Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (also called glucose) and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin, which lets the blood sugar enter your…
How to Act F.A.S.T. to Treat Stroke
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated. Stroke can happen to anyone—at any age, any time. That’s why everyone needs to know the warning signs. Stroke is an EMERGENCY. Call 911…
Muskegon Surgical Associates earns AAAASF accreditation for patient safety
Muskegon, MI — Muskegon Surgical Associates has demonstrated its commitment to patient safety by gaining accreditation from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). AAAASF is celebrating over 40 years of promoting the highest quality patient safety in the ambulatory surgery setting (office-based or outpatient), as well as rehabilitation and outpatient therapy…
What is a vascular surgeon?
Vascular surgeons do much more than perform surgery. These highly-trained specialists treat diseases of the vascular system, which contains blood vessels (veins and arteries) that bring oxygen to every living cell in your body. Without smoothly flowing blood, your body cannot function. Vascular surgeons treat inadequate blood flow problems of the veins and arteries in…
What to Know About Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of the peripheral arteries that carry blood from the heart to your limbs. PAD results in not enough blood flow getting to the limbs, causing symptoms including leg pain when walking. Recognize the Symptoms of PAD The most typical symptom of PAD is pain or cramping…
What Conditions Do Vascular Surgeons Treat?
Vascular conditions affect the veins and arteries, which bring oxygen to every living cell in the body. In most cases, vascular conditions are highly treatable. Vascular surgeons are highly-trained specialists who treat inadequate blood flow problems of the veins and arteries in all parts of the body, except the brain and the heart. A Vascular…
Yes, Medicare Part B Covers Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screenings
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers the cost of an abdominal aortic screening ultrasound for covered patients who are considered at risk. Anyone aged 65 or older with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms, or men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, are…
What Does a Registered Vascular Technologist Do?
Registered vascular technologists (RVTs) use ultrasound to find clots and blockages. This helps vascular surgeons, radiologists, and cardiologists diagnose disorders of the vascular system that can, in some cases, lead to stroke or heart attack.
What is Vascular Ultrasound?
When to Take Leg (or Arm) Swelling Seriously
Any number of things can cause swelling in your feet or legs. One potentially serious condition is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein in the leg (or less often, the arm). DVT is dangerous because the clot could travel to the heart or lungs and be fatal….
Does Health Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?
Most health insurance will cover treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) the condition that is often responsible for varicose veins. If varicose veins are painful, interfere with daily activities, and are caused by CVI, it’s likely your insurance plan will cover at least some of your treatment, depending on your deductible and other factors. As…