California Vascular Assessment & Referral

• Non-healing leg or foot ulcers despite appropriate wound care
• Diabetic foot ulcers with signs of poor circulation
• Arterial ulcers caused by blocked or narrowed arteries
• Venous stasis ulcers related to vein disease or chronic swelling
• Pressure injuries on lower extremities in patients with vascular risk factors
• Wounds with cold, pale skin or weak pulses in the feet or legs
• Post-surgical wounds on the legs that are slow to heal

Vascular assessment and referral is typically recommended when:

• A wound is not healing as expected despite proper care.
• There are visible signs of poor circulation such as cold skin, pale or bluish color, or hair loss on legs.
• A patient has a history of diabetes, smoking, or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• There is leg pain when walking (claudication) or pain at rest.
• Ulcers or sores recur in the same location.
• There is swelling, heaviness, or skin changes in the legs.

Pros

• Identifies the root cause of slow wound healing
• Prevents serious complications like amputation or severe infection
• Helps guide targeted treatment plans
• Can lead to specialist intervention that improves long-term circulation and health

Cons

• May require additional testing and specialist appointments
• Some vascular procedures involve mild discomfort or downtime
• Specialist care may require travel or scheduling coordination

Healing Timeline Expectations

• Assessment: Vascular testing is often completed in 1–2 visits.
• Specialist Referral: Depending on urgency, appointments can be arranged within days to weeks.
• Healing after Intervention: Improved blood flow can significantly speed up wound healing, but full recovery depends on wound severity and other health factors—often weeks to months.