Frequently asked questions

• Referral letter from your GP, family physician or other doctor
  
  
• Your insurance information
  
  
• If your veins have been previously treated, please bring a copy of your medical records relating to this treatment
  
  
• If you have self-referred, please take a look at the symptoms listed on the homepage of this website and consider which ones apply to you and be ready to discuss these with Dr Zach Kidman

• You will be asked to fill out a detailed health questionnaire before seeing Dr Zach Kidman. This will include a brief summary of your concerns, relevant medical history, your primary healthcare provider, consent and insurance information. Delphi Clinic asks that you turn up 15 minutes early to your appointment to complete this questionnaire.
  
  
• Dr Zach Kidman will discuss your venous concerns and provide a physical examination which may include the use of ultrasound to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. He will give his opinion and recommendations on your condition and together you will decide the best treatment plan. Based on this Dr Zach Kidman will create a tailored treatment plan clearly setting out costs, timeframes and expected outcomes in order for you to make an informed decision moving forward. In most instances, all main medical insurance providers will cover the full cost of treatment.
  
  
• If you decide to go ahead with treatment, an appointment will be set to“Map” the veins on the concerned leg/s. This involves receiving an ultrasound by a trained sonographer . The map will guide the procedure. In some instances, in the interest of patient efficiency, the map can be completed immediately before the procedure. All procedures are carried out by Dr Zach Kidman.
  
  
• The treatment can vary in length from 1-2 hours with Dr Zach Kidman and a sonographer. Depending on what treatment is necessary the following can be expected:

Sclerotherapy

Focuses on closing damaged veins by injecting them with a sclerosing agent, which is guided in place using ultrasound imagery. Once injected, the pharmaceutical solution irritates the lining of the vein walls causing them to close and prevent blood from flowing. As the body heals, it reroutes the blood flow to other normally functioning veins and the treated vein disappears within a few weeks.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radio Frequency Ablation involves inserting a catheter into the vein then delivering a source of heat, closing off the vein and stopping the flow of blood. During RFA treatment, radio frequency energy is administered in 20-second bursts directly into the vein through a tiny catheter. Rather than clotting the blood, the radio frequency energy targets the collagen in the vein wall, causing it to shrink and prevent blood from circulating through that vein. Over the past decade, this along with Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) has emerged as the gold standard treatment, due to its high success rates, short recovery times and minimal discomfort for patients.

Following the main treatment, generally two follow up appointments will be scheduled where you may receive additional sclerotherapy before being discharged from Delphi Clinic. These appointments range from 15-30 minutes in length and are covered by the initial procedural cost.

The cost of the treatment will be customised to the condition of your veins. The final cost will be determined at the initial consult before you commit to any treatment. Delphi Clinic has third party financing options to assist with payment.

Your medical record is handled securely by Delphi Clinic respecting your privacy. Our staff are bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of their employment. Customer information will only be disclosed if the law requires it to be.

Our business hours are 8.30am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Appointments are best requested via email and an appointment can be requested through the website. Once received, Delphi Clinic will ring you within 24 hours to make your appointment time with Dr Zach Kidman. Changes to your appointment time can be requested by email [email protected]