Vascular health is critical in Tennessee, where heart disease and stroke remain among the leading causes of death. Access to expert vascular care is essential to address these serious health challenges. Knowing what makes a top vascular provider helps you make informed choices about your vascular health.
Vascular providers are defined by board certification, extensive experience, patient-centered care, and advanced, accredited facilities. In Tennessee, APEX Vascular stands out for its expert team, advanced technology, and commitment to personalized, compassionate care at multiple locations. We’re here to help you achieve better health.
What Makes a Top Vascular Provider?
A top vascular provider distinguishes itself through a combination of:
- Rigorous credentials
- Extensive experience
- Patient-centered care
- Collaborative teamwork
- High facility standards
Board certification in vascular surgery, internal medicine, or vascular medicine ensures the provider has completed specialized training and passed comprehensive exams, demonstrating mastery in the field. Years of practice, fellowship training, and a focus on complex vascular conditions further reflect a provider’s expertise and commitment to excellence.
Leading providers deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care, managing everything from diagnosis to post-operative recovery. This includes using advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures. They emphasize personalized treatment plans and clear, compassionate communication.
A multidisciplinary team approach, combined with soft skills like empathy, active listening, and patient education, enhances outcomes and patient satisfaction. Top providers also operate in nationally accredited facilities. This ensures adherence to the highest standards of safety, quality, and advanced technology.
Leading Vascular Providers in Tennessee
Leading vascular providers in Tennessee are distinguished by board certification, ensuring specialized training and expertise in vascular care. They use advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments while fostering collaborative, multidisciplinary care teams for comprehensive management.
A strong commitment to patient outcomes is reflected in their focus on safety, continuous education, and consistently high patient ratings across the state.
APEX Vascular
APEX Vascular stands out as a leading vascular provider in Tennessee thanks to our pioneering role as the state’s first specialized vascular center. We’re passionate about having a significant community impact, expanding access to high-quality vascular care in underserved and rural areas.
We have an extensive presence across East Tennessee, with our main outpatient facility in Lenoir City and additional locations in:
- Knoxville
- North Knoxville
- Crossville
- Harrogate
- Decatur
- Sevierville
- Oak Rid
Our expert team is led by board-certified vascular and microvascular surgeons, including Dr. Christopher Pollock, Dr. Umashankar Ballehaninna, and Dr. George Michael Lodeiro, all of whom bring advanced training and a commitment to excellence.
Our team
Christopher Pollock, MD, FACS, received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine (UTHSC) in Memphis, Tennessee, where he also completed his residency. This was followed by a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Umashankar Ballehaninna, MD, FSVS, RPVI, is a board-certified vascular and general surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive and open vascular procedures. “Dr. B” for short, he specializes in limb preservation and advanced endovascular treatments for carotid artery disease. This includes TCAR and endarterectomy, as well as aneurysm management.
George Michael Lodeiro, MD, RPVI, completed his undergraduate studies at East Tennessee State University and earned his medical degree from Ross University. He trained in general surgery and completed a vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Recognizing the region’s need for advanced limb salvage care, he joined Apex, the area’s leader in innovative limb salvage technologies.
Amber Ridner, FNP-BC, earned her BS in Secondary Education (Chemistry) from LSU and taught science and math in Louisiana before moving to Tennessee. She completed her BS in Nursing at South College, receiving the Most Outstanding Nursing Student Award, and later earned her MS in Nursing (Family Medicine) from the University of Tennessee.
David Drum, PA-C is a highly experienced Physician Assistant with a 37-year career spanning vascular surgery, emergency medicine, and wound care. Board-certified and with a background as a firefighter/paramedic, he specializes in minimally invasive vascular procedures and chronic wound management. David brings a broad clinical perspective, advanced technical skills, and a patient-centered approach shaped by diverse medical and military experiences.
Our mission
At APEX Vascular, we offer a comprehensive range of services, from advanced endovascular and surgical procedures to limb preservation and sought-after second opinions for complex cases. This includes those facing possible amputation. We work actively to prevent unnecessary amputations and improve vascular health outcomes throughout the region.
Our patient-centered approach emphasizes personalized care, patient education, and treating every patient with respect.
Our facilities are:
- State-of-the-art
- Accredited
- Designed for comfort and safety
They also feature the advanced equipment and modern amenities patients have come to expect from facilities of our caliber.
How to Choose the Right Vascular Provider for You
When choosing the right vascular provider, start by verifying credentials and board certifications to ensure that the provider has specialized training in vascular surgery or medicine. It’s also important to assess their experience with your specific condition, as extensive experience and up-to-date expertise are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Look for comprehensive, patient-centered care. This means that providers should:
- Offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment options
- Communicate clearly
- Tailor care to your needs
Facility accreditation and advanced technology signal a commitment to high standards and safety. Patient reviews are also important since positive testimonials reflect satisfaction and trust.
You should also consider accessibility. Providers with convenient locations and easy scheduling make ongoing care more manageable.
Choose APEX Vascular for Expert, Patient-Centered Care
APEX Vascular is the best choice for expert, patient-centered care in Tennessee. Our team of highly experienced, board-certified vascular surgeons prioritizes thorough communication, compassion, and dedication to individualized treatment. You’ll also appreciate our friendly, knowledgeable staff and supportive environment where we deliver respect with results.
APEX Vascular’s accredited facility features advanced technology, ensuring the highest standards in safety and outcomes. Our commitment to education, clear explanations, and patient involvement further sets us apart as leaders in vascular care.
Leading vascular providers combine board certification, extensive experience, patient-focused care, and advanced, accredited facilities. APEX Vascular excels in Tennessee with its skilled team, cutting-edge technology, and dedication to personalized care at several convenient locations. For outstanding vascular treatment and a caring, supportive environment, trust APEX Vascular to help you achieve your best possible health.
APEX Vascular is a vascular surgery and vein center with locations in Knoxville, Lenoir City, Crossville, Decatur, Harrogate, and Sevierville, TN. We are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care that goes beyond medical treatment. Our exceptional vascular staff, boasting extensive experience in vascular surgery, works tirelessly to elevate the standards of patient care and contribute to your overall well-being. Visit us online or call us at 865-562-3232 to request an appointment today!
