When it comes to healthcare insurance, procedures deemed cosmetic do not tend to qualify for coverage. As you look over your varicose veins, it’s easy to assume that any treatments fall under the cosmetic category. Thankfully, that’s usually not the truth.
Since varicose veins can cause physical symptoms and complications, insurance often covers treatment by a skilled vascular doctor. So, don’t delay getting the care you need simply due to worries about coverage. Instead, use this guide to learn more about insurance and varicose veins, then schedule a consult.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can appear anywhere on the body but develop most often on the lower legs. They look like bulging, twisted veins that are blue or purple in color.
As the veins start to appear, you may develop additional symptoms, like:
- Aching, throbbing, or burning pain
- Muscle cramps in your lower legs
- Swelling in the affected area
- Itching over and around the veins
Your skin might also look discolored and the affected limb could feel heavy. Any pain you feel from the veins is likely to get worse after being on your feet or sitting still for a long period of time.
Why Insurance Often Covers Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins appear under the surface of your skin as the walls of the veins weaken, allowing the structure to get enlarged. This often happens due to damaged or weak valves that help blood pump through your body.
Once the damage occurs, it often gets worse without treatment. As that occurs, it’s possible for serious complications to arise, such as:
- Bleeding from ruptured veins
- Painful ulcers
- Blood clots
The best way to prevent complications is by having the varicose veins treated as soon as they develop. Insurance companies cover the treatment for that reason, preventing them from having to cover even more care in the future. Early detection and treatment of varicose veins also helps protect your health.
The Amount Your Insurance Will Cover
Every health insurance plan differs in what treatments will cover and at what amount. Beyond that, you have to think about your deductible in determining how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket for varicose vein treatment.
Thankfully, you can easily work it all out with a call to your insurance company. You’ll just have to let them know what’s going on and they will look up what the visits and procedures may cost you out of pocket.
Your vascular doctor may also submit a pre-authorization form to your insurance company to help you run the numbers. They will look at the proposed treatments and provide authorization plus a rundown of what costs you can expect.
Contact Us at Vein & Vascular
If you notice any varicose veins or other issues, it’s time to schedule an appointment and meet our vein physicians in Vineland, Voorhees, Sewell, and Lumberton New Jersey. To do so, just give us a call at 856-309-8346 and we will help you find a convenient time and date to come into our clinic. Before your appointment, don’t forget to call your insurance to verify they will cover your visit and learn about any co-pay requirements.