshold status.
The results of the ultrasound mapping will assist the doctor to diagnose your condition and guide the treatment options.
The doctor will then discuss the recommended treatment and costs in detail after diagnosis. You will also discuss timing for the recommended treatment. There are several different treatments available and the choice of treatment will depend on what treatment your veins need. All available treatments in our clinic qualify for a Medicare rebate. There will be additional “out of pocket” costs for treatment which may range from $600 to $3,500 per leg. There are NO out of pocket costs for your follow up visits and ultrasounds for 6 months from the date of your treatment.
Payment for your treatment is due on the day of treatment. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers and you may also choose to use a personal finance option such as Medipay.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment for Varicose Veins is a walk in / walk out procedure which usually takes approximately 1- 1.5hr per leg. There is minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. There is no need for general anaesthetic and hospitalisation. All procedures are done by our doctors and team in our clinic’s procedure rooms. You will be able to walk as soon as your treatment is over. You will be provided with compression stockings as part of your leg(s) dressings and we recommend that you wear them for 1 -2 weeks to give you the best results.
Who will treat me?
Your treatment will be performed by our highly-trained medical team, led by one of our specialist surgeons and supported by additional trained medical assistants, using the latest in diagnostic equipment and techniques. The selected treatment option will be determined by your individual diagnosis and will be tailored to your individual needs.
Where is the clinic located?
We are located in the Edgecliff Centre building, right on top of Edgecliff Railway Station. The clinic is Suite 313, 203-233 New South Head Road. Edgecliff. There is an Aldi carpark under the building which offers 2hrs free parking.
Edgecliff Centre
Level 3 – Suite 313,
203 – 233 New South Head Rd
Edgecliff NSW 2027
SYDNEY – AUSTRALIA
Bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the building and there is a taxi rank immediately in front of the building on New South Head Rd.
