At Premier Surgical Vein Clinics in Knoxville, we often hear from patients that they delayed seeking treatment for varicose veins for way too long because they assumed the cost would be something they couldn’t afford. However, we hear from these same patients that they wouldn’t have prolonged their suffering if they’d known sooner how easy both the treatment and billing processes could be. Consider the following information if you’re concerned about the cost and coverage of varicose vein procedures.
Health insurance covers most varicose vein procedures.
Many patients are reluctant to seek help for their varicose veins because they assume varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem, so their health insurance plan won’t pay for treatment. While it’s true that most health plans won’t pay for treatment of cosmetic spider veins, most will authorize treatment of varicose veins if it’s deemed a medical necessity. If you have painful, swollen, ropey or bulging veins in your legs, you most likely qualify for a venous insufficiency condition, which meets the criteria for medical necessity for most insurance plans.
Health insurance plans are often complicated and confusing for many patients, but the right vein clinic will communicate with your insurance carrier to achieve the best coverage of your treatment. For example, Premier Surgical Vein Clinics of Knoxville has staff members dedicated to working with your insurance company so that you can understand the details of your plan and what your options are. While you’ll still be responsible for out of pocket expenses such as any deductible not met, your vein clinic will help you find the best possible coverage for your procedure.
Insurance May Require A Waiting Period
The length of the insurance approval process varies by company. Sometimes insurance carriers require specific steps and documentation in order to cover treatment of varicose veins. This may include a thorough physical exam, diagnostic testing showing evidence of venous disease which can be performed via ultrasound, and documentation that conservative management techniques have been implemented.
Some insurance companies require that patients and their physicians first try a conservative treatment for relieving the symptoms of varicose veins, such as wearing compression stockings, for up to 90 days before approving coverage of a treatment.
Today’s advanced treatment options for varicose veins are minimally invasive, in office procedures that require no anesthesia and little down time. Because of this, insurance carriers don’t require a referral from a primary doctor, so you can directly initiate the treatment process with your vein specialist of choice.
If you are suffering from pain or swelling in your legs, don’t let your fear of varicose vein procedures or cost prevent you from taking action to alleviate your discomfort. Call Premier Surgical Vein Clinics in Knoxville at 865-588-8229, or schedule a consultation online.