says Dr. Elias.
"It's the last thing
you want to
skimp on." Dr.
Smeglin prefers
portable ultra-
sound machines,
since they take
up less space and
are less expen-
sive. A vascular
ultrasound tech
is as important as the system itself. "You want someone who's devel-
oped quality mapping skills," says Dr. Smeglin. "There's a nuance to it.
It's helpful to you and the patient to pick up small varicose or branch
veins that have disease."
Standing out in a growing field Because these treatments
attract patients for cosmetic and medical reasons, it's important to
reach out to both groups, says Dr. Smeglin. Connect with physicians
who can offer referrals — especially wound care centers or podia-
trists who frequently see patients with venous disease — and turn to
print advertising in local magazines and newspapers. "That's where
you have the biggest bang for your buck," says Dr. Smeglin. Another
great marketing tool, he says, is to offer monthly free vein screenings,
where potential patients can meet with a clinician and get checked for
venous disease. At his center, Dr. Smeglin says the vein screenings
have brought out an "enormous turnout." OSM
8 7
February 2015 | O U T PAT I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
z PAINFUL PREDECESSOR Treating varicose veins no longer
means invasive and painful procedures like vein stripping.
