Southwest Vascular Institute

I had an appointment in June for my varicose veins at Southwest Vascular Institute with Dr. Lauvao. The office staff was so friendly and professional, and Dr. Lauvao was the kindest doctor I have ever been to. He took so much time with me explaining to me why I had varicose veins and what he could do to treat them. Julie got me scheduled for surgery in the office in July and everything went so smoothly. I am back running3-5 miles a day and my legs feel GREAT!! I would definitely recommend Dr. Lauvao and Southwest Vascular Institute. This is not a vein ""spa"" this is a real vascular surgery office with board certified vascular surgeons and professional experienced office personnel. more

I called the office to make an appointment for a blockage in my carotid artery. The office staff was so kind and professional and put my mind at ease. The office tracked down all the needed paperwork and had me in to see the doctor within one week. Dr. Vaughn spent time explaining my condition and the surgery. I was so confident going in for my surgery and it went very well. I have never felt better. Dr. Vaughn saved me from possibly having a stroke and dying and I am very grateful. I would highly recommend Dr. Vaughn and the entire Southwest Vascular Institute experience to everyone. more

After reading other reviews of Southwest Vascular Institute, I can empathize with peoples frustrations. This is absolutely the most arrogant and incompetent office staff I can remember experiencing. Not only do they seem to have little understanding of process and procedure but they treat patients (or prospective patients) as if the patients are there to serve the office staff rather than the other way around. I suspect the doctors have little or no idea of what goes on with office staff/patient relations otherwise this situation would not be permitted to exist. I can't speak to the quality of the actual medical attention but if you choose this clinic, be prepared for some serious abuse from the office staff. more

After waiting 3 weeks for an appt for just an ultrasound, I was told the ultrasound showed nothing abnormal. I found this doubtful due to the increasing spider veins and pain that I was having. Four days later after running, a vein seemed to ""pop"" out and was very painful. Upon calling the office to see what I should do about this, they informed me again that the ultrasound showed no problems and that varicose veins were common (in essence, that I should get over it). After stating that I was not satisfied with that answer, I was told that I could be seen in 4 weeks. I replied that I would be going elsewhere which they said was ""fine"". I called another clinic specializing in vein treatment and was told they could get me in the next day, not 3 or 4 weeks later. They were extremely accommodating and understanding. They recommended I get in touch with my laser vein tech for immediate advice from someone that was already familiar with my case. I stopped by as a walk-in to the cosmetic clinic and they took me back immediately, told me it looked like a burst vein (NOT necessarily a varicose), compressed it, offered medicine to reduce bruising and swelling, and gave me advice on what to do/not to do until my appt with the specialists. To sum it up, Southwest Vascular's patient scheduling and timeline was completely inconvenient, they showed no compassion in the front office, and they offered no immediate assistance in any way, shape, or form that would put someone's mind at ease until an appt could be had. I would be much more frustrated and upset without the assistance of the new clinic that I am going to and the fantastic help of the people at the cosmetic clinic where I had previously been a patient. If you care to know the names of these other clinics, please let me know. I'd be happy to give them a recommendation. more

Couldn't be more disappointed. My mother was scheduled for removal of a vein; her surgery date was set at Southwest Vascular Institute. My mom told the supervisor of the practice, Patty, that she was planning to see another doctor elsewhere just for a second opinion to investigate the possibility of a less invasive procedure. My mom clarified that she still wanted to keep her surgery date as scheduled at Southwest Vascular Institute. (She figured it would be one procedure or the other, and wanted them to do it either way.) At 78 years old my mom was being proactive to learn about all possible options. She had heard that an interventional radiologist could assess which treatment would be best, so she set up an appointment the very next day for that second opinion. Apparently this didn't sit well with those at the Southwest Vascular Institute because within 24 hours they had cancelled my mother's surgery date (without even calling to ask her or inform her). My mom practically begged to be put back on the schedule to have her varicose vein removed, but she was told: ""You go to the other doctor who gave you the second opinion...you'll be happier there."" This left my mother in tears. Changing surgery locations was not even a possibility as my mom's co-pay at the other location would be hundreds of dollars more, which she cannot afford. Bottom line....now she can't get the procedure done. She needed to get this done prior to leaving the state to visit relatives. I, myself, called to speak to the practice manager, Patty, on my mom's behalf. I thought I might be able to sort this out... but I was treated rudely as well. The supervisor, Patty, was defensive and interrupted me nonstop. She had no apologies for taking away my mom's surgery appointment. She had no compassion that my mom is now unable to get the procedure done elsewhere in the timeline needed. There is no excuse for the way this whole situation was handled. I would not recommend this center. more