When you look down and see those “blue, ropey things” snaking up your legs, or feel a heavy, throbbing ache that makes every step a chore, you’ve likely reached a breaking point. You’re ready to reclaim your health. But as you start your search for help, you realize that every medical office on the block, from the general surgeon to the local radiologist, claims to be a “vein specialist.”
In an era where everyone from “Tom, Dick, or Harry” says they treat varicose veins, how do you distinguish an expert from an amateur? The answer lies in a single, non-negotiable credential: Board Certification in Phlebology.
At Vanishing Veins, led by Dr. Lori Greenwald, we believe patients deserve more than just a procedure; they deserve the security of being in the hands of a verified expert. Let’s pull back the curtain on why the title “Phlebologist” matters and how you can make sure your doctor is the real deal.
What Exactly is a Phlebologist?
The term “Phlebologist” sounds like a mouthful, but its roots are simple. The Latin root phleb refers to veins. You’ve likely heard of phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) or phlebotomy (the removal of blood or veins).
A phlebologist is a vein doctor, plain and simple. However, unlike fields like cardiology or dermatology, the use of this title isn’t strictly controlled by law. In many states, any physician can call themselves a “vein specialist” without having spent a single day in a dedicated vein training program.
This creates a dangerous “knowledge gap.” You wouldn’t want a general practitioner performing open-heart surgery, so why would you want a doctor who only treats veins “on the side” to handle your complex vascular system?
The Credential Crisis: Why Fellowship Matters
In traditional medicine, a fellowship is the gold standard of training. It’s an intensive, multi-year program where a doctor works full-time under established masters in a specific field. A Cardiologist, for example, completes a multi-year fellowship to earn their title.
In the world of Phlebology, formal fellowships are still in their infancy. Because vein disease was historically treated with “vein stripping” (a brutal, outdated surgery that went the way of the Spanish Inquisition), modern minimally invasive vein care is a relatively new specialty.
Because fellowships are rare, the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM) stepped in to create a rigorous certification process to protect patients.
The ABVLM Standard: What Board Certification Really Means
The ABVLM was established in 2007 to improve the quality of patient care. To become a Diplomate of the ABVLM (the official term for a board-certified vein specialist), a doctor can’t just pay a fee. They must prove their expertise through:
1. A High Volume of Successful Cases
An applicant must submit a list of at least 200 successful vein procedures and examinations performed within the last three years. This makes sure the doctor isn’t just a “weekend warrior” but a high-volume specialist who understands the nuances of vascular anatomy.
2. Mastery of Ultrasound Technology
You cannot treat vein disease without an ultrasound. It is the “road map” that tells the doctor exactly which valves are leaking and where the blood is pooling. A board-certified Phlebologist must have extensive experience in interpreting these complex images to make sure they aren’t treating the wrong vein.
3. A Rigorous National Exam
Candidates must pass the most complete examination of knowledge in venous disease available today. It covers everything from the physics of blood flow to the latest minimally invasive technologies.
Why Dr. Lori Greenwald is the Clear Choice
At Vanishing Veins, our lead physician isn’t just a doctor who “does veins.” Dr. Lori Greenwald is a board-certified Vascular Surgeon and a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
With over 17,000 procedures performed since 2003, she brings a level of clinical experience that is virtually unmatched in the region. As a vein specialist in Canton, she understands that your “ropey veins” are often the result of deeper issues that a non-specialist might miss.
Our Specialized Services
We provide the full spectrum of modern vein care, all performed in a comfortable, office-based setting:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): The gentle, “no-laser” way to seal diseased veins.
- Microphlebectomy: Removing bulging veins through tiny, freckle-sized punctures.
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy: Using advanced imaging to treat hidden “feeder” veins.
- Complete Vascular Mapping: Making sure we fix the source of the problem, not just the symptom.
How to Verify Your Doctor’s Credentials
Don’t be afraid to ask the “tough questions” when evaluating a vein center. If an office hesitates to provide credentials, that is your signal to move on.
- Check the Website: Look for a detailed bio. If the doctor doesn’t list their specific board certifications (specifically from the ABVLM), they may not have them.
- Ask the Staff: Call the office and ask point-blank: “Is the doctor a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine?”
- Use the Official Directory: Go to ABVLM.org and click on “Find a Physician.” If your doctor isn’t on that list, you are not seeing a board-certified vein specialist.
The Bottom Line: Your Legs Deserve an Expert
Varicose veins are a progressive medical disease, not a cosmetic inconvenience. They can lead to skin ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, and dangerous blood clots. When the stakes are this high, you don’t want a “Jack of all trades.” You want a master.
Choosing a board-certified Phlebologist guarantees that you are receiving care based on the latest medical standards, delivered by a vein specialist in New Britain who has proven their skills to a national board of experts.
Reclaim Your Health Today
Stop wondering if you’re getting the best care. At Vanishing Veins, board-certified expertise is our foundation. We are here to provide the definitive diagnosis and modern treatment your legs need to feel light, healthy, and pain-free once again.
Contact Vanishing Veins to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lori Greenwald. Experience the peace of mind that comes with choosing a true specialist.
