Sclerotherapy for spider veins is considered a cosmetic procedure, and most insurance companies do not cover it. Because of the limited coverage, most doctor’s clinics will not bill insurance and instead charge patients a cash rate for sclerotherapy, which varies depending on the severity, location, and number of treatment sessions required.
Does insurance ever cover sclerotherapy?
Spider veins and smaller varicose veins are treated using scleotherapy. Sclerotherapy is usually not covered by insurance because it is considered a cosmetic surgery. However, insurance coverage may be available in some circumstances. We’ll look at how to figure out if your sclerotherapy costs are covered by insurance in the section below.
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive method that treats spider veins as well as smaller varicose veins. During this treatment, the doctor injects a small amount of a medicine known as a sclerosant into each of the damaged veins. The medicine causes the veins to swell and scar, but it has no effect on the surrounding tissues. The veins tighten up as a result.
After the veins are closed, the body absorbs them and converts them to fibrous tissue during the next few weeks. Healthy veins continue to convey blood in the area, ensuring that total blood flow is unaffected.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that can be done in an outpatient environment and takes less than an hour. Patients can resume most of their normal activities immediately following treatment, though it is recommended that they wear compression stockings and walk on a regular basis as directed by their doctor.
Sclerotherapy, unlike vein ablation, cannot be utilized to treat vein abnormalities in the legs that are deeper. The technique, on the other hand, is useful for treating problems with veins near the skin’s surface.
How much does it cost to get sclerotherapy?
According to 2020 figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of spider vein treatment (sclerotherapy) is $413, and the average cost of laser treatment for leg veins is $312.
Does health insurance cover varicose veins?
Patients with both medical and aesthetic vein problems are not rare. What is the distinction? Most insurance companies only cover varicose vein therapy if it is judged necessary “Medically required.” Cosmetic treatments are those that do not match the policy’s criteria. What is considered medically necessary by insurance companies? Is it even worth it to try to get your insurance to pay for your vein treatments? All of these are regular inquiries that we receive on a daily basis. Sometimes the answers are self-evident, and other times the distinction between medical and cosmetic vein disease is hazy. The answer to whether or not your varicose veins are medically necessary may be determined not only by your symptoms, but also by the terms of your insurance coverage. This means that what is medically required under one insurance plan may be considered cosmetic under another. In this article, I’ll explain what you’ll need to get insurance to fund your vein treatments, as well as whether or not attempting to do so is in your best interests.
To begin with, most insurance plans would say that spider vein therapy is not medically necessary. As a result, the majority of spider vein treatments are deemed cosmetic. The only exception is when a patient’s spider veins are causing hemorrhage. Spider veins are small red and blue veins on the skin’s surface that are smaller than 1mm in diameter. Varicose veins, on the other hand, are bigger (3mm or greater), ropy veins beneath the skin’s surface. Varicose veins frequently bulge or protrude, forming lumps. However, not all varicose veins are visible on the surface of the skin; in fact, many people have varicose veins beneath the skin and only visible spider veins on the surface. An examination by a vein care specialist can help you establish if there is any pathology beneath the skin that meets medical requirements. Swelling and even ulceration, for example, are symptoms of severe vein disease, although they can also occur in the absence of ropy varicose veins.
This brings us to the first medical necessity criterion: symptoms. It is not medically required to dislike the sight of a vein; however, having symptoms usually is. Aching, heaviness, discomfort, throbbing, leg tiredness, frequent nighttime cramps, itching, swelling, and restless legs are all common venous symptoms. Other possible presenting signs include bleeding, pigmentation (skin discoloration), and even ulceration. Many patients do not know how symptomatic they are until their veins have been treated, in my experience. Patients mistakenly feel that their symptoms are just normal indicators of aging since venous disease symptoms develop slowly, frequently over several years. It’s vital to keep in mind, though, that your legs should not hurt or be tender. On a daily basis, fatigued or heavy legs are not normal. Similarly, leaving imprints on your ankles with your socks is an indication of swelling. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you may have venous insufficiency, and a medical vein disease workup is recommended.
Venous reflux is the next criterion that most insurance companies use to determine medical necessity. This criterion is reasonable. In essence, the insurance companies are claiming that they would not cover the costs “If a vein isn’t broken, it can be repaired. Although blood should go up the veins from the legs to the heart, gravity always pulls it back down to the feet. Backwards flow is prevented by valves in the veins of our legs. If the valves fail, gravity pulls the blood back down rather than up the vein. Reflux is the term for this retrograde flow. An ultrasound is the most accurate technique to identify whether you have reflux or not, and it should be performed in a standing position to be accurate. This criterion also rules out spider vein treatment because ultrasounds aren’t sensitive enough to detect reflux in such small veins.
A trial of conservative therapy is the final requirement frequently seen in most insurance policies when it comes to the medical necessity of venous care. Essentially, your insurance provider encourages you to attempt non-invasive methods to alleviate your symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight, walking, periodically lifting your legs above the level of your heart, calf raises, and using compression stockings are all conservative steps you may take at home. In fact, most insurance companies require you to wear class 2 compression stockings (medical grade or at least 20-30mm Hg) for 6-12 weeks before they will pay treatments. To aid with venous symptoms, I usually recommend all of the aforementioned conservative approaches. Unfortunately, while compression stockings, leg elevation, and walking all assist, none of them provide long-term relief in my experience. That is, symptoms usually return shortly after you remove the compression stockings or put your legs back down.
In summary, the three most common medical necessity criteria are symptoms, venous reflux, and a conservative therapy trial.
Is this to say that everyone with symptoms should bill their insurance for all of their treatments? Again, the answer to this inquiry will be determined by your coverage and deductible. If you have symptomatic varicose veins that are likely to show reflux on an ultrasound but might be readily treated with sclerotherapy and a high deductible plan, you might be better off treating and paying for it as a cosmetic operation. This is because the cost of an ultrasound and therapy will almost certainly be less than your deductible. In certain circumstances, bypassing the ultrasound and going straight to therapies could save you money.
If, on the other hand, your deductible has been met, the identical scenario could be ethically and legally billed to your insurer because the veins are symptomatic and meet the policy’s medical necessity rules. Of course, you should consult with a physician to see if you can avoid the ultrasound. If the veins are small but overlie or drain areas of commonly diseased veins, you may have a problem with one of the named superficial veins, such as the Greater Saphenous Vein. In this case, sclerotherapy alone is unlikely to provide long-term relief, and an ultrasound would be recommended to determine the exact source of the problem. If your doctor determines that an endovenous ablation is necessary after the ultrasound, those operations are more expensive, therefore it’s probably preferable to bill them to insurance and have them applied to your deductible.
It’s also worth noting that these are only guidelines; each insurance coverage is unique. It’s critical to verify with your insurance company to see what your policy’s exact requirements are.
Please contact our office if you have any further questions about whether you have medical or cosmetic vein disease, or both. We provide free cosmetic tests, and if it is discovered that you have a medical condition, you may be scheduled for a formal and full clinical assessment, as well as an ultrasound if necessary.
How much does it cost to remove spider veins?
The cost of spider vein removal varies depending on the type of therapy, the number of veins treated, and the number of treatments required. Based on your unique problem and desired results, your dermatologist or provider can offer the best spider vein therapy for you.
How much does sclerotherapy cost?
Sclerotherapy costs about $350 on average. 1 This usually includes the cost of the doctor’s visit as well as the cost of compression stockings. Laser vein therapy for leg veins costs on average $443. 2 Vein stripping surgery ($1,500$3,000) or an ambulatory phlebectomy ($1,000$3,000 each leg) may be required in more severe cases of varicose veins. 3 Costs may also differ depending on where you are.
Is spider vein treatment covered by insurance?
When spider vein treatments are performed only for cosmetic reasons, most health insurance companies do not cover them. Some insurance plans, however, will cover a specialist visit to assess symptomatic spider veins and varicose veins. Some insurance companies will pay the cost of spider vein treatments and sclerotherapy if the procedure is deemed medically essential.
Out-of-pocket costs for spider vein treatments can include deductibles, coinsurance, and copays if you have insurance coverage. It’s a good idea to call your insurance carrier ahead of time to get precise information about your plan’s coverage and benefits.
How can I finance and pay for spider vein treatments?
Payment plans are available from some providers and dermatologists, so it’s worth asking if you can pay for your spider vein treatments in installments. Another option for financing spider vein treatments and sclerotherapy is to use a credit card.
How long will sclerotherapy last?
How Long Do Varicose Veins Take to Go Away After Sclerotherapy? Small veins normally fade faster than bigger veins. Spider veins will fade after 3-6 weeks, whereas bigger veins will take 3-4 months to respond. Your veins will not return if they respond to treatment.
How many sclerotherapy sessions do I need?
Sclerotherapy is an excellent option for anyone who wishes to get rid of varicose or spider veins without surgery or downtime. It works and has a greater success rate than laser treatment on spider veins as long as you aren’t pregnant or have a history of blood clots. The ideal applicant will have moderate to severe spider veins or smaller varicose veins on their legs, as well as be in good general health.
Cardiovascular illness or a history of heart surgery are two health concerns that can make the treatment unsafe to give. If you have any allergies, inform your doctor so that any potential adverse reactions may be ruled out before your first treatment.
How Many Sclerotherapy Sessions Do I Need?
This depends on the size of the veins and how far the spider veins have traveled. To achieve near-complete outcomes, most individuals require two to four therapy sessions. While total vein removal is not guaranteed, most customers will see a considerable improvement in the weeks after their initial treatment. Sessions should be held on a regular basis.
Does insurance cover spider vein treatment?
Veins that are swollen and painful are signs that medical attention is needed. Wearing thigh-high compression stockings can help blood flow around the problematic area, but varicose veins will remain until they are surgically removed or closed.
Before covering varicose vein treatments, most insurance companies will want to see the results of a venous ultrasound. A quick consultation appointment in a vein specialist’s clinic is covered by most insurance plans, and the provider will be able to present the quality of your veins. Your therapy will be categorized as medically required if the ultrasound reveals that your varicose veins are causing swelling, ulceration, heaviness, or backward blood flow. This proof will provide your insurer with the information they require to fund the removal operation.
If Your Veins Are Cosmetic Concerns
The look of lesser vein problems can be dramatically improved with cosmetic vein therapy. Cosmetic veins, such as spider veins, are not considered symptomatic of medically essential therapy, unlike varicose veins. As a result, this sort of treatment is classified as cosmetic and is rarely covered by health insurance. As a result, patients will almost always have to pay for cosmetic procedures themselves.
Endovenous laser ablation
The energy used in this treatment cauterizes (burns) and closes varicose veins. This vein treatment is effective in reducing discomfort, edema, and irritation associated with veins. Ablation is a less invasive and safer alternative to standard vein removal surgery. Ultrasound will be used by your doctor to visualize the vein. Through a small incision, a fiber or electrode is transferred to the desired spot within the vein. To collapse the vein around the fiber or electrode, local anesthetic is given into the tissues around the vein. The energy warms the vessel, forcing it to close and shrinking the defective vein.
Chemical ablation using state of the art foam sclerotherapy (Varithena)
Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam) is an injectable foam used to treat varicose veins caused by problems with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other veins in the GSV system of the leg. Varithena reduces the appearance of varicose veins and alleviates symptoms associated with or caused by varicose veins. Within seconds, a column of concentrated foam will ruin the vein wall’s lining, triggering an inflammatory response that will allow the vessel to close. In general, as compared to other types of sclerosis, it is a far safer and more effective tool to utilize at this time.
Medical adhesive that results in closure of the unwanted veins (Venaseal)
The vein is closed with an adhesive in this process. A qualified clinician fills a syringe with medical adhesive, which is then injected into the VenaSeal closure system’s dispensing gun, which is linked to a catheter, during the process. Under ultrasound guidance, the catheter is inserted into the affected vein. The catheter is implanted in precise regions along the sick vein, and the medical adhesive is delivered through a series of trigger pulls by the clinician.
Mechanochemical ablation of the vein (MOCA)
Sclerosant chemicals are administered directly into the defective saphenous vein trunk with a catheter that also rotates and somewhat damages the vein lining during mechanochemical vein ablation. This combination is intended to boost the vein’s obliteration success rate.
Ambulatory microphlebectomy
Through small, slit-like incisions in the skin, ambulatory phlebectomy eliminates superficial veins. This procedure can be used to treat both asymptomatic and symptomatic superficial veins in the skin. Larger veins that bulge over the surface of the skin, as well as varicose veins, are commonly treated with this procedure. Small incisions are used to define the veins, and bulging veins are surgically removed segment by segment.
Finding The Best Treatment Option For You
It can be difficult to tell whether your leg pain is caused by a normal ache or soreness from a long day at work, or if it is a symptom of a more serious problem that necessitates medical attention. Contact Hinsdale Vein & Laser today to schedule a consultation appointment to see if your insurance will cover the removal of your varicose veins.
Do veins come back after sclerotherapy?
Larger veins could take three to four months to heal. Multiple treatments, on the other hand, may be required to get the desired results. Veins that respond to treatment do not usually return, but new veins may emerge.
What is better sclerotherapy or laser?
Sclerotherapy is the most effective treatment for superficial spider veins on the legs and hands. Laser treatment is more expensive, slower, and ineffective. Sclerotherapy is also more effective for those who have darker skin. Lasers emit light that might cause skin discoloration in tanned people.
Is sclerotherapy treatment permanent?
Sclerotherapy’s effects are both permanent and transient in most cases. Because treated veins fade away, the effects can be permanent, but because new spider or varicose veins might grow over time, the results can also be transient.
Your heredity is one of the determining variables for how long your results will last, as inherited characteristics may make you more vulnerable to develop vein problems. The length of time your results last may be influenced by your weight, health, genetics, medications, and other lifestyle factors.
How Soon Will You See Results?
One of the most significant advantages of this treatment is the speed with which you will observe results. You will be able to witness the outcomes of your spider vein treatment three to six weeks following your appointment.
It could take up to three to four months to see visible results for varicose veins. You will be able to view the outcomes of this in the end.