Unexplained leg pain, swelling, or visible veins can leave you feeling uncomfortable and unsure of what’s really going on beneath the surface. Without proper evaluation, these symptoms may worsen or go untreated, impacting both your health and confidence.
At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we make the diagnostic process simple and efficient. Our comprehensive evaluation combines clinical expertise with on-site imaging, allowing you to receive answers and a personalized care plan in a single visit.
Why Evaluation and Diagnosis Is Important
Vein issues are more than just cosmetic—they can be signs of underlying vascular problems that affect your overall leg health. Symptoms such as leg fatigue, swelling, visible veins, or skin discoloration may indicate chronic venous insufficiency or other circulatory disorders that worsen over time if left untreated.
Early evaluation is key to preventing complications. A thorough diagnostic process helps us determine the exact cause and severity of your symptoms, enabling us to create the most effective treatment plan possible. At VENUS Vein Clinic, our approach extends beyond surface-level concerns. We examine your entire vascular system to ensure your care is both targeted and long-lasting.
Benefits of Evaluation and Diagnosis
Early Detection of Vein Disease
An evaluation helps catch vein issues in their early stages, even before visible symptoms appear. This can prevent the progression of chronic venous insufficiency and reduce your risk of future complications.
Precise Treatment Planning
By identifying the exact veins involved, we can tailor your treatment for maximum effectiveness. This reduces the chance of recurrence and improves long-term results.
Personalized Medical Insight
Your evaluation includes a detailed review of your vein health and overall circulation. This allows us to understand the root of your symptoms and build a care plan that fits your needs.
On-Site Imaging & Same-Day Review
We offer diagnostic ultrasound and vascular review during your initial visit—no outside referrals or return appointments required. This efficient approach speeds up the timeline between diagnosis and treatment.
Insurance Support for Medically Necessary Treatment
Comprehensive diagnostics provide the medical documentation often required by insurance providers. This ensures you receive the coverage you deserve when your vein condition is more than cosmetic.
Common Signs of Vein Disease
Leg Heaviness and Fatigue
A persistent feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs may be one of the first signs of poor circulation. This discomfort often worsens after long periods of standing or sitting and tends to improve with leg elevation.
Swelling in the Lower Legs or Ankles
Fluid buildup around the ankles and calves can indicate that your veins aren’t effectively returning blood to the heart. This swelling may worsen throughout the day and feel tight or uncomfortable.
Itching or Burning Sensations
Skin near problem veins may itch, tingle, or burn due to inflammation or irritation of the surrounding tissues. These symptoms are often mistaken for dry skin but may be linked to underlying vein dysfunction.
Leg Cramps or Restlessness
Nighttime leg cramps or the urge to move your legs constantly can be related to blood pooling in the lower limbs. These symptoms often interfere with sleep and daily comfort.
Skin Discoloration or Texture Changes
As vein disease progresses, you may notice darkened or reddish skin around the ankles and calves. The skin may also feel firmer or appear leathery due to chronic inflammation and poor circulation.
Visible Veins
Spider veins or varicose veins that bulge or twist under the skin are common indicators of venous insufficiency. While they may initially appear as cosmetic concerns, they often indicate deeper vascular issues that require evaluation.
Open Sores or Non-Healing Ulcers
In advanced stages, poor circulation can lead to slow-healing wounds, especially around the ankles. These ulcers are painful and prone to infection, making early diagnosis critical.
Risks of Delaying Diagnosis
While spider veins and leg discomfort may seem minor at first, untreated vein disease can gradually worsen over time. What begins as heaviness, swelling, or visible veins may develop into more advanced symptoms such as throbbing pain, burning sensations, or skin discoloration. As the pressure within the veins increases, the surrounding tissue begins to suffer from poor circulation and oxygenation.
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, chronic venous insufficiency may lead to significant skin changes, including thickened, leathery skin or darkening around the ankles. In some cases, this can progress to venous ulcers—painful, slow-healing wounds that are prone to infection and can dramatically impact quality of life. Long-term inflammation may also cause permanent damage to the vein walls and valves, making future treatment more complex.
Delaying evaluation also increases the likelihood of recurrent symptoms, limited mobility, and the need for more invasive procedures down the road. By identifying and addressing the problem early, you can avoid complications, maintain healthy circulation, and preserve both the function and appearance of your legs. At VENUS Vein Clinic, early diagnosis leads to better, simpler outcomes—often with minimal downtime and non-surgical solutions.
What to Expect During Your Vein Evaluation
Warm Welcome and Medical History Review
At your consultation at VENUS Vein Clinic, you will undergo an evaluation with our team of professionals. You will meet our Registered Nurse, who will review your medical history and place you in appropriate garments for your examination.
Evaluation
Dr. Schroeder will then evaluate you, perform an exam, and order Venus Diagnostics to further evaluate your veins and overall concerns about the vasculature of your legs. She will listen to your concerns, conduct a physical exam, and determine if further diagnostic testing is needed to assess your veins and circulation.
On-Site Ultrasound Imaging
Our Registered Vascular Technician will perform a vascular ultrasound during your visit without any waiting or rescheduling. This non-invasive imaging allows us to see inside your veins in real-time and identify any underlying issues without the need for a separate appointment.
Immediate Review and Treatment Discussion
Dr. Schroeder will review your vascular studies in the office, and all your treatment options will be explained and discussed with you before the conclusion of your visit.
Efficient, One-Hour Visit
The total time for your comprehensive vein evaluation and Venus Diagnostics will be about one hour. This efficient, all-in-one approach saves you time while providing a comprehensive view of your vein health.
Who Should Get a Vein Evaluation?
Many people live with vein problems without realizing they’re at risk. If you experience symptoms like leg swelling, fatigue, heaviness, itching, or visible veins—or if these issues run in your family—it may be time to schedule a professional evaluation. Vein disease often develops gradually, and catching it early leads to more treatment options and better outcomes.
Certain lifestyle and health factors also increase your risk. People who stand or sit for long periods at work—such as teachers, nurses, hairstylists, office workers, or flight attendants—may develop circulation issues over time. Pregnant and postpartum women are at increased risk due to hormonal changes and added pressure on the leg veins. Aging is another significant factor; vein valves can naturally weaken over time, leading to blood pooling and dysfunction.
You may also benefit from a vein evaluation if you’ve noticed skin changes near your ankles, persistent leg discomfort at night, or slow-healing sores. Even if your symptoms are mild or appear cosmetic, it’s important to rule out underlying venous insufficiency. At VENUS Vein Clinic, we make it easy to take the first step with expert care, advanced imaging, and a personalized approach to your vascular health.
FAQ: Evaluation & Diagnosis
Is the ultrasound painful?
No, the vascular ultrasound performed during your evaluation is completely non-invasive and painless. A small amount of gel is applied to your skin, and a handheld device called a transducer is gently moved along your legs to capture detailed images of your veins. You may feel some slight pressure from the device, but there is no discomfort during the process. The procedure typically takes just a few minutes and does not require any recovery time.
Do I need a referral to schedule an evaluation?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment at VENUS Vein Clinic. Many of our patients come to us directly without first consulting a primary care physician.
However, some insurance plans require a referral to obtain coverage approval. If needed, our administrative staff will help you determine what your plan requires and assist you in obtaining the necessary documentation.
Can I drive myself to and from the appointment?
Yes, you can safely drive yourself to and from your vein evaluation appointment. The visit does not involve anesthesia or medications that would impair your ability to drive.
All procedures, including the ultrasound, are non-invasive and performed in-office without downtime. Most patients return to their regular daily activities immediately following the appointment.
How should I prepare for the appointment?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is easy to remove, as you will change into clinic-provided garments for your evaluation. You should also bring a list of your current medications and be prepared to discuss your medical history and any vein-related symptoms you’re experiencing.
Staying hydrated is always helpful, and you may eat normally before the visit. If you have compression garments or previous test results, feel free to bring them as well.
Will I receive results the same day?
Yes, you will receive your diagnostic results before the end of your appointment.
After your ultrasound is completed, Dr. Schroeder will review the images with you and explain what they reveal about your vascular health. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and fully understand your diagnosis. From there, we’ll walk you through all available treatment options tailored to your condition and lifestyle.
How long does the evaluation take?
The entire vein evaluation process is designed to be completed within approximately one hour. This includes your medical history review, physical exam, vascular ultrasound, and a full consultation with Dr. Schroeder. Because we offer same-day diagnostics and immediate results, there is no need for multiple appointments or follow-up visits just to get started. We value your time and aim to make your visit as efficient and thorough as possible.
Will my insurance cover this visit?
In many cases, insurance will cover the cost of your evaluation and treatment if your symptoms are medically necessary—for example, leg pain, swelling, or skin changes. Cosmetic concerns alone may not be covered, but symptoms that interfere with your quality of life often qualify.
Our office will contact your insurance provider in advance to confirm your benefits and determine if a referral or prior authorization is required. We are committed to making the process as simple and transparent as possible.
Why Choose VENUS Vein Clinic?
At VENUS Vein Clinic, your care is led by Dr. Kelly Schroeder, a highly respected vein specialist and the only female board-certified vein doctor in the greater Omaha area, solely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of venous and lymphatic disease. A native of Omaha, Dr. Schroeder earned her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and holds dual board certifications in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine as well as Emergency Medicine. She is also a proud member of the American College of Phlebology.
Dr. Schroeder founded VENUS Vein Clinic with a mission to correct the widespread misconceptions about vein disease and to provide patients with a more compassionate and accessible approach to care. With years of experience treating vein and lymphatic disorders in the community, she brings both clinical excellence and a deep understanding of her patients’ needs. As a working mother herself, she understands the importance of minimizing downtime and prioritizing functional, long-term results.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs
When it comes to vein health, early evaluation makes all the difference. At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we combine advanced diagnostic tools with compassionate, patient-focused care to uncover the root of your symptoms and guide you toward lasting relief. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort, noticing visible veins, or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to help.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule your comprehensive vein evaluation today online or by calling (402) 922-8346 and take control of your vascular health—your legs will thank you.