111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Outpatient venograms at Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Forest Hills, Queens provide a crystal-clear view of your veins without an overnight hospital stay. This minimally invasive imaging study pinpoints blockages, varicose veins, pelvic congestion, deep-vein problems, and dialysis-fistula complications—so you get precise answers and faster treatment.
A venogram – also called venography – is an X-ray study that maps the course of a vein after a contrast dye is injected directly into the vessel. The contrast makes the vein appear opaque on fluoroscopy or digital subtraction radiography, allowing physicians to detect blockages, congenital malformations, blood clots, or scarring that could impair normal blood flow. While venograms were once performed almost exclusively in hospital angiography suites, advances in miniaturized catheters, low-osmolality contrast agents, and portable fluoroscopic units now make it safe and convenient to complete the test in an outpatient setting.
You will be asked to complete a standard health questionnaire and provide a list of current medications. Anticoagulants such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants are often paused 24–48 hours beforehand; always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions. Fasting for four to six hours is common so that mild intravenous sedation can be given safely. If you have kidney disease, recent blood work will be reviewed to ensure your creatinine is within an acceptable range for iodinated contrast. Allergies—especially to iodine or shellfish—must be disclosed so that prophylactic steroids or alternative agents can be arranged.
Medex employs digital subtraction technology, which subtracts bone and soft-tissue “noise” from each frame. The result: crisp visualization of even the tiniest collateral veins—crucial for planning interventions like stent placement, sclerotherapy, or ovarian vein embolization.
Traditional inpatient venography usually involves overnight observation. Thanks to smaller catheters, low-dose fluoroscopy, and rapid-clearing contrast media, today’s exam can be performed safely in an outpatient suite:
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No hospital stay | Be back home in 2–3 hours. |
| Lower cost | Outpatient charges avoid facility fees. |
| Reduced infection risk | Shorter exposure to hospital pathogens. |
| Faster scheduling | Medex offers same-week slots for urgent cases. |
| Feature | Venogram | Duplex Ultrasound | CT / MR Venography |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time flow | Yes | Limited | No (static) |
| Readiness for treatment | Same session | None | None |
| Small-vein resolution | Excellent | Variable | Good (CT) / Moderate (MR) |
| Radiation / Contrast | Low dose / 10–40 mL iodine | None / None | Moderate dose / 75–120 mL iodine (CT) or gadolinium (MR) |
| First-line status | Gold standard when intervention likely or ultrasound equivocal | First-line for DVT screening | Alternative when venogram contraindicated |
| Potential Issue | Typical Incidence | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Mild contrast reaction (hives, warmth) | < 3 % | Non-ionic dye; pre-medicate high-risk patients |
| Severe contrast allergy | < 0.04 % | Emergency meds on hand; steroid/antihistamine pre-protocol for known allergies |
| Contrast-induced kidney strain | Rare with ≤ 40 mL dose | Screen creatinine/eGFR; hydrate pre-/post-test |
| Access-site bleeding / hematoma | < 3 % | Ultrasound-guided puncture, closure devices, compression |
| Radiation exposure | Low (often < 2 mSv) | Pulsed fluoroscopy, tight collimation, modern flat-panel detectors |
Overall complication rates in large registries remain < 1 % for diagnostic outpatient venography.
| Timeline | Action Item |
|---|---|
| 48 hrs before | Arrange transportation; stop metformin if instructed. |
| 24 hrs before | Hydrate well (8+ cups water); pick up prescription sedative if ordered. |
| Morning of | Clear liquids up to 2 hrs pre-procedure; bring photo ID, insurance card, medication list. |
| Medications | Continue blood-pressure meds. Discuss stopping anticoagulants (warfarin, Eliquis) with your doctor—never discontinue on your own. |
| Allergies? | If you have a shellfish or iodinated-contrast allergy, pre-medication with prednisone/Benadryl begins 13 hrs before the exam. Medex pharmacists provide the exact schedule. |
| Feature | Venogram | Duplex Ultrasound | CT Venogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Flow | Real-time | Limited | Static |
| Intervention Ready | Yes | No | No |
| Radiation Dose | Low | None | Moderate |
| Contrast Volume | 10–40 mL | None | 75–120 mL |
| Visualization | Central veins & collaterals superior | Peripheral veins best | Large central veins good |
For complex pelvic or central-venous disorders, an outpatient venogram remains the gold standard because it pairs diagnosis with immediate treatment.
No deaths from diagnostic venography have been reported in over a decade of U.S. outpatient data.
| Plan Type | Typical Co-Pay* | Pre-Authorization Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare | $0–$183 deductible remainder | Yes (we handle) |
| Commercial PPO | $20–$75 | Yes |
| Medicaid Managed Care | None | Often waived |
| Self-Pay | $945 global fee (includes radiologist) | No |
*Subject to yearly plan changes. Financial counselors verify out-of-pocket costs before scheduling.
Case 1: A 43-year-old Kew Gardens runner with months of leg swelling had inconclusive ultrasound. Outpatient venogram revealed iliac-vein compression and occult DVT. Same-session stent restored flow; she resumed training in six weeks.
Case 2: A 55-year-old dialysis patient from Flushing experienced graft pressures of 250 mm Hg. Fistulogram (specialized venogram) detected an outflow stenosis. Balloon angioplasty reduced pressures to 120 mm Hg, averting surgical revision.
Case 3: A 36-year-old postpartum mother from Rego Park suffered pelvic pain. Ovarian-vein venography showed severe reflux; coils were placed immediately. Pain score dropped from 8/10 to 2/10 at three-month follow-up.
How long does an outpatient venogram take?
Most studies finish in 30 minutes; plan on two hours total including prep and recovery.
Is it painful?
You’ll feel a quick pinch for the IV and a brief warm sensation when dye is injected. Discomfort rates are low, and light IV sedation is available by request.
Can I drive afterward?
No. Sedation and contrast may impair reflexes. Arrange a ride or use a rideshare service.
Does insurance cover venography?
Yes, when medically necessary (e.g., suspected DVT, fistula dysfunction). Medex pre-authorizes every case.
What if I’m pregnant?
Elective venography is postponed. If urgent, we use abdominal shielding and the lowest dose possible.
Will my kidneys be harmed by the contrast?
Serious contrast-induced nephropathy is rare. We screen kidney function; those at risk receive extra hydration and reduced contrast volume.
How soon will I get results?
Preliminary findings are shared before discharge, and a signed report reaches your referring provider within 24 hours.
Are there alternatives?
Duplex ultrasound or MR venography may substitute in certain cases, but they lack the interventional capability and fine venous detail a fluoroscopic venogram offers.
What if a clot is found?
We can initiate catheter-directed thrombolysis or place a stent during the same visit, often eliminating a second procedure.
Medex is a multi-specialty clinic with 24-hour urgent care, primary care, and more than 30 board-certified specialists, including podiatry, cardiology, dermatology, pain management, gynecology, and physical therapy. Each department works under one roof for seamless referrals.
Yes. Every Medex doctor is board-certified in their specialty, undergoes peer review, and participates in ongoing CME (continuing medical education). Credentials are listed on our Meet the Doctors page.
Absolutely. Our Queens urgent care clinic is open for walk-in patients with minor injuries or sudden illnesses. You can also save time by reserving a same-day slot online.
Medex accepts all major commercial carriers plus Medicare, Medicaid, HIP, EmblemHealth, MetroPlus, Fidelis, and GHI. For specific coverage questions, call (718) 275-8900 or visit our Insurance page.
Use our secure online booking portal, call (718) 275-8900, or log in to the Patient Portal to reschedule.
Yes—most primary care and follow-up visits can be conducted via HIPAA-compliant video. Sign the Telemedicine Consent Form and choose “Virtual” when booking.
Yes. Our No-Fault Doctor Queens team handles car- accident injuries, and our Workers’ Comp Clinic manages job-related injuries and paperwork.
We’re at 111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375—steps from the Forest Hills–71 Av subway station (E, F, M, R lines). A paid garage is next door and metered street parking surrounds the building.
We follow HIPAA privacy rules, store EHR data on encrypted servers, and require two-factor authentication for staff access. You may request records through our ChartRequest portal.
Adults in good health should schedule an annual physical. Patients managing chronic conditions may need follow-ups every 3–6 months; your doctor will advise a personalized schedule.
For safety, we require an active chart and a visit within the past 12 months (3 months for controlled substances). Ask your pharmacy to send an electronic refill request or message us through the Patient Portal.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2025.
Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center
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