Very little preparation is needed for your initial diagnostic visit
No preparation is required in advance of your initial consultation which includes a diagnostic ultrasound, where Dr Mercier examines your legs and feet. This allows him to assess the best possible treatment options available for you.
What you should do prior to your initial consultation?
- Note all symptoms that you are experiencing, including those related to your varicose veins.
- Note personal family information related to varicose vein or other hereditary medical issues.
- Note all medications, vitamins, and/or supplements that you are taking.
- If needed, prepare a list of your own questions for Dr. Mercier.
We will create your initial varicose vein diagnostic using the ultrasound
Ultrasound is an equivalent tool to a stethoscope for assessing the venous system of the lower limbs. This technique enables the physician to assess different specificities of blood vessels (diameter, anatomy, plasticity, valves, absence or presence of clot, obstruction, etc.). It is also possible to visualize the direction of blood flow, and the presence of reflux with the built-in probe. We may need to observe the arteries, the deep venous system, birth defects, anatomical variants and pathologies of the muscles (tumors) and joints (Baker’s cyst).. In fact, deep and superficial phlebitis are typically diagnosed with this test. For these reasons, an ultrasound is mandatory before any varicose vein treatment is recommended.
The ultrasound is quick and painless
The ultrasound procedure lasts no longer than 15 minutes, with no discomfort and no liquid injections into your veins or tissue required. It allows for a thorough analysis of your varicose vein condition, and the corresponding treatment plan alternatives.
ULTRASOUND FEES – NON-INSURED SERVICES (NOT COVERED) BY THE RAMQ
ULTRASOUNDS: « No fee may be charged to a patient for an ultrasound performed by a radiologist, whether performed in a practice setting or in an institutional setting. These fees are prohibited since December 29th, 2016. Ultrasounds in the office may however be invoiced to insured persons if they are performed by a physician of a specialty other than radiology » RAMQ, 26/01/2017
All the ultrasounds at the Clinic are done by Dr. Jean François Mercier, Plastic Surgeon and Phlebologist
