Visiting a Vein Doctor After Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID vaccine is now here and it's finally widely available, allowing Americans who receive it to return to some sense of normalcy without the fear of catching the virus and all of the potentially debilitating effects that come with it. And one thing that many Alaskans may choose to do after receiving the vaccine is seek any vein treatments that they've been putting off in the meantime. Vein procedures offered in professional environments are safe, effective and the best way to improve your cosmetic appearance. Here's a look at some of the vein issues that you might be looking to treat now that you've been vaccinated:

The Difference Between Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Two of the most common types of vein issues are varicose veins and spider veins. While both are typically harmless, they're unsightly and can also hint at underlying vein issues that may need to be addressed as well. So what's the difference between the two? Varicose veins tend to emerge on the legs and are characterized by their large, twisting and bulging nature. Spider veins tend to be smaller and resemble that of a spider's web in appearance. They're typically red, purple or blue in color.

While we covered the basic differences between these two types of veins, one thing that both varicose veins and spider veins have in common is that they're both able to be safely and effectively treated by a vein specialist via a variety of vein procedures.

Are Varicose Veins Covered by Insurance?

This is one of the most common questions that we're asked. Our answer: It depends.

While many people seek varicose vein treatment for cosmetic purposes, varicose veins can also be a sign of underlying issues. Furthermore, their presence can cause irritation and discomfort. Hence, if a varicose vein procedure is considered medically necessary, then your insurance is likely to cover it. If it's strictly for cosmetic purposes, then you're likely to have to pay out-of-pocket or allocate HSA or FSA funds toward it.

Are Spider Veins Covered by Insurance?

The answer to this question is similar to the answer above for varicose vein treatment. Typically, spider vein treatment is not covered by insurance unless treatment is recommended to resolve discomfort or irritation believed to be caused by the vein.

Should You See a Vein Doctor Now That You’re Vaccinated?

If you want to learn more about vein treatments or are interested in undergoing a procedure, now is a great time — especially if you've been vaccinated and now have more confidence when venturing into public places. But it's also worth noting that even if you haven't been vaccinated, we're taking all the precautions at our Anchorage, Alaska, practice to ensure the comfort and safety of all our patients. You can learn a little bit more about our requirements and guidelines in the next section.

Courteous Precautions To Take During COVID When Scheduling an Appointment

Even if you've been vaccinated, we're still asking you to adhere to certain safety guidelines when visiting our office. It's important to note that the vaccine rollout is still ongoing, and we ask that you abide by our requirements out of respect to those who may have yet to receive it. Simply put, we ask you to wear a mask before entering our practice and to keep a safe distance from others who aren't a member of your household.

Please note that we're doing our part as well. We have extra hand sanitizer stations set up throughout our office, are frequently disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and equipment, and we make sure all of our patient rooms are clean prior to you entering.

Meet Dr. Ives in Anchorage, AK

For more information on vein treatments and procedures, we invite you to meet Dr. Ives in Anchorage, Alaska, today. Dr. Ives will carefully examine you and then discuss treatment options for varicose veins and other types of vein issues that you may have. Contact our practice today for more information and to schedule your consultation. There's arguably no better time than after you've become fully inoculated to do it.