Varicose Vein Treatments: Will Insurance Foot the Bill?
Read up on the economics of painful, itchy veins – and find out what might come out of your own pocket.
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels that you can see just under the skin. If you're seeking surgical treatment for this common condition but have payment-related questions, read on to learn about the role you and your insurance can play in financing your procedure.
Medical versus cosmetic
To determine whether insurance will cover your surgery, it's helpful to consider why you're pursuing treatment. Are you addressing your varicose veins because they're causing health issues – for example, do your varicose veins limit your daily activities, cause pain or result in further complications? Or are you looking to treat them because you don't like the way they look? Insurance is more likely to cover procedures that are medically necessary than procedures that are cosmetic, or intended to enhance your appearance.
Dr. Erica Salinas, board-certified vascular surgeon at the Vein Center of Mid-Missouri, emphasizes that insurance companies can help pay for varicose vein surgery, especially when considering the medical implications of bulging, painful blood vessels. "They are a medical problem that is causing symptomatic problems, and insurance companies recognize that a varicose vein isn't just a cosmetic problem – it's a medical problem, as well."
Some insurance might first require a trial of conservative management, such as use of compression stockings, to see if your symptoms improve without surgery. If there is no improvement, you can choose to move forward with surgical treatment provided that you address insurance requirements. At the Vein Center of Mid-Missouri, located within Columbia Surgical Associates, our staff will help handle these requirements for you, including any prior authorizations and letters of medical necessity.
Additionally, at Vein Center of Mid-Missouri, every effort will be made to work with your insurance company to arrange your procedure as soon as possible. The process of working with your insurance provider to get this procedure approved can take four to six weeks or longer. After approval, we will work with you to schedule your surgery.
Deductibles, copays and coinsurance
Even when your insurance does cover your varicose vein surgery, you might still be on the hook for some of the cost. Most insurance plans include a deductible, or the amount enrollees pay for health care services covered by their insurance before their insurance kicks in to pay. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you would have to pay the first $1,000 of all covered medical services obtained during the term of your insurance plan. Your varicose vein procedure cost will count toward this deductible if covered by your insurance.
Some insurance plans may require you to make a co-pay or co-insurance payment instead of or in addition to your deductible. To learn more (link to healthcare cost blog). You can ask our billing team if insurance will cover the medical cost for your treatment. We also suggest calling your insurance provider or looking on its website to confirm what is and isn't covered and to learn more about your individual insurance policy to avoid any billing surprises.
Next steps
Learn more about varicose veins and potential treatment from Dr. Erica Salinas of Columbia Surgical Associates/Vein Center of Mid-Missouri. To schedule a consultation to meet our team, learn more about our services and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs, call Vein Center of Mid-Missouri at 573-256-1541. We look forward to meeting you!
Vein Center of Mid-Missouri is located at Columbia Surgical Associates, 3220 Bluff Creek Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, Missouri.