Practical Phlebology: Starting and Managing a Phlebology Practice

Summary:
Studies routinely report a prevalence of venous disease of twenty percent or higher among western industrialized countries, and it is predicted that numbers will rise even higher in industrialized and obese populations. Whether patients are presenting with cosmetic concerns, chronic pain, or complications of chronic venous insufficiency, there is a broad opportunity to deliver their desired outcomes.

The management of venous disease has moved from the hospital and institutional setting to one that operates predominantly in an outpatient arena. These settings are often far more representative of a cosmetic surgery or dermatology practice, targeted to optimize the patient experience. Those who ahve adopted endovenous procedures in the typical hospital environment often meet obstacles that limit their ability to expand phlebology care. The purpose of this manual is to provide a practical yet effective framework for transitioning an existing hospital based practice to the outpatient arena.

Some of the questions tackled by this manual include:

- Where can I acquire the necessary training and education?
- What equipment is required, and where might I find it?
- What are my start-up costs, and will I need a loan?
- What personnel are needed, and how do I identify the best candidates?
- What is the best way to market my practice? How much will I spend and how effective will a campaign be?
- How do insurers view procedures for varicose veins? How will I get paid?

These questions and many more are outlined in detail and examples are given, helping the reader in a very practical way to take steps towards creating a successful phlebology practice. There are many ways to develop and manage a practice and the authors recognize that not all strategies work in all markets. Despite differences from country to country, this text shares sound principles that, when implemented, should enhance an existing system, and help to improve patient outcomes.

• Numerous colour photos and illustrations provide an excellent 'how-to' guide

• Practical and effective framework for transitioning an existing hospital-based practice to the outpatient arena

• Authored by three of the leading experts in phlebology

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Building a business plan
3. Implementing a business plan
4. Acquiring equipment
5. Personnel and service providers
6. Marketing a vein practice
7. Managing insurance coverage in phlebology
8. General coding principles
9. Commercial insurance operations
10. Insurance networks
11. Insurance denials
12. Conclusion
Appendix I Curriculum of the American College of Phlebology
Appendix II Continuing medical education opportunities
Appendix III Documentation/patient information
Appendix IV Manufacturers’ details
Appendix V Recurring expense

About the Author(s):

Edited by:

Lowell Kabnick
NYU Vein Center, Morristown, NJ, USA

Neil Sadick
Sadick Dermatology, New York, NY, USA

Authors:

Marlin Schul
Lafayette Regional Vein Center, Unity Healthcare, Lafayette, IN, USA

Saundra Spruiell
Oklahoma Vein Specialists, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Clint Hayes Vein Center of North Texas, Denison, TX, USA

Readership:
Phlebologists, vascular and general surgeons