Medically reviewed by Nancy Harthun, MD, FACS, RPVI, on April 26, 2025
If you’re living with leg pain, swelling, or visible, uncomfortable veins, you’ve likely asked yourself two critical questions: Is this just a cosmetic vein issue, or a sign of something deeper? Next, will my insurance cover treatment by a vein doctor?
The fact is that many vein conditions go far beyond appearance, and yes, insurance frequently covers treatment. However, insurance coverage depends on your symptoms, the severity of the vein disease, and how your plan defines what the insurance company considers “medically necessary.”
To help clear up the matter, we spoke with Dr. Nancy Harthun, a board-certified vascular and general surgeon, clinical researcher, and vein specialist at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With over two decades of experience treating varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency, Dr. Harthun helps patients feel better and navigate the insurance process with confidence and ease.
📞CONTACT CVR HERE with your insurance or any other vein appointment questions.
📅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Harthun in Fort Wayne, Indiana, CLICK HERE.
📍Don’t live near Fort Wayne, Indiana? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.
Many people first notice problems with their legs when spider veins begin to appear. These thin, web-like veins lie within layers of the skin and are often disregarded as only a cosmetic issue.
However, according to Dr. Harthun, that assumption can be misleading:
“Spider veins may be the tip of the iceberg. They can be a visible sign of a deeper issue in the venous system. This underlying issue is often venous insufficiency, where leg veins don’t effectively return blood to the heart because the valves in the veins are faulty. This leads to increases in venous pressure which leads to swelling, discoloration, and, in severe cases, ulcers.” – Dr. Nancy Harthun
Both spider veins and varicose veins occur when valves in the veins leak. These valves are supposed to keep blood from flowing backward in the legs. When they fail, blood collects in the veins, causing high pressures and bulging varicose veins and visible spider veins.
You may be at higher risk if you:
Spider veins may appear first, but as Dr. Harthun notes:
“Spider veins can sometimes be a clue that deeper veins are not working properly. That’s why vein physicians often recommend a diagnostic ultrasound to check for underlying problems—even when the visible issue appears minor.” – Dr. Nancy Harthun
Here’s where insurance gets tricky. Most insurance companies distinguish between “cosmetic” and “medically necessary” treatment. However, according to Dr. Harthun, that line is often arbitrary:
“The same type of vein can cause symptoms in one person and not in another,” she says. “So labeling treatment as cosmetic doesn’t always reflect the true medical need. Spider veins, for example, are often excluded from insurance coverage. But if you have symptoms like aching, itchiness, or burning, your provider may consider treatment medically necessary—especially if an ultrasound confirms venous insufficiency.” – Dr. Nancy Harthun
Dr. Harthun believes these small, visible veins shouldn’t automatically be dismissed:
“They’re abnormal. They shouldn’t be there. And if they’re causing symptoms or pointing to a larger issue, they should be treated.” – Dr. Nancy Harthun
The short answer? Yes, most major insurance plans—including Medicare—cover vein treatment if it is medically necessary.
This typically includes treatments for:
Common covered outpatient treatments include:
However, coverage may require documentation, such as:
Talk to your Center for Vein Restoration insurance team to find out what your plan covers. At CVR, insurance specialists can help you understand your benefits and file any necessary paperwork. Call 240-965-3915 for more information, or contact us to find out if you're covered.
Here’s the key point: Even if your symptoms seem mild now, untreated vein disease can worsen over time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) isn’t just uncomfortable—it can slowly damage the tissues in your legs. When the blood flow from your legs slows down, pressure builds in your veins. Over time, this pressure can cause blood cells near the skin’s surface to burst. The result? Skin that turns reddish-brown, becomes fragile, and can break open easily—even from a minor bump or scratch.
Without proper care, these open wounds, known as venous stasis ulcers, may not heal and can become infected. If the infection spreads into the surrounding tissue, it can lead to cellulitis, a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Acting early can help you avoid these complications and protect your long-term leg health.
Don’t wait for symptoms to escalate! At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein specialists are here to diagnose and treat vein disease before it leads to serious complications like ulcers or infection. With over 110 locations nationwide, expert care is closer than you think.
✅ Call 240-965-3915 or schedule your consultation online today. Your legs—and your health—deserve expert attention.
If your legs feel heavy, itchy, or painful—or if you’ve noticed bulging veins, skin discoloration, or open sores—you shouldn’t wait. Why?
Delaying treatment can lead to complications like:
In fact, Dr. Harthun shared the story of a patient who waited years to get help. “He came in with severe swelling, brown, inflamed legs, and open ulcers,” she said. “He thought he was too old for treatment. But after a few sessions, his ulcers healed and his quality of life drastically improved.”
Even if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are vein-related, a consultation with a vein doctor can provide answers and peace of mind.
Your initial appointment will include:
If your condition qualifies as medical, the team will help you navigate the insurance approval process. And if your concern is primarily cosmetic, they’ll explain out-of-pocket options and help you decide what’s best for your health and budget.
“My goal is always to treat the whole person. Whether someone comes in for cosmetic reasons or because of pain, we look at the full picture of their venous health.” – Dr. Nancy Harthun
At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of vein disease—from spider veins to serious leg ulcers. With over 110 locations nationwide, we make expert vein care accessible, compassionate, and customized.
✅ Call 240-965-3915 or schedule your consultation online HERE.
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