Last updated on October 31, 2026
If you’re looking for help with varicose veins, you’ll come across vein specialists, vein doctors, phlebologists, vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. These names don’t all mean the same thing. This guide explains who treats varicose veins in Australia, how their training differs, and the questions worth asking before you choose a doctor.
Who treats varicose veins?
In Australia, varicose veins are mostly treated by three groups of doctors:
- Vascular surgeons, specialist surgeons who treat arteries and veins
- Interventional radiologists, specialist radiologists who treat conditions through a needle or small skin puncture, guided by imaging
- Phlebologists, doctors who have completed further training in vein disease with the Australasian College of Phlebology
Most varicose veins are now treated through a needle rather than with open surgery, using radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, VenaSeal medical glue or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Doctors from all three groups may offer some or all of these treatments.
Start with your GP
Your GP is a good first step. They can check your legs, look for other causes of leg pain or swelling, and write a referral. You can book with many vein clinics without a referral, but you need a current GP referral to claim a Medicare rebate for a specialist consultation. A referral also means your GP receives a letter about your assessment and treatment.
Vascular surgeons
Vascular surgeons are specialist surgeons who have completed surgical training with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). They treat diseases of the arteries and veins, including blocked arteries, aneurysms and varicose veins.
For varicose veins, many vascular surgeons now use the same needle-based treatments as other vein doctors, such as radiofrequency or laser ablation. Some also perform traditional vein stripping in hospital, which is now used much less often.
Interventional radiologists
Interventional radiologists are specialist radiologists (FRANZCR) who have completed further fellowship training in image-guided procedures. Instead of open surgery, they treat conditions through a needle or a small skin puncture, using ultrasound or live X-ray to see inside the body.
Much of their work is endovascular, meaning it is done from inside the blood vessels using fine catheters and wires. Closing a faulty leg vein from the inside with radiofrequency, laser or glue uses the same skills. Because radiology training is built around imaging, interventional radiologists are also experienced in the ultrasound used to diagnose and map varicose veins.
Interventional radiologists can also treat veins outside the legs, such as faulty pelvic veins. This matters for some women whose varicose veins come from the pelvis, for example vulvar varicosities or veins at the back of the thigh.
Phlebologists
Phlebology is the study and treatment of vein disease. In Australia, a phlebologist is a doctor who has completed the training program of the Australasian College of Phlebology and become a Fellow of the College (FACP). Training covers sclerotherapy, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation.
Phlebology isn’t one of the specialties recognised by the Medical Board of Australia, so the title describes this College training rather than specialist registration. Many phlebologists are GPs by background, and some are also specialists in another field.
What does “vein specialist” or “vein doctor” mean?
“Vein specialist” and “vein doctor” are general descriptions rather than formal qualifications. They can refer to any of the doctors above.
If you want to check a doctor’s qualifications, search for them on the Ahpra public register. It shows whether a doctor has specialist registration and, if so, in which specialty.
What matters more than the title
A good result depends less on the name of the specialty and more on how carefully your veins are assessed and how many treatment options your doctor can offer. These questions are worth asking:
- Who does my ultrasound? Treatment should be planned from a detailed ultrasound that maps which veins are leaking. Ask whether the doctor treating you does or reviews the scan themselves.
- Which treatments do you offer? If a clinic offers only one treatment, that is the treatment you are likely to be recommended. A doctor who offers several can choose the one that suits your veins.
- Could my veins be coming from the pelvis? If you have veins around the groin, vulva or back of the thigh, ask whether a pelvic source will be checked.
- Who does the procedure and the follow-up? Ask whether you will see the same doctor throughout, and whether you will have a follow-up ultrasound.
- What will it cost? Ask for a written quote covering the procedure, any follow-up sessions and compression stockings, and what Medicare or your health fund will cover. See is varicose vein treatment covered by Medicare?
Seeing Dr Ryan McConnell at Vein Doctors Sydney
At Vein Doctors Sydney, every patient is assessed and treated by Dr Ryan McConnell, an interventional radiologist (FRANZCR). He completed specialist radiology training at Royal North Shore Hospital, followed by a fellowship in interventional radiology with a strong endovascular focus and a two-year fellowship in interventional neuroradiology, where procedures are performed through catheters inside the blood vessels of the brain. He is Head of Department, Interventional Radiology at Northern Beaches Hospital, and performs around 1,500 endovascular procedures a year.
Dr McConnell offers radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser ablation, VenaSeal, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy. Thermal ablation and VenaSeal cost the same, so the choice is based on what suits your veins rather than price. He can also treat pelvic veins when they are the source of the problem.
Your consultation in Manly or St Leonards includes an ultrasound of your leg veins and takes 45 to 60 minutes. It costs $330, with a Medicare rebate of $88.40 if you have a GP referral. You leave with a written plan and a quote. Read more about Dr McConnell or see varicose vein treatment.
Book a consultation or call (02) 9023 9970.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a vein specialist?
Not always. Many clinics will book you without one, but you need a current GP referral to claim the Medicare rebate for a specialist consultation. At Vein Doctors Sydney you can book first, but we ask you to bring a GP referral so your GP is kept informed.
Is a vascular surgeon or an interventional radiologist better for varicose veins?
Both are specialist doctors trained to treat varicose veins with modern needle-based treatments. Rather than choosing by specialty, ask about the doctor’s experience, who does your ultrasound, and which treatment options they offer.
What is a phlebologist?
A phlebologist is a doctor who has completed the training program of the Australasian College of Phlebology and become a Fellow of the College. Phlebology isn’t a specialty recognised by the Medical Board of Australia, and many phlebologists are GPs by background.
Does Medicare cover seeing a vein specialist?
Medicare pays a rebate for a specialist consultation if you have a GP referral. Varicose vein treatment can also attract a rebate if your veins meet Medicare’s criteria. See is varicose vein treatment covered by Medicare?
What kind of doctor treats spider veins?
Spider veins on the legs are usually treated with sclerotherapy, which is offered by most of the doctors above. An ultrasound is worthwhile first, because spider veins are sometimes fed by a larger leaking vein that needs treating too. See spider vein treatment.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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