Announcing Accreditation for Varicose Veins Centers in Pittsburgh

Varicose vein treatments have changed dramatically in Pittsburgh and throughout this country in the past ten years.

Surgery was traditionally done in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers ten years ago for the removal of varicose veins but this is rarely done any more. Instead the procedures have moved to the surgeon’s office because of new technology especially the laser. Dr. Kavic was the first physician in Pittsburgh to perform laser surgery for varicose veins and specializes in the treatment of veins exclusively.

This transformation has been dramatic and these new techniques were adopted quickly and for good reason. Laser is less invasive and safer since general anesthesia is no longer required. There is no scarring and less discomfort. Hospitalization is no longer needed.

However, these rapid changes raised new questions. Since these procedures are no longer done in a hospital but now in a doctor’s office, and virtually any doctor in any specialty is allowed to do them, quality issues arise. The only specialty that provides complete training in all aspects of vein treatments is vascular surgery. Even though a few other specialties provide partial training in some of the latest techniques, only vascular surgery provides adequate training in endovenous ablation techniques, stenting, ambulatory phlebectomy , and sclerotherapy which are all utilized in treating venous disease.

In addition, does the physician have adequate experience and knowledge in performing and interpreting vascular ultrasound to treat varicose veins and venous disease? The RVT and RPVI credentials are the gold standard in testing and credentialing for this indispensable diagnostic and therapeutic tool. It is absolutely essential that the doctor providing your vein care be knowledgeable and experienced with Doppler ultrasound.

Is the office where these procedures performed safe and has the equipment been tested and verified to be in safe working order. Is there a quality control program monitoring the center for quality and safety? A new credentialing body will provide answers to these questions and will offer vein center accreditation soon. Applications for accreditation by vein centers will be available from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission on November 4, 2013. It is believed that future reimbursement will be dependent on this accreditation.

Dr. Kavic is a board certified specializing in varicose veins and has been in practice since 1986. He also holds the RVT and RPVI credentials for vascular ultrasound diagnosis and also vascular ultrasound interpretation. There credentials are the most accepted and respected in the field varicose vein treatment in the United States. You can inquire more about this by calling our office at 724-987-3220 or through your own research.