subject: Insurance Coverage For Varicose Vein Surgery [print this page] Spider veins are small tangled blood vessels just under the skin that look like spider webs. Spider veins do not bulge and don't require medical treatment. Any treatment for spider veins is usually considered cosmetic and won't be covered by insurance. The average cost of treatment per leg is from $200 to $600 depending on the procedure.
Varicose veins are the blue or purple colored bulges that can appear on a person's legs. Any vein in the body can become varicose but this usually occurs in the lower extremities because walking and standing puts pressure on the veins causing them to twist and bulge.
There are five major risk factors associated with the development of varicose veins. The first factor is sitting or standing for long periods of time. Blood flow is hindered when you are in the same position for long periods of time. Your muscles don't contract to send blood back to the heart. The second is obesity. Extra weigh due to obesity puts more pressure on the veins in your legs. The third is the normal aging process which affects the valves in your veins causing them to malfunction. The fourth factor is sex. Women have higher chances of developing varicose veins due to hormonal changes that affect the veins and the fifth factor is heredity.
Insurance companies and Medicare will cover treatment for varicose veins if certain criteria are met.
Disruption of daily activities due to difficulty walking or standing.
Pain or discomfort that is associated with varicose veins such as soreness, burning, throbbing, cramping and swelling in the legs.
Other methods have not worked such as compression stockings or lifestyle changes.
Veins larger than 4mm.
Complications like phlebitis, leg swelling or ulcers.
If your insurance company has determined that treatment is medically necessary, there are many procedures that your physician can recommend depending on the number and severity of the varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy: a solution is injected into the vein causes it to disappear.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein and heat is applied causing the vein to seal shut.
Radiofrequency Occlusion (VNUS): the vein is heated causing it to contract and close.
Laser and Pulsed Light Treatments: a light beam is used to seal off the veins.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: the varicose veins are removed through tiny incisions.
Vein Ligation: the vein is tied off through an incision to cut off the blood flow.
Vein Stripping: the upper end of the vein is tied off and then removed.
There is no way to prevent varicose veins from occurring but there are ways to reduce your risk. Exercise to increase the circulation in your legs. Watch your weight to reduce the pressure on the veins. Work your calf muscles more by wearing low heeled shoes and avoiding high heels. Take daily breaks and elevate your legs to improve circulation. If your job involves long periods of standing or sitting, move around every 30 minutes to encourage blood flow. And finally, don't sit with your legs crossed since this can hinder circulation.
by: Wojciech Ciszewski
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