It has been brought to our attention that a handful of medical practitioners have been using Fluoroscopy in conjunction with Endovenous Laser or Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation in the management of venous incompetence.

While the ACP does not consider its role to police medical practitioners or advise them on their billing practices, it is important to note that the standards of these procedures were firmly established by the international community around 10 years ago. As medical practitioners, we have a responsibility to self-regulate before external authorities and in particular government agencies commence to regulate our behaviour.

It is the position of the College that Fluoroscopy and X-ray imaging have no role in ultrasound guided procedures such as Endovenous laser or RF ablation in the management of venous incompetence. The location of the tip of the catheter can be easily found by ultrasound and therefore, there is absolutely no need to use Fluoroscopy and charge the associated MBS item number. While we understand that ACP fellows and members have not indulged in such practice, we would like our members to spread the word that the ACP community would not be supporting such practices.

The college has produced guidelines available from our website on Endovenous laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy. We encourage medical practitioners to refer to these guidelines for further advice and information.