Welcome to our Vascular Medicine FAQ

We know medical questions can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to your circulation and blood vessel health. Here, you’ll find clear, trustworthy answers to the most common questions patients ask us. If you don’t see your question listed, give us a call or book an appointment. Our team is here to help you understand your condition and guide you toward the right treatment—every step of the way. 📞 Call Now | 📅 Request an Appointment

Yes—poor circulation in the arteries can increase the risk of stroke (brain) and kidney problems.
That’s why vascular health is essential for your whole body, not just your legs.

Testing depends on your symptoms, but common options include:

  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A quick blood pressure test in your legs to look for peripheral artery disease.
  • Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to see blood flow.

With a technologist specialized in vascular diagnostics, most conditions can be diagnosed with these methods which are not invasive and painless.

  • CT or MR Angiogram: Advanced imaging may be needed to map blood vessels.

In most cases, we can’t “erase” the disease entirely, but we can slow or stop its progression and even improve circulation with the right treatment plan.
Early detection gives us the best chance for improvement.

  • Varicose veins: Large, bulging veins that may cause aching, swelling, or heaviness in the legs.
  • Spider veins: Small, thin red or blue lines on the skin—usually a cosmetic concern.
    If varicose veins are causing pain, swelling, or skin changes, treatment may be medically necessary.

Many vascular conditions can be treated without surgery through:

  • Medications
  • Lifestyle changes

We’ll always start with the least invasive, most effective option for you.

  • Quit smoking
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Stay active—aim for at least 30 minutes of walking most days
  • Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
  • Take prescribed medications consistently
    Small daily changes make a big difference for your circulation.

Vascular disease affects the blood vessels—the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system—that carry blood and fluid throughout your body.
Heart disease affects the heart muscle and valves themselves.
Think of it this way: your heart is the “pump,” and your blood vessels are the “pipes.” Vascular medicine focuses on keeping those pipes healthy and flowing.

Yes, we see and evaluate veins. Currently, we focus on conservative management and will offer various vein procedures in the near future.

Yes, we are able to measure this with our state-of-the-art ultrasound machine. We first assess the carotid for plaque, then if no plaque is seen, we zoom into the wall of the carotid arteries and measure if there is a thickness of the wall to suggest plaque may form in the future and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the future. The results are dependent on age, sex, and race. 

Both are non-invasive measures used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, but they focus on different aspects of atherosclerosis.

The CAC is a direct measure of coronary calcification → better predictor of heart attack risk. It is done with a CAT scan with some radiation exposure.

The IMT assesses the arterial wall thickening → marker of vascular aging and early atherosclerosis. It is done with an ultrasound, which as no radiation exposure.

Yes, anyone who feels they may have this condition can be diagnosed and helped on the journey of managing it.

Yes, we perform ABI testing, which is a simple test to check how blood circulation is distributed down the legs. This is done by measuring blood pressure in the arms and comparing it with the blood pressure in the legs. 

It depends on your insurance, which we will verify for you prior to your appointment. If you are out-of-network and pay cash, no referral is required.

Yes, we perform on-site testing of most areas of the body, including screening for carotid artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is performed by a registered vascular technician, and I review the results with you after the test, so there's no waiting needed. You will also receive a copy of the test results once they are read, which will include some pictures.

We now take United/UMR and Aetna insurances and are looking to add a few more. For those whose insurance is not listed here, we work with your insurance provider to utilize your out-of-network benefits and attempt to secure reimbursement for you.