Varicose veins can be a frustrating cosmetic condition for some people. To treat varicose veins and spider veins, doctors use Sclerotherapy. It involves injecting a solution into the affected vein, which causes the vein to collapse and eventually disappear. A dermatologist or a vascular surgeon typically performs these vein cosmetic treatments.
Is Sclerotherapy covered by insurance?
Insurance companies cover Sclerotherapy if if it causes symptoms like pain, edema, or skin changes. However, insurance companies does not covers Sclerotherapy cosmetic treatments.
Insurance companies cover Sclerotherapy therapies that address the underlying issue, such as venous disease
But most insurance companies do not provide coverage for Sclerotherapy.
Due to limited insurance coverage, most medical clinics bill patients directly for Sclerotherapy at a cash rate instead of claiming an insurance company.
How to get sclerotherapy covered by insurance?
Sclerotherapy treats varicose and spider veins. Your insurance plan and circumstances determine sclerotherapy coverage. Here are Tips for insurance coverage of sclerotherapy:
- Check your insurance plan: Review your insurance plan to see if sclerotherapy is covered. If it’s not, ask if you can add it to your plan or if there are any exceptions to the rule.
- Get a diagnosis: Make an appointment with your doctor to have your condition diagnosed. Your doctor can provide documentation of your diagnosis and the severity of your condition to your insurance company.
- Get referral: Sclerotherapy coverage require a primary care physician recommendation. See if your insurance company requires this.
- Prior authorization: Sclerotherapy requires prior clearance from several insurers. Your doctor must request coverage from your insurance company before starting treatment.
- Medical necessity: Insurance companies typically cover medical treatments that are medically necessary. Make sure your doctor provides documentation showing that your condition is causing significant discomfort or pain and affecting your quality of life.
- Appeal the decision: If your insurance company denies coverage for sclerotherapy, you have the right to appeal the decision. Your doctor can provide additional documentation or you can provide evidence of medical necessity to support your appeal.
Does Insurance cover foam Sclerotherapy?
Varicose veins can be treated using a medical treatment called foam sclerotherapy. It involves injecting a special foam solution into the affected veins to cause them to collapse and fade away.
Insurance companies willingness to pay for foam sclerotherapy procedures depend on your policy, therapeutic indication and severity of problem. You should check with your doctor to see if pre-authorization is require before getting foam sclerotherapy. In most situations, insurance will pay the cost of the treatment.
How does Sclerotherapy work?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose vein treatments. A dermatologist or a vascular surgeon typically performs the process.
Sclerotherapy Process:
A sclerosing solution is injected into affected veins.
The solution causes the walls of the vein to collapse and eventually disappear.
Sclerotherapy Solution
The solution used for Sclerotherapy is usually a chemical called sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS). Polidocanol can also be used.
Sclerotherapy Before and After
Before Sclerotherapy
Before the procedure, make treatment area is clean, and a small amount of numbing cream may be applied to minimize discomfort. You are advise to follow the following instruction before Sclerotherapy.
- Stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before Sclerotherapy. This is because blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
- Avoid sun exposure on the area to be treatment, as tan or sunburned skin can make the procedure less effective.
- Wear compression stockings before and after the procedure to help reduce swelling and promote blood flow in the treated area.
After Sclerotherapy:
After vein sclerotherapy, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome. Some general guidelines to follow include the following:
Wear compression stockings:
Compression stockings help to reduce swelling and promote blood flow in the treated area. Your doctor may recommend wearing Compression stockings for a certain period after the procedure.
Avoid strenuous activity:
Strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting or running, can increase blood flow in the treated area and may cause the vein to re-open. It is best to avoid strenuous activity for a few days after the procedure.
The body will gradually absorb the collapsed veins, and the treated area should improve progressively over the next several weeks. The improvement takes 2-6 weeks.