Frequently Asked Questions

A vascular surgeon is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the blood vessels — the arteries and veins throughout the body, apart from the heart and brain. Cardentey Vascular Care treats the full range, including peripheral artery disease, carotid (stroke-risk) disease, aneurysms, varicose veins and venous insufficiency, blood clots, non-healing wounds, dialysis access, and limb salvage.

Not always. Many patients can schedule directly with us, though some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. If you're not sure what your plan requires, call our office and we'll help you check.

Our office is at 1301 2nd Ave SW, Suite 302, Largo, FL 33770, serving Largo, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the greater Pinellas County area.

You can call our Largo office or request an appointment through our online form, and our team will follow up to confirm a time.

Please bring your insurance card and photo ID, a list of your current medications, any relevant records or imaging from other providers, and a list of your symptoms and questions. If your concern involves a leg or foot, wear footwear that's easy to remove.

Often, yes. We can perform painless vascular ultrasound right in our office, frequently during the same visit, so you can get clear answers without a separate trip.

If you have leg pain when walking, persistent swelling, a non-healing wound, or visible varicose veins with symptoms, a vascular evaluation can determine the cause and the best treatment. Sudden swelling in one leg with pain or warmth should be evaluated promptly, as it can signal a blood clot.

Yes — get a vascular evaluation first. Many amputations are caused by blocked arteries that can be reopened or bypassed to restore blood flow. Because a large share of amputations happen without any attempt at restoring circulation, a vascular surgeon's opinion before agreeing to amputation is one of the most important steps you can take.

When treatment addresses medical symptoms — aching, swelling, skin changes, or ulcers from venous insufficiency — it's often covered, usually after a documented trial of conservative measures. Purely cosmetic vein treatment is generally not covered.

Both are available. Many vascular conditions can be treated with minimally invasive procedures done through a small puncture, often with same-day recovery. When open surgery is the better option, that's available too. Dr. Cardentey matches the approach to your specific condition.

Yes. Dr. Cardentey is fluent in both English and Spanish and is committed to clear, culturally competent care.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency — such as sudden severe pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke symptoms — call 911 immediately. Our office is not for emergency care.