Phlebologist in Latvia
what the state funds, what it does not, and the vein procedures available
- Certification check: State register of medical practitioners (opens in a new window)
- Noticed outdated info? Report it
A phlebologist looks at varicose veins, heavy legs, swelling in the evenings and leg cramps. The doctor explains the treatment options and when an in-person check is needed.
The consultation happens over video, so it works the same in Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Jūrmala, Ventspils and Rēzekne.
No verified doctor in this specialty yet
We check every certificate by hand, so the list grows step by step. Choose another specialty or start with a family doctor.
Known phlebologists and vascular surgeons in Latvia
Phlebologists: Arnolds Kadišs; Ints Ūdris; Ivars Prudāns; Juris Rīts; Pēteris Gerke; Rūdolfs Ligers.
Vascular surgeons: Juris Rīts; Kaspars Ķīsis; Pāvels Žibenko; Roberts Rumba; Rūdolfs Ligers; Žoržs Žabūrs.
This list is partial. Some doctors appear under both professions in our current list, and several are also registered as general surgeons.
When to call 113 instead of booking
- Sudden swelling of one leg with pain and reddened skin.
- Breathlessness or chest pain together with leg swelling. These can indicate pulmonary embolism.
- Bleeding from a varicose vein that will not stop.
- Rapidly spreading redness, heat and pain in the leg together with fever.
- A leg that has become cold, pale and numb.
- A rapidly deepening leg ulcer with purulent discharge and fever.
- Sudden severe calf pain that prevents walking.
If a vein bleeds, raise the leg above heart level and apply a pressure dressing, then call for help.
What a phlebologist treats
A phlebologist diagnoses vascular disease and plans treatment for venous and lymphatic insufficiency and leg ulcers, and also treats vascular problems that are cosmetically troubling.
- Varicose vein disease
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Venous leg ulcers
- Leg swelling and lymphatic insufficiency
- Thread veins and other cosmetic vascular problems
- Assessment after a previous thrombosis
The ARS medical centre notes that causes vary: an inherited tendency to weak vein walls, a sedentary lifestyle, work in occupations requiring long periods of standing, and heavy physical strain.
What the state funds and what it does not
This is the key financial boundary in this field.
| Service | Rule |
|---|---|
| Phlebology consultation | Cēsu klīnika states that a state-funded phlebology consultation is available with a family doctor referral |
| Certain diagnostic tests | Available within state funding on a family doctor referral |
| Classic reconstructive vein surgery | The National Health Service states that the state budget funds conventional classic reconstructive vein operations, meaning surgical removal of dilated veins, for congenital and certain acquired conditions, such as complications of varicose veins |
| Endoscopic subfascial perforator clipping | Also funded from the state budget |
| All other phlebology services | Cēsu klīnika states these are not funded from state resources and are provided according to the private price list |
In practice this means laser, radiofrequency and glue methods are usually private, while classic surgery for complications may be state-funded.
For surgery in hospital a specialist referral is needed, and the patient applies to a provider delivering the service. The National Health Service gives as examples Rīga East University Hospital, Ziemeļkurzeme Regional Hospital, Rēzekne Hospital, the Balvi and Gulbene hospital association, and Preiļi Hospital.
Treatment methods
| Method | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Microsurgical phlebectomy | The classic operation, removing damaged vein segments through small skin incisions |
| Endovenous laser | Closing the diseased vein from the inside using laser energy |
| Radiofrequency, steam micro-impulses, cyanoacrylate glue | Other endovenous methods closing the vein with a catheter, after which it converts to connective tissue |
| Foam sclerotherapy under ultrasound | Closing the damaged vein by injecting medication in foam form |
| Compression therapy | Wearing compression stockings for prevention and after surgery |
| Lymphatic drainage | Mechanical leg massage with inflatable cuffs to reduce swelling |
On foam sclerotherapy, Cēsu klīnika states that it can be used to close larger-diameter veins where surgery is not possible, and that the chance of recurrence within two years is 30 per cent.
Veselības centrs 4 states that new-generation technology allows general anaesthesia to be replaced with local anaesthesia, which improves ultrasound control during the operation and allows vein surgery regardless of age and general condition.
How someone becomes a phlebologist in Latvia
- Six years of medical study and a doctor's degree, at Rīga Stradiņš University (opens in a new window) or the University of Latvia.
- A certificate in a base specialty, most often surgery or vascular surgery.
- Phlebology in Latvia is a narrower field of practice, and some specialists appear in the register as both phlebologists and vascular surgeons.
- The certificate is valid for 5 years. Recertification requires 250 continuing education points plus a 48.38 EUR fee.
- Entry in the practitioners register must be renewed every 5 years.
How to verify this doctor's certificate
- 1Open Health Inspectorate - register of medical practitioners (registri.vi.gov.lv) (opens in a new window).
- 2Enter the surname or practitioner identifier in the search box.
- 3Look for "Flebologs", "Asinsvadu ķirurgs" or "Ķirurgs".
- 4Check the certificate validity date.
- 5If surgery is planned, ask which methods the doctor performs and at which provider.
Where these specialists practise
Rīga
- ARS medical centre (opens in a new window)
Skolas iela 5, where vein surgery is performed by a vascular surgeon and phlebologist.
- Veselības centrs 4 (opens in a new window)
Cēsis
- Cēsu klīnika (opens in a new window)
which states that since January 2020 phlebology appointments can be booked online, in person at reception, or by calling 64125634.
State-funded surgery
The National Health Service names Rīga East University Hospital, Ziemeļkurzeme Regional Hospital, Rēzekne Hospital, the Balvi and Gulbene hospital association and Preiļi Hospital as providers of state-funded vein surgery.
How to choose
- Method. If you want endovenous laser or glue treatment, expect it to be private.
- State funding. If you have varicose vein complications, discuss with the doctor whether your case qualifies for state-funded classic surgery.
- Ultrasound. Venous Doppler is the basic investigation, so a provider that performs it on site is more convenient.
- Combined methods. Some clinics state that laser surgery is often combined with microsurgical phlebectomy.
- Regional access. State-funded vein surgery is also performed at several regional hospitals.
The visit and recovery
- The doctor takes a history covering the nature of your work, lifestyle, physical activity, habits and family history.
- Before the appointment it is worth recalling any leg injuries or physical damage.
- Standing, the doctor assesses the size and location of varicose veins, ankle swelling and skin appearance, and measures leg circumference. Lying down, they assess skin condition, swelling and any ulcers.
- Veselības centrs 4 states that physical activity is recommended from the day after surgery, since movement speeds blood flow in the deep veins and reduces clot risk.
- At the same time, heavy exertion and lifting should be avoided for the first month.
Cost
In the public system, with a referral, a specialist visit costs 4.00 EUR, inpatient treatment 10.00 EUR per day from day two, and up to 31.00 EUR for the operation.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Patient co-payment for a specialist visit | 4.00 EUR (National Health Service of Latvia (opens in a new window), price list checked 8 August 2026) |
| Classic vein surgery in hospital for complications | state-funded with co-payment EUR (LV portals - Latvian legislation explained (opens in a new window), price list checked 8 August 2026) |
| Endovenous laser, radiofrequency or glue procedure | per clinic price list EUR (Cēsu klīnika (opens in a new window), price list checked 8 August 2026) |
| Foam sclerotherapy | per clinic price list EUR (Cēsu klīnika, price list checked 8 August 2026) |
| Compression stockings | per price list EUR (ARS medical clinic (opens in a new window), price list checked 8 August 2026) |
Professional association and oversight
The closest sector body is the association "Latvijas asinsvadu ķirurgu biedrība" (Latvian Society of Vascular Surgeons), registration number 40008049852, contact Dainis Krieviņš.
Certificates are issued by the Certification Council of the Latvian Medical Association (opens in a new window). The sector regulator is the Health Inspectorate.
Patient rights and complaints
If you have doubts about the quality of care, raise them first with the provider's management. If that does not resolve it, a written submission goes to the Health Inspectorate no later than two years after the alleged infringement, and is reviewed within 30 days, extendable to four months in complex cases. The procedure is set out on the Health Inspectorate site (opens in a new window).
FAQ
Does the state pay for vein surgery?
The National Health Service states that it funds classic reconstructive vein surgery for congenital and certain acquired conditions, such as complications of varicose veins, along with endoscopic perforator clipping.
Is laser surgery state-funded?
Cēsu klīnika states that phlebology services other than those listed are not funded from state resources.
How long is recovery?
Veselības centrs 4 states that physical activity is recommended from the next day, but heavy exertion and lifting should be avoided for the first month.
How effective is foam sclerotherapy?
Cēsu klīnika states that the chance of recurrence within two years is 30 per cent.
Is general anaesthesia needed?
Veselības centrs 4 states that new-generation technology allows it to be replaced with local anaesthesia.
This page was reviewed by Sergejs Ponomarjovs, from the E-Medicīna team. More about us.
Sources, last-reviewed footer and fact-check
Last reviewed: 8 August 2026
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