We recommend evaluation in the Emergency Department of your local hospital if you think that you may have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is because it is a life-threatening emergency.

The symptoms of DVT include sudden leg pain or swelling. DVT is potentially dangerous.

If the emergency physician thinks you may have a DVT, he or she can check a venous ultrasound or other tests if necessary in the emergency department, and can also quickly get the lab work necessary to start blood thinners if needed.

If it turns out you do not have a DVT, the emergency physician can order other tests to determine the diagnosis, or set up a follow up appointment with an appropriate physician.