New vein center plans open house, screenings

Schneck Medical Center’s new Vein Center can help provide relief and long-term solutions for venous diseases.

To kick things off, the Vein Center will host an open house and screening from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 with three education sessions at the start of each hour. Free screenings will be limited to 30 people who register in advance. “People need to be aware that the majority of vein problems are caused by a medical condition called venous reflux — the backward flow of blood,” Dr. Rick Wiethoff, Schneck Vein Center surgeon, said. “Left undiagnosed and untreated, conditions can worsen to more chronic stages, including venous ulceration, skin discoloration and edema,” he added. Because of federal regulations, Medicare and Medicaid patients may attend the education session but are not eligible for the screening. However, these patients may schedule a consultation with the vein surgeon for further evaluation.

The free screenings will be held in the Vein Center just inside the patient entrance at Schneck.

To schedule a screening or appointment, call 524-8346.