Some people erroneously assume that varicose and superficial veins are not related to a medical condition, but rather a physical and cosmetic condition that happens over time, like beauty marks or gray hair. But, they couldn’t be more wrong. The truth is, varicose and superficial veins are indeed a medical condition, and the treatment options are medical, not cosmetic, procedures.
What Is A Medical Condition?
Anytime a physical attribute causes negative symptoms, it is considered a medical condition, and this includes varicose and superficial veins. In fact, varicose and superficial veins, while certainly unsightly, are more importantly symptoms of venous insufficiency or disease. What’s more, there are specific medically relevant reasons for varicose and superficial vein sufferers to seek treatment.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Some of the negative symptoms that varicose and superficial veins can cause include:
- pain
- swelling
- discolored skin around the affected veins
- itching
- throbbing and cramping
- an achy and heavy feeling in the legs
- skin ulcerations
- bleeding
- Restless Leg Syndrome
Needless to say, such symptoms can greatly affect a patient’s quality of life.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Varicose Veins?
Now that it has been established that superficial and varicose veins are a medical condition, it means that treatment procedures for such a condition are typically covered by medical insurance. The insurance companies determine coverage for each patient on a case-by-case basis, evaluating the medical necessity of specific procedures.
While most insurance companies will not cover vein removal if their presence alone doesn’t cause negative symptoms, don’t just assume that an insurance company doesn’t cover varicose vein procedures. Oftentimes, a proper medical diagnosis results in insurance coverage for the treatment plan, although, essentially, all cases require a venous ultrasound before an insurance company can approve treatments of varicose and superficial veins.
Seeking Help
Regardless of medical coverage, one of the worst ways to deal with varicose and superficial veins is to simply ignore them because they won’t go away on their own, and they might lead to more serious complications. Varicose and superficial veins are not merely an embarrassing cosmetic flaw to hide with clothing. Furthermore, it’s always better to deal with medical conditions when they seem to be minor annoyances, and before they begin to more seriously affect your day-to-day activities.
In the past, doctors would remove varicose veins by performing a procedure called vein stripping, which was the surgical removal of the affected vein(s) through incisions in the leg. Fortunately, today, there are multiple treatment options that are safe, relatively painless, and minimally invasive, such as EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment) and UGS (Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy),treatments available at the Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center.
Vein Treatment Recovery
And what about the ability to participate in life’s daily routine after a procedure? This is something that patients of venous therapy need not worry about. After a couple of days of taking it easy, most patients are able to get back to their daily activities, feeling better than ever before.
Contact Us
If you or someone you care for has superficial or varicose veins that are affecting their quality of life, contact Orlando varicose vein, Dr. Horowitz, at Central Florida Vein & Vascular Center by calling 407-545-3385, or by contacting the office online. It is now time to get on the path of venous health.
