Preparing for Your Upcoming Procedure
This guide explains how to prepare for your vein and vascular procedures and provides step-by-step instructions to support you every step of the way.
Getting Started
How to Prepare for Your Vein & Vascular Procedures
We ask that you bring any relevant medical records from prior visits or treatments with you as well. This information can help us better understand your condition and provide more accurate treatment recommendations.
We also ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to fill out any necessary paperwork.
Tip: Reviewing How to Prepare for Your Vein and Vascular Procedures before your appointment helps ensure a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vein Procedures
How should I prepare for my vein procedure?
Drink plenty of water prior to your procedure and limit caffeine and alcohol intake for 48 hours prior as well. Bring your compression stockings with you (Not applicable for VenaSeal procedures).
What is the recovery time for vein treatments?
Recovery time for vein procedures is minimal and patients are discharged within 30 minutes of the procedure. Usually immediately after.
Are vein procedures painful?
Vein procedures may cause mild discomfort, but our providers use local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, to numb the treatment area and ensure your comfort. For sclerotherapy, for example, many patients describe the sensation as similar to an ant bite, with little to no discomfort.
How does laser therapy differ from surgery?
Laser procedures are minimally invasive—the laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point so small that no stitches are needed. The risk of infection is significantly reduced, and there’s virtually no downtime. Most patients are up and walking immediately after the procedure and can quickly return to their normal routines.
Are there any restrictions after my procedure?
Motion increases blood flow, which helps with the healing process! You may participate in all normal activities of daily living, but please do not exercise heavily or go running for the 2 weeks following your procedure. Keep the site clean and dry for 24 hours and do not fully submerge the site for 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance & Billing
Does NVA accept my insurance?
National Vascular Associates accepts almost all insurance plans. If you have questions about your specific plan or coverage, our team can help verify your benefits before your appointment.
What are my financial responsibilities before the procedure?
Before your procedure, you may be responsible for any copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance required by your insurance plan. Our team can help you understand your costs and answer any questions before your appointment.
Can I set up a payment plan?
Yes, NVA offers payment plan options to help manage the cost of care. Our billing team can provide details and help you find the plan that works best for you.
For more information about our financing options, payment methods, or insurance coverage, contact us by calling 540-351-9035 or emailing us at billing-[email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions About Arterial Procedures
How should I prepare for an arterial procedure?
Do not eat or drink anything starting at midnight the night before your procedure. You may take your daily medications with a sip of water EXCEPT any blood thinners, ozempic, or metformin. Your pre-op instructions will tell you when to stop and restart those medications. Have family or a friend drive you to and from your procedure. You will be receiving procedural sedation which means you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after your procedure.
What are the risks and benefits of this procedure?
Some risks of these procedures are similar to any minimally invasive procedures such as damage to surrounding structures, bleeding, and infection. While these are serious risks, most of them are very rare and our providers and staff take every precaution to minimize and/or eliminate these risks. The benefits of these procedures are healing wounds, return of blood flow to the affected extremity, elimination of pain caused by decreased circulation, increased mobility and return to normal activities.
When can I resume normal activities?
Depending on the access site, patients can resume normal activities in as soon as 24 hours. We recommend you take it easy for a couple of days following the procedure, especially if your femoral artery was accessed to aid in healing.
What is recovery like for arterial interventions?
Recovery depends on where the provider accesses your artery. If the access site is in the foot, recovery is 30 minutes to an hour. If the provider accesses your femoral artery (in your groin), recovery is a minimum of 2 hours. Patients are assessed frequently by our recovery staff and offered food and beverages.
Why Trust National Vascular Associates?
Our team of vascular specialists blends clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver safe and effective treatments. We tailor every care plan to your unique symptoms and lifestyle, ensuring you receive the therapy that’s right for you. From your initial consultation through recovery, we prioritize your comfort and long-term well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vascular Lab (Imaging)
What do I need to do to prepare for my ultrasound?
For abdominal studies, such as aorta, renal, or mesenteric imaging, we ask that you refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight on the day of your exam. However, you may take your medications with small sips of water.
For venous exams, please do not wear compression stockings on the day of your ultrasound, and be sure to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water for 48 hours prior to your appointment.
What should I expect during vascular imaging?
During vascular imaging, you can expect a safe and generally painless test that helps your provider see how blood flows through your arteries and veins. Most often, this is done with an ultrasound, where a technologist applies gel to your skin and uses a small device to capture images and sounds of your blood flow; the process usually takes 30–60 minutes and you may return to regular activities right away.
Who will perform my imaging studies?
All vascular ultrasound imaging is performed by a certified vascular sonographer in our office. The sonographer will take a brief medical history and, depending on the type of exam, may also conduct a quick physical assessment.
How long does it take to get results?
Your test results will be reviewed by your provider and shared with you at your follow-up appointment, which may be scheduled the same day as your ultrasound or at a later date. If your ultrasound is urgent and you do not have a follow-up visit with an NVA provider, the results will be sent immediately to your referring provider so they can contact you as needed.
Will my insurance cover vascular imaging?
NVA accepts almost all insurance plans, and vascular ultrasounds are generally covered when ordered by your provider. If you have questions about your specific plan or coverage, our team can help verify your benefits before your appointment.
Ready to Book Your Consultation?
Our team is here to guide you through every step of your surgical journey. Whether you’re learning how to prepare for your vein and vascular procedures or other types of surgical care, we provide clear instructions, expert advice, and personalized support to ensure a smooth and safe experience. If you’re ready to schedule your procedure or have questions about insurance coverage, recovery, or pre-surgery preparation, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait, contact our experienced team today to schedule your appointment, or reach out if you need more information.