Vascular Assessment & Referral Los Angeles County
Conveniently located to serve Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties, with offices based in Pasadena and Paramount.
Definition
Vascular assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of blood flow and circulation in the arteries and veins, particularly in the legs and feet.
It involves tests such as Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound, or other non-invasive studies to determine how well blood is moving through the vessels.
If poor circulation is detected, a referral to a vascular specialist is made for further diagnosis and treatment, which may include medical management, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
About Vascular Assessment & Referral
Why It’s Important in Wound Care
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- Identifies Circulation Problems Early: Poor blood flow is a major reason wounds don’t heal.
- Guides Treatment Plans: Knowing a patient’s vascular status helps wound care providers choose the safest and most effective interventions.
- Prevents Complications: Detecting vascular disease early can prevent infections, amputations, and life-threatening events like strokes or heart attacks.
- Supports Faster Healing: Proper blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the wound, essential for recovery.
- Ensures Timely Specialist Care: Referral connects patients to vascular surgeons or specialists who can restore circulation and improve healing outcomes.
Types of Wounds That May Require Vascular Assessment and Referral
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- Non-healing leg or foot ulcers despite appropriate wound care
- Diabetic foot ulcers with signs of poor circulation
- Arterial ulcers caused by blocked or narrowed arteries
- Venous stasis ulcers related to vein disease or chronic swelling
- Pressure injuries on lower extremities in patients with vascular risk factors
- Wounds with cold, pale skin or weak pulses in the feet or legs
- Post-surgical wounds on the legs that are slow to heal
When It’s Recommended
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Vascular assessment and referral is typically recommended when:
- A wound is not healing as expected despite proper care.
- There are visible signs of poor circulation such as cold skin, pale or bluish color, or hair loss on legs.
- A patient has a history of diabetes, smoking, or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- There is leg pain when walking (claudication) or pain at rest.
- Ulcers or sores recur in the same location.
- There is swelling, heaviness, or skin changes in the legs.
Pros and Cons
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Pros
- Identifies the root cause of slow wound healing
- Prevents serious complications like amputation or severe infection
- Helps guide targeted treatment plans
- Can lead to specialist intervention that improves long-term circulation and health
Cons
- May require additional testing and specialist appointments
- Some vascular procedures involve mild discomfort or downtime
- Specialist care may require travel or scheduling coordination
Healing Timeline Expectations
- Assessment: Vascular testing is often completed in 1–2 visits.
- Specialist Referral: Depending on urgency, appointments can be arranged within days to weeks.
- Healing after Intervention: Improved blood flow can significantly speed up wound healing, but full recovery depends on wound severity and other health factors—often weeks to months.
Is Vascular Assessment and Referral Right for You?
Who Benefits
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- People with non-healing wounds on the feet or legs
- Patients with diabetes or circulation disorders
- Those with previous vascular surgery who develop new wounds
- Anyone experiencing leg pain, swelling, or skin changes
Common Indicators
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- Slow or stalled wound healing
- Cold, pale, or bluish skin on lower extremities
- Weak or absent foot pulses
- Leg pain when walking or at rest
- Wounds with black or necrotic tissue
Risks of Avoiding Care
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- Wound infection leading to hospitalization
- Tissue death (gangrene)
- Amputation in severe cases
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke due to underlying vascular disease
Who Should Avoid Vascular Assessment
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- Patients too medically unstable for testing (assessment can be postponed until stabilized)
- Those with known allergies to contrast dye (if advanced imaging is required—alternatives may be used)
Our Approach to Vascular Assessment and Referral
At Family and Wound Care Solutions Inc., we believe circulation health is the foundation of wound healing.
- Detailed Clinical Evaluation: We examine your wound, check pulses, and review your medical history.
- Non-Invasive Vascular Testing: Tests like Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) or Doppler ultrasound are performed in a safe, comfortable setting.
- Specialist Connection: If circulation issues are found, we refer you promptly to a trusted vascular surgeon or specialist.
- Coordinated Care: We work closely with your vascular team to ensure treatment aligns with your wound care plan.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring: We track healing progress after vascular interventions and adjust your care as needed.
Why Choose Us
- Experienced Wound Care Specialists trained in identifying vascular-related healing problems
- Fast, Accurate Testing to diagnose circulation issues early
- Strong Specialist Network for timely referrals to top vascular providers
- Convenient Locations in Pasadena and Paramount, plus in-home assessments for patients who cannot travel
- Whole-Person Care that focuses on both wound healing and long-term vascular health
Patient Education & Resources
What to Expect During a Vascular Assessment
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- Non-invasive tests to measure blood flow
- Gentle ultrasound or blood pressure cuffs around arms/legs
- Review of results and explanation in clear, easy-to-understand terms
- Discussion of next steps, including possible referral
How to Prepare
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- Wear comfortable, loose clothing for easy access to legs and feet
- Avoid caffeine or tobacco for several hours before testing (may affect results)
- Bring your medical history and current medication list
Aftercare Instructions
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- No special care needed after non-invasive testing
- Follow specialist’s instructions if further procedures are recommended
Signs You Should Call Your Provider Immediately
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- Sudden coldness or numbness in the foot or leg
- Rapid swelling or severe pain
- New wound or ulcer that appears suddenly
Home Monitoring Checklist
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- Check legs and feet daily for color, temperature, or skin changes
- Record any leg pain or swelling
- Keep follow-up appointments with wound and vascular specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a vascular assessment painful?
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No. Most vascular tests are painless and non-invasive.
How long does the assessment take?
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Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of tests needed.
Will I need a referral to a specialist?
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Only if circulation problems are found. In that case, we arrange it quickly.
Is it covered by insurance?
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Most insurance plans cover vascular assessments when medically necessary.
Can poor circulation be treated?
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Yes—many patients benefit from lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures that restore blood flow and help wounds heal.
Related Services
Our Mission
About Family and Wound Care Solutions Inc.
At Family and Wound Care Solutions Inc., our mission is to provide affordable and quality medical services to all patients, regardless of their background or financial status.