The Face to Face Outpatient Consultation Process Explained

Cost: Our Prices

Initial 1-hour consultation – £195

An outpatient vein consultation with Consultant Vascular Surgeon and Vein Specialist,  Rob Windhaber offers patients an opportunity to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for their vein-related problem. During the consultation, a full bilateral venous duplex scan, clinical history and examination are performed to determine the underlying vein problem. Once diagnosed, a detailed discussion of treatment options, including the risks and benefits of each approach, is provided to help the patient make an informed decision about their care. This personalised approach ensures that patients are not only offered the most effective treatment plan for their unique condition, but they also feel more in control of their care. Whilst this consultation is not the cheapest available we believe that is extremely good value. No one else that we are aware of offers similar in depth assessment. Attention to detail and accurate diagnosis are central to achieving the best outcomes for patients and can prevent the need for unnecessary medical procedures or interventions down the line.

You can book your consultation via our contact page or you can call the Duchy on 01872 438 977.

Here’s what you can expect during the consultation:

  • An in-depth discussion of your medical history, medications, and allergies
  • A physical examination of your legs
  • A detailed ultrasound venous duplex scan on both legs to assess the condition of your veins
  • A comprehensive explanation of your vein problem and all available options for treatment and conservative management
  • A personalized letter with a fixed price quote for any treatment you’re considering
  • Contact information for Rob’s secretary, Claire Bosustow, for scheduling any further appointments.

At the end of the consultation, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your vein health. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards improved vein health. You can book directly by calling the Duchy Hospital on 01872 438 980 and do not need to see your GP first. 

What is an Ultrasound Venous Duplex Scan?

A portable duplex ultrasound machine of the type used by Rob in the outpatient clinic

The duplex scan uses two techniques for evaluating the veins:

B-Mode Ultrasound – This creates 2-dimensional images using high-frequency sound waves that can be used to see the structure of the veins.

Doppler Ultrasound – This function (also known as pulsed wave doppler) is used to evaluate the way that blood flows within the veins. This mode is used to detect any areas of leaking valves in the veins known as superficial venous reflux (the cause of varicose veins). Doppler ultrasound will also diagnose obstructions such as deep vein thrombosis.

A water-based coupling gel is used to get clear images, as the sound waves are too high frequency to pass through the air. The test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is performed by a specially trained vascular surgeon or vein specialist, such as Rob Windhaber. During the test, Rob may need to squeeze your calf to augment the blood flow or you may be asked to move your legs or change positions to help get a better view of the veins. The images generated from the scan are then used to determine if there are any vein problems, such as leaking valves or deep vein thrombosis, causing varicose veins.

In conclusion – an Ultrasound Venous Duplex Scan is a highly effective, non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides valuable information about the health of the veins in the legs. This test ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for various vein conditions, leading to positive outcomes for patients. Book an appointment with a vein specialist today if you suspect you may have a vein condition and experience the benefits of this advanced technology!

Discussion and Treatment Plan

The most important part of the of the consultation process, is, arguably, the discussion that occurs at the end. During this time Rob will explain your vein problem, listen to all your concerns and talk you through all your options. This will not only include the options to treat your veins but also your options for managing your vein problem conservatively. At the end of this process, you should have all the information you need to decide what is best for you and understand how we can support you with this. After your consultation, we will send you a detailed letter including a fixed price quote for any treatment you are considering. If you wish to proceed with treatment this can be arranged through Rob’s secretary Claire Bosustow whose details will also be in the letter. More information about types of treatment available can be found here.