FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about referrals, office visits, procedures,
vein care, and injections.

Referral Department

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

While a referral is not mandatory for most insurances, it is best to have
a referral sent to our office regarding the reason you are needing to be
seen and any testing that has been done to prevent delays in you being seen.

How long will it take to get authorization?

Authorization can take up to two weeks, sometimes longer, depending on the
insurance company.

What if my insurance changed?

Notify us with your new insurance information as soon as possible so we
do not delay care.

Office Visit

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your ID, insurance cards, medication list, and imaging disc.

Procedures

Do I need a driver?

Yes, if you are receiving any type of sedation or any long-lasting anesthetic.

Can I drink water the day of my procedure?

No. Do not drink any liquids, chew gum, or have mints the day of the procedure.

I want to know more about my scheduled procedure.

Our website has videos explaining procedures. If you cannot find the one
you are looking for, please email us for more information.

Can I take my insulin the day of the procedure?

No insulin the morning of the procedure. It can be resumed the day after
the procedure or as the doctor orders.

Can I take blood pressure medication the day of?

Yes, but only with a small sip of water.

Vein Questions

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear on the
legs and feet. They occur when vein valves weaken, causing blood to pool
instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart.

What causes varicose veins?

  • Genetics
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Standing or sitting for long periods
  • Hormonal changes

What are symptoms of varicose veins?

Visible, bulging, and twisted veins, legs that feel heavy or achy,
swelling, itching, and cramping.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

While often considered cosmetic, untreated varicose veins can lead to pain,
swelling, skin discoloration, ulcers, and blood clots.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are smaller red, blue, or purple veins visible near the skin’s
surface. They are usually harmless but can be treated for cosmetic or
symptomatic reasons.

What treatments are available for varicose veins?

  • Compression Stockings
  • Lifestyle Modifications
  • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
  • VenaSeal™ Closure System
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy

How long is recovery after vein treatment?

Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. Walking is
encouraged after treatment to promote healthy circulation.

Can I fly or go on long drives after my procedures?

Yes. Be sure to get up and walk around every 45–90 minutes.

Injection Questions

What types of pain injections do VIP Specialists offer?

VIP Specialists offers epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections,
medial branch blocks, occipital nerve blocks, muscle and joint injections,
and major joint injections.

How do pain injections work?

Pain injections deliver medication directly to the area causing discomfort.
Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, physicians can precisely place medication
to reduce pain and inflammation.

What conditions can be treated with injections?

Back pain, neck pain, arthritis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease,
joint pain, migraines, tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and other chronic pain conditions.

Are pain injections safe?

When performed by experienced physicians using image guidance, pain injections
are generally considered safe and minimally invasive.

Can injections help avoid surgery?

For many patients, injections can provide significant pain relief and may help
delay or avoid surgery when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Results vary by patient.

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