A free vein screening at First Coast Cardiovascular Institute (FCCI) is a quick ultrasound of your leg that takes about 20 minutes. It checks how well your veins work and looks for blockages that could lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). There are no needles, and you can go about your day afterward.
Step by step
- Check in: at the front desk with your ID and insurance card.
- A few questions: about symptoms like aching, swelling or skin changes.
- The scan: a registered vascular technologist moves a small ultrasound probe over your leg with a bit of gel.
- Results: your provider reviews the images and talks with you about next steps.
What the ultrasound shows
FCCI describes the screening as an ultrasound scan of the leg to assess vein function and identify vein blockages that could lead to CVI. In plain terms: is blood moving the right way, and is anything in the way?
If the screening finds something worth a closer look, your doctor may order a full Venous Insufficiency Exam. That study checks valve function by the direction of blood flow and pinpoints which segments are abnormal or obstructed. It may include both legs and usually takes about an hour.
Does it hurt?
Most people find it easy. You lie still while the technologist presses the probe along your leg. You might feel mild pressure. The gel is the worst part, and it wipes right off.
If nothing is found
Good news is still useful news. FCCI notes that sometimes symptoms that suggest vein disease turn out to come from another condition. When that happens, FCCI has cardiovascular, sleep medicine, wound care and pulmonary specialists ready to help.
The fine print
FCCI includes this required notice with its free screening: the patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.
About the Vein Clinic at FCCI
The screening is run by the same Vein Clinic FCCI calls Jacksonville's only comprehensive one, with board certified endovascular and vascular physicians on the team. FCCI has served the area since 2002, and if a screening raises a heart, lung, sleep or wound question, those specialists work in the same building.
If your screening leads to a full ultrasound, it is done in an IAC accredited lab by registered vascular technologists. Any follow-up vein treatment is outpatient.
Getting ready for your visit
- Call 904.493.3333 to book, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- If you plan to stay on as a patient after the screening, fill out the New Patient Registration form from Patient Resources
- Bring your ID, insurance card and a list of your medicines
- Wear shorts or loose pants so your legs are easy to check
- Write down when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
- Need to reschedule? FCCI asks for at least 24 hours' notice
You do not need to send anything online before a screening. Share your health details in person or by phone.
Want to book your free 20-minute vein screening? Call 904.493.3333 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or request it on our Book page. Screenings take place at FCCI's Southside office, 7011 AC Skinner Parkway, Ste 160. A screening is not for emergencies: sudden leg swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath means call 911.
