Meet Dr. Rick Pittman: Your Trusted Vein Specialist
Dr. Rick Pittman, MD, is a board-certified specialist in venous and lymphatic medicine and one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected vein experts. With 40+ years of experience and 50,000+ procedures performed, Dr. Pittman has transformed the lives of thousands of patients through minimally invasive, highly effective treatments.
How Compression Therapy Works
- Graduated Pressure: Compression is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg, helping push blood upward toward the heart.
- Improved Circulation: Reduces blood pooling in the veins.
- Reduced Swelling: Helps lymph fluid drain more efficiently.
- Prevents Complications: Lowers the risk of ulcers, clots, and skin changes.
Types of Compression Garments
| Type | Pressure Level | Best For |
| Mild (8-15 mmHg) | Light | Prevention (e.g., long flights, mild swelling). |
| Moderate (15-20 mmHg) | Medium | Mild varicose veins, pregnancy, post-sclerotherapy. |
| Firm (20-30 mmHg) | Strong | Varicose veins, CVI, lymphedema, post-DVT recovery. |
| Extra Firm (30-40 mmHg) | Very Strong | Severe lymphedema, venous ulcers, advanced CVI. |
| Pneumatic Compression | Adjustable | Lymphedema, severe swelling (uses an air pump to massage the legs). |
Conditions Treated with Compression Therapy
- Varicose Veins & Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
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- How it helps: Reduces swelling, pain, and skin changes.
- Recommended pressure: 20-30 mmHg.
- Insurance Coverage: Covered if medically necessary (e.g., for pain, swelling, or ulcers).
- Lymphedema
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- How it helps: Prevents fluid buildup and improves lymph drainage.
- Recommended pressure: 20-40 mmHg (or pneumatic compression).
- Insurance Coverage: Covered under the 2024 Lymphedema Treatment Act (3 sets of daytime garments every 6 months, 2 sets of nighttime garments every 2 years).
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
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- How it helps: Prevents post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and reduces swelling.
- Recommended pressure: 30-40 mmHg.
- Insurance Coverage: Always covered for DVT recovery.
- Pregnancy-Related Swelling
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- How it helps: Reduces swelling and discomfort in the legs.
- Recommended pressure: 15-20 mmHg.
- Insurance Coverage: Sometimes covered (check with your provider).
- Post-Surgical Recovery
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- How it helps: Reduces swelling and bruising after vein treatments.
- Recommended pressure: 15-20 mmHg.
- Insurance Coverage: Not typically covered.
How to Choose the Right Compression Garment
- Consult a Specialist: We’ll measure your legs and recommend the right pressure level.
- Choose the Style:
- Knee-high (most common for vein conditions).
- Thigh-high (for lymphedema or severe CVI).
- Pantyhose (for full-leg coverage).
- Arm sleeves (for upper-body lymphedema).
- Select the Material:
- Sheer (for everyday wear).
- Opaque (for extra support).
- Custom-fit (for irregularly shaped legs).
Tips for Wearing Compression Garments
- Put them on first thing in the morning (before swelling starts).
- Wear them all day (remove at night unless directed otherwise).
- Hand wash with mild soap and air dry to prolong their life.
- Replace every 3-6 months (elasticity wears out over time).
- Moisturize your skin to prevent dryness and irritation.
When to See a Specialist
Schedule a consultation if:
- You have varicose veins, lymphedema, or CVI and want to start compression therapy.
- You’re recovering from DVT or surgery and need compression stockings.
- You’re pregnant and experiencing leg swelling.
- You travel frequently and want to prevent blood clots.
Insurance Coverage for Compression Therapy
Coverage varies by condition:
- Lymphedema: Fully covered under the 2024 Lymphedema Treatment Act (garments + pneumatic devices).
- Varicose Veins/CVI: Covered if medically necessary (e.g., for pain, swelling, or ulcers).
- DVT Prevention: Covered for high-risk patients (e.g., post-surgery, during travel).
- Pregnancy-Related Swelling: Sometimes covered (check with your provider).
Need help verifying coverage? Call us—our team will guide you.
Next Steps
Schedule a fitting
with our vein specialists
Receive a personalized recommendation
for the right compression level and style.
Start feeling better
with improved circulation and reduced swelling!