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Getting Started with United Vein & Vascular Centers
What does United Vein & Vascular Centers treat?
United Vein & Vascular Centers (UVVC) diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the veins and arteries, including varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, and other circulation-related concerns. Some locations also offer minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for additional vascular conditions. Services vary by clinic, and each care plan is based on the patient’s symptoms, diagnostic findings, and medical needs.
What is the difference between vein care and vascular care?
Vein care focuses on conditions that affect how blood returns to the heart, including varicose veins, venous reflux, and chronic venous insufficiency. Vascular care may address conditions that affect circulation in the arteries or use minimally invasive vascular procedures to treat other health concerns. Your symptoms, medical history, examination, and diagnostic testing help determine which type of evaluation is appropriate.
How do I know whether my symptoms may be related to a vein condition?
Symptoms such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling, throbbing, cramping, itching, burning, restless legs, visible varicose veins, or skin changes near the ankles may be associated with vein disease. Because these symptoms can have more than one cause, a vein screening can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
A referral is not required for an initial vein screening. However, referral requirements for billed visits, diagnostic testing such as ultrasounds, treatment, or vascular consultations may vary by insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider or a UVVC team member to confirm the requirements that apply to you.
How do I find the UVVC clinic closest to me?
Use the Find a Clinic tool on the UVVC website to search for a location near you. Because services and physicians may vary by clinic, the scheduling team can also help direct you to the appropriate location for your needs.
Vein Screenings and Diagnosis
What happens during a vein screening?
During a vein screening, a member of the clinical team will review your symptoms and medical history and evaluate your legs for signs of vein disease. The provider will discuss the findings with you and determine whether additional testing, such as a diagnostic ultrasound, is recommended.
Is a vein screening the same as a diagnostic ultrasound?
No. A vein screening is an initial clinical evaluation. Diagnostic ultrasound, including duplex or Doppler ultrasound, is separate testing used to assess blood flow, vein structure, and valve function. If an ultrasound is recommended, it may be completed the same day when available or scheduled for a later visit.
Is a diagnostic ultrasound included in a free vein screening?
No. A diagnostic ultrasound is a billed service and is not included in the free screening. Coverage and patient responsibility depend on your insurance plan and benefits.
Who is eligible for a free vein screening?
Free vein screenings may be available to eligible patients at participating UVVC clinics. Due to legal limitations, the offer cannot be extended to Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries, other recipients of federal or state healthcare benefit programs, or patients whose visit is based on a physician referral. The scheduling team can help determine which appointment type is appropriate for you.
How long does a vein screening take?
Appointment length varies based on your medical history, symptoms, clinical needs, and whether additional testing is recommended. Your clinic can provide more specific scheduling information when you book your visit.
How should I prepare for a vein screening?
Bring your photo identification, insurance information, a current list of medications, and any relevant medical records requested by the clinic. Be prepared to discuss when your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily routine. No fasting is typically required for a vein screening unless your care team gives you different instructions.
Vein Treatment and Recovery
Does UVVC provide cosmetic vein treatment?
UVVC focuses on diagnosing and treating medically appropriate vein conditions rather than providing cosmetic-only procedures. Visible veins may be part of a medical vein condition, especially when they occur with pain, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, or other symptoms. An evaluation and, when needed, diagnostic testing can help determine the appropriate next step.
What vein treatments does UVVC offer?
Depending on the affected veins, symptoms, ultrasound findings, and provider evaluation, treatment may include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), VenaSeal™, Varithena®, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, or a combination of minimally invasive vein procedures. Treatment availability may vary by location.
How does closing an affected vein improve circulation?
When an affected vein is not circulating blood properly, closing it allows blood to reroute naturally through healthier nearby veins. The recommended procedure depends on which veins are affected and what the diagnostic evaluation shows.
Are vein procedures performed in a hospital?
UVVC vein procedures are generally performed in an outpatient clinic setting, so a hospital stay is typically not required. Your care team will explain where your procedure will take place and what to expect before the appointment.
Will vein treatment hurt?
Patient experiences vary by procedure and individual sensitivity, but there is often little to no discomfort associated with the treatment. Minimally invasive vein procedures are designed to limit tissue disruption, and the care team will explain how comfort is managed during treatment. Temporary tenderness, bruising, tightness, or other short-term effects may occur afterward.
How long does a vein procedure take?
Procedure time depends on the treatment being performed, the number and location of veins being treated, and the individual care plan. Your care team will provide an estimated appointment length with your procedure instructions, but it can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes.
Will I need more than one vein treatment?
Some patients need more than one procedure or treatment session because different veins may require different approaches. Your provider will build a treatment plan based on your symptoms, vein anatomy, ultrasound findings, and response to care.
What is recovery like after vein treatment?
Recovery varies by procedure, but many patients return to routine activities relatively quickly after minimally invasive vein treatment. Your care team will provide instructions about walking, exercise, work, compression, bathing, travel, and follow-up based on the procedure you receive.
Will I need to wear compression stockings after treatment?
Compression recommendations depend on the procedure, your medical history, and your provider’s instructions. If compression stockings are part of your care plan, the team will explain what type to use and how long to wear them.
How soon will my symptoms improve?
Improvement does not occur on the same timeline for every patient. Some people notice changes relatively soon, while swelling, visible veins, skin changes, or other symptoms may take longer to improve. Your provider can explain what is realistic for your condition and treatment plan.
Can vein problems return after treatment?
Treatment targets the veins identified in your care plan, but it does not prevent every future vein problem. Vein disease can progress, and other veins may become affected over time. Follow-up care and healthy circulation habits can help your provider monitor changes and address new concerns when needed.
Vascular Consultations and Office-Based Lab Procedures
What is an office-based lab?
An office-based lab (OBL) is an outpatient setting equipped for certain minimally invasive vascular procedures. It allows eligible patients to receive image-guided, catheter-based care without a hospital stay. Whether an OBL procedure is appropriate depends on the condition, diagnostic findings, medical history, and provider evaluation.
United Vein & Vascular Centers has four OBL locations:
What happens during a vascular consultation?
During a vascular consultation, the care team will review your symptoms, medical history, prior testing, medications, and treatment goals. The provider may perform an examination, review existing imaging, order additional diagnostic testing, and discuss whether a minimally invasive vascular procedure or another next step may be appropriate.
How is candidacy for a vascular procedure determined?
Candidacy depends on the condition being treated, the severity of your symptoms, your medical history, diagnostic imaging, and any treatments you have already tried. During a vascular consultation, your provider will review these factors and determine whether a minimally invasive procedure may be appropriate for you.
What conditions and procedures may be addressed in an office-based lab?
Depending on the clinic and the patient’s needs, OBL care may include procedures intended to improve circulation in narrowed arteries or image-guided embolization procedures used to address specific conditions. Examples may include angioplasty, stenting, atherectomy, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), prostate artery embolization (PAE), genicular artery embolization (GAE), or hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE). Services vary by clinic, and a vascular consultation is needed to determine whether a procedure may be appropriate.
Are office-based lab procedures considered surgery?
OBL procedures are minimally invasive vascular procedures rather than traditional open surgery. They are commonly performed through a small access point using imaging and catheter-based techniques. Your physician will explain the specific procedure, its risks and benefits, and how it compares with other options available for your condition.
How long is recovery after an OBL procedure?
Recovery depends on the procedure, the condition being treated, the access site, and your overall health. Many OBL procedures allow patients to return home the same day, but activity restrictions and the timeline for returning to work or exercise vary. Your care team will provide procedure-specific instructions.
Can I still have surgery after a minimally invasive vascular procedure?
In many cases, yes. Procedures such as UFE, PAE, GAE, and HAE generally do not prevent patients from considering surgical treatment later if symptoms continue or return. Future options depend on the condition, previous procedures, and your individual medical needs, so your provider will explain how treatment may affect your choices.
Will UVVC communicate with my referring provider?
When care begins through a physician referral, UVVC supports coordinated care and continuity with the referring provider. Communication may include evaluation findings, treatment planning, procedure updates, and follow-up information as appropriate and permitted.
Insurance, Billing, and Payment
Does insurance cover vein treatment?
Many insurance plans may cover vein treatment when it is considered medically necessary. Coverage often depends on symptoms, examination findings, diagnostic ultrasound results, documentation, and the requirements of the individual plan. Coverage is never guaranteed, so patients should verify benefits and potential out-of-pocket costs with their insurance provider.
What makes vein treatment medically necessary?
Insurance plans commonly consider symptoms, functional limitations, examination findings, ultrasound results, diagnosis, and prior conservative care when determining medical necessity. Each insurer uses its own criteria. A provider’s recommendation and an insurer’s coverage decision are separate determinations.
Does UVVC accept my insurance?
UVVC participates with many insurance plans, but participation can vary by location, provider, service, and plan network. Contact UVVC and your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm network status and benefits.
What is prior authorization?
Prior authorization is approval that some insurance plans require before certain tests or procedures. UVVC may submit clinical information to support the request when authorization is required. Authorization confirms that the insurer has reviewed the request, but it does not guarantee full payment or eliminate copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or other patient responsibility.
What costs am I responsible for if I have insurance?
Patients are responsible for charges assigned to them under their plan, including applicable copays, coinsurance, deductibles, noncovered services, and remaining balances after insurance processes the claim. Estimated amounts due for the visit are collected at the time services are provided.
What happens if UVVC is out of network with my insurance plan?
If UVVC does not have a contract with your insurance plan, the team may assist in verifying whether you have out-of-network benefits. You may also have the option to continue as a self-pay patient. Because costs and coverage vary, ask for an estimate and confirm your benefits before receiving care.
Does UVVC accept Medicare?
UVVC participates with Medicare and bills Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance carriers. If Medicare is not expected to cover a service, you may be asked to review and sign an Advance Beneficiary Notice explaining your potential financial responsibility.
What if I do not have insurance or choose not to use it?
Self-pay options are available. Patients without insurance coverage, or those who choose not to use insurance, are expected to pay for services before care is provided. UVVC can provide an estimate based on the information available before the visit.
Who should I contact with billing questions?
For questions about UVVC financial policies or an account balance, contact the Billing Department at 813-867-0606. Questions about coverage, network participation, referral requirements, and plan-specific benefits should also be confirmed with your insurance provider.
Appointments and Office Policies
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring a photo ID, current insurance cards, a list of medications, and any forms or medical records requested by the clinic. If another provider referred you, make sure UVVC has the referral and any relevant test results required for your visit.
What should I do if I need to cancel or reschedule a procedure?
Notify the clinic at least 72 hours before a scheduled appointment whenever possible. Canceling or rescheduling with less than 72 hours’ notice, missing the appointment without notice, or arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in a nonrefundable fee. Under UVVC’s current policies, the fee is $50 for a vein appointment, $50 for a vascular consultation, and $250 for a scheduled procedure. The fee is not billable to insurance and must be paid before the rescheduled appointment. Review the policy provided by your clinic for the terms that apply to your visit.
Can family members or visitors record during my appointment?
Patients, family members, and visitors may not photograph or make video or audio recordings of other patients, visitors, or UVVC staff without consent. Ask the care team before recording any part of your own visit.
How can I access patient forms, the patient portal, or online bill payment?
Visit the Patient Resources section of the UVVC website for access to the patient portal, online bill payment, privacy information, financial policies, and other patient resources.
Who should I contact if I have questions before or after treatment?
Contact your UVVC clinic with questions about preparation, medications, recovery instructions, new symptoms, or follow-up. If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care.
Schedule the Right Type of Visit
Have questions about your symptoms, treatment options, insurance coverage, or scheduling an appointment? Complete our contact form to connect with a member of the UVVC team. We can answer general questions, help you find the nearest clinic, and guide you toward the appropriate next step based on your needs.