Medically reviewed by Mohamed T. Hassan, MD, DABVLM, RPVI, on October 19, 2025
Unlike heart disease or diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is not often the topic of conversation, yet this circulation problem is surprisingly widespread. In fact, CVI affects over 25 million adults in the United States, with more than 6 million already experiencing advanced stages of the disease, according to ScienceDirect.
Yet many patients live with misdiagnoses or delays in proper treatment, which allows vein problems to worsen. That’s where the care of a board-certified vein specialist can make all the difference.
For this blog, we consulted with Dr. Mohamed T. Hassan, board-certified vein care expert and lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinics in Hoover, Alabama, and Trussville, Alabama.
✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hassan in Hoover, Alabama, CLICK HERE.
✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hassan in Trussville, Alabama, CLICK HERE.
✅ Don’t live near Trussville or Hoover, Alabama? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of our 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the tiny valves inside the leg veins stop working correctly. Instead of moving blood upward to the heart, blood pools in the legs. This leads to pressure, bulging varicose veins, swelling, and eventually skin changes.
Left untreated, CVI can progress to complications such as:
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that untreated venous disease significantly reduces quality of life, including achy, burning, heavy-feeling legs, which makes daily activities difficult.
Remember: Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive condition that doesn’t get better on its own. It only becomes more complex and more expensive to treat.
Trust the nation’s leader in vein care, Center for Vein Restoration, to help you find relief and peace of mind. Make your consultation today and stay one step ahead of serious consequences.
According to ScienceDirect, CVI (also known as vein disease) is one of the most common vascular conditions in developed countries. Studies show:
Treating advanced CVI is expensive and ongoing. Venous leg ulcers alone account for about $3 billion annually in U.S. healthcare costs, according to the National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Care may include wound dressings, compression therapy, wound vacuums, grafts, and hospitalizations.
For patients with fragile skin or who take blood thinners, even minor complications can escalate into repeated ER visits and long-term wound management. Without addressing the underlying vein disease, ulcers and infections often return—adding to the cycle of cost and suffering.
Our dedicated staff has helped countless people navigate the insurance process, including Medicare and Medicaid, and we can help you, too! Call CVR for more information: 240-965-3915.
The impact of untreated CVI extends beyond hospital bills. It affects work, independence, and family life. According to the American Heart Association bulletin, Circulation:
ScienceDirect data also show that racial and socioeconomic disparities play a role. Patients with limited resources may face barriers to diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up care, which can lead to poorer outcomes.
One reason CVI is often overlooked is that its early symptoms, including tired legs, swelling, or skin discoloration, are mistaken for aging, arthritis, or lifestyle issues. This delays treatment until complications appear.
But early diagnosis makes a huge difference!
Studies show that timely treatment reduces the incidence of venous ulcers and prolonged wound care by more than 80 percent. Screening programs, such as the National Venous Screening Program established by the American Venous Forum, have proven effective in identifying CVI early and improving patient outcomes.
The good news is that CVI can be managed with minimally invasive treatments, which can be performed right in a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist’s office. These treatment options require little to no downtime, allowing patients to return to their routines immediately.
Treatment options include, but are not limited to:
These treatments not only relieve symptoms but also prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of ulcers and infection. And most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover them when medically necessary.
With rising healthcare costs, inflation, and tight family budgets, preventing avoidable medical expenses is critical. Early CVI treatment not only improves health but also saves money by reducing hospital visits, wound care, and lost productivity.
As Dr. Hassan often tells his patients:
“The cost of doing nothing is far higher than the cost of early treatment.”
If you notice leg swelling, heaviness, varicose veins, or skin changes, don’t wait until it turns into an ulcer, infection, or blood clot. Early care can spare you pain, preserve your quality of life, and protect your finances.
Board-certified vein specialists at Center for Vein Restoration are highly trained to diagnose and treat CVI before it becomes an emergency. With advanced technology and patient-centered care, they help alleviate the medical and financial burdens associated with delayed treatment.
The bottom line: CVI is a common, costly, and often misdiagnosed condition. However, with awareness, early screening, and effective treatment, patients can avoid serious complications—and save themselves and the healthcare system billions of dollars annually.
1. What happens if chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is left untreated?
When CVI is ignored, blood pools in the legs, increasing vein pressure and leading to varicose veins, leg ulcers, or even dangerous blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Left unchecked, it can severely affect quality of life, causing leg pain, swelling, and skin damage that becomes harder and more expensive to treat over time.
2. Why is early vein treatment so important?
Early treatment for CVI prevents disease progression, reduces the risk of venous ulcers by more than 80 percent, and lowers overall healthcare costs. By addressing vein disease in its early stages, patients can avoid hospitalizations, infections, and long-term wound care.
3. Are modern vein treatments covered by insurance?
Yes. Most minimally invasive vein treatments, such as endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy, are covered by insurance, including Medicare, when medically necessary. Center for Vein Restoration’s expert staff helps patients navigate insurance approvals so they can focus on recovery, not red tape.
4. What are the warning signs that I should see a vein specialist?
Symptoms like leg swelling, heaviness, fatigue, visible varicose veins, or darkening skin around the ankles may signal underlying venous insufficiency. If you notice these signs, schedule a duplex ultrasound with a board-certified vein specialist to prevent complications and restore healthy circulation.
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