District 10 Recap - March 29, 2019

POMA District 10 gathered on Friday, March 29, 2019 for their monthly event at the Blue Bell Inn in Blue Bell, PA. The group enjoyed a lecture about Modern Treatment of Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency by Mehul Shah, MD.

Important points to remember from the presentation:

  • Venous Insufficiency is related to poor venous return. In most cases this is due to venous reflux.
  • Over 25 million American have venous insufficiency
  • Only about 1.9 million seek treatment annually
  • Risk factors: genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, obesity
  • Symptoms: heaviness, burning, aching, pain, fatigue, itching, cramping, restless legs
  • Patients may have venous insufficiency even if they have no visible varicosity
  • Ultrasound should be performed in the standing position, as ultrasounds
  • performed in the supine position can produce false negatives
  • When to treat: unresponsive to conservative measures (compression stockings/exercise), the patient requests it for cosmetic reasons, or there is a change in skin, which would be a predisposition to a venous ulcer 

After the presentation, Dr. Joan Grzybowski, POMA President, updated us on POMA, the POMA app, current medical political issues in Pennsylvania, and possible changes in recertification. Dr. George Vermeire, POMA immediate past president, updated us on the NP bill and POMPAC. Additionally, Dr. Madelyn Sine updated us on available CME at PCOM.

District 10 future meetings are scheduled for April 12th at the Blue Bell Inn and May 1th at Morton’s Steak House in King of Prussia.