Some patients with varicose veins may be hesitant to see a doctor for treatment. They may incorrectly think varicose veins are just a “cosmetic” problem and hence, treatment won’t be covered by their health insurance plan. While it’s true that most health plans won’t pay for spider vein treatment, it’s a different story for varicose veins.
The experts at Premier Surgical Vein Clinic in Knoxville share with you that most insurance companies will cover varicose vein procedures as long as they’re deemed to be “medically necessary” and not “cosmetic.”
What qualifies for “medically necessary” treatment?
Health insurance companies will usually cover treatments if the varicose veins are symptomatic. Symptoms can include: pain, swelling, discoloration, tired legs, ulceration, and bleeding veins.
There are insurance companies who require patients to try conservative measures first before authorizing varicose vein treatment. This includes wearing of compression garments from 6 weeks to 3 months and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The process of obtaining insurance coverage for your vein procedure can sometimes take several weeks. Fortunately, Premier Vein Clinic has experienced staff to guide you over the insurance coverage hurdles.
How about “cosmetic” vein treatment?
As its name implies, cosmetic vein treatment are for improving the appearance of smaller vein disorders like spider veins. Unlike varicose veins, cosmetic vein problems are normally considered non-symptomatic. Hence, treatment is usually not covered by insurance. Patients have to pay out of pocket if they’re seeking treatment for this reason.
If you have large, bulgy, and painful varicose veins, you are more likely to meet the medical necessity requirement of most health insurance companies. To begin the process, you will have to come in for an evaluation from a trained vein specialist. During the evaluation process, a venous ultrasound may be used to determine the severity and location of your varicose vein issue. .
Request an appointment with the team at Premier Vein Clinic in Knoxville online at https://www.premierveinclinics.com/request-an-appointment/ or call (865) 588-8229.
References:
https://www.centerforvein.com/insurance-cover-vein-procedures/
http://www.fmchealth.org/NewsDetail/Will-your-insurance-cover-the-treatment-of-varicose-veins