Can a Medical Assistant Administer Sclerotherapy?

I would recommend a board certified surgeon who is a diplomate of the American Board of Phlebology (Vein Surgery).

Depending on the state, laws are different in terms of who can inject medications. In NY state only licensed individuals may, and this excludes an M.A. (medical assistant). I would encourage you to contact the state board of medicine in California to ask them this question.

Medical assistants are, in the current medical atmosphere, doing more and more medical procedures.  Each state had regulations as to who can do what.  Medical assistants consists of physician assistants, nurse PA's, nurses and medical technicians.  All of them need to work under a physician's supervision. If you to have sclerotherapy done by a medical assistant then you should inquire about their training and experience.  If you are uncomfortable with them then ask for treatment by the doctor.

I recommend that since you are paying 'physician rates' to get a procedure like sclerotherapy, that you stick with a Board Certified physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Having said that, each State has its own rules.

The law varies by state, but I would not recommend as sclerotherapy is a more advanced procedure than it may appear, and if you go to a board-certified dermatologist you are more likely to have complete clearance in fewer sessions.

Every state is a little different in terms of the scope of practice medical assistants may perform.  In the state of California, MAs can administer medications such as simple injections, oral, and inhaled medicines-- this must be done after verification by a physician.  They are not allowed to inject  products such as collagen- because these are highly specialized procedures.  

In some states, MAs may be allowed to do sclerotherapy, but just because they can inject, it doesn't mean they should!  When properly done, sclerotherapy is safe and effective.  But complications can arise including skin ulcers, blood clots, dark pigmentation, etc.  In my practice I train many physicians how to do proper sclerotherapy.  While it may look easy, it is really harder than it looks-- specific techniques, concentrations, etc are important to maximize results and minimize side effects.

Don't skim on costs by going to an MA.  See a vein specialist who will do the treatment themselves.

Most of States have its own regulations on what kind of work medical assistants may do.  Most of medical assistants may do simple injections but sclerotherapy is a highly specialized procedure.  Even if an MA may do the injection,  a physician should be aware of the treatment protocol and be intimately involved with the procedure so that if there is any complication, he/she may be able to handle it.  In any case, patients should do the due diligence in asking any injectors, whether it be physician, PA, nurse, or MA, of their experience and expertiese before allowing them to carry out sclerotherapy.

I would recommend that with any type of injectable procedure - sclerotherapy included - you have a board certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or vascular surgeon with experience perform it.  Although sclerotherapy is a very safe and effective procedure when performed correctly, there are possible risks and complications that could occur. 

i dont believe this a good idea no matter what the state law.  Nurse, NP, PA or doctor.

This is a common situation encountered by many patients.  They visit a physicians office because of their desire to have a physician perform the treatment only to be told that the doctor does not perform the treatment in question. 

I would recommend that for most varicose vein treatments, an experienced physician should perform the treatments.  These are not benign treatments without risks, there are serious consequences to mistakes that can occur with injection.  Only a very experienced nurse should ever be a substitute for sclerotherapy injections and it should only be happening on patients with small spider veins.