From Colorado’s Vein Expert: Debunking Falsehoods of Vein Disease
Varicose Veins are Only a Cosmetic Issue
Many people, even physicians, believe that varicose veins are only a cosmetic issue and don’t need to be addressed medically. However, if you have symptomatic varicose veins (pain, heaviness, swelling, itching, restlessness) there is a deeper medical problem. If left untreated, more serious health problems can arise like permanent skin changes, ulcerations, and increased risk of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
My Insurance Won’t Pay for My Varicose Veins
If you have symptomatic varicose veins as listed above, then many insurance carriers will cover the treatment of your varicose veins. Most insurance carriers do have a set of requirements that patients must meet before a procedure can be performed.
**Each insurance carrier and plan are different, so verification of benefits is recommended.
Compression Stockings Will Treat My Varicose Veins
Medical compression stockings have long been a mainstay in the treatment of varicose veins, however, they do not actually treat them. Compression stockings will provide relief to the symptoms that are caused by varicose veins, but they will not make the veins themselves go away or the symptoms. To treat varicose veins, the source of the problem must be corrected by closing the saphenous veins. To determine if your saphenous veins are working properly, a non-invasive ultrasound is performed and read by a qualified physician to finalize your treatment plan.
I’ve Had a DVT (Blood Clot) and I Can’t Treat My Varicose Veins
Many patients with varicose veins have had DVTs in the past and are able to be successfully treated today for their varicose veins. An initial ultrasound will be performed and further testing may be ordered to give a clear picture of your leg before proceeding with treatment. Also, patients can be treated while on blood thinners for maximum safety.
I Will Have to Miss Weeks of Work to Have My Varicose Veins Treated
Unlike vein stripping of the past which could cause extended absences, many patients today only miss 1-2 days of work after their vein procedures. In fact, most patients go back to work the very next day. Patients are even encouraged to maintain most work out routines during treatment.