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Question: Many people assume that if a doctor offers a vascular procedure, they must be qualified to perform it. What should patients know about choosing the right provider?
Dr. Wellons' Response: "Just because a doctor says they can perform a procedure doesn’t mean they’re properly trained or qualified to do so. In Georgia, and many other states, physicians can legally perform procedures outside their specialty—often with no formal vascular training. Unfortunately, we see patients every week who have received unnecessary, ineffective, or even harmful treatments from unqualified providers.
At Atlanta Vascular Specialists, our team is board-certified in vascular surgery, meaning we have undergone rigorous, specialized training to safely and effectively treat vein and artery conditions. We encourage all patients to ask questions, verify their doctor’s credentials, and ensure their provider is truly an expert in the field."
Pro Tip from Dr. Wellons: "Always ask if your doctor is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and whether they have hospital privileges. If they don’t, that’s a major red flag that a hospital has reviewed their qualifications and deemed them unfit to perform those procedures."
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