Center for Vein Restoration Patient Resources

The normal function of leg veins–both the deep veins in the leg and the superficial veins–is to carry blood back to the heart. During walking, for instance, the calf muscle acts as a pump, contracting veins and forcing blood back to the heart.

To prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction, veins have numerous valves. If the valves fail (a cause of venous reflux), blood flows back into superficial veins and back down the leg. This results in veins enlarging and becoming varicose. The process is like blowing air into a balloon without letting the air flow out again–the balloon swells.

To succeed, treatment must stop this reverse flow at the highest site or sites of valve failure. In the legs, veins close to the surface of the skin drain into larger veins, such as the saphenous vein, which run up to the groin. Damaged valves in the saphenous vein are often the cause of reversed blood flow back down into the surface veins.

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, blue veins that are close to the surface of the skin. Because valves in them are damaged, they hold more blood at higher pressure than normal. That forces fluid into the surrounding tissue, making the affected leg swell and feel heavy.

Unsightly and uncomfortable, varicose leg veins can promote swelling in the ankles and feet and itching of the skin. They may occur in almost any part of the leg but are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and the ankle. Left untreated, patient symptoms are likely to worsen with some possibly leading to venous ulceration.

A chemical injection, such as a saline or detergent solution, is injected into a vein causing it to “spasm” or close up. Other veins then take over its work. This may bring only temporary success and varicose veins frequently recur. This treatment is most effective on smaller surface veins, which are 1-2mm in diameter or less.

In this procedure, a medicine called a sclerosant is injected into the problem vein. It “foams," filling the vein and initiating a reaction that results in vein closure. Blood is then naturally rerouted around the affected area and the vein later is reabsorbed by the body. The physician administering the treatment uses ultrasonography–sound waves–to guide the procedure for maximum accuracy and safety.

Insurance coverage for the treatment of venous insufficiency varies depending on both your insurance provider and your specific policy. In general, most insurance providers separate vein treatments into two categories—those that are deemed “medically necessary” versus those that are “cosmetic” in nature.

As the presence and extent of venous insufficiency is best determined via ultrasound, we encourage anyone thinking about seeking vein treatment—cosmetic or otherwise—to better understand the complete status of their veins through one of our comprehensive ultrasound screenings as, more often than not, venous insufficiency is not readily visible. Most insurance providers cover this initial, comprehensive screening.

Typically, larger veins that are symptomatic (i.e. those that are causing discomfort such as pain, aching, burning, itching, swelling, fatigue, and heaviness as well as other symptoms that may be specified by your insurance provider) are usually considered “medically necessary” and are therefore covered by your insurance.

By contrast, procedures your insurance provider considers “cosmetic” are usually not covered. Treatments such as sclerotherapy for small, non-symptomatic spider veins are typically considered not medically necessary and, as such, require an out-of-pocket payment by the patient.

Center for Vein Restorations accepts insurance from numerous insurance providers such as Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Pomco, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare, and many others depending on your specific location. Whether you’re inquiring for yourself or for someone you love, our Patient Services Specialists are available Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM and Friday until 5:00 PM to address all your questions and help put your mind at ease.

To best understand the specific details of your policy and its coverage, contact your insurance provider.