Weekly Blog

January 21, 2011

It’s definitely cold out there and we’re all bundled up to keep the cold out. But before you know it, spring will arrive and we’ll peel off all the layers of clothing. Are your legs ready for summer 2011?

If not, right now is the ideal time to correct small and medium size varicose veins so you can avoid embarrassment and frustration over a condition that is treatable with outpatient therapy, in most cases.

For many varicose vein patients, I recommend the FDA-approved VNUS Closure® procedure, a surgical treatment alternative that provides the same outcome as traditional vein stripping, but with significantly less pain, quicker recovery and minimal or no scarring. This procedure is performed on an out-patient basis using local anesthesia. Since the patient is mobile faster, the risk of blood clots is also greatly minimized.

Following the procedure, a simple bandage is placed over the insertion site and additional compression is provided to aid healing. Best of all, after the procedure is complete―you can go home! Patients should begin short walks immediately but refrain from extended standing and strenuous activities for about a week, generally.

We welcome you to call us at (732) 637 – 6370. Just tell Jessica you would like to make an appointment to talk about varicose vein treatment solutions. I look forward to meeting you and helping set the stage for a great summer!

To read about the VNUS Closure® procedure from a Prime Surgicare patient’s perspective, click here http://www.primesurgicare.com/blog/news-and-updates/patient-story-vnus-closure-vs-vein-stripping-for-varicose-vein-treatment

To learn more about medical insurance coverage for varicose vein therapy, read our recent article here http://www.primesurgicare.com/blog/minimally-invasive-surgery/navigating-insurance-coverage-for-varicose-vein-treatment

In partnership with CentraState Medical Center and Dr. Michael Menack, we are offering a no-fee varicose vein screening and informational event on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 4:00 p.m. at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.

For most people, varicose veins are cosmetic, but for others varicose veins can cause aching, pain and discomfort. Sometimes they may also signal a higher risk of other circulatory problems. Stop by and have the varicose veins in your legs and feet examined by board-certified physicians and discuss what treatment might be best for you. For more information, call Prime Surgicare at 732-637-6370.

Location:

CentraState’s Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus

CentraState Medical Center

901 W. Main Street, Freehold

Time: 4:00PM Wednesday, October 6th

Patients living with painful swelling from venous reflux disease, or varicose veins, know all to well that the condition is more than just a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins can lead to swelling of the lower limbs, skin inflammations and leg ulcers. The condition is also progressive–symptoms will worsen over time, if left untreated. Unfortunately, many health insurers see the condition differently. In some circumstances, the insurance company may deny coverage by claiming treatment is an “elective cosmetic procedure”.

The core determinant of the medical necessity for treatment of varicose veins is a diagnosis of superficial venous reflux disease, obtained after an in-office consultation and ultrasound evaluation with a vein surgeon specialist.

CRITERIA ELIGIBILITY

Some insurance companies may also use additional criteria, beyond the diagnosis of venous reflux, to determine if vein treatment is “medically necessary”.  These criteria may include one or more of the following:

1. Lifestyle Disruption: daily activities of the patient must be significantly disrupted

2. Chronic or Recurrent Pain as a result of the condition

3. Failure of Conservative Measures: Other methods of treatment, such as medically prescribed compression hose or stockings, have failed to provide adequate relief

4. Vein Size: Bulging veins larger than 4 mm are often considered medically significant

5. Complications: Episodes of phlebitis, bleeding veins, leg swelling and leg ulceration make it more likely an insurance company will consider treatment medically necessary

MEDICARE

Medicare may reimburse vein specialists for “medically necessary care” but not for “cosmetic care”. However, with ultrasound documentation of venous reflux disease, Medicare will usually deem endovenous ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy to be medically necessary. Medically necessary signs and symptoms, such as pain, swelling, disruption of lifestyle and ulceration, will also be documented.

NEXT STEPS

Prime Surgicare participates with most health insurance companies and Medicare. For more information about varicose vein diagnosis and treatment options, please call us at (732) 637 - 6370 to schedule a consultation and examination. You can also obtain additional background information here. To read one of our patient’s stories about this procedure, click here.