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Vascular Center: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vascular surgeon and why do I need to go to you?
Vascular surgeons today are physicians who specialize in the care of vascular diseases. They are diagnosticians helping to recognize disease processes which involve the veins, arteries, and lymphatics. These physicians are able to manage medical and surgical vascular conditions and make appropriate suggestions to supplement current care.

When a patient’s condition is beyond medical management, vascular surgeons can offer minimally invasive techniques for intervention and finally can offer open surgical procedures for vascular diseases when other options are not available. Because most vascular diseases are life long conditions, vascular surgeons have the ability to follow and assess the progress of vascular problems over a prolonged period.

Reasons for seeing a vascular surgeon can vary from lower extremity pain when walking, a personal or family history of strokes or stroke like symptoms, a personal or family history of abdominal aneurysms and other conditions your primary care physician will assess. During the course of your consultation you may be referred to our non-invasive vascular laboratory for testing so that the appropriate plan of care can be coordinated. 

What is the vascular, or circulatory, system?
The vascular system is made up of the heart, the arteries, and the veins. Blood rich in oxygen is pumped from the left side of the heart to all the major organs by way of the arteries. Blood returns from all organs to the right side of the heart by way of the veins. Blood makes a complete circle - hence the term “circulation."

What happens when the blood flow becomes blocked?
Interruptions to the flow on the arterial side lead to organ damage and tissue loss, and even death. Clots can form on the vein side and cause swelling and even death if the clots get to the heart.

How do I get to The Vascular Center at Mercy?
The Vascular Center at Mercy is located on the Mercy campus at McAuley Plaza Level 5. For driving directions and parking information, click here.

When can I get an appointment at The Vascular Center at Mercy?
It is our policy to see patients within a week of being contacted. In more urgent cases patients are seen within 24 hours.

When are diagnostic and office visits scheduled?
The noninvasive vascular lab tests patients Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Patients seeing one of our surgeons are scheduled on one of our office appointment days or sooner if urgent.

Will my primary care and/or referring physician receive a report?
A full report is mailed to your referring physician within 48 hours of your appointment. The report includes our initial evaluation and future treatment plans. Referring physicians can be involved with subsequent pre- and post-operative care whenever feasible. Physicians from outlying areas and states are contacted personally by phone, so that they can be well informed of developments. We routinely send out letters to referring physicians to let them know about the outcomes and future treatment plans for their patients.

What insurance plans are accepted at The Vascular Center at Mercy?
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, most HMOs and private insurance carriers. If your insurance company requires you to have a referral or prescription for testing, please contact your primary care physician to obtain this prior to your visit to the Vascular Center. Contact us if you have a specific question about your insurance plan and we will try to assist.

Are there accommodations for patients’ families who are from out-of-town?
The families of out-of-town patients are provided a complimentary room at an adjacent hotel for one night when a surgical procedure requires hospitalization. Should the stay extend past one night, participating hotels offer a discount rate.

Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.

Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-332-9404
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)