It is a great pleasure to extend to you an invitation for the American College of Phlebology’s second Advanced Ultrasound Course which will be conducted February 11, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. Full details. The program is designed to improve basic skills and expand knowledge of diagnostic ultrasound within the specialty of phlebology. This advanced course is for ultrasound technologists, physicians, and other medical professionals interested in learning beyond rudimentary venous duplex scanning of the lower extremities. The primary focus on advanced concepts of diagnosis centers on patients with chronic venous diseases.
The ACP has recognized the need for providing this type of education. Our goal is to improve the quality of patient care in phlebology by increasing knowledge and proficiency in both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound applications,
A knowledgeable faculty has been gathered to share their experience with you. The sessions will include a unique blend of didactic lecture/discussion and live patient demonstrations to complement the lectures. During the live patient ultrasound examinations, there will be opportunity for directed questions from the audience to the sonologist. As an adjunctive, case studies will be discussed to further the learning objectives.
Ultrasound has become one of the cornerstones for documentation and quantification of chronic venous insufficiency. Many patients can be adequately assessed within existing venous insufficiency protocols. Frequently we encounter patients who present with complicated disease patterns which require “advanced” knowledge. The purpose of this advanced concepts seminar is to familiarize sonographers with the ultrasound anatomy and scanning techniques of the more uncommon entities, as well as compelling discussion for patients in every day practice. Ultrasound findings will impact the patient’s treatment options. Learning how to “think outside of the box” to apply venous hemodynamic understanding to sonography will enhance patient care. Ultrasound may begin as a straightforward A to B to C examination, but often this approach does not provide a comprehensive diagnosis. As sonographers, our role is often to determine the source of the patient’s problem.
Following this course, the attendee will have a greater understanding and knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and ultrasound findings of phlebology diseases. Those attending this course should have knowledge of venous ultrasound, with at least two years of experience recommended.
We look forward to seeing you in Dallas February 11. 2011.
Diana L. Neuhardt, RVT, RPhS
As the dramatic and rapid changes to the United Health Care phlebology clinical guidelines have shown, it is critical to stay up to date in your processes and knowledge of your key payers’ requirements. Medicare and most commercial insurances have clinical guidelines they review and typically update one to two times per year but they can perform updates of cycle as well. The practice needs to have a plan in place for performing a review of these payer updates on a regular basis.
We recommend reviewing your payer mix as a first step. Most practices have five or six payers that represent 80% of their business. As checking the guidelines for every possible commercial payer can range from time consuming to virtually impossible, we strongly recommend maintaining a diligent check on your key payers.
Open up the policies for each of your top payers. Once there, we recommend a few activities. Obviously you would need to review the policy and ensure a good understanding as it exists at that moment. Find the date it was effective. Sometimes this is a clue as to when the next update may be implemented. Also see if they publish their next review date. Some payers do and some do not. Each of the payers tend to have review dates that are NOT triggered by the new year. Blue Cross of Illinois reviews their policies with an effective date of May while Medicare tends to be December. This projected review date does not mean that a policy change will wait until then. Blues of Illinois is famous (infamous) in some rather strong changes being implemented off cycle.
When you have the policies open, save that link to favorites. This will create an electronic library that can be reviewed when time permits. We also recommend placing something on your electronic calendar prompting a regular (quarterly at a minimum) review and a payer specific review based on the published update times.
We also caution that you fully read the policy when you review it. One Medicare intermediary rather nicely hid a somewhat substantial change by modifying a sentence in the middle of a paragraph. Since the length and look was identical to their old policy, it was nicely hidden unless you did a complete read of the text.
There are some key elements to search for when conducting your review. Some of these are changes in documentation requirements, changes in medical necessity requirements, and changes in conservative therapy. Be sure to read the fine print. Sometimes the changes are in the addendums or are a few words hiding in the middle of what appears to be an unchanged paragraph. Policies for attendant services such as sclerotherapy are likewise sometimes hidden and are associated to the phlebology/ablation section by reference.
There is no “Oops clause” contained in the payer guidelines. Ignorance of a change will not assist you in obtaining payment for your services. The only recourse, therefore, is to be ever vigilant for the next change by your favorite insurance companies.
By: Cheryl Nash and AJ Riviezzo, MBA, CEO
American Physician Financial Solutions
www.apfsbilling.com
With over 50 million Americans suffering from some form of venous disease, those affected are turning to the internet to find answers and solutions. As of 2009, the American College of Phlebology realized that online awareness was shifting, and the general public did not understand what phlebology meant. Therefore, we saw an opportunity to leverage the internet and social media to create a wide variety of resources for patients, members, non-members, and doctors.
For example, ACP released the first of a series of videos in our online awareness campaign. In the brief video (click here to watch), two of our team members provide an an overview of the campaign and the online resources available.
Specifically, those who want to learn more about venous diseases can visit phlebology.org, our public site healthyveins.org, and our Twitter page. Each of those resources contain the latest news about venous diseases, helpful guides, contact information for local phlebologists, and more. Furthermore, they capture the online conversation about venous diseases in a manner that’s accessible and easy to comprehend.
Another great vein health resource is the ACP widget (right). This feature includes videos about vein health topics, related news, and frequently asked questions. Better yet, users can get their specific questions answered directly via the “Ask Dr. Phleb” tab.
Be sure to check out the links above and subscribe to this blog to stay informed about updates and breakthroughs in the phlebology field!
[San Leandro, CA] September 2010 — The American College of Phlebology (ACP) has been surveyed by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and awarded provisional accreditation for two years as a provider of continuing medical education for physicians. The ACP can now designate educational activities for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Accredited CME is an essential component of continuing physician professional development in the eyes of U.S. organizations of medicine. ACCME accreditation is a mark of quality continuing medical education activities that are planned, implemented and evaluated by ACCME accredited providers in accordance with ACCME’s Essential Areas and Elements and Accreditation Policies. ACCME accreditation assures the medical community and the public that such activities provide physicians with information that can assist them in maintaining or improving their practice of medicine, to help them bridge the gap between today’s care and what care should be. In addition, accredited CME activities are free of commercial bias and based on valid content.
The ACCME rigorously evaluates the overall continuing medical education programs of institutions according to standards adopted by all seven sponsoring organizations of the ACCME. These are: the American Board of Medical Specialties; the American Hospital Association; the American Medical Association; the Association for Hospital Medical Education; the Association of American Medical Colleges; the Council of Medical Specialty Societies; and the Federation of State Medical Boards of the U.S., Inc.
For more information about vein health and to find a provider, visit American College of Phlebology at http://www.phlebology.org.
View the FAQs asked during the PBS “Ask a Vein Care Expert” broadcast, June 23rd.
Share the ACP Microsite with your patients, friends and loved ones seeking vein information.
Over the past year, the VNUS® Closure procedure has been making headlines as the ‘Lunch Hour’ vein procedure due to a quick treatment time and minimal recovery from the treatment. The procedure is one of several treatment options that give patients hope due to the minimally invasive technique and relative ease of the procedure. VNUS® Closure offers patients the ability to get rid of some types of varicose veins with a series of treatments that heats the vein from the inside using radio frequency energy. Another similar treatment involves the use of laser energy. These procedures are often termed endovenous thermal ablation. A patient receiving treatment could be in and out of the office within the time of a lunch break, hence it’s nickname.
As the American College of Phlebology (ACP) stated in a previous post, vein specialists work with patients to correct and manage abnormal vein flow problems, such as varicose veins. It’s important for patients and vein specialist to work together to minimize the impact of venous disease. Venous disease is primarily an inherited problem for which there is no cure at present. The thermal ablation procedure using either radio frequency or laser energy is an option for patients who have saphenous vein reflux disease. Some patients may not be candidates for treatment, but a trusted physician will help determine the best treatment for those bothersome veins.
Candidates for Thermal Ablation
If you have the genetic disposition for vein issues, you may be prone to getting varicose veins, but the good news is that today’s treatments and techniques are advanced. Physicians can detect the onset of vein problems before they may be visible with advanced diagnostic methods such as ultrasound. Potential candidates for treatment are patients who are diagnosed with superficial venous reflux disease, a medical condition that affects the circulation of blood in the lower extremities. Varicose veins are a common sign of venous reflux disease and often is accompanied by symptoms. Many patients who have vein disease may experience or describe some or all of the following: leg pain, aching, tiredness, heaviness, fatigue, skin itching, restlessness, night cramps that may awaken you from sleep, ankle or calf swelling. It is very important to see a vein specialist to determine what is the correct treatment for you. The American College of Phlebology provides Find a Physician as a resource for patients.
Minimally invasive treatments
The ‘Lunch Hour’ procedure is one form of novel minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of venous disease. Another treatment used in patients with varicose veins is sclerotherapy, an injection of a medication into the vein. Sclerotherapy is often used as an adjunctive method to eliminate varicose veins from the skin. Sclerotherapy is an excellent treatment option for patients who have had vein stripping surgery. Sclerotherapy is widely used in patients presenting with spider veins. Patients report that they walk away from minimally invasive treatments and are able to continue with their everyday activities –most often within the day. For individual questions, the American College of Phlebology’s Ask Dr. Phleb, allows you to ask personal questions and get trusted answers.
Visit American College of Phlebology, as a resource for all your vein health and to find a provider.
Watch a panel discussion with top vein specialists, http://www.azpbs.org/arizonaexpert/veincare.htm, in a PBS “Ask a Vein Care Expert” broadcast, June 23rd.
Many of us start to experience the signs of aging in our late thirties and early forties. Wrinkles develop around the eyes, the skin loses elasticity, and grey hairs begin to sprout. As the body ages it develops wear and tear. The body has been putting up with junk food, daily sitting, gravity, the sun and general toxins from the environment for decades.
It can be a difficult transition going from a youthful low maintenance schedule to an increase in the time and energy it takes with more doctor visits, teeth cleanings, and exercising. Along with the expected changes of being older, one may experience new signs such as spider veins forming at the ankles or varicose veins starting to protrude behind the knee. It can be an overwhelming and discouraging time.
Tip #1 – Age with Grace
Many people struggle with getting older. A person could wake up one morning and notice one of their eyes drooping and watering, or veins beginning to bulge in their legs while trying on shorts in the dressing room. Although a person may not feel old, the your body just isn’t as resilient as it used to be. One of the most important factors in aging is to embrace and accept it. By embracing age, one can age with grace and move into each year knowing that the body needs more maintenance and more attention. Not only does this help a person maintain a healthy perspective, but it also prepares an individual to keep a good attitude. Varicose veins often are another aspect of the aging body that one needs to maintain. It’s okay to frown about it, but it’s also much easier today to treat spider and varicose veins.
Tip #2 – Garner Support by Talking with Health and Vein Specialists about the Changes
One of the most understated and best ways to get through any discouraging issue is to find support in a specialist. If a person is experiencing varicose veins along with menopause or other aging symptoms, it’s important to talk with a specialist that can give trusted information about what to expect and what options to treat. In turn, a person will be armed with confidence and can prepare for the changes. Sometimes the surprise is more troubling than the knowing. A specialists will formulate a plan with an individual so that the problem is manageable and one can feel confident in making a difference.
Tip #3 – Work a Plan and Visualize the Outcome
Once a plan is in place with a trusted source, the next step is to visualize the outcome. By envisioning yourself on the beach in shorts with diminished varicose veins, the motivation to move towards that vision is high. This will also prevent discouragement and keep you busy on making progress. The American College of Phlebology (ACP) provides a resource for patients to find a provider, to explore treatment options, and talk to a specialist. It’s only a frame of mind to age with grace.
Visit American College of Phlebology, http://www.phlebology.org/, as a resource for all your vein health and to find a provider.
Bookmark http://www.phlebology.org/ to view the FAQs asked during the PBS “Ask a Vein Care Expert” broadcast, June 23rd.
Share the ACP Microsite with your patients, friends and loved ones seeking vein information.
An Inherited Disorder
Genetics play a role in the potential of an individual getting venous disease. Although medical researchers are searching to identify the gene for early detection, an individual needs to understand that this is an inherited disorder and doctors cannot cure a patient. The good news is that a doctor and patient can work together to control it. This is a life long process.
Looking for Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms vary dramatically from one person to the next. If you keep in mind that the skin is the end organ, you can begin to look for signs that the skin is being compromised. Sometimes a person with venous disease will have brown pigmentation near the ankles, which represents the blood being pulled under the skin. This could represent a progression that leads to ulcers, so it’s important to speak with a vein care expert. Other symptoms to note are achy legs at the end of the day and spider veins forming around the ankles.
Prevention Versus Controlling Venous Disease
It’s important to understand that venous disease can be a slow progression and often time’s patients learn to live with discomfort so it’s not as easy to detect. One myth is that doctor’s can cure the disease. The truth is the vein specialist work with patients to fix the problems and control them.
For all vein health questions or to find a trusted physician, review the American College of Phlebology website: http://www.phlebology.org/
To find a Physician or Provider, click here: http://www.acpsite.net
For information and to search a topic, click here: http://www.phlebology.org/search
With summer weather comes shorts, skirts, bathing suits, and short sleeves. For men and women with varicose or spider veins, it’s difficult to hide behind layers of clothes during this time of year. It can make a person feel self conscious while at the beach, with friends at a BBQ, or on a date in a sundress. Sometimes the veins bulge and draw attention in the least desirable ways. It’s not an uncommon problem as 80 million Americans face vein health issues. The good news is that most of the varicose and spider veins can be treated with simple procedures to reduce their appearance.
Get an Evaluation
While some seek vein treatment for cosmetic reasons, many seek treatment to get relief from pain. It’s important to understand that venous disease is hereditary, so knowing your family history gives a vein specialist good indicators into your probability for vein issues. In addition to examining your legs, a physician may also examine your abdomen or pelvis to look for any abnormal veins. Sometimes a physician will order more tests to evaluate. These are non-invasive procedures using sound waves to examine the function of the valves in the legs. We recommend seeing vein care specialist – a Phlebologist.
Treatment
Today, there are simple procedures to treat cosmetic varicose and spider veins. Often times you can go in for a series of treatments that will diminish the vein over time. These procedures have been labeled ‘Lunch Hour’ treatments because they are simple and often painless. A patient can go in for a session and go right back to work. In the past, treatment for varicose veins required painful stripping, but technology and new procedures are wiping away the summertime blues for men and women. Find out if you are a candidate.
Now is a great time to find a physician and get an evaluation regarding the unwanted bulging veins that accompany your favorite pair golf shorts or bathing suit.
For all vein health questions or to find a trusted physician, review the American College of Phlebology website: http://www.phlebology.org/
To find a Physician or Provider, click here: http://www.acpsite.net
For information and to search a topic, click here: http://www.phlebology.org/search
To learn more visit: www.healthyveins.org
With over 80 million Americans suffering from some form of vein issue, the American College of Phlebology (ACP), has created a campaign aimed at increasing public awareness of vein care and vein disease. As part of the campaign, ACP teamed with Arizona Eight/KAET to host a dynamic panel discussion with vein care specialists Dr. Nick Morrison, Dr. Melvin Rosenblatt, Dr. Julianne Stoughton, and Dr. Stephanie M. Dentoni. Together they answered insightful vein health questions to help the public understand the progression and prevention of venous disease. The panel discussion segment lasted 30 minutes. Click here to watch the informative video that was funded, in part, by an educational grant from the ACP Foundation.
In addition to the panel presentation, phone lines were open to callers from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Over 700 callers dialed in to talk with one of nearly 20 vein specialists to obtain patient information and answers about their vein concerns. Among the callers were individuals from Stockton, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; as well as Phoenix, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Yuma, AZ. The average call lasted almost 5 minutes as the vein specialists answered caller questions.
The Q & A discussion topics ranged from patient concerns of leg discomfort, distribution of small spider veins, cause and effects of varicose veins, reflux and surface vein treatments, indicators of venous disease, pigmentation and warning signs, significant symptoms that lead to serious problems, and vein health myths.
“Education is crucial to have patients know what to watch for – have the physicians know what to watch for,” said Dr. Julianne Stoughton, instructor at Harvard Medical School and clinical instructor in Surgery at Tufts University. “There is a huge spectrum of problems that can occur with venous disease – sometimes spider veins around the ankles is a sign of deeper vein issues. It’s a whole package that you have to look at. It’s good to see someone that knows a lot about this and the different types of venous disease to be able to sort it out.”
If you or a loved one is seeking information, has a genetic predisposition to vein disease, or interested in learning about blood circulation and vein care, the panel discussion will provide real answers and insights into vein issues.
“This is an inherited disorder, we’re not going to cure anybody of this problem, but we can do a lot of things to control it,” said Dr. Nick Morrison, President of American College of Phlebology.
Watch and share the panel discussion: www.azpbs.org/veincare
Reference “Ask Dr. Phleb” or Frequently Asked Questions to get vein care answers:
http://widgets.phlebology.org/widget/publishFlash.php
Visit ACP to learn more about Phlebology: http://healthyveins.org/ or www.phlebology.org as well as to Find a Physician.
* Show Airs June 23rd at 7:30pm with live Q & A from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
The human heart shuttles 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of veins. That’s about the equivalent of flying 10 times from Arizona to Italy. More than 80 million Americans suffer from some form of vein condition. With numbers this great, many have questions about the causes, prevention, and treatment. We do research through the Internet or ask our general practitioner about vein concerns, but never reach out to a specialist in vein health, a Phlebologist.
The American College of Phlebology (ACP) and Eight Arizona PBS Production, team up to give the public a rare opportunity to “Ask a Vein Care Expert” –A Phlebologist. The segment will be broadcast and streaming by Eight, Arizona State University, http://www.azpbs.org/arizonaexpert/veincare.htm.
For many people, it can be rushed when visiting a doctor and trying to get all of our questions answered within a quick visit. We turn to other forms of information and start doing research that has us self-diagnosing our most important concerns. For this reason, ACP is taking the lead to create more opportunities for the public to interact with a trusted vein specialist outside of the doctor’s office. The PBS segment provides a great opportunity for this kind of communication. Over 30 vein care physicians and health partners will be taking calls on June 23rd, 5:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. Mountain Time, at 1-888-329-7088.
Understanding the inner workings of the human body takes years of study. American College of Phlebology is committed to educating the public. Often vein concerns can be prevented with lifestyle choices or treated with simple procedures.
Join the PBS segment to learn more about the 60,000 miles of veins that take residence in your body and to understand how you can take part in optimal vein health.
ACP/PBS Panel members:
Nick Morrison, MD, FACS, FACPh
President, American College of Phlebology
Melvin Rosenblatt, MD, FACPh
Julianne Stoughton, MD, FACS
Stephanie M. Dentoni, MD
Visit Arizona PBS, http://www.azpbs.org/arizonaexpert/veincare.htm, to stay current with “Ask a Vein Care Expert”.
Visit American College of Phlebology, http://www.phlebology.org/, as a resource for all your vein health and to find a provider.
Bookmark http://www.phlebology.org/ to view the FAQs asked during the PBS “Ask a Vein Care Expert” broadcast, June 23rd.
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