What to expect at your varicose vein treatment consultation
A guide to your first varicose vein treatment appointment with a vein specialist in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand vein specialist practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the vein specialist can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the vein specialist assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: Initial consultations and duplex ultrasound take 45–60 minutes; treatment sessions vary by procedure.
Varicose vein treatment ranges from compression therapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy through to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and traditional surgical stripping. A typical first appointment includes a duplex ultrasound to map vein anatomy and identify the source of reflux before any treatment.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your vein specialist
Vein specialist services in New Zealand are medical specialty work regulated by the Medical Council of New Zealand. Varicose vein procedures are performed by vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, or phlebologists with vocational scopes covering surgery, radiology or general medicine plus specific phlebology training. Verify the practitioner on the MCNZ register and check their vocational scope. Vascular surgeons (FRACS Vascular) and interventional radiologists (FRANZCR with phlebology training) cover the full spectrum of treatments; phlebology-trained GPs typically perform sclerotherapy and endovenous procedures only. Ask how many of each procedure they perform per year. You can search the public register at mcnz.org.nz at any time.
Plan your varicose vein treatment treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside varicose vein treatment:
Varicose vein treatment: questions
What happens at a varicose vein treatment consultation?
Varicose vein treatment ranges from compression therapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy through to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and traditional surgical stripping. A typical first appointment includes a duplex ultrasound to map vein anatomy and identify the source of reflux before any treatment.
How long does a varicose vein treatment consultation take?
Initial consultations and duplex ultrasound take 45–60 minutes; treatment sessions vary by procedure.
What should I bring to a varicose vein treatment consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
Most private vein clinics accept self-referrals, although your GP can write a referral if you have a more complex history or if you are seeking partial public funding for severe disease.