Welcome.
Welcome.
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This section includes answers to the most commonly asked questions, all your necessary pre-visit forms, and information about insurance coverage and payment plans.
Patient Forms
Please print out and complete these forms, and bring them with you to your first appointment at Northwest Vascular Consultants. If you prefer, you can fill them out online and send them to: info@nwvascular.com
Patient Registration Form
Medical History Form
Varicose Vein Form (if applicable)
Medical Release to NWVC
Acknowledgment and Consent Form
Credit Policy Form
Additional information:
Driving Directions
Notice of Privacy Practices
For physicians:
Referring Doctor Form
Medical Release from NWVC
FAQs
Here you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions our staff hears at Northwest Vascular Consultants. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office.
How common is vein disease?
Vein disease of the legs is one of the most common medical conditions, with varicose veins affecting 15-25% of all adults—and nearly 50% of all people over age 50. Women have a higher incidence of vein disease than men.
What are the symptoms of vein disease?
A diseased vein close to the skin surface will have a different size and color than healthy veins. Because some diseased veins are deeper in the body, however, it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms. These can include cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness, and “restless” legs, especially in the calf muscles. A simple, painless screening can determine if you have vein disease.
Can vein disease be prevented?
Usually not. Heredity is the single largest cause of vein disease; if it runs in your family, you have a much greater risk of developing it. (Nearly 70% of patients with varicose veins, for example, have a parent with the same condition.) Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, is another leading cause. Other factors include age, obesity, and jobs that require long periods of standing.
What happens if varicose veins aren't treated?
Varicose veins generally get worse over time. Initially, you may feel only slight pain or “restlessness” in the diseased leg. Over time, increasing pain can cause limitations in walking and night cramps. Untreated varicose veins can eventually lead to open sores on the foot, blood clots, and even tissue loss.
Are venous procedures painful?
Most of our patients report feeling little, if any, pain during their procedures. Your surgeon will give you a local or regional anesthetic to numb the area before treatment.
How long does a venous procedure take?
Typically, it takes only 3 to 5 minutes to treat a vein up to 45 cm in length. Adding in pre- and post-treatment procedures, total treatment time is approximately 45 minutes. Of course, treatment times can vary by patient, depending on the severity or extensiveness of the vein disease.
What are the complications of vein treatment?
When performed by a vascular surgeon, sclerotherapy and endovenous laser therapy (ELT) are very rarely associated with serious complications. Minor side effects can include bruising, mild itching, tingling, tenderness or tightness in the treated leg for up to two weeks after the treatment.
How long is the recovery period?
Many of our patients resume their normal activities immediately. For a few weeks following the treatment, your surgeon may recommend a regular walking regimen to facilitate healing. During this time, you should avoid prolonged periods of standing and very strenuous activities such as heavy lifting.
How quickly will my symptoms improve?
Our patients usually report a noticeable improvement in their vein disease symptoms within one or two weeks after the procedure. Visit our Results page to see actual outcomes from real patients.