FAQ – Information you may find helpful.
What are varicose veins? What is venous disease?
Varicose veins are veins that are swollen, unattractive and often uncomfortable, usually occurring in the legs. Varicose veins, and often the smaller spider veins, are related to venous disease, the failure or insufficiency of valves inside veins. We explain these in greater detail on our venous disease pages.
Do I need a referral from my primary doctor?
Depending on your insurance, a referral from your physician may be needed, but it isn’t generally required of people with PPO insurance. Also, no physician referral is required for Bunker Vein and Imaging Center’s free varicose-vein screening. Because spider veins are considered an aesthetic, non-medical concern, treatment is entirely elective and also requires no physician referral. If you have specific questions, give us a call at (512) 726-0599 or contact us online.
What happens during my first visit?
You should plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes early for your first appointment in order to complete your initial paperwork. You can save time by downloading and completing your paperwork in advance and bringing it with you to your first visit.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Wear or bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Because Dr. Bunker will need to examine your lower extremities, you should wear or bring shorts. Also, please make sure to bring a list of the medications (prescription and non-prescription) you take, a doctor’s referral (if needed), any related test results, insurance cards and your driver’s license or state ID card.
How long will it take to recover from my treatment?
The length of your recovery depends entirely on the type of treatment you receive. But, the short answer is generally “not long.” That’s because, at Bunker Vein and Imaging Center, we use today’s most advanced minimally invasive treatments. These techniques are designed to close varicose and spider veins with the barest minimum of incision, which means little scarring or discomfort and immediate return to activities. But each individual case is unique, and the first step is diagnosis.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Simply call (512) 726-0599 to schedule your appointment. Our staff will be happy to assist you! Or contact us via online form.
About the Venefit procedure.
Is the Venefit® procedure painful?
Patients generally report feeling little, if any, pain during and after the procedure.
How quickly can I resume normal activity?
Patients are encouraged to walk immediately following the procedure, and most patients resume normal activities within 1-2 days.
How soon after treatment will my symptoms improve?
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks following the procedure.
Is there any scarring, bruising, or swelling after the procedure?
Most patients report minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the Venefit closure procedure.
How is the Venefit procedure different from endovenous laser?
In the only head-to-head trial of its kind, the Venefit catheter showed statistical superiority over 980nm endovenous laser. Patients treated with the Venefit catheter experienced less pain, less bruising, fewer complications and realized quality of life improvement up to four times faster than those treated with endovenous laser ablation.
How is the Venefit procedure different from vein stripping?
During vein stripping, incisions are made in the groin and calf, and a stripper tool is threaded through the diseased vein, to pull the vein out of the leg. With the Venefit closure procedure, only one small incision is made at the insertion site and the vein is then closed and left in place. This minimally invasive approach virtually eliminates pain and bruising associated with vein stripping surgery.
Is the Venefit procedure covered by insurance?
Yes, the Venefit procedure is covered by most health insurances for patients diagnosed with venous reflux.
