For Physicians
Thank you for referring your patients to Windsor Vein Centre. We are a physician-led vein clinic specializing in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of venous disease. Our team works closely with referring physicians to ensure timely, coordinated care. The following FAQ is designed to help you refer with confidence.
What We Treat
What conditions do you see?
We assess and treat a full spectrum of venous disease, including:
- Varicose veins (truncal, tributary, and recurrent)
- Spider veins and telangiectasias
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — any CEAP class
- Venous leg ulcers with underlying venous aetiology
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — confirmed or suspected
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)
- Pelvic congestion syndrome
- Leg swelling, heaviness, or aching of suspected venous origin
If you are unsure whether a patient's presentation falls within our scope, please call our referral line — we are happy to triage with you directly.
Do you see patients with suspected or confirmed DVT?
Yes. We perform venous duplex ultrasound on-site and can assess patients with suspected DVT. For confirmed DVT patients, we provide surveillance imaging, anticoagulation monitoring coordination, and management of long-term venous sequelae including post-thrombotic syndrome.
Urgent DVT referrals: Please call us directly at 519-250-4284. We will prioritize same-day or next-day assessment for suspected acute DVT.
Our Services
EVLT Treatment
Sclerotherapy
Chemical injection treatment for spider veins and small varicosities using visual guidance. Typically requires a series of sessions.
Venous Duplex Ultrasound
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
What does EVLT and sclerotherapy cost?
Our comprehensive treatment package — which includes both Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) and sclerotherapy — is a patient-paid fee of $2,800. This is not billed to OHIP and covers the full course of treatment with a 5-year results guarantee.
Is sclerotherapy on its own covered by OHIP?
When sclerotherapy is performed as a standalone treatment (without EVLT), coverage depends on the size and nature of the veins being treated. OHIP may cover the procedure, or the patient may be required to pay — this is assessed at the time of consultation based on clinical findings.
We will advise the patient clearly at their consultation whether their sclerotherapy is OHIP-covered or a private-pay service before any treatment proceeds.
Making a Referral
How do I refer a patient?
You can refer in any of the following ways:
- Fax: Complete our referral form and email to info@windsorveincentre.org
- Email: Send the completed form to info@windsorveincentre.org
- Phone: Call 519-250-4284 for urgent referrals or to discuss a complex case
- eReferral: We accept referrals through Ocean/CognisantMD and other regional eReferral platforms
A completed referral form with clinical details allows us to triage and book appropriately. Referrals with insufficient clinical information may require follow-up before booking.
What information should I include in the referral?
To expedite triage and booking, please include:
- Patient demographics and health card number
- Reason for referral and primary symptoms
- Relevant history (prior DVT, clotting disorders, prior vein treatment)
- Current medications, especially anticoagulants
- Relevant investigations (prior ultrasound reports, labs)
- Urgency (routine / soon / urgent)
- Whether the patient is ambulatory
Our referral form captures all of this information and is available for download on our website or by fax request.
How quickly will my patient be seen?
- Urgent (suspected DVT, acute thrombophlebitis): Same day or next business day
- Soon (symptomatic CVI, active ulceration, significant quality-of-life impact): Within 1–2 weeks
- Routine (varicose veins, cosmetic concerns, spider veins): Within 4–6 weeks
Wait times are estimates and subject to current volume. Please indicate urgency clearly on the referral form so we can prioritize appropriately.
Is a referral required for sclerotherapy?
A physician referral is required for all services at Windsor Vein Centre, including sclerotherapy. Patients cannot self-refer. Please complete our referral form and send it by email or fax before the patient contacts our clinic to book.
Preparing Your Patient
What should I tell my patient before their appointment?
Please advise your patient to:
- Wear or bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows access to the legs
- Bring a list of all current medications (especially blood thinners)
- Bring any prior ultrasound reports or imaging CDs if available
- Avoid applying lotion or oil to the legs on the day of the appointment
- Arrange a driver if they are anxious about procedures (not mandatory but appreciated)
We will provide procedure-specific preparation instructions to the patient directly once treatment is planned.
Do patients need to stop anticoagulants before assessment or treatment?
Patients should not stop anticoagulation for the initial consultation or diagnostic ultrasound. If a procedure is planned, we will communicate directly with you and the patient regarding any anticoagulation management required in advance. We do not recommend stopping anticoagulants without physician coordination.
Communication & Follow-Up
Will you send me a consultation report?
Yes. A consultation note is faxed or sent electronically to the referring physician following each visit. Post-procedure notes are sent after each treatment. Please ensure your fax number is included on the referral form.
If you require a report to be copied to a family physician, please indicate this on the referral form.
Who manages anticoagulation for DVT patients long-term?
We co-manage DVT with referring physicians and family physicians. We provide diagnostic and surveillance ultrasound, assess for post-thrombotic syndrome, and recommend anticoagulation duration based on current evidence. Long-term anticoagulation prescribing is coordinated with and typically managed by the referring or family physician, unless otherwise arranged.
What if I want to discuss a patient before referring?
We welcome collegial discussion. Please call our main line at 519-250-4284 and ask to speak with our clinical team. We are happy to advise on whether a patient is likely to benefit from assessment, what the appropriate urgency is, or whether we are the right referral destination for a given presentation.
