Provider Resources from CVR

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What is the short-term treatment for varicose veins?

ESES (pronounced SS) is an easy way to remember the conservative approach. It stands for Exercise, Stockings, Elevation, and Still. Exercising, wearing compression hose, elevating, and resting the legs won't make the varicose veins go away or necessarily prevent them from worsening because the underlying disease (venous reflux) hasn't been addressed. However, it may provide some symptomatic relief. Weight reduction is also helpful.

If there are inflamed areas or an infection, topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If ulcers develop, medication and dressings should be changed regularly.

There are also potentially longer-term treatment alternatives for visible varicose veins, such as ablation and phlebectomy.

Who is at risk for varicose veins?

Conditions contributing to varicose veins include genetics, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes at menopause, work or hobbies requiring extended standing or sitting, and past vein diseases such as thrombophlebitis (i.e. inflammation of a vein as a blood clot forms). Women suffer from varicose veins more than men, and the incidence increases to 50% of people over age 50.

Will my insurance cover varicose vein treatment?

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.

What are the symptoms?

Varicose veins may ache, and feet and ankles may swell towards day’s end, especially in hot weather. Varicose veins can get sore and inflamed, causing redness of the skin around them. In some cases, patients may develop venous ulcerations.