Key Takeaways
- Dr. Douglas Stafford at Venia in Coeur d’Alene offers advanced varicose vein treatments. He has performed over 10,000 successful procedures since 2004
- Dr. Stafford is the Inland Northwest’s only vein expert offering VenaSeal, laser and radiofrequency ablations and Sclerotherapy all minimally invasive procedures with quick recovery times, allowing most patients to return to normal activities within days to treat venous disorders
- Comprehensive care includes detailed diagnostic testing, customized treatment plans and various payment options including insurance coverage for medically necessary procedures
- Post-treatment recovery success depends on following specific aftercare instructions, including compression therapy and lifestyle modifications for optimal vein health
Are you struggling with varicose veins and looking for effective treatment options? With over 10,000 successful vein procedures performed since 2004, Dr. Douglas Stafford Medical Director at Venia has helped countless patients from the Inland Northwest find relief from venous disorders through advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, some only offered at Venia.
Living with varicose veins can significantly impact your quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and even affecting activities and sleep. Whether you’re dealing with spider veins, reticular veins, or more complex and sometimes dangerous issues such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism or bleeding, Dr. Stafford is ready to consult with you and diagnosis your venous disorder. Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound to map your vein(s), Dr. Stafford can create a targeted and effective treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes rather than just surface symptoms.
What Makes Venia’s Approach Different
Dr. Stafford is an expert in the examination, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of venous disease. He is Inland Northwest’s only surgeon that offers VenaSeal and laser and radio frequency ablations to treat and effectively remove problematic veins.
The medical team at Venia provides comprehensive care from initial consultation through complete recovery. We believe in combining both medical expertise with genuine care for our patients. Serving patients from Idaho, Montana, and Washington for over 20 years, Venia has established ourselves as a trusted leader in the treatment of venous disease while maintaining a patient-first philosophy focused on your comfort and excellent results.
Understanding Varicose Veins and Their Symptoms
Varicose veins affect 40 million Americans. While both genders can develop varicosity, women are twice as likely as men to be affected.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear on the legs. They occur when the valves in the veins weaken, allowing blood to flow backwards and pool in the veins. This causes the veins to bulge and become visible under the skin.
The most visible signs of varicose veins include:
- Aching pain after prolonged standing
- Bulging blue or purple veins beneath the skin surface
- Heavy or tired feeling in legs
- Skin discoloration around affected areas
- Swelling in legs ankles or feet
The main root cause of varicose veins for women is pregnancy. Other key risk factors that contribute to varicose vein development include:
- Pregnancy
- Blood clots or superficial phlebitis
- Excess body weight
- Extended periods of sitting or standing
- Hereditary predisposition
- Hormonal changes
- Previous leg injuries or trauma
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
Varicose veins can create a significant impact on the quality of life causing physical limitations and impacting daily activities.
Physical Limitations Include:
- Difficulty standing for long periods
- Impaired sleep from nighttime discomfort
- Limited exercise participation
- Reduced mobility due to leg pain
Examples of Activities Impacted Include:
- Decreased performance at work
- Modified social activities
- Reduced participation in sports and other activities
- Restricted clothing choices
Advanced Treatment Options Offered by Venia in Coeur d’Alene
Modern vein treatments combine minimally invasive techniques with advanced technology to address varicose veins effectively. Venia offers four primary treatment methods based on individual vein conditions.
VenaSeal – A thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein and a medical-grade adhesive is injected into the vein, causing the vein to collapse and seal. This prevents blood from flowing through the varicose vein, causing it to shrink and disappear over time. This procedure is minimally invasive, meaning surgery or general anesthesia is not required. VenaSeal is an effective treatment for varicose veins with fast recovery times and long-lasting results.
Endovenous Thermal or Laser Treatment (ELVT)
Endoluminal Laser Ablation – A small laser catheter inserted through a tiny incision under ultrasound guidance. Dr. Stafford uses the Dornier 940 diode laser to target malfunctioning veins from the inside, sealing them completely. This procedure requires only local anesthesia, and no hospital stay is required. Patients may experience immediate symptom relief after treatment.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation – A thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein through a small incision. Radiofrequency energy is delivered through the catheter tip to heat the vein wall. The heat causes the collagen fibers in the vein wall to shrink and collapse, effectively closing off the vein. RFA is less invasive than traditional vein surgery often performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy – An FDA-approved medication injection is used to treat small varicose veins and blue veins. The solution injected creates controlled inflammation causing the affected veins to seal shut gradually. Results become visible within 30 days after treatment. Multiple veins receive treatment in a single session though several appointments may be needed based on vein quantity and severity.
Venia is the Top Vein Treatment Center in Coeur d’Alene and the Broader Inland Northwest Region
Venia is the Inland Northwest’s leading vein medical practice. Dr. Stafford is not only a board-certified surgeon but also is also board-certified in venous medicine. He is Inland Northwest’s only surgeon that offers VenaSeal and laser and radio frequency ablations to treat and effectively remove problematic veins.
Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound to map the vein(s), Dr. Stafford creates a targeted and effective treatment plan to address the underlying causes rather than just surface symptoms. Has been diagnosing and treating patients since 2004 and has performed over 10,000 successful vein procedures.
Prevention Tips for Vein Health
Maintaining vein health after treatment requires consistent lifestyle modifications.
Daily Movement
- Choose stairs over elevators
- Perform ankle flexes
- Take breaks every hour during desk work
- Walk 30 minutes
Compression Therapy
- Wear prescribed compression stockings
- Put stockings on before morning activities
- Remove before bedtime
- Replace stockings every 3-6 months
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Avoid prolonged heat exposure
- Low-impact cycling
- Maintain healthy weight ranges
- Stay hydrated, 8 glasses of water
- Swim
- Walk on level surfaces
- Yoga for circulation
Other Things to Know
What to Look for in a Vein Specialist
A qualified vein specialist demonstrates specific credentials and capabilities:
- Board certification in venous medicine or related specialties
- Experience performing minimally invasive procedures like VenaSeal
- Direct involvement in diagnostic ultrasound evaluations
- Expertise in multiple treatment methods including laser and radiofrequency ablations and sclerotherapy
- Track record of treating complex circulation problems
- Regular continuing education in venous disease management
- Personal involvement in creating customized treatment plans
- Experience treating diverse vein conditions including DVT and ulcers
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Most insurance providers cover medically necessary vein treatments. Venia accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare.
Insurance Coverage Process
- Initial consultation with insurance verification
- Documentation of medical necessity through ultrasound diagnostics
- Pre-authorization submission to insurance provider
- Coverage confirmation and patient cost-share calculation
- Treatment scheduling upon approval
Accepted Insurance Plans
- Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Private insurance networks
- Veterans Administration benefits
- State health insurance plans
Payment Options
Venia offers flexible payment solutions for patients without insurance or those seeking cosmetic treatments:
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Financing options through Care Credit
- Credit card payments
- Cash or check payments
Financial Consultation
Our financial coordinators provide:
- Free insurance benefits verification
- Detailed cost estimates
- Payment plan explanations
- Assistance with insurance claims
- Pre-authorization support
How much will your vein treatment cost? Contact Venia’s financial team for a personalized cost estimate based on your insurance coverage and treatment needs.
Conclusion
Taking the first step toward treating your varicose veins can transform your quality of life with Dr. Douglas Stafford at Venia. Dr. Stafford is an expert in the examination, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of venous disease. He is Inland Northwest’s only surgeon that offers VenaSeal and laser and radio frequency ablations to treat and effectively remove problematic veins.
The medical team at Venia provides comprehensive care from initial consultation through complete recovery. They believe in combining both medical expertise with genuine care for their patients. Serving patients from Idaho, Montana, and Washington for over 20 years, Venia has established themselves as a trusted leader in the treatment of venous disease while maintaining a patient-first philosophy focused on your comfort and excellent results.
Don’t let varicose veins hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stafford today and discover how he can help you regain comfort and confidence in your legs and restore your vein health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are varicose veins and how common are they?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted blood vessels that appear just under the skin’s surface. They affect approximately 40 million Americans, with women being twice as likely to develop them as men. These veins commonly occur in the legs and can cause discomfort, swelling, and cosmetic concerns.
What are the main treatment options for varicose veins?
At Venia, the main treatment options include VenaSeal (medical-grade adhesive), Endovenous Laser Ablation (laser energy), Radiofrequency Ablation (radiofrequency energy) and Sclerotherapy (FDA-approved injections), and Radiofrequency Ablation. All these procedures are minimally invasive, are performed under local anesthesia and are tailored to individual patient needs.
How long does recovery take after varicose vein treatment?
Recovery is typically quick with minimal downtime. Patients can usually resume light activities immediately and return to normal activities within a few days. The recovery process includes light walking, wearing compression stockings, and gradually increasing activity levels over the first few weeks.
Does insurance cover varicose vein treatment?
Insurance often covers medically necessary varicose vein treatments when symptoms are present. However, cosmetic procedures typically require out-of-pocket payment. It’s important to verify coverage with your insurance provider before beginning treatment.
What qualifications should I look for in a vein specialist?
Look for board-certified in venous medicine or related fields with extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures. They should have expertise in diagnostic ultrasound technology and creating customized treatment plans. Verify their track record with successful procedures and patient satisfaction rates.
How can I prevent varicose veins from recurring?
Prevention includes maintaining regular physical activity, wearing compression stockings when needed, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, maintaining a healthy weight, and following post-treatment care instructions. Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in long-term vein health.
What symptoms indicate I should seek treatment for varicose veins?
Seek treatment if you experience bulging veins, swelling, aching pain, skin discoloration, or discomfort that affects daily activities. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and lead to better treatment outcomes.
What role does diagnostic ultrasound play in treatment?
Diagnostic ultrasound is crucial for creating targeted treatment plans. It helps specialists visualize the affected veins, determine the extent of the condition, and choose the most appropriate treatment method for each patient’s specific situation.