For many, cosmetic procedures are considered too expensive or
unnecessary. However, not all procedures are just for vanity. There are many
procedures which are considered medically necessary for health and should be
seriously considered by those who suffer. Varicose vein treatments are one of
those medically necessary procedures which may be performed in a cosmetic
surgeon’s office.
Understanding that varicose
veins are a result of chronic venous disease is important to getting the
appropriate treatment from a professional
trained in phlebology (venous and lymphatic disorders). This disease occurs
when valves in your veins fail to function, so the valves do not completely
close. Blood can begin to pool, flow backward, or reflux in the vein and cause
a variety of vein complications. An abnormal circulatory condition with
decreased return of blood from the leg veins up to the heart, with pooling of
blood in the veins is called venous insufficiency. Spider veins and varicose
veins, the larger “rope-like” veins, are the result of dilation under pressure.
Varicose veins generally grow in size over time and can result in substantial
pain and complications if not treated.
If you or someone you know
suffers from varicose veins but believe it is too expensive or complicated to
treat, it’s time you reconsider. When performed for medical reasons, most
insurance carriers, including Medicare, will consider coverage for venous
insufficiency treatments, based on medical necessity for symptom relief.
“Typically, most patients that seek treatment for removing their varicose veins
will find that the procedure is covered by their insurance plan. That is
because insurance companies recognize that vein disease is real, not just
cosmetic. Like many other procedures that are covered under your insurance, the
amount of coverage varies on the type of plan and your insurance provider, but
either way treating your varicose veins should not be put off as the effects of
the disease worsen over time.
“While it is common for
spider veins to be considered “cosmetic” and thus not covered by insurance, it
is important to note that 1-in-4 patients with spider veins have underlying
signs of vein disease. If this is the case, removing your spider veins will be
included in the insurance coverage to remove your underlying varicosities- as
this is the root cause of the spider veins. Furthermore, unless your underlying
vein disease is treated at the source, the chances for reoccurrence of your
previously removed spider veins is high. Therefore, it is important for people
with spider veins to have a full diagnostic exam using an ultrasound to prevent
the recurrence of both their varicose and spider veins in the
future.”
At Ciao Bella Vein Clinic, our emphasis is on the
diagnosis and treatment of venous diseases using the most advanced and
successful technologies available. We offer free initial consultations for
venous issues and accept all major insurance carriers. Our doctors are trained
experts in phlebology and laser vein therapy treatments. With 100% commitment
to give each patient the best results possible, you can be confident knowing
you are in the hands of the most experienced vein specialists around.
Image source: https://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/52125424/