Treatment Day & Follow-Ups

Having surgery can feel overwhelming. With that in mind, we have designed this section of the site to answer some of your pre-surgical questions. The information provided is general in nature, so please check with your doctor or the hospital to see if there are additional instructions you should be aware of.

We ask that you arrive promptly and on time the day of your procedure. We make every attempt to be punctual in delivering services; however, since we will not compromise the integrity of any procedure, start times are sometimes delayed. We are dedicated to obtaining the latest information and maintaining the most advanced surgical techniques through continual training and education. Our equipment is state of the art. You can be confident that you are in skilled, caring hands in a safe, supportive environment during your procedure.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 406-728-0285 or send us an e-mail at suzir@host2008.temp.domains

Hospital Procedures

Pre-Operative Instructions for Surgery

If you have specific instructions, a nurse will discuss them with you during your pre-surgical consultation. Additionally, reviewing the following guidelines will ensure that your experience will be a pleasant one.

• Make arrangements to have someone stay with you the first night after surgery. Remember to shop for groceries and fill prescriptions before your surgery.
• Since you will not be able to drive directly after surgery, please arrange for post-operative transportation.
• Reduce the risk of complications by not eating or drinking prior to surgery. You should not eat or drink after midnight the day before your surgery.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco the morning of your surgery. Smoking is irritating to your lungs, makes it harder for you to recover from your operation, and increases the likelihood of pneumonia.
• Take your usual medications with a small sip of water, unless directed otherwise.
• If you are diabetic, please consult with your pre-op nurse.
• Take a soapy shower or bath using unscented soap the evening and morning prior to your surgery.
• Do not wear makeup or fingernail polish, so that we can adequately monitor your skin’s ‘color’.
• Do not wear lotion, perfume, cologne, or jewelry.
• Bring comfortable, loose clothing to wear home.
• Do not bring large amounts of cash, credit cards, or jewelry.
• Children may bring a small blanket or toy from home.

Outpatient Procedures

What To Expect After Your Vein Procedure

DAY OF SURGERY:

• When at home, keep your leg elevated while sitting for the first 24-48 hours.
• For the first five days following the procedure, you should be up walking around hourly during the day.
• You may ride in a car, but please don’t drive for a few hours following the procedure (on long trips, get out and walk around every hour).
• After the first 24 hours, the more you are up walking around the less stiff and sore you should be.
• You may return to work/school when able.
• No aerobic or weightlifting activities for one week.
• Sexual activity may be resumed whenever comfortable.
• Resume your normal diet.

IF BLEEDING OCCURS:

If you start bleeding on your way home or after you are home:

• Lie down and elevate your leg above the level of your heart.
• Have someone hold pressure on the area that is bleeding or wrap a towel around your leg.
• Lie there with your leg elevated for at least 20-30 minutes.
• If you do have bleeding it will usually go away 3-4 hours after the procedure.

IMPORTANT: If you are bleeding, PLEASE DON’T PANIC. Once you lie down, elevate, and apply pressure to your leg, the bleeding will stop. The vein that the blood is coming from is a low pressure system, and once your leg is elevated bleeding will stop.

MEDICATIONS:

After your procedure you may be more comfortable if you take some over-the-counter pain medication, especially for the first few days following the procedure. The recommended dosages are below.

• Tylenol / Acetaminophen – Take 2 tabs every 4 hours, as needed for pain.

– OR –

• Ibuprofen / Advil / Motrin – Take 600 mg 3 times per day, as needed for pain (take with food).

BATHING:

Sponge bathe only for 3 days. Do not take off your stockings for 3 days and 3 nights.

Wear compression hose continuously day and night for three days. Then you only need to wear the compression stockings if they make you more comfortable.

After your procedure, you may experience significant bruising of your leg, a “pulling” sensation and/or mild to moderate discomfort for 5-7 days after the procedure. You may also feel a “Charlie horse” or cramping sensation in your thigh.

Please be advised that these symptoms are normal.

General Insurance Information

Insurance/Payment Information

In order to keep you informed, our friendly, knowledgeable staff will familiarize you with our policies and answer any questions you may have. As we do not accept third party insurances, you may wish to call our office in advance to see if we participate in your insurance plan.

We ask that you make any required co-payments on the day of service. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Care Credit.

To ensure that correct benefits are received from your insurance company, please bring the appropriate information card with you. We will bill your insurance company directly unless you instruct us otherwise.

Medicare and Medicaid

Our physician accepts assignment for Medicare. If you are a Medicaid patient, please bring your current Medicaid card for each visit. If a co-payment is required, it must be paid at the time of service.

Worker’s Compensation

If you are being treated for a Worker’s Compensation injury, please bring your case number and the name and address of your employer’s Worker’s Compensation Carrier at the time of service, or the appointment may be rescheduled.