Varicose Veins and Your Health Insurance

By Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD

Center for Vein Restoration

. https://www.centerforvein.com/

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Varicose Veins and Your Health Insurance

Does Insurance Cover the

Treatment Of Varicose Veins?

Yes, since this is a medical issue that can lead to serious health consequences most insurance companies do cover the treatment of varicose veins. CIGNA is one of the insurance companies that does not cover in their lower level plans. Most insurance companies, like physicians, believe the treatment of varicose veins is a necessity and should be taken care of immediately.

How Common Are Varicose Veins?

About 50-55% of American women and 40-45% of American men suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect one out of two people age 50 and older.

Who Usually Has Varicose Veins?

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose veins including

Increasing age

Family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves

Pregnancy. The increase in the amount of blood during pregnancy can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within three months after delivery.

Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing and other things that weaken vein valves

Why Do Varicose Veins

Usually Appear In theLegs?

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make the legs the primary location for varicose veins. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the veins' one-way valves.

Are Varicose Veins

Painful or Dangerous?

Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. Severe varicose veins can cause health problems including

Debilitating/life style altering symptoms as described below

Spider/reticular veins that may advance to non-healing sores or skin ulcers

Ongoing irritation, swelling and painful rashes of the legs.

What Are the symptoms

of Venous Insufficiency?

Some common symptoms of varicose veins include

Aching pain

Easily tired legs

Leg heaviness

Swelling in the legs (especially at the end of the day)

Darkening of the skin or leg ulcers (in severe cases)

Restless legs and/or numbness

Itching or irritated rash in the legs

What Should I Do If I Notice One

or More of These Symptoms?

Because symptoms can worsen it is important to see a physician who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins.

What Are the Treatment

Options that Are Available?

In many individuals, since varicose veins are a chronic issue, there are several areas that need to be treated. Once the treatment areas are established by a physical exam and ultrasound study, varicose veins are best treated by either laser or radiofrequency ablation (closure) of the vein.

Is Treatment Painful and How

Long Is the Recovery Process?

The good news about the current treatment of varicose veins is that it is relatively pain free and can be done in the comfort of a physician's office. In the past, treatment required a hospital stay and a painful procedure called “vein stripping.” New techniques and technology have led to the new laser and radio frequency approach that can be performed in less than one hour and have you back on your feet on the same day.