Last week I attended the monthly local medical society meeting at the Benton Club in St. Joseph. The bartender gave me a tour, attempting to squeeze in every highlight of its 100+ year history, while all the other member physicians gathered and greeted each other in the reception hall. Soon we were watching a local cardiologist give a presentation on the use of a non-invasive CT Scan to compute in seconds the risk of a heart attack in patients.

As I watched the colorful pictures on the screen, I thought of my mother, who passed away at a fairly young age after living with “heartburn” for years, that was treated with medications for indigestion. Being a woman and a diabetic are both major factors that confound the symptoms of heart disease. A slightly higher index of suspicion could have saved her life and one of the newer diagnostic tools such as the Coronary Calcium Scan could have kept her health in check.

My thoughts shifted to one of my recent patients, a 93-year-old woman with advanced venous disease in her legs. She was brought to my clinic in a wheelchair by her two daughters. When I asked her what changes she hoped to accomplish, she promptly responded, “Can you help me get me out of this wheelchair?”. There was no hesitation in her voice as she expressed her desire to not only live longer but also enjoy her life along the way.

Life is a beautiful journeyI witness the daily hopes and aspirations of numerous patients like this amazing woman who is 93 years “young”. Some have the usual symptoms of heaviness in the legs, cramps, restlessness, and swelling. Many others have lived long enough with vein problems in their legs and present with clots or sores in their legs. Hope tends to be contagious. Earlier this week, while treating a patient who came with a clot in her leg, I found out that her husband was also on my schedule. He has lived with swelling and sores in his legs for many years. She indicated with pride that, “I diagnosed his problem myself and told him to come and see you”. I won’t be surprised if he will soon be able to enjoy the full use of his legs without the constant fear of ongoing pain, infection, or even risk of amputation.

My kids did not have an opportunity to spend time with my mother, their grandmother, and I never had a chance to be her doctor. I take consolation from knowing that my work allows many of my patients to enjoy a longer, healthier life. Life is much more beautiful when mothers and grandmothers are part of the journey.

Sam Gupta, M.D.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very friendly and excellent service provider.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Outstanding care and very informative.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Very knowledgeable and great communication skills.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Great.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Great.

What made you choose us?

My doctor recommended you.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Swelling of lower legs and ankles.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Pain, heaviness, couldn't be on my feet & walk for long periods. [Now], all for the better.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Less swelling & tiredness.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

Very friendly and everything was explained so I could understand it. Great doctor and support staff. A real positive experience.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Everyone was helpful, good-natured & professional.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Exceptional.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Exceptional. Like that he took time to explain things.

What made you choose us?

TV AD, & drove by & saw your sign on the road.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness, fatigue.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Couldn't walk long distance. Now I can walk farther without that draggy heavy feeling.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Less discomfort; even sleep better.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

You all are great. Thanks for helping me.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very friendly and always helpful.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Knowledgeable and super friendly.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Very friendly and explains everything.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Knowledgeable and friendly.

What made you choose us?

A friend works here and set me all up.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness, itching, cramping, and swelling.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

My legs would cramp towards the end of the day after being on my feet all day. [After treatment], I can now make it through a 12 hour day without pain.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Heaviness seems to be gone and cramping is improving daily.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

The staff was amazing throughout the whole clinic.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Excellent - great people skills.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Both were excellent.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Dr. G has a fabulous manner.

What made you choose us?

A recommendation from Beth Booker, FNP.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness and jumpy [legs].

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

They feel lighter now and not as jumpy.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

Excellent clinic, excellent staff. Personable, calm, a pleasure. You all did great!

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Amanda is always friendly and professional.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Kati is just awesome! Made appointments fun.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Dr. Gupta was kind and explained things thoroughly.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Excellent. No questions as to what things would cost.

Call Center/Patient Account Services:

Kati called to check on me on a Friday – her day off. That was a nice surprise.

What made you choose us?

A coworker recommended after having her [free] introductory visit.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heavy feeling in legs, pain, and cramping in calves; ugly blue spider veins.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

It hasn't been too long since my treatments, but already feel that my legs are more "energized," no more heavy feeling..

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

I am looking forward to seeing an improvement in the looks of my legs – less visible blue veins.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

The entire staff has made every visit a pleasant experience. Dr. Gupta explains procedures and options and makes sure that you understand. I feel that he does not make you feel pressured to have a certain treatment, and keeps expectations on the end result reasonable. Kati's presence always made me feel safe & secure when undergoing this treatment that is new to me. Don't change a thing!

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Always smiling, helpful & efficient.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Kati is a jewel.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Dr. Gupta is so caring.

What made you choose us?

Visiting with Dr. Gupta and techs at the Josephine Expo.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Leg cramps, pulsation in both legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

The cramps woke me up at night & my legs hurt all the time. [After treatment] I no longer have the cramping and the heaviness.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

I think they look better, for one thing, and overall they don't ache.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I appreciated the friendliness of everyone, the punctuality of the wait times. I don't know of anything that needs to be done to improve the care or service of Dr. Gupta and his staff. It's a pleasure to go to the office. It feels like I'm seeing friends, and that's very rare in a medical office.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Awesome.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Awesome.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Awesome.

What made you choose us?

TV commercial.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness / pain in the legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Trouble walking. It didn't matter what I did – it hurt.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Have only had one leg done [so far], but a definite improvement.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very friendly.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Very friendly, knows the job.

What made you choose us?

My doctor.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Restless leg, heaviness in both legs.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Legs moved all the time - couldn't sit still. Problem solved [after treatment].

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

No more restless legs.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

Everyone was so friendly. My problem was taken care of. No changes needed.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Friendly, greeted with a smile, always cheerful.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Puts you at ease, friendly. and professional.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Always greets you, professional, explains procedures, kind.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Friendly and precise with information.

What made you choose us?

Referred by Practitioner at Fairfax Medical Clinic, Fairfax, MO.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

I had pain in legs, weakness, trouble getting up and walking. Stairs were very difficult. Heaviness in legs more than usual.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Mostly stairs and getting up and walking. I was limping and slow walking. Now, I'm getting back leg strength, walking normally, and taking the stairs without any difficulty.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Pain-free, stronger. legs. I had a lot of presure around the tops of my compression hose before. {Now} that is gone. I feel great.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I was very impressed by the organized staff and professionalism! Appointments are always on time, no sitting for 20-30 minutes waiting. My expectations were less than what I experienced. You are all the best, your clinic is top-notch! I'm very pleased with my expereince at Alsara Clinic. I recommend anyone who has leg problems to visit Dr. Sam Gupta and staff. You don't have to live with poor veins. There was very minimal to no pain involved with my treatments. It was so worth the time.  Thank you!!

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Everyone was great and pleasant to work with.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Everyone was great and pleasant to work with.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Everyone was great and pleasant to work with.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Everyone was great and pleasant to work with.

What made you choose us?

Referral from PCP - Darci Fieden..

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Leg swelling & discoloring.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Loss of motion, swelling. Couldn't walk for long periods of time. [After treatment] Able to be more mobile.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Decreased swelling and heaviness..

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

Everyone was great. Happy with the results and to be feeling better.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Very friendly and very helpful.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Very friendly, funny and made you feel comfortable.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Very kind and informative.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Can't complain at all, answered every question.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Very helpful.

What made you choose us?

Research, and listening to other people who had issues.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heaviness, tired, kind of weak.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

They seem to go with the flow, not an effort like it was before...

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Muscle tone, the ability to walk effortlessly.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I definitely appreciate that someone could relate to the issues I have, knowing that something could help me... and mainly the Doctor took his time to explain things to me and also willing to listen to any question I had to ask... Thank you All!

Click to Play Video

I was at the doctor’s office and I’d seen something about “veins,” and you’re like ‘Really? Veins can have a… ?” You know, you just don’t think that there’s an issue. And the more I read, then I asked my doctor, and she sent me here to you guys [Alsara Vein Clinic].

[It was] a relief, a sigh of relief. In fact, I think I even cried when [Dr. Gupta] was actually talking to me, because, it’s like, here’s a doctor that is literally talking to you. And he didn’t speak jargon. He laid it on the line. He spoke in a way that I could understand. And it was just like, to hear somebody give you an answer that they may be able to help you, was just like… I think… I know I cried. I know I cried because – oh my gosh – there’s somebody talking to me; not at me but talking to me.

The treatments were technically painless. I didn’t have any issues with pain or discomfort. I liked the way that he walked me through it, what he was going to do, how he did it. Love his helper, Kati. And they explained everything. And they even said if you want to watch, you can watch, which I did. It was just fascinating to see. Oh my gosh, I didn’t know that this was this, and that was that. He let me ask questions. Yeah, most places don’t let you ask questions.

I haven’t flown for a long time. I really haven’t done anything out of the ordinary for a long time because it was just… walking through an airport, ah, it was just the heaviness of the legs… sitting in a car didn’t work very well. As I said, unless you’ve been through it, just… you feel heaviness in your body, and you don’t really know why. And it’s like a constant discomfort, and [in] a plane; even more so. I mean, you never would have dreamed that that was an issue.

It is a godsend. It has been a godsend. I mean, when you look back to where I was a year ago or so to where I am present day, there had to have been a difference that was made that most people don’t think about. So it’s like, haaaaah [exhales]. Oh my gosh, I did this, I did that. I’m moving. I’m standing a little bit longer. So, shy of a miracle.

Click to Play Video

My name is Katrina Brown. I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy walking - even more so now that I’ve had treatment on my legs.

What were your symptoms? How did they affect your daily life?

Before I had treatment, I was having restless legs at night. I hadn’t even realized how tired my legs were until after the treatment. I was having heavy, tired legs and just feeling the need to move my legs at night, just readjusting a lot as I was trying to fall asleep. Just the heaviness, the achiness, um, a lot of swelling after a day of activity when I didn’t have a chance to put my feet up and rest. I had some obvious varicose veins that I was concerned about.

How did you hear about Alsara Vein Clinic?

I’d seen a commercial about vein treatment, and so I just made a mental note to ask my Nurse Practitioner the next time I saw her, and she’s like 'Oh, yes, we can get that looked at'. And she referred be to Dr. Gupta.

What was your first impression of Alsara Vein Clinic?

After I came and saw Dr. Gupta and Kati and everyone for the consultation, I really liked the clinic. Everyone was very friendly. The clinic was nicely decorated, it’s pretty, and it smells good, and it’s always so calm and peaceful here. I really enjoy coming here… which sounds strange to say you really enjoy going for a medical treatment, but it’s just a nice, pleasant atmosphere.

How did you feel during and after your treatment?

I’ve had the laser treatment and the Varithena®. With the laser treatment, I don’t remember there being any pain. They do numb your leg as the procedure’s done – I mean, not your whole leg; it won’t be numb. They numb inside of the vein. And after the Varithena®, I didn’t feel anything. There was nothing whatsoever. Probably the most uncomfortable part was just wearing the stockings, and that’s so not a big deal. I have very sensitive skin and I get itchy from a band aid or a piece of tape, so, probably just the little band aid on there was the most irritating thing, ha!

Dr. Gupta does a good job of giving analogies to explain how your leaky veins affect the rest of your body, how it can affect your health long-term, and how – even if you can see and feel the problem – it could be lurking 'behind the walls' is what he would say! And the treatment was pretty much painless. Everyone made everything very clear before they did anything. Kati was very good at explaining what was going to happen and what she was doing. And as you’re getting the procedure, you’re able to see on the screen what Kati and Dr. Gupta are looking at and what’s taking place.

What are you able to do after treatment that you couldn’t do before?

I know for sure that I’m so much more active since I’ve gotten the treatment. And the swelling that I use to have before in my legs at the end of the day – if I was up doing anything at all, my legs would be so swollen by the end of the day that it would feel tight, and I would be just exhausted… like, I was ready for the day to be over. And now, the swelling has greatly changed – there’s not all that swelling in my legs at the end of the day. And it really helps me feel like you can go ahead and do something else the next day. You’re not going to be having to recover from a day of activity with a day of rest.

Now I feel like I can spend a whole day out shopping and running around without having to take time out to rest and put your feet up so that I’m not having swelling all day. I’m a lot more comfortable as I go about the things I do. Since I’ve had treatment, I’ve been able to walk; I’ve increased my walking between just my daily activities plus my exercise. I’ve been getting between five and seven miles of walking in a day, so I have so much more energy. I’m not flopping around like a fish at night anymore, ha hah!

I had two or three long veins that were visibly bulging, and now I can’t see those at all, so that’s great, ha! My legs look a lot better, for sure.

How would you describe Doctor Gupta?

Dr. Gupta is very friendly. I get the feeling that he’s probably a very good host when he has friends and family to his home because he’s always offering drinks, and he’s very good at simplifying things and putting them in basic, understandable terms. He always has an analogy for everything, and he takes the time to show you on the screen what he’s doing and why, and explain how this is good for your overall health in the long-term.

What is your impression of the staff at Alsara Vein Clinic?

The staff is wonderful. The first person I met was Kati, and she is amazing. She’s always calm and she’s really good at making you feel relaxed by caring on casual conversation. I felt like she was a friend as soon as I met her. She’s a hard worker. She really takes the time to make people feel comfortable. I was actually here one of the first days that Mia (Front Office Coordinator) came to work, which was pretty neat to see a new person on staff, and it was kinda fun to watch her as she’s progressed over the last few months working here.

How was your insurance coverage?

Insurance covered everything 100%. I believe my Nurse Practitioner checked to make sure that my insurance was accepted at Alsara, and there was never any problem. I believe they got pre-approval before any of the procedures, and I’ve never receive a bill or anything.

Would you recommend Alsara Vein Clinic to family or friends?

I would definitely recommend Alsara Vein Clinic. And I have recommended to my sister, my aunt, my grandmother that they come here. And actually, my first visit, I brought my mom along with me because I thought ‘Hey, we could make a day of it, go shopping, go out to eat’. And, we got to looking at the pictures, watching the video, and reading the information, and I said ‘Mom, I think you need treatment as well’. And she decided that that might be what was wrong with her legs. She’d been [previously] treated for several other medical conditions for her legs that the treatments never seemed successful. So I think, at the time, the doctors were looking at different issues and those weren’t her particular issues. So my mom did end up speaking to Dr. Gupta and he did the test on her, and she ended up pursuing treatment as well.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

My grandfather was a postal employee for many years and he always walked his route. As he got older, he had problems with his legs, and we were never really sure what the issue was. They got so bad that they ended up becoming infected, and he was in a wound hospital for several months. And after coming here to Alsara Vein Clinic, I realized by looking at the pictures that they had here that his medical condition probably was varicose veins that had went untreated for a year.

I had never really considered it a problem until I saw the commercial and realized it was a medical problem, not just a problem of wanting your legs to look good in the summer time. And when I saw the commercials, I realized ‘Oh, this might be an issue’. As I explored the issue further, after I came here for treatment, I realized that this was a medical issue for several people in both sides of my family.

I do wish I’d known about Alsara Vein Clinic and varicose vein treatment sooner. I feel like my legs are doing really well now, but there’s people in my family that I wish I could have told them about it sooner, and gotten treatment a lot sooner. I feel like mine happened just at the right time, but there are other people that I would like to have told even years ago.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Welcoming, reassuring, professional.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Kind, reassuring, helpful, professional.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

All the above & more!

What made you choose us?

Word of mouth: all good.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Heavy legs, lack of feeling, spasms, etc., discomfort.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

My balance has improved, no spasms. I can walk farther!

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

No “restless legs” spasms. My balance is better. My feet have feeling; my hands are steady.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

My initial fears were replaced/dispelled after meeting this totally professional and equally kind & encouraging staff. From the genuinely welcoming lady at the front desk, and each new person continued to make me/help me relax & even be excited about the future! My future health! I have only positive words & thoughts about my experience at Alsara!

Click to Play Video

I am a Dietary Manager. I work a lot of hours. I’m on my feet constantly, all day long. I have a couple of daughters.

Oh gosh, I had, like... working all day long on the concrete, coming home at night, restless leg syndrome; couldn’t sleep, always kicking. Long car rides, short car rides – I couldn’t sit still because it was just unbearable. But, now, it’s been like a total game-changer. Oh, like the heaviness, the achiness – it’s so much better now.

I actually was going to go to Kansa City to go to the ‘closest one,’ and I came home one night, tired, watching TV, and you guys had a commercial on, so I called you the next day.

From the beginning to the end, everything’s been great. You have a great staff; just very kind, willing to work with you. Your scheduling, everything, was just fantastic.

[I was] nervous at first, ‘cause you don’t know what you’re going in to and if it’s going to help. But everything was just, like, you guys put me at ease. You explained everything. Dr. Gupta, like, explained everything detail-to-detail, like, ‘the plumbing and how it works,’ and I just love that part about it. Everything was a great experience, and I’m still looking forward to getting cosmetic [treatment] from you guys, so that’s my next step.

[Now], I can go on long care rides without it bothering me. I can work a little bit longer hours without being totally exhausted and my legs aching and killing me. I go home, I’m, like, able to do things at home for a couple hours, and then sit down and relax.

I’m more jovial now; I was before, but before [my leg problems]. When you’re in a lot of pain, you’re just, like, on edge sometimes. You don’t feel good. But it’s really changed my attitude. I’m more happier now. I’m not in a lot of pain. I feel like I used to, like, ten years ago. I should have had it done ten years ago – ha, ha, ha! I thought, ‘I’m too young for this!’ But, yeah, it’s been a blessing. It’s been great.

[Dr. Gupta], he’s great. He’s so caring. He explains everything detail-to-detail, and if he says it once he’ll tell you again. He’ll just explain it, explain it, until you understand what’s going on. He’ll walk you right through it. So, he’s great.

You guys have a great staff; very great, very caring. You guys were very friendly; a very clean environment; all around great experience; very professional. I’ve told people at work, like, some of the girls have the same problems. I’m, like, ‘I guarantee you’ll be, like, happy and it will be worth it.’ So, absolutely, I would absolutely recommend you guys.

I appreciated the cards that you guys sent me, like when I lost my daughter, and stuff like that, that was very kind-hearted. I did not expect that, so, you guys are great to work with and be around. And you feel that when you come in, like, you feel like you are part of, like, the community. You are good people. I’m glad I found you guys, ha, ha, ha!

Click to Play Video

My name is Lawerence Matt; I go by Larry Matt. My partner and I run a restaurant here in St. Joe and we have for 32 years: The Cabbage Roll, a german restaurant. Very good, excellent food. I cook all the time and Andy helps me cook.

What were your symptoms? How did they affect your daily life?

I could hardly walk. I started with a cane, walking with a cane. Then I went to a walker, then I went to a wheel chair. I just couldn’t get around, period. And so I went to the hospital here in St. Joe, they sent us to Kansas City, then they sent us to Mayo [Clinic] in Rochester [MN]. They told me ‘The only thing you can do is go home and do physical therapy’. And I did physical therapy for like a month, which it helped a little bit, but I still couldn’t get around the way I knew I should be able to get around.

How did you hear about Alsara Vein Clinic?

So, then Bill and Sharon Luce told me about the doctor, [Dr.] Gupta, and said ‘They’ve done wonders with my legs. Why don’t you go try them?’ So I did, and this is the first place that ever did anything. It just was wonderful.

How did you feel during and after your treatment?

The first time he worked on my legs… I never could walk [before]. I had to go and use the scooters in stores and that, and after he did the first treatment, we went to Sam’s Club – I walked the whole store; went to Walmart – I walked the whole store. Of course, I was exhausted, but at least I could do it! And that was wonderful.

What was your first impression of Alsara Vein Clinic?

Out here was really the first time anybody actually said something was wrong. Nobody ever told me anything was wrong [before], and I knew something was. After the first consultation, it was just wonderful, you know, he’s so personable. He’s really a nice guy.

How did you feel during and after your treatment?

Well, during the procedure, I was skeptical to say the least. And then I said ‘Well, what are you going to do? How exactly are you going to do these veins in my legs’? And, so, he told me and, you know, I thought ‘well, that’s kinda goofy what you have to do to ‘em’ [laughs]! But it was great. I mean, he put some glue [VenaSeal™] in some of them, and put… [laughing] he had this can of stuff [Varithena®], foam stuff, and I said ‘hell, that foam stuff, I can go to Lowe’s and get a can of that stuff you spray for your house for cracks, ha ha ha!’

I had some pain, but not much. It was really, really kinda painless almost compared to some of the other stuff [other] people wanted to do, but it was fine. There wasn’t a lot that had to be done, really, for after-treatment care. I mean, I’d just… I’d come back here and they’d check me over [with ultrasound] and everything was fine. Yeah, after it was finished, we went to… and I walked the whole store – I didn’t need to use a cane, a walker, or my wheelchairs. It was really wonderful just walkin’ around, not having to… I mean, I love the scooters, though; they’re fun… but I didn’t have to use any of them, that was the best part. If I needed to, I had them all, but I didn’t have to use them.

How would you describe Dr. Gupta?

Dr. Gupta’s very professional and he knows what he’s doing. He explains everything to you; with a lot of doctors, they really don’t do that anymore. But, yeah, he’d stand there or sit there and he would explain to me what he was going to do, which I like that, and he had monitors that you could watch what he was doing. It was really, really nice.

What was your impression of the staff at Alsara Vein Clinic?

Oh, your staff is wonderful. They treat you like family. They’re really great. Kati, she’s kinda goofy, ha ha ha, but she’s good, ha ha ha! But, yeah, your staff is wonderful.

How did you feel after your treatment?

This is the only place that they’ve actually helped me, was here with Dr. Gupta at your vein clinic. I mean, nobody else really helped me do something with my legs except Dr. Gupta. I finally got answers as to why this is going on with my legs, so that was great, too.

How have the treatments changed your life?

The treatments have changed my life. I’m able to walk and do things I couldn’t do over a year ago. I can walk, I can do… I can’t dance yet, but I never could dance, so [laughs] that didn’t help much! But, ah, no, it was great.

How was your insurance coverage?

I never had a single problem with insurance coverage, not a bit. They just take care of it. Well, because I have a primary which is Medicare, and then I have my supplement, And, no, there have never been any questions with the insurance at all. So that’s wonderful, too [laughs].

Would you recommend Alsara Vein Clinic to family or friends?

Oh, yes, I’ve mentioned it to everybody that has something wrong with their legs to come out here. At least get a [free] consultation, you know. But I know they can do wonders for you.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

The best thing about Dr. Gupta is that he explains everything to you. Not like some doctors that don’t do that. And he said ‘Your veins in your legs are just like highways, where you have some that have off-ramps’ – all kinds of stuff like that – ‘and we’re going to block it off, and in this vein, we’re going to put stuff in [VenaSeal™] so that it starts coming out this vein.’ The way he explained it ‘like a highway’ you can understand what he means, and that was great that way. He explains everything to you – I like that. And he knew right away what the heck was wrong [with my legs]. Well, how come one doctor knows that, and none of these other doctors know anything about it? So, I came out here [to Alsara Vein Clinic] and been out here ever since – not going to anybody else, ha ha ha ha ha!

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Good.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Good.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

Good.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

Good.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Good.

What made you choose us?

My regular doctor sent me to this clinic.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Phlebitis, burning, heaviness in leg.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Hard time sleeping, swelling, trouble walking up stairs, restless legs.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

No burning, no restless [legs], able to walk upstairs, no swelling.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I appreciated the kindness towards me. The doctor explaining everything so I could understand it. Nothing better, everything was good.

Please describe your experience with us:

Front Desk staff:

Warm welcome and assistance with signing in.

Ultrasound Technologist:

Very friendly and explained the proceeding in a friendly way.

Provider/Doctor/Nurse Practitioner:

All were friendly & made me comfortable.

Billing/Patient Account Services:

They took care of all necessary to let me know.

Call Center/Patient Service Center:

Very welcoming & friendly.

What made you choose us?

My daughter picked up a brochure showing some of the problems I was having.

What symptoms were you experiencing?

Ulcer on one leg, tiredness, heaviness in legs, cramps, sore feet.

How were you affected by your legs previously? What couldn't you do? How has that changed now?

Sore, achy, hard to get into cars & step up on curbs. I couldn't walk very far to buy groceries or any shopping. [Now], I feel a lot lighter in my legs & feet. I can shop & not be exhausted.

What improvements have you seen in your legs?

Just feels weightless and no cramping.

Additional Comments: What did you appreciate? What makes us different than other medical clinics? What could we have done better to exceed your expectations? What changes would you like to see?

I appreciated the feeling of family and friendship from the moment on entering the clinic. All the smiling faces and Dr. Gupta took enough time to explain what needed to be done in terms that an elderly lady could understand. I can't think of a thing that needs to be changed.

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I came to the Alsara Clinic a couple of months ago, I was having some pain in my legs, some heaviness, just really not feeling good about even how my leg looked. I had a great recommendation from a friend of mine and decided to actually fly up from Texas to see Dr. Gupta and his staff. Walking in it definitely was very warm and welcoming. It was very state-of-the-art, felt very welcomed here, felt really like I could tell them anything.

[Varicose and spider veins] was something I had dealt with for years. My mother actually had varicose veins and I really didn’t understand that that was a hereditary issue. So he [Dr. Gupta] really helped me realize, I can do something about this, and really feel like I can work out and walk and feel good afterward instead of, just laying on the couch for the rest of the evening because my leg didn’t feel good.

[The treatment] was painless. They sat and chatted with me through it. I didn’t even know it had really started because I was laying on the bed, and then it was over. I was able to get back up and go about my day for the rest of the day. So hardly any recovery time. It was great.

It really has impacted my life. My husband and I travel quite a bit, I walk six to eight miles-a-day, I hit the gym almost every day, and now I feel like I can do that without any pain. I have to admit, too, varicose veins on my left leg, they were unsightly, and I wear a lot of shorts. I live in Texas and we wear a lot of swimsuits and we travel, so just knowing I have confidence that I can feel my best and look my best, and I have to thank Dr. Gupta and his staff for that.

I would definitely recommend Dr. Gupta; but not only him, really his staff. From the time you walk in – the front desk receptionist, the office manager, techs, the nurses, Dr. Gupta – they all make you feel very welcome. I really appreciated them and can tell that they really enjoy their job, and I think that that’s perfect to have that sort of passion for your job, and that comes across with the staff and Dr. Gupta.

If you are having some issues, get it taken care of, or at least come in. I know that Dr. Gupta does have free consultations, and so it’s an hour out of your day, it will make your life feel so much better when you get something taken care of in your legs: your varicose veins or your spider veins. It really has improved my life quite a bit.