In-office vein treatment
In-office venous ultrasound: where every treatment plan starts
Venous ultrasound is performed in the office by trained technicians and is used both to determine the appropriate treatment plan and to aid visualization during many of the procedures.
Who Venous ultrasound is for
Everyone we treat gets a venous ultrasound first. It is painless, takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and shows exactly which veins have valves that are not working. Without it, treatment is guesswork. If you have been referred by your podiatrist or primary care physician for leg swelling, skin changes, or a non-healing sore, the ultrasound is usually the first appointment.
Conditions treated: Varicose veins, Chronic venous insufficiency, Venous leg ulcers, Spider veins
Every plan starts with an ultrasound
Before any treatment is recommended, we map your leg veins with an in-office ultrasound. It shows which veins are refluxing and which treatment fits. The consultation and ultrasound are usually covered by insurance.
What happens during the visit
A trained technician applies gel and moves a handheld probe along your leg while you stand and lie down. The ultrasound shows the direction and speed of blood flow and measures how long blood flows backward (reflux) in each vein. The physician reviews the images and discusses the findings with you in the same visit.
After the procedure
There is no recovery. You leave with a clear picture of what is causing your symptoms and, if treatment is appropriate, a plan that names the veins to be treated and the order to treat them. The same ultrasound is used to guide procedures and to confirm results at follow-up.
How Venous ultrasound compares
Most patients with varicose veins need one of the vein-closing treatments, sometimes followed by sclerotherapy or micro-phlebectomy for the branches. The ultrasound decides which.
| Treatment | Best for | How it works | Anesthesia | Typical downtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varithena | Varicose veins fed by a saphenous vein that is not working | Ultrasound-guided microfoam closes the vein | Local, if any | Walk out the same day; light activity right away |
| Laser ablation (ELAS) | A refluxing greater saphenous vein | A thin laser fiber seals the vein from the inside | Local | Walk out the same day; compression for a short period |
| Sclerotherapy | Spider veins and smaller varicose veins | A solution injected into the vein makes it fade over weeks | None | None; several sessions may be needed |
| Micro-phlebectomy | Bulging surface veins | Tiny incisions remove the vein segment | Local | Walk out the same day; compression afterward |
Cost and insurance
The consultation and ultrasound are usually covered by insurance. If your plan does not cover it, we tell you the cost before the appointment.
You get the number before you commit
Before anything is scheduled, we tell you in writing what your plan covers and what it leaves to you. Nothing goes on the schedule until you have that in hand.
Venous ultrasound questions
Do I need a referral for a vein ultrasound?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral to see us, though some HMO plans do. Call the office with your plan name and we will tell you.
Is the vein ultrasound covered by insurance?
The initial consultation and venous ultrasound are usually covered by most insurance carriers when you have leg symptoms.
How should I prepare?
Wear loose clothing or shorts. Skip lotion on your legs that day. If you wear compression stockings, bring them so we can check the fit.
Where and with whom
Venous ultrasound is performed in the office at both locations by trained technicians, and the physician reviews the findings with you in the same visit: Dr. Thomas Drost in Oak Park (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) and Dr. Kristen Hayes in Wilmette on Thursdays.
Thomas Francis Drost, M.D.
Board Certified Surgeon
Dr. Drost is a board certified surgeon who performs in-office, non-surgical vein treatments at The Vein Care Center.
Kristen Hayes, M.D.
Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr. Hayes is a board certified emergency medicine physician who supports patient care at The Vein Care Center.
Related treatments
Varithena
Ultrasound-guided foam that closes varicose veins, often in one visit.
Sclerotherapy
Quick injections that fade spider veins and small varicose veins.
Laser Therapy (ELAS)
A thin laser fiber seals the vein that causes most varicose veins.
Ready to take the first step toward healthier legs?
Two offices in Oak Park and Wilmette, serving Evanston, Berwyn, River Forest, Skokie, Glenview, and all of Chicagoland. All procedures are performed in the office without surgery.