Why We Do Not Offer Free Consultations for Varicose Veins
Recently, there has been a spate of clinics advertising so‑called “free consultations for varicose veins.” At The Vein Clinic, we want to be clear with our patients and prospective clients: we are not one of them. We do not offer free consultations, and we believe this is the right choice for four very important reasons.
Respect for Our Patients: We treat our patients as partners and with respect. We would never condone the practice of enticing people through the door with a free appointment, only to then place treatment out of reach with astronomical charges for scans and later procedures. Our approach is transparent, honest, and focused on patient care rather than profit.
Access Through the NHS: We do not need to offer free consultations because we can see patients on the NHS, provide a scan, and offer a full treatment and follow‑up without charge. All that is required is a “choose and book” referral via your GP. We have welcomed patients from across the UK and even as far afield as France, Wales, Cornwall, and the Outer Hebrides.
Fair Pricing for Private Care: Our private appointments are priced fairly, and we dedicate as much time as needed to each patient. By contrast, a free ten‑minute consultation elsewhere is often just that — ten minutes, mainly to provide pricing information and encourage booking of a full private consultation. We believe in giving patients real value from the outset.
Accurate Diagnosis Requires Proper Scanning: Some of the most severe vein problems we have treated, including cases with leg ulcers, are not visible to the naked eye. Without a proper duplex ultrasound scan, these conditions would never be diagnosed correctly and in some cases diagnosis could even be delayed. A free, superficial consultation cannot provide the accuracy or reassurance that patients deserve.
Our Final Word
Remember, you do not need to be a doctor to diagnose varicose veins, but you do need to be a doctor to treat them. If you would still like to spend ten minutes with us, we would be delighted to welcome you for something more useful — a free coffee or tea in the Shalbourne.
"What a waste of money!!!! I have travelled almost 70 miles for a 10‑minute appointment! This guy just looked at me and almost pushed me away from the room."
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"My experience is that they put profit before people. My experience is that they are very expensive and not really open and honest about how much each consultation and investigation could cost. Beware and ask at every stage 'How much will this please?' Quite unhelpful when it comes to paying and you ask for more time as the bill is way more than you had budgeted for."