| Q: |
Will insurance pay for my vein procedure? |
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Most insurances cover the cost of endovenous procedures as well as a microphlebectomy. Some may require a “prior approval”. Our staff will take care of all such “paperwork” prior to scheduling a procedure |
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| Q: |
Do I need a referral to be seen in the Vein Center? |
| A: |
This depends on your particular coverage. Most primary care physicians recognize the advantage of seeing a vein specialist and gladly provide the referral. If you encounter any problems in obtaining one, please give our office a call and we can help facilitate that for you. |
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| Q: |
What services are not covered? |
| A: |
Neither foam sclerotherapy or conventional sclerotherapy is covered by insurance regardless of symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms of pain or discomfort in your legs, most primary care physicians will provide a referral for an Initial Consultation even if the eventual treatment choice may not be a covered service. |
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| Q: |
Do I have to have visible varicose veins to have a problem with my veins? |
| A: |
No, leg swelling, pain and discomfort, especially at the end of the day are classic symptoms of venous reflux, which can be eliminated with endovenous treatment |
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| Q: |
I have lots of varicose veins and am worried about a blood clot. Should I seek treatment? |
| A: |
It is important to differentiate between superficial thrombophlebitis which is clot in a varicose vein and the type of phlebitis that occurs in the deep veins of the leg (DVT). The former is usually self limiting, while the latter is potentially life threatening. Varicose veins are not a common source of deep phlebitis. |
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| Q: |
What if I choose not to have my varicose veins treated? |
| A: |
With time your varicose veins will enlarge and they could also become more symptomatic. There is always the possibility that you may suffer a superficial clot which would be painful but usually not life threatening.
However, if your veins cause discomfort, leg swelling or if you notice any skin discoloration in your lower leg then it is advisable that you seek an early evaluation to determine the severity of your problem. |
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| Q: |
If I undergo an endovenous procedure will I need to take time off from work? |
| A: |
Many patients can return to work almost immediately. Some patients as soon as the following day! However, this question is best answered once the extent of your problem has been determined and a treatment plan has been recommended. |
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| Q: |
Will my varicose veins come back if I have them treated? |
| A: |
Varicose veins should be considered a chronic medical problem. However, if the exact nature of your venous reflux is properly identified and eliminated the reoccurrence of significant varicosities is low. |
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| Q: |
Is there any chance that I will need my veins for future heart surgery? |
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Diseased veins are not suitable for coronary bypass procedures. However, this is an excellent example of why a Duplex ultrasound by the treating physician is so important. During the Initial Consultation the exact source of your problem will be identified and normal veins will be left untreated. |
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| Q: |
Several years ago, I underwent a vein stripping. My varicose veins are back. Should I even bother to do anything about them? |
| A: |
The problem with the vein stripping procedure is that the underlying problem is not identified and therefore may not be eliminated resulting in recurrent varicose veins. The first step is to undergo the Initial Consultation which will include an ultrasound to determine why your varicosities have reoccurred. At that point, a treatment plan eliminating “the source” will be recommended. |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between laser treatment and sclerotherapy for spider veins? |
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The answer to this question is addressed under “treatment options”. However, most studies have shown that sclerotherapy is far superior than surface laser in treating spiders. If you undergo laser treatment, make sure that you have undergone a proper evaluation by a medical practitioners experienced in venous disease.
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| Q: |
If I have my varicose veins removed, will my spider veins disappear? |
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The first step is to eliminate all proximal sources of venous hypertension such as large varicose veins. Once that has been accomplished, you may find that the small skin vessels will fade. If they persist, they can then be treated with sclerotherapy or surface laser at a later date.
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